Here are a few interesting projects that I’ve found to build a basic Z80 computer on a breadboard. Bread80 is a really well explained blog describing the author’s project in creating a Z80 computer. This is the one that I am following along with! L Break into Program also has a nice write-up of a breadboard-based Z80 computer – here is part one. The website has loads more useful information on retro computers and programming, including ZX Spectrum resources. Finally,…
I’ve just ordered a ZX Spectrum Next (issue 2) on Kickstarter. This is a newly-designed machine that is backwards compatible to the original ZX Spectrum 48, 128, +2 and +3 models. It has updated hardware, with 1Mb RAM, and a Z80 processor able to run in 3.5MHz, 7MHz, 14MHz and 28MHz turbo modes. The hardware logic is built using a Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) which means the CPU, ULA etc. can be re-created within this one chip. Storage is via…
8bitworkshop is a fantastic website that lets you write and test code for a wide range of retro 8-bit computer systems within your browser. It has a great IDE with memory browser, disassembly etc. The ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, MSX, Atari 2600, NES and Sega Master System are among the supported systems. The functionality is amazing, a lot of hard work has obviously gone into this project. The owner of the website has also released a range of books. These…
For reference purposes, here is the pinout for the Zilog Z80 CPU. Yellow A0 to A15 = Address bus Blue D0 to D7 = Data bus Pink CLK = Clock signal Red & Black VCC = +5v GND = Ground Purple RFSH = outputs a signal to allow for memory to be refreshed M1 = Z80 is fetching next instruction from memory RESET = used to reset the Z80 BUSRQ = Bus Request (used by external devices to request control WAIT = makes…
This is a list of home computers and games consoles that use theMOS Technology 6502 chip or a variant. The basic design of these CPU’s are 8-bit and the basic 6502 instruction set works in the same way on all these systems. I will add more information about these systems when time allows. Apple I – 1976 [6502] Commodore PET – 1977 [6502] Atari VCS (later known as 2600) – 1977 [6507] Atari 400/800 – 1979 [6502] Commodore VIC-20 –…
Here’s a quick list of the most popular home computers and games consoles that used the Zilog Z80 chip (or a variant in some cases such as the Game Boy). I will add more information to the website on each of these platforms and link to them from here over time. Sega VIC Dual (1977) ColecoVision (1982) ZX Spectrum (1982 onwards) Camputers Lynx (1983) MSX (1983) Amstrad CPC (1984 onwards) MSX2 (1985) Elan Enterprise (1985) Sega Master System (1985) Nintendo…
DaddaRuleKonge over on itch.io has made a wide range of free to download retro gaming eBooks (as PDF’s) available. Check out the list here. Some of the ones that I’m particularly interested in are as follows: – Megadrive SNES Nintendo 64 Playstation 1 Point and Click Adventure Games Although there are many others too including NES, Sega Master System, and GameCube. Careful though, some of the downloads are quite large.
Its quite easy to install a ZX Spectrum emulator on the Anbernic RG350. Here’s what I did: – Download the “Unreal Speccy” emulator from here: unreal_speccy_portable.opk Remove the external Micro SD card from your RG350 Copy this file into the /apps folder of your external Micro SD card Copy your Spectrum games into /roms/zxspectrum After you’ve re-inserted your Micro SD card, boot up your RG350 and it should be there in the “Emulators” tab You can bring up an on-screen…
My Anbernic RG350 arrived today, here is a quick start guide and some hints and tips to get it up and running. Charging The device comes with a charging cable (USB to USB-C) so can be charged via any normal USB wall charger. Charging is done via the USB-C port at the top right of the RG350. There is a red light to show that the device is charging, although the light didn’t go off on mine once fully charged….
I ordered a Anbernic RG350 today. From the reviews I’ve seen it looks like a great handheld console that can emulate most systems up to including the Sony Playstation 1. Here are the specs: – CPU: 4770 dual 1.0GHz Screen: 3.5 inch IPS screen (320 x 240 resolution) RAM: DDR2 512MB OS: OpenDingux (Linux-based) Battery: Li-polymer 2500 mAh battery, lasting 6 hours Storage: internal Micro SD card and slot for external Micro SD card I’m looking forward to seeing what…