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Make sure you order appropriate support ICs as well, as some of these are EOL too. I would recommend a Z80 DART, since that is actually useful to work with. As
by nanolith 2y ago
Make sure you order appropriate support ICs as well, as some of these are EOL too. I would recommend a Z80 DART, since that is actually useful to work with.
As for what to do with them, consider a retro-controller project that you'd typically use an Arduino or similar, or consider porting Microsoft BASIC or CP/M. It depends if you want to be semi-practical by doing something with the former or have a little nostalgia fun by doing something with the latter. These can also interface with an SN76489 to do some old school sound effects and music. With some more advanced interfacing, it would be possible to drive an OPL3 or similar.
These are surprisingly capable CPUs.
- nottorp 2y ago> As for what to do with them, consider a retro-controller project Yeah, problem is i have an arduino and an esp32 plugged into other stuff on my desk right now for work (and a couple Pis with different setups). Because I'm paid to do stuff like that, it's not new and interesting as a hobby. I'll do look into getting some support chips for the z80s though, thanks. > These are surprisingly capable CPUs. I grew up with zx spectrums and some access to cp/m machines :)
- nanolith 2y agoI do firmware work as well. There is something nice about building a 65C02 based cellphone, or a fermentation system controller using a 68010 and a CPLD based MPU. A Z80 fits nicely into this. It's not practical, but it can be an interesting application of art.