Links
We couldn't go one step without first recommending the Z80 Info website.
There is a large collection of information regarding the Z80 and supporting chips, documentation. There are also many, many links to websites for computers and computing equipment that utilized the Z80. Many of these sites are like mine and are often dedicated solely to that particular device or computer.
In the years I've been using the Z80, I've not been able to completely navigate all the resources on this fine website. Formerly put together by Thomas Scherrer, it is now run by webmaster Gaby Chaudry, a woman in Germany who is a vintage computing enthusiast also.
Click on the image for link.
Grant Searle developed a Z80 computer on a breadboard. It uses a version of monitor written by yours truly to boot up, he has built a CP/M bios which works with a CF card. He uses an ATMEGA88 microcontroller to accept input from a PC keyboard, and to drive an 80 x 25 text display. Grant also helped solve a problem with BASIC and a monitor feature before I discovered testing code in simulation. Here's his site:
One computer system stands out in my mind as a true "hobbyist" Z80 computer is the Nascom Computer. This machine had keyboard, video output, ran BASIC from which I was able to port over to the Space-Time MCB, loaded from cassette and with attachments a 5.25" diskette drive. It had enough of a following in the UK to have its own fan magazine. There are some great bits of code over there as well as a lot of learning material.
[ Nascom Home Page ]
Groups
If you are on LinkedIn, we operate a discussion group for the Space-Time Productions Z80 MCB. It's located here:
Also on LinkedIn, we host a discussion group for things related to logic chips, centered on the 74LSxxx types, but not limited to them. Feel free to join us there, there's good discussion regarding dual ported rams and so forth:
Forums
I [Joel] participate in the Petscii Forum, there is a sub forum for Retrobits Podcast and tons of other things vintage-computing and modern day fun. A great place to meet other vintage computing enthusiasts as well as hearing some of the things they are into these days.
Podcasts
We listen to Earl at Retrobits, which has a periodic podcast concerning all things vintage computing and old school fun.
Highly recommend this as it's some great listening of interest to people who compute the vintage fantastic!
