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#91

Amstrad CPC hardware / Re: Other Video Cards

Last post by zhulien - 18:11, 15 May 24

I dont use my CPC because it's retro, I use it because I enjoy programming it.  If people don't want to add some hardware they are not forced to buy, they don't have to.  For someone to say that those who want to add new hardware to their CPC shouldn't have that opportunity then those types of people are just *ssho***

#92

B

Amstrad CPC hardware / Re: 6128 compatible, mechanica...

Last post by Benedikt - 17:58, 15 May 24

Nice, but why the big backspace key? The keycaps should have some in order to be able to keep the CLR and DEL keys from the CPC. It would also be advisable to use UK ISO instead of US ISO so that the @, " and pound symbols remain in the correct places. Cherry profile keycaps aren't a problem as long as you don't mind the fact that the f4-f9 differ slightly in height from the top two rows of keys. For my keyboard, I went the route with plate-mounted switches.

I had no intention to copy the CPC's narrow backspace key. In my opinion, the tiny backspace keys on keyboards of the late 1970s and early 1980s were a relic from the era of electric typewriters, on which you really did not want to use the backspace key.
On a computer keyboard, where the backspace key is substantially more useful, making it bigger makes it more ergonomic.
Even the KC compact's backspace key was 1.5U wide.

The layout I based mine on actually is a British ISO layout, but the variant used by Apple machines, which apparently sell well enough without Pound key.
Other than that, a Pound key is actually nothing I ever had or ever missed in my life.

When it comes to plate-mounted vs. PCB-mounted, I can now say that the variant with PCB-mounted switches is definitely solid enough, even with 3-pin switches.
It also makes the whole design more accessible, and of course more affordable.

And yes, the firmware has to be (made) aware of the keyboard layout.

The one problem I'd forsee with that is that very little software uses the firmware routines. It might be alright as long as all the "major" keys still end up with the same underlying key numbers.

All alphanumeric glyphs and about a dozen special characters are in the exact same spot as on an English CPC keyboard.
However, I would say that any piece of software that cares about the glyph on a key in any way, has to use the firmware routines or at least its tables.
Otherwise, it is broken and always has been, considering that Amstrad's own machines came with English, French, Spanish and Danish keyboards.

#93

NC100, NC200, PCW, PDA600 - the rest of the Family! / Re: FUZIX "Unix" for NC100 (an...

Last post by zhulien - 17:43, 15 May 24

Ok, so a port to the Speccy makes even more problems than a port to the CPC.


If I would port it, I would put the Fuzix in ROM and swap full 64 KB page. 4x better 


EDIT: Like CP/M Plus does it.

Remember we can do full 64kbnbanknswitches on cpc quickly and reliability without the need for a rom.

#94

NC100, NC200, PCW, PDA600 - the rest of the Family! / Re: FUZIX "Unix" for NC100 (an...

Last post by zhulien - 17:35, 15 May 24

Looking at the fuzix code the biggest problem is likely the memory layout used by default but it could be possible to customize it for CPc to make Fuzix sit either in the first 64kb or the 2nd 64kb and all other tasks given almost a full 64kb with a small fuzix stub near the top of memory which can do full 64kb memory bank switches.  Top of memory to do full 64kb bank switches would mean if the main fuzix logic can fit in main memory, then video memory should be moved down to 4000 (if firmware is to be preserved) or (8000 if no firmware is required). I think its definitely possible just a bit more effort than for systems with different banking models.

#95

Amstrad CPC hardware / Re: 6128 compatible, mechanica...

Last post by Fessor - 17:12, 15 May 24

Must be the reflection of the Desk. Its 1,5mm Aluminum.

#96

Amstrad CPC hardware / Re: 6128 compatible, mechanica...

Last post by Bryce - 15:25, 15 May 24

Yes, but you seem to have used some sort of thin compressed paper or wood (Pressholzplatte), so the stiffness will most likely degrade over time, especially in humid conditions. That's why sheet metal or even a resin board may be better over time.

Bryce.

#97

Games / Re: Enter the contest for the ...

Last post by Shaun M. Neary - 12:18, 15 May 24

I'm actually quite amused that I'm still in the top 10 given that I haven't logged in since around 2018/2019.

#98

B

Hardware / Re: Expansions Port

Last post by Bongorocker - 12:11, 15 May 24

So, hab was gefunden, nicht ganz billig und aus Spanien, aber mir Wurst, keine Lust noch zu suchen.
adaptador Multi expansión Expander Board Amstrad CPC | eBay denke das reicht für meine Zwecke völlig aus.

Anbei: wo find ich´nen Ramtester ? Software die den gesamten Ram ausliest oder zumindest anzeigt (Samt Erweiterung) ?
Komme ja aus der A8Bit Szene. Dort habe ich diverse Progrämmchen hierfür und daher kenne ich mich auf dem CPC noch nicht so ganz aus.

lg Markus

#99

Technical support - Hardware related / Re: CPC 6128 - white screen, b...

Last post by McArti0 - 11:53, 15 May 24

@mmldrm

Try one think. Cross Pin21 Z80 RD to other RD like RD expansion port.

#100

Amstrad CPC hardware / Re: 6128 compatible, mechanica...

Last post by Fessor - 11:09, 15 May 24

I like your backplate, but it's probably a bit too flexible to survive long? I'm sure that could be stamped in light steel for a reasonable price.

Bryce. 

Surprisingly little for a keyboard of this length; I specifically took the dimensions off the original keyboard in order to have as much material as possible in the frame so that it doesn't become too flexible. All DIY sites recommend that keyboards should have a little flexibility, otherwise the keystrokes would be too "hard" and could put strain on the ligaments.