3 ms·

You might also enjoy Octo[1] which is based on a real 8-bit system called CHIP-8. There's even a month-long game jam going on right now![2] [1] https://github.

You might also enjoy Octo[1] which is based on a real 8-bit system called CHIP-8. There's even a month-long game jam going on right now![2] [1] https://github.com/JohnEarnest/Octo https://github.com/JohnEarnest/Octo [2] http://octojam.com http://octojam.com

nickpsecurity 11y ago
Thanks for the link. Most interesting was that it was implemented on the mighty RCA 1802 processor and very directly. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_1802 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_1802 Built on Silicon-on-Sapphire process, it was radiation and EMSEC tolerant plus low-power. Used in Galileo space-craft. Highly reliable. It's still sold with a spec that you can fully understand and that documents every state: http://www.intersil.com/en/products/space-and-harsh-environment/harsh-environment/microprocessors-and-peripherals/CDP1802A.html# http://www.intersil.com/en/products/space-and-harsh-environm... So, not just a toy, Octo or CHIP-8 could be used to prototype applications that just run and run and run in the field. Heck, even a retro-gamer might appreciate a system that never freezes past game logic errors.
- RodgerTheGreat 11y ago
  Sure! Eventually I would like to equip Octo with an optional 1802 emulation mode and the necessary mixed-mode assembler for producing 1802 machine code. Probably won't be available any time soon without strong demand, though.
  - nickpsecurity 11y ago
    That's understandable. I doubt the demand will show up but it was cool to see them connected in the write-up. Few even know 1802 exist much less why it's worth copying. Not sure how far you like to push yourself on low-level coding, reading on or doing it. I'll end with these links for your entertainment: 4-bit MCU's: the next challenge for 8-bit masters to strut their stuff. Interesting article esp how they're sold. http://www.embeddedinsights.com/channels/2010/12/10/considerations-for-4-bit-processing/ http://www.embeddedinsights.com/channels/2010/12/10/consider... Example 4-bit CPU's for public http://www.ttlcpu.com/content/links http://www.ttlcpu.com/content/links Note: Really wonder what best retro games would look like on 4-bits, esp after hardware acceleration tradeoffs. I always challenge the demoscene to show us. ;) Motorola 1-bit processor: "Real men don't need hulking 4-8 bitters!" Haha http://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/mc14500b-a-1-bit-industrial-processor.88417/ http://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/mc14500b-a-1-bit-... Note: Manual and source code are attached to comments on that page. Would be amazed at seeing people do anything useful in modern applications with these. They'd win by default on memory/power/area efficiency haha.

nickpsecurity 11y ago

Thanks for the link. Most interesting was that it was implemented on the mighty RCA 1802 processor and very directly. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_1802 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_1802 Built on Silicon-on-Sapphire process, it was radiation and EMSEC tolerant plus low-power. Used in Galileo space-craft. Highly reliable. It's still sold with a spec that you can fully understand and that documents every state: http://www.intersil.com/en/products/space-and-harsh-environment/harsh-environment/microprocessors-and-peripherals/CDP1802A.html# http://www.intersil.com/en/products/space-and-harsh-environm... So, not just a toy, Octo or CHIP-8 could be used to prototype applications that just run and run and run in the field. Heck, even a retro-gamer might appreciate a system that never freezes past game logic errors.

RodgerTheGreat 11y ago
Sure! Eventually I would like to equip Octo with an optional 1802 emulation mode and the necessary mixed-mode assembler for producing 1802 machine code. Probably won't be available any time soon without strong demand, though.
- nickpsecurity 11y ago
  That's understandable. I doubt the demand will show up but it was cool to see them connected in the write-up. Few even know 1802 exist much less why it's worth copying. Not sure how far you like to push yourself on low-level coding, reading on or doing it. I'll end with these links for your entertainment: 4-bit MCU's: the next challenge for 8-bit masters to strut their stuff. Interesting article esp how they're sold. http://www.embeddedinsights.com/channels/2010/12/10/considerations-for-4-bit-processing/ http://www.embeddedinsights.com/channels/2010/12/10/consider... Example 4-bit CPU's for public http://www.ttlcpu.com/content/links http://www.ttlcpu.com/content/links Note: Really wonder what best retro games would look like on 4-bits, esp after hardware acceleration tradeoffs. I always challenge the demoscene to show us. ;) Motorola 1-bit processor: "Real men don't need hulking 4-8 bitters!" Haha http://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/mc14500b-a-1-bit-industrial-processor.88417/ http://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/mc14500b-a-1-bit-... Note: Manual and source code are attached to comments on that page. Would be amazed at seeing people do anything useful in modern applications with these. They'd win by default on memory/power/area efficiency haha.