Heath, 14, of Fry Road, Stevenage, built his UK101 micro-computer not merely to programme it with his favourite video games, but also to learn more about computer design and programming. He aims to go into the computer industry when he leave school.
"I got really interested after we started doing electronics at school," said the Bedwell fourth former.
Inventive Heath built the machine from plans he got from an electronics magazine with help from his father. Originally they planned to go it alone but found it would be cheaper to buy a kit than to buy the necessary parts individually.
"It didn't take much time to build, only about five hours. I took a lot longer to save my pocket money to buy things I needed," said Heath.
He has the computer linked to a portable television and a cassette recorder so that he can display information on the screen and also to store information and programs.
Heath is already a dab hand at programming. He says the computer is a great help when he has physcis homework to do. "My father is still learning at the moment," he said.
And Dad, Adrian Bunting, added: "Since he began building the computer, I've had to start going to night school to find out what he's talking about."
Now Heath wants to get in touch with other computer buffs in the hope of forming a local club where enthusiasts can exchange information. Anyone interested should contact him on Stevenage 59424.
North Herts Gazette Series Thursday, November 13, 1980.