3 ms·

I prefer the vintage Z80 manual from 1977: http://www.bitsavers.org/components/zilog/z80/03-0029-01_Z80_CPU_Technical_Manual_1977.pdf http://www.bitsavers.org/c

by kens 6y ago

I prefer the vintage Z80 manual from 1977: http://www.bitsavers.org/components/zilog/z80/03-0029-01_Z80_CPU_Technical_Manual_1977.pdf http://www.bitsavers.org/components/zilog/z80/03-0029-01_Z80... In general, if you are interested in old manuals, be sure to visit bitsavers.org. For instance, lots of Z80 manuals at http://www.bitsavers.org/components/zilog/z80 http://www.bitsavers.org/components/zilog/z80

analog31 6y ago
Just adding one more reference for those who are interested, and because it brings back memories. This is the Z80 book published by Howard Sams. I believe that the book was also re-sold by Radio Shack. It was my first introduction to microprocessor hardware, sometime around 1981 or 1982. I remember it for being extremely clearly written, making it a good introduction to concepts that tended to be applicable to all of the mainstream processors at the time. If someone were to ask me how to learn about hardware today, I'd start them with one of the early 8-bit machines, where the concepts are straightforward. I think that many of the features of modern machines can be understood as an evolution of overcoming the shortcomings of the early machines. http://www.pestingers.net/pdfs/other-computers/the-z80-microcomputer-handbook-william-barden.pdf http://www.pestingers.net/pdfs/other-computers/the-z80-micro...
swiley 6y ago
Haha yes! I think someone actually gave me a physical copy of this. Also, in case no one else said it in this thread: the Z80 is one of the easiest chips to build a home brew computer with (the slightly more obscure RCA COSMAC chip might be a little easier.) It's something I'd definitely recommend everyone try (I don't think doing so has any practical application, it's just fun.)
Tor3 6y ago
The later 'um80xx' versions are a superset of the 1977 manual, and, in particular, the 2004 version PDF version directly from Zilog (when scaled to "fit page") has much more readable fonts (for me at least) and is super-fast to page through. Very good when not using a hard copy. Great index too. The bitsaver scan of the 1977 version is almost painful to use in comparison: More difficult to read, no index, slow.

by kens 6y ago

analog31 6y ago

Just adding one more reference for those who are interested, and because it brings back memories. This is the Z80 book published by Howard Sams. I believe that the book was also re-sold by Radio Shack. It was my first introduction to microprocessor hardware, sometime around 1981 or 1982. I remember it for being extremely clearly written, making it a good introduction to concepts that tended to be applicable to all of the mainstream processors at the time. If someone were to ask me how to learn about hardware today, I'd start them with one of the early 8-bit machines, where the concepts are straightforward. I think that many of the features of modern machines can be understood as an evolution of overcoming the shortcomings of the early machines. http://www.pestingers.net/pdfs/other-computers/the-z80-microcomputer-handbook-william-barden.pdf http://www.pestingers.net/pdfs/other-computers/the-z80-micro...

swiley 6y ago

Haha yes! I think someone actually gave me a physical copy of this. Also, in case no one else said it in this thread: the Z80 is one of the easiest chips to build a home brew computer with (the slightly more obscure RCA COSMAC chip might be a little easier.) It's something I'd definitely recommend everyone try (I don't think doing so has any practical application, it's just fun.)

Tor3 6y ago

The later 'um80xx' versions are a superset of the 1977 manual, and, in particular, the 2004 version PDF version directly from Zilog (when scaled to "fit page") has much more readable fonts (for me at least) and is super-fast to page through. Very good when not using a hard copy. Great index too. The bitsaver scan of the 1977 version is almost painful to use in comparison: More difficult to read, no index, slow.