FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
11 messages · 2009-08-09 → 2009-08-24 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org
Participants: cheveron, Luis Alberto D'Ardis, Jeff, Jeff Burrell, Timex, William McBrine, Mark Scheck, Bill Loguidice
Preserved from the Timex/Sinclair 2068 Yahoo Group (2001–2019), which is no longer online. Text reproduced from the archive.org archive; email addresses masked.
Messages
1. FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Jeff · Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:12
I now have a working version of a TS2068 on a Terasic DE1 Cyclone II development board. I reworked the spectrum Verilog I found at http://alexfreed.com/FPGApple/revisited.html (scroll down and you will find a hyperlink to the design files).
So far, I can run simple BASIC programs. The video and keyboard are talking with the processor but I haven't tried the sound interface yet.
The basic configuration that is running now has 192K of memory divided up as 48k of SRAM (including the 16k of dual port video memory) with the rest being flash. The memory mapper should allow accessing all of the memory on the board (4MB of flash, 512kB of SRAM, 8MB of SDRAM, 16kB of video) by bank switching but this will require some more work and the requisite software drivers.
Before I get too far into this project, I would like to emulate one of the standard floppy interfaces to allow use of the SD card on the DE1. My question are:
Which of the floppy interfaces is best supported by the available 2068 software?
Are there any copyright issues if I use some of the code from these interfaces?
Would it be better to put a CP/M compatible DOS under the hood?
2. Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
cheveron · Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:27
Do you have the extended video modes working?
If I were you I'd go for divIDE+ for the IDE standard and then use ResiDOS as the OS.
3. Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Jeff Burrell · Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:31
I have been busy writing some SD card routines so I can use it in lieu of a drive. I am hoping I can make it look like an IDE drive.
I have just spent three days cleaning my computer of some junkware: "PC Anti-virus 2010." If you get that junk on your computer, it will be a mess getting it off. Anyway...
The advanced video modes should be working. I have added a 64 column mode with attributes and a true 80 column mode with one attribute (similar to the classic 64 column mode). I have the code written and tested for text modes for 640x350, 640x400, 640x480, and 800x600 video modes. I haven't included them yet because I don't know if would be useful or wanted.
I'll check into ResiDos.
--- On Tue, 8/18/09, [email] <[email]> wrote:
From: [email] <[email]>
Subject: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
To: [email]
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 11:27 AM
Do you have the extended video modes working?
If I were you I'd go for divIDE+ for the IDE standard and then use ResiDOS as the OS.
4. Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
cheveron · Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:42
> I have been busy writing some SD card routines so I can use it in
> lieu of a drive. I am hoping I can make it look like an IDE drive.
SD is essentially an IDE drive so you can use them with any of the existing IDE interfaces for the speccy. Of course it would be cheaper for you to re-implement the interface in the FPGA rather than buying one but the schematics and firmware are freely available.
> I have just spent three days cleaning my computer of some junkware:
> "PC Anti-virus 2010." If you get that junk on your computer, it
> will be a mess getting it off. Anyway...
That's a nasty and pervasive bit of scareware. I work in IT security and I'd recommend running the trial version of Kaspersky to take a look at your system. http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/trials. I don't work for them but my company does partner with them so I am biased.
> The advanced video modes should be working. I have added a 64
> column mode with attributes and a true 80 column mode with one
> attribute (similar to the classic 64 column mode). I have the code
> written and tested for text modes for 640x350, 640x400, 640x480,
> and 800x600 video modes. I haven't included them yet because I
> don't know if would be useful or wanted.
If you can do it why not. I wrote an 80-column text driver for hi-res mode. Another enhancement to consider is implementing palette support to allow a greater range of colours than the standard 15.
> I'll check into ResiDos.
It's hardware independent. http://www.worldofspectrum.org/residos/
Cheers!
-Andrew
5. RE: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Luis Alberto D'Ardis · Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:31
> I have just spent three days cleaning my computer of some junkware:
> "PC Anti-virus 2010." If you get that junk on your computer, it
> will be a mess getting it off. Anyway...
try GNU LINUX -- UBUNTU it's free http://www.ubuntu.com/
cheers ;)
To: [email]
From: [email]
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:42:44 +0000
Subject: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
> I have been busy writing some SD card routines so I can use it in
> lieu of a drive. I am hoping I can make it look like an IDE drive.
SD is essentially an IDE drive so you can use them with any of the existing IDE interfaces for the speccy. Of course it would be cheaper for you to re-implement the interface in the FPGA rather than buying one but the schematics and firmware are freely available.
> I have just spent three days cleaning my computer of some junkware:
> "PC Anti-virus 2010." If you get that junk on your computer, it
> will be a mess getting it off. Anyway...
That's a nasty and pervasive bit of scareware. I work in IT security and I'd recommend running the trial version of Kaspersky to take a look at your system. http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/trials. I don't work for them but my company does partner with them so I am biased.
> The advanced video modes should be working. I have added a 64
> column mode with attributes and a true 80 column mode with one
> attribute (similar to the classic 64 column mode). I have the code
> written and tested for text modes for 640x350, 640x400, 640x480,
> and 800x600 video modes. I haven't included them yet because I
> don't know if would be useful or wanted.
If you can do it why not. I wrote an 80-column text driver for hi-res mode. Another enhancement to consider is implementing palette support to allow a greater range of colours than the standard 15.
> I'll check into ResiDos.
It's hardware independent. http://www.worldofspectrum.org/residos/
Cheers!
-Andrew
_________________________________________________________________
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6. Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Timex · Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:36
linux is not the answer. You always will have to run windows for a
reason.
You only have to be careful with windows not installing all junk that
pops on IE windows.
Encarnado, Portugal
On Aug 21, 2009, at 8:31 PM, Luis Alberto D'Ardis wrote:
>
>
>
> > I have just spent three days cleaning my computer of some junkware:
> > "PC Anti-virus 2010." If you get that junk on your computer, it
> > will be a mess getting it off. Anyway...
>
> try GNU LINUX -- UBUNTU it's free http://www.ubuntu.com/
>
> cheers ;)
>
> To: [email]
> From: [email]
> Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:42:44 +0000
> Subject: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
>
> > I have been busy writing some SD card routines so I can use it in
> > lieu of a drive. I am hoping I can make it look like an IDE drive.
>
> SD is essentially an IDE drive so you can use them with any of the
> existing IDE interfaces for the speccy. Of course it would be
> cheaper for you to re-implement the interface in the FPGA rather
> than buying one but the schematics and firmware are freely available.
>
> > I have just spent three days cleaning my computer of some junkware:
> > "PC Anti-virus 2010." If you get that junk on your computer, it
> > will be a mess getting it off. Anyway...
>
> That's a nasty and pervasive bit of scareware. I work in IT
> security and I'd recommend running the trial version of Kaspersky
> to take a look at your system. http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/trials. I
> don't work for them but my company does partner with them so I am
> biased.
>
> > The advanced video modes should be working. I have added a 64
> > column mode with attributes and a true 80 column mode with one
> > attribute (similar to the classic 64 column mode). I have the code
> > written and tested for text modes for 640x350, 640x400, 640x480,
> > and 800x600 video modes. I haven't included them yet because I
> > don't know if would be useful or wanted.
>
> If you can do it why not. I wrote an 80-column text driver for hi-
> res mode. Another enhancement to consider is implementing palette
> support to allow a greater range of colours than the standard 15.
>
> > I'll check into ResiDos.
>
> It's hardware independent. http://www.worldofspectrum.org/residos/
>
> Cheers!
>
> -Andrew
>
>
>
> ¡Crea carpetas para todos tus correos! ¡Espacio ILIMITADO con el
> nuevo Hotmail!
>
>
7. Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
William McBrine · Sat, 22 Aug 2009 01:30
On Fri, 21 Aug 2009, Johnny Red (Timex) wrote:
> linux is not the answer. You always will have to run windows for a
> reason.
Speak for yourself. The ONLY reason I EVER run Windows is to port my own
software to it and provide support for Windows users.
--
William McBrine <[email]>
8. Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Mark Scheck · Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:45
I'm a unix/linux admin, though Windows 7 is Microsoft's best OS.
________________________________
From: William McBrine <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 1:30:10 AM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
On Fri, 21 Aug 2009, Johnny Red (Timex) wrote:
> linux is not the answer. You always will have to run windows for a
> reason.
Speak for yourself. The ONLY reason I EVER run Windows is to port my own
software to it and provide support for Windows users.
--
William McBrine <wmcbrine@gmail. com>
9. RE: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Luis Alberto D'Ardis · Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:50
please , let's avoid an OS war, if windows7 is better os from micro$oft good for m$,i just said gnu linux ubuntu www.ubuntu.com because i use it and there is not problem with virus for me, not for fight. if you are tired of virus well come to "ubuntu" gnu linux.
cheers
To: [email]
From: [email]
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:45:05 -0700
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
I'm a unix/linux admin, though Windows 7 is Microsoft's best OS.
From: William McBrine <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 1:30:10 AM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
On Fri, 21 Aug 2009, Johnny Red (Timex) wrote:
> linux is not the answer. You always will have to run windows for a
> reason.
Speak for yourself. The ONLY reason I EVER run Windows is to port my own
software to it and provide support for Windows users.
--
William McBrine <wmcbrine@gmail. com>
_________________________________________________________________
Ten Messenger en tu celular ahora - Clic Aquí
http://www.messengerentucelu.com
10. RE: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
Bill Loguidice · Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:54
Indeed, the OS is irrelevant from a development standpoint. What is
important is the end user, i.e., what the target audience uses, which of
course is Windows and will be for the foreseeable future, like it or not. In
other words, anyone can use anything they want to develop something,
naturally, but if you want a reasonable number of people to be able to use
it, it really has to support Windows, whatever one's personal belief system
regarding the company who makes it or the quality of the product(s) or lack
thereof is. Personally, I'm platform agnostic and have been for quite some
time (it's silly to have a strong emotional attachment to a particular
computer OS or videogame system), but my primary systems are all Windows
based, because from a user standpoint it's the most convenient for me since
it's by far the best supported by mainstream products that I actually use.
Platform wars are for those who have no access to alternatives or have a
proverbial horse in the race.
====================================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
http://www.armchairarcade.com <http://www.armchairarcade.com/>
A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
====================================================
Authored Books: http://www.armchairarcade.com/books
====================================================
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/billloguidice
====================================================
From: [email] [mailto:[email]] On Behalf Of
Luis Alberto D'Ardis
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 12:50 AM
To: [email]
Subject: RE: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
please , let's avoid an OS war, if windows7 is better os from micro$oft good
for m$,i just said gnu linux ubuntu www.ubuntu.com because i use it and
there is not problem with virus for me, not for fight. if you are tired of
virus well come to "ubuntu" gnu linux.
cheers
_____
To: [email]
From: [email]
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:45:05 -0700
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
I'm a unix/linux admin, though Windows 7 is Microsoft's best OS.
_____
From: William McBrine <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2009 1:30:10 AM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
On Fri, 21 Aug 2009, Johnny Red (Timex) wrote:
> linux is not the answer. You always will have to run windows for a
> reason.
Speak for yourself. The ONLY reason I EVER run Windows is to port my own
software to it and provide support for Windows users.
--
William McBrine <wmcbrine@gmail. com <mailto:[email]> >
_____
Gratis y optimizado para MSN Nuevo Internet Explorer 8
<http://www.ie8.msn.com/microsoft/internet-explorer-8/es-xl/ie8.aspx>
11. Re: FPGA Version of TS2068 - Need Opinions
cheveron · Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:49
--- In [email], "Bill Loguidice" <bill@...> wrote:
>
> what the target audience uses, which of course is Windows
Outside of business use, Windows is irrelevant. What people actually use is the web.