If anyone, particularly UK based, has a 8039 microcontroller lying around in their parts drawer I would appreciate it.
(There are a few on EBAY but they have massive postage charges)
You might have more luck finding an 8049.
8040 would be ok
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_MCS-48If this does not work out, I checked my mcs-48 collection just now and have a couple of 8049's to spare.
They do have an internal 2k ROM program but IIRC you can skip that with a pin setting and it would behave as a normal 8040.
I don't remember exactly, it has been a long time ago (27+ years) since I worked with those chips
If you want I can sent two of them to you for postage fee, have to check with the postoffice.
I have a couple of NEC D80C39H if that's any use
Very kind. Two offers! I have PMed Kjelt so hopefully that will work out. Thanks both.
The envelope is ready for posting.