PCB and components arrived. So many packages, from US, Spain, Czech Republic and China. I bought two sets of PCBs, and they are slightly different. Checking the components and comparing with the PCB footprints I figured out the DIN8 connectors will not fit and need to order new ones. The rest seems to be OK.... Continue Reading →
Let’s build a brand new MSX computer – Part 1
My 20 years with Microsoft and almost 40 years of MSX Imagine you my dear friend, that in the early 80's the PC was yet to be invented. The options for having a computer at home were very scarce. Each manufacturer creating their own hardware and their own software systems. The worst part is that... Continue Reading →
Let’s Build (Retro Edition): The TZXDuino Reloaded
Looking for cool projects to use with my MSX (and other vintage computers) I found the TZXDuino. It is basically a small board that combines the Arduino, a micro SD card slot and a phone jack to play digital copies (TZX files) of tapes and load programs on those computers. I'm specially interested in the... Continue Reading →
Let’s Build (Retro Edition): A GALPLA (or PLA20V8) for the Commodore 64
If you ever attempted to relive a "now vintage" C64 computer, there is a great chance that you just turned it on and got a full black (or full white) screen. No cursor, no basic, nothing. There is also a good chance that you will spend a considerable amount of time trying to figure out... Continue Reading →
My RC2014
Do you know what is a RC2014? It is a simple 8 bit Z80 based modular computer designed by Spencer Owen in the UK. It is inspired by the home built computers of the late 70s and computer revolution of the early 80s. It is not a clone of anything specific, but there are suggestions... Continue Reading →
Let’s Build a Minecraft Lamp
This is the first post of the Let's Build series. My intention is to share not only posts related to Microsoft software but also general technology subjects. My kids are avid Minecraft players, they do advanced stuff on the game and discuss things that I don’t really understand. Just for fun I decided to print... Continue Reading →