A few months ago I purchased a MIST FPGA Computer (http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=96) and was pretty happy with it for playing computer/game systems like the Amiga, C64, Atari, etc. But I also loaded in the FPGA core update for the ZX81 and have never been able to get it to do anything. It just loads and stays blank on the screen. There isn't really anyone to contact for this.
http://lotharek.pl/category.php?kid=11
https://github.com/mist-devel/mist-bina ... cores/zx01
However, the Spectrum FPGA cores works pretty well and many of the other systems as well.
Currently my MIST is down as I somehow locked it up during a firmware upgrade. There are 2 ways to fix this by reprogramming the main ATMEL chip on the MIST but the chip software requires Win7 or less and all of my home laptops are on Win10. The other way is more technical with purchasing a special cable for $40 which I'm holding off on. Since I've started a new job, I will use my new laptop with Win7 when I gain admin access to run the Atmel code in a week or two and re-flash the firmware back so I can use the MIST again.
OK - My question...Has anyone used the MIST and more particularly with the ZX81 (ZX01) core code (which is 2 years old) and got it to work?
Tim
MIST FPGA Computer - for ZX81?
Re: MIST FPGA Computer - for ZX81?
I've used this core long ago - today I've fired up my MIST again and the core still works 
Here is how I've done it:
1. start the ZX81 core
2. F12 for loading - navigate to q *.p file for the ZX
3. on the ZX Screen: LOAD ""
4. the screen gets dark (on older TV's you have seen grey and white stripes)
5. press the most right button in the front of the MIST (this starts the cassette player) - yellow LED schon be on while loading
6. be patient - it tooks the same time like the original loading - there is no instant loading
7. some programs are startiing automatic - some programs you have to start: type RUN
I hope the this also works for you
Here is how I've done it:
1. start the ZX81 core
2. F12 for loading - navigate to q *.p file for the ZX
3. on the ZX Screen: LOAD ""
4. the screen gets dark (on older TV's you have seen grey and white stripes)
5. press the most right button in the front of the MIST (this starts the cassette player) - yellow LED schon be on while loading
6. be patient - it tooks the same time like the original loading - there is no instant loading
7. some programs are startiing automatic - some programs you have to start: type RUN
I hope the this also works for you
My Blog (in German): http://www.jungsi.de
Re: MIST FPGA Computer - for ZX81?
Jungsi - That was my problem. Your description is with the assumption that MIST boots up correctly with the ZX81 core. However, I just get a blank screen and it never gets to display the flashing "K". I will need to look at this again and see what could be wrong. Other cores worked fine. However, currently my MIST is locked in it's firmware so I will need to get a laptop with Windows 7 first to run the Atmel SAM-BA 2.1 firmware fix first.
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1024MAK
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Re: MIST FPGA Computer - for ZX81?
Err, no flashing cursor on a Zeddy... just an inverse K on a white screen...
Mark
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
Standby alert There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: MIST FPGA Computer - for ZX81?
I saw on the MIST site there was a way to contact them so I did and got the information to send the MIST back to Poland. Expensive shipping and then it comes back most likely at my expense too. Anyway, he said they would also check if the ZX81 core works but from my information to Till, he thinks it might be that it may not work with the latest firmware but he would check it out and let me know - once they are able to communicate with my MIST again since the firmware crash many months ago.