I'm loving the ZXpand
I'm loving the ZXpand
I'm loving my new setup thanks to the ZXpand.
After the ZXpand package arrived, I had it sitting around for a few weeks until I finished off another project and made room for it on my work table. I was in no hurry as I thought it'd be a similar experience to my ZX1541 interface. However I was pleasantly surprised how much better it was, and how much more I enjoyed using it. The difference is black and white. Now I'm not downing on the ZX1541 as I think it's a pretty good solution allround, but I love my new super simple, super powerful setup.
Philip
After the ZXpand package arrived, I had it sitting around for a few weeks until I finished off another project and made room for it on my work table. I was in no hurry as I thought it'd be a similar experience to my ZX1541 interface. However I was pleasantly surprised how much better it was, and how much more I enjoyed using it. The difference is black and white. Now I'm not downing on the ZX1541 as I think it's a pretty good solution allround, but I love my new super simple, super powerful setup.
Philip
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
/me bows
Thanks! It was my intention all along to make it as simple and powerful as possible. This makes me think I managed that
(What game is on screen there??)
Thanks! It was my intention all along to make it as simple and powerful as possible. This makes me think I managed that
(What game is on screen there??)
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
Manic Minor. In my opinion, the best game for the ZX81 ever.
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
What sort of display setup is that? Looks like an LCD, is it via a composite output? Either way, looks like a nice neat setup and I'd like to achieve something like that...
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
The monitor I'm using is called a Digistance DS-TV216:
http://www.rakuten.co.jp/yu-ki/485807/697539/1886151/
...but it's basically one of those cheap Chinese 7" LCD TV's that has been branded by another name. These TV's can usually be found for around US$60. I have 3 of them in various disguises/brands that I use on different computers. I like them because they are small, tough, and can do composite input (However the ZX81 in the photo is not converted to output composite, so the image you see is just from a regular RF signal, but it's not bad). The only real issue I have with the TV is its resolution, as it's not very high. The text can be a little funky where the ZX81's (or any other computers) generated pixels dont match the TV's pixel grid. It's still quite usable though, and I think it's a good cheap match for the ZX81, especially in matt black.
http://www.rakuten.co.jp/yu-ki/485807/697539/1886151/
...but it's basically one of those cheap Chinese 7" LCD TV's that has been branded by another name. These TV's can usually be found for around US$60. I have 3 of them in various disguises/brands that I use on different computers. I like them because they are small, tough, and can do composite input (However the ZX81 in the photo is not converted to output composite, so the image you see is just from a regular RF signal, but it's not bad). The only real issue I have with the TV is its resolution, as it's not very high. The text can be a little funky where the ZX81's (or any other computers) generated pixels dont match the TV's pixel grid. It's still quite usable though, and I think it's a good cheap match for the ZX81, especially in matt black.
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
I do think the ZXpand is THE ONLY ADD-ON you'll ever nedd for your Zeddy. I wish it could have been released 30 years ago...
This is incredible! I can play "Mazogs" three or four seconds after pressing newline! No more 15 or 16 minutes of tape loading programas (and tape loading errors)...
Thanks for your effort, sirmorris.
This is incredible! I can play "Mazogs" three or four seconds after pressing newline! No more 15 or 16 minutes of tape loading programas (and tape loading errors)...
Thanks for your effort, sirmorris.
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
I'm also loving the ZXpand, but I'm a little frustrated by not being able to use my programs with UDG characters:
Sirmorris, would be wonderful if we could to change the GAL setup so that ZXpand enable internal RAM between 8~16K when using CONFIG "M=H"! It is possible?
And not forgetting, thank you for your hard work and effort to making the ZXpand a reality. Really wonderful!
Sirmorris, would be wonderful if we could to change the GAL setup so that ZXpand enable internal RAM between 8~16K when using CONFIG "M=H"! It is possible?
And not forgetting, thank you for your hard work and effort to making the ZXpand a reality. Really wonderful!
1 x ZX81, 2 x TK85 , 1 TK82C, 1 TK95, 1 x Alphacom 32 printer, 1 x ZXpand
ZeXtender board, Joy81 - Programmable Joystick Controller, Turbo Sound 81
http://zx81.eu5.org
https://toddysoftware.itch.io/
ZeXtender board, Joy81 - Programmable Joystick Controller, Turbo Sound 81
http://zx81.eu5.org
https://toddysoftware.itch.io/
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
ZXpand simply puts 5V on the RAMCS line, disabling all the internal RAM. If you were willing to make a small modification to the zxpand board I think it may be possible to do what you need.
The ROMCS line is only driven when the internal ROM needs to be active. I have a new GAL image which does the same for RAMCS. I haven't tested it yet but it was a simple change. Do you have the ability to program a GAL20V8B?? If so then you can try this:
Separate the RAMCS line from the 5V supply. The connection is on TOP - that's the component side. You can see if you look with a magnifier. Connect RAMCS to pin 20 on the memory select GAL.
C
The ROMCS line is only driven when the internal ROM needs to be active. I have a new GAL image which does the same for RAMCS. I haven't tested it yet but it was a simple change. Do you have the ability to program a GAL20V8B?? If so then you can try this:
Separate the RAMCS line from the 5V supply. The connection is on TOP - that's the component side. You can see if you look with a magnifier. Connect RAMCS to pin 20 on the memory select GAL.
C
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
Great news, sirmorris
I'll be able to program the GAL20V8B as soon as my new device programmer arrive from China
Thanks.
I'll be able to program the GAL20V8B as soon as my new device programmer arrive from China
Thanks.
1 x ZX81, 2 x TK85 , 1 TK82C, 1 TK95, 1 x Alphacom 32 printer, 1 x ZXpand
ZeXtender board, Joy81 - Programmable Joystick Controller, Turbo Sound 81
http://zx81.eu5.org
https://toddysoftware.itch.io/
ZeXtender board, Joy81 - Programmable Joystick Controller, Turbo Sound 81
http://zx81.eu5.org
https://toddysoftware.itch.io/
Re: I'm loving the ZXpand
Where we can get this game?nama wrote:Manic Minor. In my opinion, the best game for the ZX81 ever.
1 x ZX81, 2 x TK85 , 1 TK82C, 1 TK95, 1 x Alphacom 32 printer, 1 x ZXpand
ZeXtender board, Joy81 - Programmable Joystick Controller, Turbo Sound 81
http://zx81.eu5.org
https://toddysoftware.itch.io/
ZeXtender board, Joy81 - Programmable Joystick Controller, Turbo Sound 81
http://zx81.eu5.org
https://toddysoftware.itch.io/