| SmallZ80 [message #5291] |
Mon, 08 October 2018 11:13  |
 |
Wayne W
Messages: 384
Registered: October 2015
Location: Fallbrook, California, US...
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hi Folks,
I wanted to pass along a link to a new Z80-based system being developed by Terry Gulczynski. I have been working with him for the last couple months testing a prototype of the system. Thought perhaps some folks here might be interested.
The system is called the SmallZ80 and packs quite a few features into a fairly small PCB:
- Z80 CPU running up to 20MHz
- 512KB banked RAM
- Real time clock w/ battery backup
- Up to 4 high speed serial ports (230400 baud)
- TCP network interface (inbound and outbound)
- IDE interface (works well with CF Card adapter)
- IBM PC style Floppy interface
A CF Card image is provided and contains a robust implementation of ZSDOS 3.3 along with a lot of related software.
Complete information about the system can be found at Terry's website at http://www.stack180.com.
Terry is getting ready to produce the first run of these PCBs and is hoping to get a sense of the level of interest so he can order a reasonable number of the boards. If you have any interest in one of these systems, please contact Terry by email at terryg@stack180.com.
[Updated on: Wed, 10 October 2018 08:22] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: SmallZ80 [message #5521 is a reply to message #5305] |
Thu, 15 November 2018 10:28  |
|
Wayne W
Messages: 384
Registered: October 2015
Location: Fallbrook, California, US...
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I know I mentioned this system here previously, but thought
I would provide a little more detail having recently built
a pre-production version of the system.
Terry Gulczynski is getting ready to
produce a run of these kits, so if you are interested, you
should contact him. His email address is
terryg@stack180.com
The SmallZ80 is a compact and full-featured Z80 system
with excellent performance and reliability. It is comprised
of a relatively small main CPU board (~5"x6.5") and an
optional expansion board (~3"x4"). Construction is straightforward
with all through-hole components (there are a couple of small SOIC
chips on the expansion board that come pre-soldered).
The main CPU board features:
- Z80 CPU (dual-speed, dynamically switchable)
- 32K EEPROM
- 544K SRAM (32K fixed & 512K banked)
- Real-time Clock w/ battery
- IDE Interface (supports primary and slave devices)
- 2 Serial Ports
- LED connections for power, drive activity, and disgnostics (3)
The optional expansion board adds the following features:
- Dual drive floppy interface
- Two serial ports, -or-
- Ethernet LAN interface for terminal and printer
Completing the system requires only adding a +5V power source,
floppy drive(s) (optional), and a case.
A very complete software implementation is included. The ROM
firmware manages booting and provides system configuration,
testing, and monitor functionality.
A CF Card image is provided which implements an enhanced
version of ZCPR 3.3 and a very complete set of system tools.
I had no trouble running a variety of standard CP/M applications
such as WordStar.
Performance is the best I have seen for a Z80-based system.
The system runs reliably at the maximum Z80 CPU clock speed
of 20MHz. There are no added wait states for
I/O or memory. Additionally, the serial ports are rated for
operation up to 230,400 baud, but I am running mine reliably
at 460,800 baud (close to 0.5mbps).
The IDE interface on the system is ideally suited for
use with CompactFlash cards. A small CF adapter is installed
that allows 1 or 2 CompactFlash cards to be used. Access
speeds are very fast.
The ethernet interface on the expansion board is probably my
favorite feature. After powering on the system, you can
simply connect to it via any Telnet-type terminal software.
The ethernet interface on the board runs at 921,600 baud
and provides extremely fast terminal speeds. The same
ethernet interface can also be used to print to a LAN
connected printer.
If you like the retro feel of floppy drives, they are
easily connected via the expansion board. You can use
a standard PC-type floppy cable with a twist to install
up to 2 3.5" drives.
Complete documentation is included and thoroughly covers
assembly, operation, and technical details of the system
including schematics. The documentation is freely
available on Terry's website at www.stack180.com.
Overall, the SmallZ80 provides a system with excellent performance,
reliability, and functionality for a great price and small
package. The system has a very professional feel to it for
a kit of this type and cost.
Terry has posted pricing for both boards on his website.
All parts are included, but not a case or shipping. Definitely
what I would call "hobbyist friendly" pricing.
-Wayne
[Updated on: Thu, 15 November 2018 10:47] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
RetroBrew Computers Forum
Members
Search
Help
Login
Home
