Before we start to dig into the assembly, software, and various projects involved with the Z80-MBC2 single board computer, I thought I'd give you a little background on the author and the motivation behind the creation of project documentation for this kit.
I'm a part of what is commonly called, Generation-X. Born in the early 70's, before smartphones, Internet, and cable TV. My earliest memories of experimenting with electronics as a child were lighting up 12v lamps salvaged from junkyards with the power supply from an old television. When the home computer revolution started happening in the late 70's and early 80's, a Commodore 64 became my magic carpet to adventures in programming, telecommunication with BBS systems, and of course gaming.
Compared to today's technology, computers from the 1970s and 1980s had limited computing capabilities. Nevertheless, one could achieve mastery in operating these machines by putting in dedication and effort. The computers often came with comprehensive books that included details on the instruction set and design schematics.
Activating the power switch, a flashing cursor would appear in just a matter of seconds, beckoning you to unleash your imagination and unlock the virtual world within. Venture through the ruins of the Great Underground Empire, or mount a daring rescue mission in a military complex. When tired of playing games, one could switch to programming mode, with no distractions from social media or video-sharing platforms, and create their own adventures. It was a time of pure creativity and focus, limited only by one's imagination.
For those interested in electronics, the 1970s and 1980s computers often featured user-ports, slots, or sockets that allowed you to connect and interface your own creations with the computer.
The contrast with today's computers is stark. Although they boast millions of times more computing power, the technology behind them has become ubiquitous and almost mystical. Instead of comprehensive design schematics, the documentation for these machines often amounts to a few simple instructions on how to set it up. The wide range of software available to users is overwhelming, but this convenience has also led to a tendency to waste time on non-productive activities like browsing videos and social media.
Over the past four decades, computers have transformed from educational tools that inspired imagination to sources of mindless entertainment, similar to television. Our attention spans have decreased from an hour to just a few minutes, and while the modern computer has opened up a world of information and communication, many people have lost sight of its potential as a tool for learning and creativity.
For those of us who are "old-timers," retro computing has become a popular way of turning back the clock. If you've made it this far, you may be either intrigued by the idea of exploring vintage computers as a hobby, or you may have personal memories of growing up with the computer technology of the 1970s and 1980s.
Time to pull this toward the topic. As a collector of classic computer hardware, I can tell you that these old machines can be both fascinating and challenging to work with. Due to their age, these computers are prone to chip failures and other issues commonly associated with antique electronics. Moreover, repairing them can be expensive, as replacement chips are often just as fragile as the failed ones and may be in short supply. I spend a significant portion of my time simply trying to keep my old computers running. Additionally, I would be cautious about connecting any homemade electronics to the user ports of these vintage machines.
Imagine being able to relive the experience of retro computing without having to deal with the expensive and fragile hardware. This opens up opportunities for you to master the computer, discover the roots of modern computing, and even delve into programming, electronics, and unleash your imagination. This is what excites me about documenting various projects and software for the Z80-MBC2.
We'll start digging into the assembly in the next entry.
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