Re: homebrew computer - where to start?


"Jonathan Kirwan" <jkirwan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:53tjh15kcc27010a1rdu1papv7118h0dnt@xxxxxxxxxx
> On Sat, 3 Sep 2005 20:10:11 +0200, "petrus bitbyter"
> <pieterkraltlaatditweg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>

> My first build-up was the Altair 8800 from a kit of parts. Years
> before the Z80 was available. I remember looking with envy at the
> 8085 when it finally came out, because it had been so simplified from
> the complex clocking monster that the 8080 was. And that was before
> the Z80. The Z80 was so simple to design a board for. Nice!
>
>>At about the same time you could buy Apples or one of its clones. You
>>could
>>buy an empty board and fill it with components. Some time later you could
>>buy empty PC- and peripheral boards to do the same. AFAIK the last
>>computer
>>building that required soldering. These days you can assemble your own
>>machine even without a screwdriver. IMHO you can't go back but to the
>>first
>>microprocessors like the 8085, Z80, 6800, 6502 and some others I don't
>>know
>>well. Some stuff, like the Z80, is still available. Don't know about the
>>others.

Not "really" being wrapped up in computers back when the Z80, the Altair and
so on came out, I had forgotten about the KIM and so on. My question is -
trying to sort out my memory here - was the Altair 8800 sold be SWTP? OR a
different monster altogether? I DO recall the Altair now that it has been
mentioned - but may be getting it confused with South West Technical
Products - products.

jm


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