New ZX80 boards

[BrunoFlorindo]

Further clarification:

Andrew Owen obtained (and I quote him) "GPL distribution permission for ROMs from:
* John Grant and Steve Vickers (ZX80/ZX81)"

So, the ZX80 and ZX81 roms can be distributed under the GPL.

[iturbez]

Dependig on the price, I would like a board, or a kit, too.

[Lee Hart]

I noticed that the silkscreen of my ZX80 board was a little difficult to interpret without the pads and holes. So I printed a new copy with the silkscreen, pads and holes. Rich has it posted at
http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/downloads/zx80silk.pdf (silkscreen)
http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/downloads/zx80sch.pdf (schematic)

It also sounds like the ZX80 and ZX81 ROMs are no problem to copy. So, it's looking like this is a "go" project! If folks have time, please take a look and let me know if you see any problems before I order boards. My feeling right now is to order a small number, so they can be built and tested by "early adopters" in case I missed something (left GND off some pin, etc.)

[Lee Hart]

I'm impressed and delighted by the response so far. About 10 people have expressed interest on the German forum, and another half a dozen here. So I'll definitely be ordering boards.

But, I'm a bit concerned about ordering so many of a first-run board. I think it is better to order a small number of boards (4-6), and get them in the hands of some "early adopters" who will actually build it and help with the testing and debugging. Then I can make any necessary corrections and improvements before ordering "production" boards for everyone.

The early adopters get their boards first, at my cost (Advanced Circuits quoted price is $33 US plus shipping), and get to participate in the design and development process. If you're interested, you can email me directly at leeahart at earthlink.net and we'll get rolling!

[Mike3]

So how goes it with the trial ZX80 boards.. were there any takers? ...

Mike

[nama]

Possible good deal on PCB manufacturing:

http://www.pcbnet.com/newcustomeroffer.asp

[Lee Hart]

Mike3 wrote:
> So how goes it with the trial ZX80 boards.. were there any takers? ...

Of the dozen-plus anonymous parties that said they were interested, exactly one person (Sir Morriss) contacted me to get a board. I also got zero feedback on whether the circuit or the layout looked OK. So, I decided to only order 4 boards (the minimum number I can get) at $33 US per board. They should arrive within the next week or two.

Even though ordering more brings the price down, it's too risky to order more until I know people are serious. But that does mean that two boards are still available, if anyone is interested.

[zx81jens]

hi lee!

at this moment i have (including me) 14 boads to order. i think, there will be some more in the future!

your board looks fine and well-thinked...

unfortunately, i am not understanding circuits so well, but if you like, you can send me a test-board... i will try my very best

i will send you my adress via e@mail - how much do i have to pay (33$ plus shipping) ?

i´ll ask the german forum for testers also...

greetings and thank you
jens

[BrunoFlorindo]

I think I already said I would like to buy one, but when I read that they needed to be tested first, I knew I wouldn't be of much help. I can't help with testing, but I'm more than happy to buy one once a group order is made (if it's made). Those who know me from this and all the other Sinclair forums know that once I commit to something, I do it
If you don't find other testers right away and need to cover the costs please send me a pm and I'll be glad to get one of the test boards (and hope that it's 100% working).
Keep up the good work!

[Mike3]

Well I figured everyone would jump on the Free "Trial" boards,, and If the trial boards are 33.00 ea... the production boards.. with It looks like 14-20 or more buyers should be even cheaper.. i would buy more than one...

Mike