We’ve seen Z80 processor based computers before but they usually use a printed circuit board to easily and reliably connect all the components. [Marton] sent us his Z80 based computer from a while back that is built entirely on prototyping board. He made his own video board that utilizes a TV as the monitor and his own mainboard incorporating a keyboard controller. The system runs at 4 MHz, has 32k of ram, and runs [Marton’s] own system software which he has posted. Its quite impressive and we love the protoboard porn with thousands of grey wires running everywhere.
[Marton] used the resources on [Hans Summers’] site for his project. Make sure to check it out if you’re interested in a broader background concerning DIY Zilog Z80 computers.
itneresting
Needs to be wired with enamelled wire rather than plastic coated greyness for it to be proto board porn!
I love how much detail he put into this and how all he did was reuse old parts ^^
I agree with James. As a young engineer I built many proto boards with Vero wire. Shame I didn’t keep any photos!
Wow.
Incredible labor of love.
A friend of mine built one of these a while ago, though he used a modified BBC Basic setup for the OS rather than a completely custom one. http://benryves.com/projects/z80computer
How does he reprogram the arduino?
haha an arduino joke, you’re funny as hell. no really, stop shitting up the comments you cunt.
seriously they finally post something worth while and you make an arduino joke. Plus the z80 is way better than the arduino anyway. :P
Hurrah for the Z80! :-D
Can it run CP/M?
@devin Reminded of the special olympics much? Your still a retard!
@ nave.notnilc
It probably could run CP/M with a little bit of tweakery, although it could really do with 64k to do it comfortably – especially if it’s going to be networked.
I still miss my old TRS80/II that ran something very similar to CP/M on a z80 with 64k…
Z80 Rulez. +1 for the post and protoz80 owner gets +10
I like the image you have posted here.
Ahh, the memories… Did this with a Z80A when I was 13 years old on a blue 22/44 protoboard using bits of 25-pair telco wire, so mine was much more colorful… :)
I’ve soldered my ZX-81 kit in those days. You wrestled a different kind of monster, so I call you Sir.
is it possible to connect it to an arduino?
i have an old ti-81 graphing calculator with a z-80 any hacks for it any one know