DIY Z80 Computing
Posted: Mon 15 Sep, 2008 2:52 pm
I've posted about this on IRC and a little on here before switching host, but I thought I'd post a proper thread here as it seems to have got some GameDev members interested in Electronics.
I'm currently working on a Z80 computer built from electronic components soldered to stripboard, so not very high tech stuff. It's running the Z80 BBC BASIC, and has simple hardware specs:
More information and links to journal posts here.
I'm hoping that maybe some other people may have an interest in building computers; it's really not tricky to do and is great fun! My reference is my A Level textbook, Electronics Explained by M. W. Brimicombe. (You can preview the book on Google Books).
I'm currently working on a Z80 computer built from electronic components soldered to stripboard, so not very high tech stuff. It's running the Z80 BBC BASIC, and has simple hardware specs:
- 10MHz Z80 CPU running at 2MHz.
- 128KB Flash ROM to store the OS.
- 32KB SRAM.
- 128x64 graphical monochrome LCD.
- Two PS/2 ports (keyboard and mouse).
- I2C bus to add further components.
- DS1307 real-time clock (I2C) for time-keeping functions.
More information and links to journal posts here.
I'm hoping that maybe some other people may have an interest in building computers; it's really not tricky to do and is great fun! My reference is my A Level textbook, Electronics Explained by M. W. Brimicombe. (You can preview the book on Google Books).