Hello! Super new to CPC Computers!

[JohnnyRockets]

Hi all,

Glad to have found this forum as I am attempting to learn Z80 Assembly language and am hoping that you all will be able to assist me occasionally.

I'm from Michigan in the USA. 

Ironically, because we live in the day and age when anyone can "own" any 8-bit (emulated) system from the 80's/90's, I am actually learning Z80 assembly on the CPC Emulator (WinAPE).  This emulator is SO great!

Prior to finding this great emulator, I had never even heard of a CPC computer, because in the US, Commodore, Radio Shack, Texas Instruments, etc. were the "king" computers of the day.


Anyways, looking forward to meeting you all! 



JR

[norecess464]

Hello,
You are not the first one registered here, coming from the US. Great to have you around !! We are not living very far each other (living in Montreal / Canada).

This amazes me (that people without any contacts gets some interests to the platform),

The Amstrad CPC was late (cf. the first model of CPC was released in 1984) regarding the other machines you mention. It's a well-balanced machine, quite pleasant to use, with a fantastic collection of software. It was a major hit in Europe, I would say as popular as the C64 back in the days.

Learning Z80 on the Amstrad is a good thing.. It may take some time to understand how video memory is managed (cf. display graphics efficiently), but that's a detail. If you rely on firmware to interact with the machine, it's not a problem to print characters etc. to screen.

Feel free to show us your progress!!
Again, welcome.

[SkulleateR]

Welcome, have fun here 

[JohnnyRockets]

Hi norecess & SkulleateR!

Thank you for your great replies! 

Norecess, you and I are 9 1/2 hours from each other by car!  So not too far really! 

I'm amazed too!  If it wasn't for the internet, and all the emulation, I would have never even known about the CPC or this great forum!

I'm really enjoying playing around with the Amstrad CPC emulated.  I actually dove right into Assembly language programming with it and haven't actually played any games with it yet!  LOL!  I will have to check into that!  Honestly, I don't even know where the good CPC software websites are, I'll have to do a search on that.

Yes, in 1984 I was in 11th grade of High School, and was playing with my Commodore VIC-20, but something like the CPC would have not been affordable for me at that time, but it sure would have been a great machine to own!  It appears to have been a REAL step up from the VIC-20!   

I am currently following a nice assembly language video tutorial series and it is great, but sometimes it goes too fast, so I will be very glad to be able to ask you all some of my questions, that is why I am VERY thankful for this GREAT forum.

Thanks again and talk to you all soon!


JR

[keith56]

Welcome to the forum! Hope you have fun with the CPC!

[norecess464]

Oh, never played Amstrad games? Damn!

To get you started with some of the CPC abilities, taking in consideration your background with Commodore, I suggest you to have a look on those games:

Arkanoid: https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=298
Pinball Dreams: https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=16736
Prehistorik 2: https://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=1682

Just by playing those 3 games, you will realize the big potential of the Amstrad.

Emulation is one thing.
If it gets serious over time: in your context (living in US) you could eventually get the real machine, just by buying the original keyboard (containing the computer, search on eBay..) + a VGA converter (so you can use a modern VGA monitor) + a Gotek device (cf. use SDCards instead of the original 3" discs). Combined, that would cost you approx. 200$ US (with shipping included etc). With such a configuration, everything could be powered without the need of a 220V->110V converter.

Have fun!

[mr_lou]

Welcome! 

[Gryzor]

Welcome mate, have fun here and don't hesitate to ask!

[ervin]

Welcome!
This forum has lots of excellent programmers, so don't be afraid to ask for help.
Also, if you're after an absolutely outstanding assembler, give RASM a try.
http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/programming/rasm-z80-assembler-in-beta/

[JohnnyRockets]

Thanks a lot everyone!  I REALLY appreciate the warm welcome!

It means a lot!


JR