ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Any discussions related to the creation of new hardware or software for the ZX80 or ZX81
balford
Posts: 104
Joined: Tue Dec 03, 2013 11:20 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland

Re: ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Post by balford »

This prompted me to dust off my ZXBlast which was still at firmware rev. 0.9 :D

PokeMon - may I PM you about the procedure to update the USB controller manually? The Zeddy I was using to update the controller with ZXMUPD21.rom wasn't the most stable as it turns out...
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PokeMon
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Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:48 pm

Re: ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Post by PokeMon »

I will check if this upgrade process can be more stable when adapting the hardware. Stay tuned. 8-)
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metalh4mster
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Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2021 10:52 am

Re: ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Post by metalh4mster »

Hi there again! After some time not using the ZXBlaster unit, I found out that the expansion board doesn't work anymore. The ZX81 powers up normally without the board; besides, once the ZXBlast is plugged and the ZX81 powered on afterwards, the video screen appears to be blank (no "K" cursor at the bottom of the screen).

I believe that it might be in an intermediate state regarding the reprogramming of both SST chip and Altera CPLD as well, with the USB method some time ago. How could I reprogram the CPLD chip to bring back the expansion board to life again? I have an Altera USB Blaster, but no board/adapter/interface for programming the CPLD itself. In my own lack of knowledge, any suggestion would be really appreciated.
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Vorticon
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Re: ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Post by Vorticon »

Is the ZXblast still available anywhere?
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mrtinb
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Re: ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Post by mrtinb »

The first version is not available any more, but it's creator PokeMon is working on an update with fewer bugs. However as this is a hobby project, real life has the first priority. So patience is a virtue. :)
Martin
https://zx.rtin.be
ZX81, Lambda 8300, Commodore 64, Mac G4 Cube
Lardo Boffin
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Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Re: ZXblast - ZX81 memory extension plus USB

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Vorticon wrote: Sat Apr 30, 2022 12:40 pm Is the ZXblast still available anywhere?
I just asked that question after reading about them!

I probably need to stop buying all of Pokemon’s keyboards and ZX8-CCBs so he has time to look at them. :?
ZX80
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