Building the Next Spectrum - Part 4

Finished!
Probably not, only to version 0.1 Beta

OS Image here
Use at your own risk, not tested (Yet)

Building the Next Spectrum - Part 3

Wiring up the buttons and joystick port.

To keep things simple the GPIO uses the internal pull-ups for the joystick and function buttons.  Wiring is as follows;

Raspi BOARD pin numbers

 fire = 16
up = 15
down = 36
left = 13
right = 37
f1 = 22
f2 = 18
gnd = 20

Pin numbering for D (9 pin) socket, connect to corresponding pin above on the pi

up = 1
down = 2
left = 3
right = 4
fire = 6
gnd = 8

The buttons (f1 and f2) have a common ground this is  wired to pin (20) , pins 18 and 22 on the pi.

How it all works

The pi runs a python script that reads the GPIO and when a pin goes low a keyboard press is sent to the OS.  I have used uinput to do this as documented here.  I have then modified Fuse source so that the keys F8 - F12 emulate a joystick.  This allows for the mapping of the real joystick to any Fuse emulated joystick.  This key mapping has also been used in the menu system to allow control of settings/options using the joystick.  The two function keys on are used to enter the Fuse menu. (possible snapshot creation coming soon).

Menu Joystick controls are;

Fire - confirm
Right - select item
Left - escape
Up - up
Down - down

Joystick port


Function buttons

Building the Next Spectrum - Part 2

Software progressing well, needed to recompile Fuse on a Pre-Pixel version of Raspbian.  This was to allow me to run Fuse fullscreen from the console.  I now have an OS that boots to Fuse!




Original board fixed to the 'lid'


Pi Zero fixed to the back of the case to reduce the amount of cutting


I will make good the rear panel with a new sticky label for power and hdmi


Plastic wall to help support the Pi Zero


To allow for the PiZero to fix to the rear of the case the USB is connected to the test pads (I just cut down the USB cable that came with the RCZX.

Small strip-board to support the function buttons


The two buttons will be used to access thew Fuse menu and take snapshots.
I'm thinking of using the joystick as a way to control fuse menu.

Building the Next Spectrum

I have managed to pickup a very, very cheap Recreated ZX Spectrum (RZXS).  This seems to be the ideal donor to improve my original ZX Spectrum Pi.  I have seen many projects online using this case and a Pi Zero. I would like to attempt to, first improve my own project, second document the conversion process.

Step 1. Testing the hardware

I have compiled the the latest version of Fuse on the Raspberry Pi to give support for RZXS in layer A mode (Game mode).  This seems to work well, but has raised the question:  How to access in game menus, my current thoughts are buttons at the rear of the unit. 

Ready for upgrade

Remove the screws from the bottom of the unit, be careful not to damage the two ribbon cables that attach between the top and bottom halfs 

My current layout thoughts, keep the Pi to the rear of the unit. This will allow for access to the power socket directly on the Pi. I’m happy with the idea of using an adapter for the HDMI on the outside or using a cable with the correct connectors. 

Using the test pads on the Pi it should be possible to connect the USB from the RZXS board to the Pi. 

Let the games begin

More retro goodness and a re-cap on my issue 2 speccy.  

New Asset

Nice eBay find, just need to sort out a video cable

Retro goodness

Happy birthday

To celebrate the 35th Birthday of the spectrum, I have finally started to do some more work on the retro box. Nice metal corners and catches to keep it shut.  

I also now have cp/m working on the rc2014

 

CP/M ready to go?

Ready to have a go at cp/m on the z80.  I now have all the rc2014 modules required to boot!

The sd card reader was a little tricky to solder on, but it seems ok - quick test with the multimeter 

 

Ready for CP/M

I have all the parts I need to start testing the rc2014 and cp/m.

Attention all projects!

Most of my projects have now slowed down or stopped due to 'Project House'. Although my Z80 (www.rc2014.co.uk) has had a couple of new boards built for it.  I'm waiting for stocks of the compact flash module to start playing CP/M!  I have also managed to compile zasm (https://k1.spdns.de/Develop/Projects/zasm/Distributions/) for the Raspberry Pi to use with this project.