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Featured Member Projects => Completed and Inactive Projects => [Inactive] Ninjabyte Electronics (hardware) => Topic started by: DarkestEx on January 13, 2016, 12:49:19 AM

Title: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on January 13, 2016, 12:49:19 AM
Hello!

Adekto and I were working on a new project that you fellow Z80 hackers should love:
A DIY Z80 computer kit that you can solder and more importantly hack into every aspect!

It will have 128KB of fine SRAM, VGA, mono audio, a 10 MHz Zilog Z84C00-10 processor, SD card interface for loading the kernel and for accessing files from the Z80, PS/2 for attaching a keyboard and a fancy LED indicator.
Title: Re: Unnamed Z80 computer DIY kit
Post by: c4ooo on January 13, 2016, 12:59:46 AM
I have tried doing that, here is the project ATM:
(http://imgur.com/3bSqf5e.jpg)
Anyhow, since this is closer to me then ARM, i would love to contribute as a programmer!   :D
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on January 19, 2016, 03:10:34 PM
Making steady progress. Almost all part footprints and pinouts are created now in Fritzing and a good part of the schematic is done.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Ivoah on January 19, 2016, 03:39:46 PM
Seems like it will be similar to this: https://www.tindie.com/products/Semachthemonkey/rc2014-homebrew-z80-computer/?pt=full_prod_search
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on January 22, 2016, 01:23:27 AM
Well actually it is pretty different from that one, stay tuned :)

We made a lot more progress with the schematics. I worked a lot on the interface between z80 and PXA. It consists of 3 74HC299 universal high-speed CMOS shift registers.
The reat is done with a MCP GPIO expander and some good old 74 series glue logic.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 22, 2016, 05:56:10 AM
Have you bought all parts needed for this project yet? And do you think you could manage to work on this project alone? Because to be honest, due to what happened with Microcat I probably won't get my hopes up on this project until you have purchased all the parts (in case you run out of money once again) and showed us that you can continue working on this even if all other teamates stop doing anything (this is why I never work on team projects). But if it succeeds then I will be happy because that would be a nice thing to mess around with, plus it has a Z80 in it. :)
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on January 22, 2016, 08:14:06 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on January 22, 2016, 05:56:10 AM
Have you bought all parts needed for this project yet? And do you think you could manage to work on this project alone? Because to be honest, due to what happened with Microcat I probably won't get my hopes up on this project until you have purchased all the parts (in case you run out of money once again) and showed us that you can continue working on this even if all other teamates stop doing anything (this is why I never work on team projects). But if it succeeds then I will be happy because that would be a nice thing to mess around with, plus it has a Z80 in it. :)
Yes, i started the project alone and can finish it alone if others lack the time to help. Though I really hope c4ooo can help every here and then. Thank you!

Yes, I bought most of the parts already a while back. I still need to get some when the schematic is done. For the Microcat, I had bought all parts, that was not the problem, but making a prototype PCB. I wouldn't have been able to solder it myself and it would have been expensive to make just a single one for testing.

This project should work a lot better and is probably way more interesting for all of the z80 fans here :)
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 22, 2016, 08:28:07 AM
That's good, then. And for the Microcat prototype, couldn't you just have re-used the parts you already had? Or were they exclusively made for use on a breadboard?


As for the Z80 I wouldn't say the project is 100% pure Z80 since another CPU does a lot of work for display and stuff, but if it's still Z80 enough to be programmed like the ZX Spectrum and Z80 calcs, then I always wondered if it could run KnightOS or some sort of firmware that could run old calculator programs? Not that it's the priority right now, but that was something I was wondering.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on January 22, 2016, 11:22:41 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on January 22, 2016, 08:28:07 AM
That's good, then. And for the Microcat prototype, couldn't you just have re-used the parts you already had? Or were they exclusively made for use on a breadboard?


As for the Z80 I wouldn't say the project is 100% pure Z80 since another CPU does a lot of work for display and stuff, but if it's still Z80 enough to be programmed like the ZX Spectrum and Z80 calcs, then I always wondered if it could run KnightOS or some sort of firmware that could run old calculator programs? Not that it's the priority right now, but that was something I was wondering.
No, it was never really the parts. The PCB was the problem. First, KiCad just sucks and I have not really much experience with multilayer PCBs. Even double layer ones are quite hard to do correctly.
Then, making one PCB would cost around 80€ (without the required solder mask it would've been around 60.
Making one mistake would have required making the changes to a file and then ordering a new board. And all parts too. Also soldering would have been a big problem.

About KnightOS, cumred said that it would probably work and that he could eventually port it if he has time.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: c4ooo on January 22, 2016, 11:07:39 PM
The current problem with porting KOS is that the hardware that is being emulated around the z80 is nothing like the hardware on the ti84 ;) Obviously one can program an OS with the same shell, but the kernel will have to be mostly rewritten probably :/ Right now Darkest wants an old school textbased shell, while i want a slighly more advanced shell with a semi graphical UI <_< Obviously there is nothing wrong with making a semi graphical UI that has a built in command prompt.  :)
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 28, 2016, 08:21:39 AM
It probably depends if KOS mostly use the Z80 instructions set, right? Wouldn't Z80 ASM on the ZPX-128 be mostly different when it comes to drawing stuff to the screen? (Since it seems like video stuff is done by a different processor)

The biggest issue with KOS from what I heard would be copyrights, because I heard (and saw) that the author is very strict about re-use of his intellectual property (per open-source standards, at least) and you have to make sure he is credited properly. Make sure to read the license thoroughly before releasing new versions or ports of KnightOS, let alone selling hardware on which it runs.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on January 28, 2016, 08:29:04 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on January 28, 2016, 08:21:39 AM
It probably depends if KOS mostly use the Z80 instructions set, right? Wouldn't Z80 ASM on the ZPX-128 be mostly different when it comes to drawing stuff to the screen? (Since it seems like video stuff is done by a different processor)

The biggest issue with KOS from what I heard would be copyrights, because I heard (and saw) that the author is very strict about re-use of his intellectual property (per open-source standards, at least) and you have to make sure he is credited properly. Make sure to read the license thoroughly before releasing new versions or ports of KnightOS, let alone selling hardware on which it runs.
Well, the assembly language itself is completely the same, but KOS is incompatible with the ZPX-128 as it has entirely different hardware. So doing certain things is entirely different on the ZPX-128 than it is with a TI calculator.

About the licence, he hasn't said anything negative, but it wouldn't run anyways. We will do our own OS anyways.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 28, 2016, 08:39:40 AM
Ah I see. I didn't realize the OS relied this much on the hardware. A new OS is better, then.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: c4ooo on January 30, 2016, 02:09:53 AM
So... we ran into a problem. The previous system controller chip we where going to use was not good enough. Apparently it had too little ram. This chip also runs programs from ram, leaving us with too little ram. I have suggested using a Atmel ATSAM3X8E chip, which is the chip used in the Arduino duo and also pretty good for the tasks we want. Unfortunately, the Atmel SAM3X8E only come with SMD pins, which unlike DIP is hard to solder onto a board. Darkest talked about a third chip, but i dont know if it is good enough <_< :( D:
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on January 30, 2016, 02:12:28 AM
That sucks. I hope you can find a workaround that isn't too expensive :(
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: novenary on January 30, 2016, 10:03:24 AM
I think you shouldn't avoid smd at all costs, chips with a big pin spacing are easy to solder to a PCB without any particular equipment. I soldered a chip with 0.6mm spacing with a very cty iron (cheap non regulated thingy, about 10 to 20 dollars) and that was my first smd job. For those interested, search YouTube for tutorials, especially the EEVblog one.

Edit: here it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9FC9fAlfQE
He does show some mid-range equipment in the video but I can assure you that for most things, a $20 iron is enough. You definitely want a good iron if you're doing that stuff more often though.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 07, 2016, 01:24:08 AM
Great news! All the remaining parts arrived today (except for the Z80 but I haven't ordered it yet and I will wait with that as long as possible as it is horribly expensive).
I do have a 6 MHz Z80 laying around and if it is CMOS then it'll work just fine.
Breadboarding will start soon. I am sick atm, so this will have to wait till Monday I guess.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on February 07, 2016, 01:55:18 AM
Good to hear. :D
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 07, 2016, 09:19:48 PM
Quote from: Streetwalrus on January 30, 2016, 10:03:24 AM
I think you shouldn't avoid smd at all costs, chips with a big pin spacing are easy to solder to a PCB without any particular equipment. I soldered a chip with 0.6mm spacing with a very s***ty iron (cheap non regulated thingy, about 10 to 20 dollars) and that was my first smd job. For those interested, search YouTube for tutorials, especially the EEVblog one.

Edit: here it is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9FC9fAlfQE
He does show some mid-range equipment in the video but I can assure you that for most things, a $20 iron is enough. You definitely want a good iron if you're doing that stuff more often though.
The Microcat's chip had a spacing of .5 mm (center of one leg to the center of the next one). I don't want this to get another SMD failure, so I will stick with DIP components for all costs. Also this is a kit, so the user will solder it, not we.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: utz on February 09, 2016, 11:37:32 PM
Quote from: DarkestEx on February 07, 2016, 01:24:08 AM
Great news! All the remaining parts arrived today (except for the Z80 but I haven't ordered it yet and I will wait with that as long as possible as it is horribly expensive).

What? A brand-new Z80 costs like 6 EUR max. Zilog even used to give them away for free to developers. If you write them a nice mail explaining what your plans are, they might still do that.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 09, 2016, 11:43:01 PM
Quote from: utz on February 09, 2016, 11:37:32 PM
Quote from: DarkestEx on February 07, 2016, 01:24:08 AM
Great news! All the remaining parts arrived today (except for the Z80 but I haven't ordered it yet and I will wait with that as long as possible as it is horribly expensive).

What? A brand-new Z80 costs like 6 EUR max. Zilog even used to give them away for free to developers. If you write them a nice mail explaining what your plans are, they might still do that.
I am not talking about the chip. The shipping from Leeds (UK) is the problem. As I would order only the single Z80, I would have to pay 10€ in shipping as my total sum stays under 30€.
The chip will be bought from Farnell (element14) via hbe.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: utz on February 09, 2016, 11:59:02 PM
Why don't you just buy it from Reichelt or something?
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 10, 2016, 12:14:38 AM
Quote from: utz on February 09, 2016, 11:59:02 PM
Why don't you just buy it from Reichelt or something?
Because they dont sell it.........
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: utz on February 10, 2016, 12:24:48 AM
Sure they do.
https://www.reichelt.de/ZILOG-Controller/Z84C00-06MHZ/3/index.html?ACTION=3&GROUPID=2951&ARTICLE=23029&OFFSET=16&SID=15VXUYn6wQATcAAJDxs745604d32328fc18e01feb2ea7ee771ef1&LANGUAGE=EN
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 10, 2016, 12:26:20 AM
Quote from: utz on February 10, 2016, 12:24:48 AM
Sure they do.
https://www.reichelt.de/ZILOG-Controller/Z84C00-06MHZ/3/index.html?ACTION=3&GROUPID=2951&ARTICLE=23029&OFFSET=16&SID=15VXUYn6wQATcAAJDxs745604d32328fc18e01feb2ea7ee771ef1&LANGUAGE=EN
Thanks for trying, BUT:
Quote from: DarkestEx on February 07, 2016, 01:24:08 AM
I do have a 6 MHz Z80 laying around and if it is CMOS then it'll work just fine.
I have exactly that one laying around as I bought it one year ago. For the ZPX-128 I need a 10 MHz CMOS one.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: utz on February 10, 2016, 12:39:41 AM
Ah, I see. Unless I've overlooked something, you didn't mention before that you want a 10MHz one. In the first post, you say you want to use 6/8 MHz.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 10, 2016, 01:25:40 AM
Quote from: utz on February 10, 2016, 12:39:41 AM
Ah, I see. Unless I've overlooked something, you didn't mention before that you want a 10MHz one. In the first post, you say you want to use 6/8 MHz.
Oh I hadn't fixed it in the main post yet. Sorry.
I just corrected it there.

So, the ZPX-128 will have 16 KB kernel space that is write protected. The kernel is in RAM, but the first 16 KB can only be written to by the PXA. All programs that will run on the ZPX-128 shall always return cleanly and shall never require a restart. Having the kernel protected is a another safety so that it doesn't accidentally corrupt. This is important as the whole computer must shutdown before powered off. Also I don't like having to reset everything after running a single program.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: SiphonicSugar on February 11, 2016, 02:07:56 AM
I think that this just inspired me to make my own little mini computer... Like the one that I posted about that would be my dream calculator...
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dudeman313 on February 11, 2016, 03:13:42 AM
I couldn't do that if I tried. :P
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 28, 2016, 10:21:50 PM
So, we'll add headers on the board to break out the PS2 so that people can easily integrate it into e.g. some keyboard based unit.
Also I plan supporting multiple keyboard layouts. What special language characters do we need? I plan to add äöüÄÖÜßàáâÀÁÂèéêÈÉÊôÔîÎ
Are there any others that you want me to add aswel?
There will be no Unicode support but there will be some characters from the extended ASCII set.
The unit will be flashed using a serial interface on the back. There will be a RS232 type DIN connector that will have 2 GPIO, RESET, SDA, SCL, RXD, TXD, VCC and GND on it.
You can use it to program and update the unit. I plan to add a free space to eventually allow for adding a USB serial device to allow for easier flashing. This port is only important for interfacing with the PXA and updating it. For updating the Z80 ROM you just need to change the kernel file from the SD card. It will be copied to the write protected first 16 KB of RAM at boot.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 02, 2016, 03:39:51 AM
Unicode would probably take a lot of space. I would be ok with more limited character sets, but ideally, supporting multiple keyboard layouts would be better. It's hard to tell which one, though, since most people come from anywhere in the world. Will the RS232 connector be the same as TI-Nspires, or at least allow the use of the same interface?
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 02, 2016, 01:42:36 PM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 02, 2016, 03:39:51 AM
Unicode would probably take a lot of space. I would be ok with more limited character sets, but ideally, supporting multiple keyboard layouts would be better. It's hard to tell which one, though, since most people come from anywhere in the world. Will the RS232 connector be the same as TI-Nspires, or at least allow the use of the same interface?
Unicode was never in question. We will only support a selected range of keyboard layouts.
The connector is NO! RS232 port. Using it as one would very likely kill the ZPX128. It is just an expansion / update port.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Ivoah on March 02, 2016, 02:06:43 PM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 02, 2016, 03:39:51 AM
Will the RS232 connector be the same as TI-Nspires, or at least allow the use of the same interface?
The Nspire doesn't have an RS232 connector. It has serial lines on the dock connector, but that's not the same as RS232
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 02, 2016, 03:24:50 PM
Ah I see. I wasn't sure what was the name.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 06, 2016, 11:53:59 AM
I am currently working on the emulator for the platform so that you guys can test the platform and develop nice games and console applications before we have the prototype working and before you have to buy one.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 07, 2016, 06:30:25 PM
Cool, I can't wait to see it in action.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 01:17:57 AM
We'll be getting rid of the PXA as it probably won't work. We'll now have an ARMv7ME based SMC (replacing the PXA) that runs at about 74 MHz and has 256 KB flash and 64 KB RAM. This means an upgrade in graphics but also that we have to switch from a octacore to a single core processor. But the interface between the Z80 will be many many times faster and updating the firmware can from now on be done using USB instead of a proprietary connector. Audio might be dropped if we can't afford the CPU so do that but we'll have to see about that one. Also we have new interfaces now such as a CAN bus and usb that might come handy for some people.
The price will increase by about 10€.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 01:26:18 AM
I am ok with a single core processor, since it's an old-school computer, after all. Just as long as drawing to the screen and some other things aren't crippled like on the CSE and Casio PRIZM. Audio isn't all that important unless the main target audience is gamers (but even if it is, I guess headphone support would do). Also good move by not sticking to a proprietary connector. It increases compatibility and makes it easier to purchase replacement cables.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 01:32:21 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 01:26:18 AM
I am ok with a single core processor, since it's an old-school computer, after all. Just as long as drawing to the screen and some other things aren't crippled like on the CSE and Casio PRIZM. Audio isn't all that important unless the main target audience is gamers (but even if it is, I guess headphone support would do). Also good move by not sticking to a proprietary connector. It increases compatibility and makes it easier to purchase replacement cables.
Well the ARM processor is just the system controller that does video, keyboard, ram paging and some other stuff. The actual thing you program is the Z80. Drawing should be a lot faster with the new coprocessor / system controller, but we don't have any times yet. Audio would be dropped entirely if it doesn't work. Headphones would just make it worse. The issue is audio generation. We probably don't have any CPU time left to do audio at all. About the connector, I am not yet sure. The connector is a standard one, but used differently than usually. We'll probably still keep it (together with USB), as it adds a lot of extra functionality.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 01:33:39 AM
Ah I see about audio then. TOo bad. But I am ok with it.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Ivoah on March 09, 2016, 01:35:23 AM
Can't you find some cheap audio synth chip?
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 01:37:22 AM
Quote from: Ivoah on March 09, 2016, 01:35:23 AM
Can't you find some cheap audio synth chip?
Well sure that would work. Do you have any suggestions?
SPI interface would be great.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Ivoah on March 09, 2016, 01:43:11 AM
Quote from: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 01:37:22 AM
Quote from: Ivoah on March 09, 2016, 01:35:23 AM
Can't you find some cheap audio synth chip?
Well sure that would work. Do you have any suggestions?
SPI interface would be great.
You could make your own with an attiny85 http://mitxela.com/projects/smallest_midi_synth :trollface:
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 01:46:19 AM
Quote from: Ivoah on March 09, 2016, 01:43:11 AM
Quote from: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 01:37:22 AM
Quote from: Ivoah on March 09, 2016, 01:35:23 AM
Can't you find some cheap audio synth chip?
Well sure that would work. Do you have any suggestions?
SPI interface would be great.
You could make your own with an attiny85 http://mitxela.com/projects/smallest_midi_synth :trollface:
Well probably. I wonder maybe I could implement audio on the system controller itself using PWM and a timer.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: c4ooo on March 09, 2016, 02:57:42 AM
Maybe some simple 1 bit, on board, audio would be possible? I would suggest making the first prototype without audio, and then adding it in later if possible >_>
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 03:52:58 AM
Personally, I'm mostly hoping that its programming language will be similar or identical to the TI-84 Plus CE language that Cumred was developing.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 08:28:18 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 03:52:58 AM
Personally, I'm mostly hoping that its programming language will be similar or identical to the TI-84 Plus CE language that Cumred was developing.
Well there is no specific program language planned. Cumred once proposed that we could port Claw and his language to it, but that will only happen if he finds the time.
Of course there are the common programming languages that work on the Z80 such as assembler and C.
Given the SMC is more powerful than the actual z80 we can let it do a lot of little goodies such as some graphics commands. Games shouldn't be too bad though I initially wasn't going for games and still am not. Its a general purpose Z80 computer kit with a lot of features and gaming is just a thing you can do with it.
But again, I can't start prototyping yet as I again lack money and that probably means another pause. The CNC build ate basically everything I had left and saved so this is a problem. I need about 25€ to continue. While this doesn't seem like much, I just finished paying my debt.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 08:43:32 AM
That sucks. To be honest maybe you might be better off waiting until you have a job and are 18 before commercializing a computer, but it's still a fun project to do in your hobbies I think so it's sad no matter what if you cannot continue working on it when you want. :/
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 09, 2016, 10:16:57 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 08:43:32 AM
That sucks. To be honest maybe you might be better off waiting until you have a job and are 18 before commercializing a computer, but it's still a fun project to do in your hobbies I think so it's sad no matter what if you cannot continue working on it when you want. :/
Actually I won't work at 18 as I will attend university. I also wasn't ever planning to do the ZPX-128 as a profit but a non-profit project where the income is just used to cover the expenses to develop it.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Snektron on March 09, 2016, 05:21:58 PM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 03:52:58 AM
Personally, I'm mostly hoping that its programming language will be similar or identical to the TI-84 Plus CE language that Cumred was developing.
That will probably get weird due to it being relatively hard to type on a calculator, so i'll have to do something with the tokens or create a custom editor
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 09, 2016, 05:35:08 PM
Nah, no on-calc support is fine for the color models, because the existing editor is slow and a lot of people use SC3 or Tokens. It wouldn't hurt to have a custom on-calc editor long term, though. :P
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 10, 2016, 10:04:01 PM
So I have decided what I will do about the audio problem and let myself inspire from what ivoah said and we will make audio optional. For about 6-8€ extra you'll be able to add a Commodore 64 compatible SID audio synthesizer. It will be attached to the SMC/northbridge/coprocessor and can be controlled from the Z80 side.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: Dream of Omnimaga on March 11, 2016, 07:51:50 AM
Hm that might be interesting. I wonder if the hardware would be capable of generating sound as good as on the C64?
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on March 11, 2016, 08:19:37 AM
Quote from: DJ Omnimaga on March 11, 2016, 07:51:50 AM
Hm that might be interesting. I wonder if the hardware would be capable of generating sound as good as on the C64?
I doubt it will come too close. But it'll have most of the features though.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: c4ooo on February 27, 2017, 01:05:51 AM
@DarkestEx so i was wondering what you were planning to use as a microcontroller ever since you dropped the parallax propeller. You mentioned the teensy 3.0 in IRC, but i was confused as that only has one core and i was pretty sure you needed multiple to generate VGA, sound, z80 clock signal and more at the same time. Just want some clarification :)

Edit: your website says it is the 32-bit ST Micro ARMv7ME, but that is still one core so my question remains :)
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 27, 2017, 01:53:47 PM
Quote from: c4ooo on February 27, 2017, 01:05:51 AM
@DarkestEx so i was wondering what you were planning to use as a microcontroller ever since you dropped the parallax propeller. You mentioned the teensy 3.0 in IRC, but i was confused as that only has one core and i was pretty sure you needed multiple to generate VGA, sound, z80 clock signal and more at the same time. Just want some clarification :)

Edit: your website says it is the 32-bit ST Micro ARMv7ME, but that is still one core so my question remains :)
Hi c4ooo,
I think it could; however the Propeller was better suited.
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: c4ooo on February 28, 2017, 01:41:34 PM
Quote from: DarkestEx on February 27, 2017, 01:53:47 PM
Quote from: c4ooo on February 27, 2017, 01:05:51 AM
@DarkestEx so i was wondering what you were planning to use as a microcontroller ever since you dropped the parallax propeller. You mentioned the teensy 3.0 in IRC, but i was confused as that only has one core and i was pretty sure you needed multiple to generate VGA, sound, z80 clock signal and more at the same time. Just want some clarification :)

Edit: your website says it is the 32-bit ST Micro ARMv7ME, but that is still one core so my question remains :)
Hi c4ooo,
I think it could; however the Propeller was better suited.
I cant find a whole lot of info on the 32-bit ST Micro ARMv7ME, nor where to buy it :(
Title: Re: Ninjabyte ZPX-128 (universal Z80 computer kit)
Post by: DarkestEx on February 28, 2017, 02:38:44 PM
Quote from: c4ooo on February 28, 2017, 01:41:34 PM
Quote from: DarkestEx on February 27, 2017, 01:53:47 PM
Quote from: c4ooo on February 27, 2017, 01:05:51 AM
@DarkestEx so i was wondering what you were planning to use as a microcontroller ever since you dropped the parallax propeller. You mentioned the teensy 3.0 in IRC, but i was confused as that only has one core and i was pretty sure you needed multiple to generate VGA, sound, z80 clock signal and more at the same time. Just want some clarification :)

Edit: your website says it is the 32-bit ST Micro ARMv7ME, but that is still one core so my question remains :)
Hi c4ooo,
I think it could; however the Propeller was better suited.
I cant find a whole lot of info on the 32-bit ST Micro ARMv7ME, nor where to buy it :(
You buy it in the form of a dev kit. The Teensy 3.2/3.5/3.6