RetroShield Emulates Classic 8-Bit Computers with hardware #VintageComputing #History #Emulation #AppleI #Z80 @hacksterio @8bitforce

Via hackster.io, the RetroShield emulates classic 8-bit computers when attached to an Arduino Mega compatible. Available daughtercards can socket 8-bit microprocessors such as the 6502, Z80, or 6809.

The Arduino Mega emulates the RAM, ROM, and I/O devices. It also provides a terminal connection back to the host PC. With this combination, it is possible to emulate vintage computers such as the Apple I or Commodore 64.

Emulated clock speeds are well below the original ~1 MHz with a Mega. Instead, think of this platform as “wire-wrapping in software.”

The RetroShield is developed by Erturk Kocalar of 8 Bit Force and sells for $18 (unassembled.) The kit includes a daughtercard, a socket, header pins, and an LED along with a 6502, Z80, or 6809.

With an Arduino Mega, the emulated RAM runs out quickly on more but the basic assembly program.

Find more information on the RetroShield over on 8 Bit Force’s Tindie store. Read more in the Hackster.io article here.

Adafruit note: this looks like an excellent project to try the Adafruit Grand Central board (with and without headers):

Perhaps a Grand Central can approach original processor speeds? We’d like to see!

UPDATE: Code for boards is on GitLab: 6502, Z80, 6809 – Erturk Kocalar’s main GitLab here.

Website is http://www.8bitforce.com/

Hardware is CC ShareAlike 4.0 license, software is MIT license, nice! Great work!

Kit Contents for the RetroShield6502, it is a pcb, processor, socket, and header


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2 Comments

  1. Does the Grand Central have 5V I/O like the Mega256 though? Not sure those old chips will take 3.3V from a modern micro as a high level input.

    I’m pretty sure at 120 MHz you can emulate the original chip entirely in software, never mind on a 600 MHz Teensy 4. But where’s the fun in that?

  2. I personally think having the extra RAM and flash opens up the possible classic computers the boards can emulate. While an Apple I is fun for maybe 10 minutes, an Apple II or C64 clone would be very interesting.

    The logic levels may be an issue, yes. Many chips can take 3.3 as a high (check the data sheets) but the microprocessor outputs would need a level shift unless the data sheet specifies the inputs of the microcontroller are 5V tolerant.

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