CALCULON/80: Z-80 Microprocessor-based Homebrew Microcomputer

This is a gorgeous project by Jack Engqvist Johansson with some good documentation including additional shots, schematics, and decision-making thoughts over on his website.

Memory: 64 KiB read-write RAM, 4 KiB ROM
CPU: Z80A (4 MHz)
Peripherals:

  • 1x RS-232 (DTE, DB9S, Flow Control: RTS/CTS)
  • 1x UART
  • 2x 16-bit timers
  • IDE Host Interface (16-bit read, 8-bit write, no interrupts or DMA)
  • 2x 8-bit GPIO output ports
  • 2x 8-bit GPIO input ports

    • Here are pictures of the breadboard prototype and un-populated PCBs:

    This website documents the building of a computer based on the Z-80 microprocessor. The intentions of this was to have fun and learn. The project starts simple with only some ICs in a test circuit and ends with a complete computer, with ROM, RAM, I/O and storage. A minimum requirement was that it should be capable of running CP/M and being accessible through a serial interface (RS-232).

    I have not yet ported any operating system to the computer, but when I do, I will post it here. Same goes with the technical documentation and other interesting things.

    Read more.

    Stop breadboarding and soldering – start making immediately! Adafruit’s Circuit Playground is jam-packed with LEDs, sensors, buttons, alligator clip pads and more. Build projects with Circuit Playground in a few minutes with the drag-and-drop MakeCode programming site, learn computer science using the CS Discoveries class on code.org, jump into CircuitPython to learn Python and hardware together, TinyGO, or even use the Arduino IDE. Circuit Playground Express is the newest and best Circuit Playground board, with support for CircuitPython, MakeCode, and Arduino. It has a powerful processor, 10 NeoPixels, mini speaker, InfraRed receive and transmit, two buttons, a switch, 14 alligator clip pads, and lots of sensors: capacitive touch, IR proximity, temperature, light, motion and sound. A whole wide world of electronics and coding is waiting for you, and it fits in the palm of your hand.

    Join 32,000+ makers on Adafruit’s Discord channels and be part of the community! http://adafru.it/discord

    Have an amazing project to share? The Electronics Show and Tell is every Wednesday at 7pm ET! To join, head over to YouTube and check out the show’s live chat – we’ll post the link there.

    Join us every Wednesday night at 8pm ET for Ask an Engineer!

    Follow Adafruit on Instagram for top secret new products, behinds the scenes and more https://www.instagram.com/adafruit/

    CircuitPython – The easiest way to program microcontrollers – CircuitPython.org

    Maker Business — A development to watch: Intel in Ohio

    Wearables — Seal the dEaL with this project tip

    Electronics — Breadboarding Wire

    Python for Microcontrollers — Python on Microcontrollers Newsletter: CircuitPython 7.3.0 RC0 Out and Much More! #Python #CircuitPython @micropython @ThePSF

    Adafruit IoT Monthly — Detecting Water Pollution, Smart Girder, and more!

    Microsoft MakeCode — MakeCode Thank You!

    EYE on NPI — Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC Step-Down Power Module #EyeOnNPI @maximintegrated @digikey

    New Products – Adafruit Industries – Makers, hackers, artists, designers and engineers! — JP’s Product Pick of the Week 5/17/22 ESP32-S2 QT Py WiFi Dev Board @adafruit @johnedgarpark #adafruit #newproductpick

    Get the only spam-free daily newsletter about wearables, running a "maker business", electronic tips and more! Subscribe at AdafruitDaily.com !

    1 Comment

    1. Kris
      March 23, 2017 at 3:14 pm

      I probably still have diskettes that have version of C/PM on them that this thing could run… 🙂

    Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

    Filed under: components & parts, computers —
    Tags: , , , , — by nicknormal

    Comments (1)