Tynemouth software minstrel. You've had the Minstrel 2 .

Tynemouth software minstrel The exception seems to be external keyboards that plug into the edge connector. 00 Tynemouth Software. co. Now also includes an option to have you kit built and tested if you don't fancy doing any soldering. May 14, 2023 · Vintage Jupiter Ace tapes should work, and there are even a couple of modern ones for the Ace and Minstrel 4th (the Minstrel 4D is derived from the Minstrel 4th, so is fully compatible). I thought the best place to start was trying to program the microcontrollers, see how many of those were good. Sorry I have to keep saying that. The same is true of the two Beam Software games (Super Invasion and Double Breakout) and QS Defender, as they also replace the entire display routine. There is a single input port at a fully configurable address, this can be selected from 0x00 to 0xFF using 8 jumpers or wire links. Sunday, 3 November 2024. Mar 26, 2023 · Throughout most of the Minstrel 4D development, the video circuitry has been pretty much lifted from the Minstrel 4th. It is unlikely there will be any more. Minstrel 2 Update This is the new Minstrel 2, a Z80 Oct 16, 2022 · I have made a new card for RC2014 systems and the Minstrel 4th or Minstrel 4D. I was also keen to allow it to run various games and demonstrations that make use of high resolution graphics on the ZX81, such as the 25th Anniversary demo. Oct 30, 2022 · The Minstrel 4th and the Minstrel 4D both refined this to only 0xFE, to free up 127 more addresses for use with RC2014 expansions. Aug 11, 2024 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. 3 and earlier Minstrel boards will need to make a minor modification. You can see they use the 10 numbers, 26 letters, and the remaining 4 keys are shift, new line (a. Sunday, 29 January 2017. The actual shift + 1 is delete line, and that is available by pressing F1 etc. Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. 1980s pricing. a. Minstrel 2 Update This is the new Minstrel 2, a Z80 May 4, 2022 · The Minstrel 4th has a built in keyboard, the maximum 48K+3K RAM and a RC2014 compatible expansion bus (The Minstrel 4th is "designed for RC2014"). Feb 18, 2018 · It is now an option on the main Minstrel ZX80 Clone kit Tindie Page, and also available as the Minstrel ZX80 Clone with Keyboard as a complete kit or assembled unit. This is the standard on the Minstrel 2, 3 and 4th Apr 11, 2017 · So the answer is yes, the Minstrel ZX80 clone works with the ZXpand, but owners of V2. enter or return), space and dot / comma. uk V3. Jan 5, 2025 · There are 5-10ns gate delays between the outputs. 8). Blog. Sep 15, 2024 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers The Minstrel 4D is a much more reliable and usable Jupiter Ace compatible computer, with all the extras Dec 29, 2024 · I have listed the Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 PCBs with and without keyboards or overlays on Tindie. V2. As such, you see all sorts of construction techniques and case solutions. 9 TYNEMOUTH SOFTWARE MINSTREL ZX80 CLONE ISSUE 2 V2. PET IEEE-488 Diagnostics Tester. 2022 Update: Yes, I did go to the effort of launching the Minstrel 4th on May the 4th so I could do that joke. ZX Spectrum (29) Minstrel 4D (26) 8032 (25) Arduino (23) Aug 4, 2017 · 2022 Update: At the time of writing, there are still a few Minstrel 2 (ZX80) and Minstrel 3 (ZX81) kits available from The Future Was 8 bit but those are the Final Edition kits, there are unlikely to be any more. The memory map of the Minstrel also has an 5K extra space available, meaning these language ROMs could be up to 13K. F1 = Delete Line; F2 = Caps Lock The Tynemouth Minstrel 2 is a build it yourself Z80 based computer kit based on the Sinclair ZX80 using brand new components so although it can run ZX81 software Jan 30, 2017 · Minstrel 2 with Keyboard - Z80 based ZX80 kit. The Tynemouth Minstrel 2 is a build it yourself Z80 based computer kit based on the Sinclair ZX80 using brand new components so although it can run ZX81 software Apr 1, 2022 · Minstrel 4D. Immediate mode In the early days, I would test these in my 4032, although that complicated things slightly as this generation of boards drive the display with a CRT controller chip which needed to be initialised by the ROM before it would generate sync signals, so I had to remember to boot up to a 4032 or 8032 ROM image or the onboard ROM set first. Oct 13, 2019 · (see an old blog post where this was added to the first versions of the Minstrel - Minstrel ZX80 Clone Video Output Enhancement). May the 4th be with you. Sunday, 11 February 2024. Symbols are converted, so you type shift + 1 for ! as usual on a PC keyboard, which is translated to symbol shift + 1 on the Minstrel 4D etc. Aug 27, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers There are Minstrel 2 and 3 PCB, full kits and build versions available from my SellMyRetro store. This is the full kit to build a Tynemouth Minstrel 3 computer, you just need to supply a case and optionally a keyboard. Feb 23, 2017 · The Minstrel is a fully compatible ZX80 clone that can run the original 4K ROM BASIC, or the later ZX81 style 8K ROM BASIC. It is not fully compatible with the ZX81 due to the lack of NMI slow mode, although this is something I am working on for a future version. Mar 2, 2025 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. May 19, 2024 · In short, this is only suitable for use with one of the stand alone versions of recent Minstrel 3 boards, V3. I've put together a gallery of photos of Minstrel builds I have been sent as a Twitter Moment . Saturday, 24 December 2022. Welcome 4032 (30) ZX Spectrum (29) Minstrel 4D (26) 8032 (25) Arduino (23) Nov 6, 2022 · The Minstrel 4D is an expanded version of the Minstrel 4th, but runs the same code. Sunday, 11 August 2024. Nov 3, 2024 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. I reverted the Minstrel 4th board back to the basic circuit I had in the first place, which was perfectly fine, it continued to load without any problems. Including the recently released 3D Monster Maze. You aren't using a real ZX80, are you? This can be done permanently, say if you are making a 16K RAM pack and you want to disable the onboard 1K RAM which is located in the address range you want to use. Dec 22, 2019 · That pretty much worked, with a small temporary modification to the Minstrel 3, and a custom ROM with the Lambda 8300 ROM and a recreation of it's character ROM. Using version number 4. About. Minstrel 2 for ZX81 case - Z80 based ZX80 kit. Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers It could be fitted with an card edge connector to plug directly into the back of a Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3 Unlike the ZX80 and Minstrel 2, this includes NMI "slow" mode, so is flicker free and compatible ZX81 software, including many high resolution graphics tricks. Links to the blog posts can be found along the side of the page. 00 Dec 18, 2022 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store Sunday, 18 December 2022 AY-3-8910 / YM2149 Sound Card for RC2014 (and Minstrel 4D) Sep 25, 2022 · To test this properly I should have used my ZX80, but I can't get to that at the moment, so I went for a Minstrel instead. Aug 20, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers There are Minstrel 2 and 3 PCB, full kits and build versions available from my SellMyRetro store. It Apr 30, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. Feb 23, 2025 · Minstrel 2 and 3 kits are available from my Tindie store, with worldwide shipping. It Nov 6, 2022 · The Minstrel 4D is an expanded version of the Minstrel 4th, but runs the same code. Jun 18, 2017 · 2022 Update: At the time of writing, there are still a few Minstrel 2 (ZX80) and Minstrel 3 (ZX81) kits available from The Future Was 8 bit but those are the Final Edition kits, there are unlikely to be any more. The Minstrel 2/3/4th kits need Z80s, which have also Nov 24, 2024 · Remember 2019? Lots of things have happened in those five years. Minstrel 2 and 3 kits are available from my Tindie store, with worldwide Minstrel 2 with Keyboard - Z80 based ZX80 kit from Tynemouth Software on Tindie. So, herein, Minstrel 4th will be used to refer to both machines, except for cases specific to the Minstrel 4D. Aug 6, 2017 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers 2022 Update: At the time of writing, there are still a few Minstrel 2 (ZX80) and Minstrel 3 (ZX81) kits Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. What happened inbetween? Here is the story, from a series of Patreon posts. Unlike the ZX80 and Minstrel 2, this includes NMI "slow" mode, so is flicker free and compatible ZX81 software, including many high resolution graphics tricks. That would have required another logic gate and one or two additional link wires from the Minstrel ZXpand to the Minstrel board, and so far I have not found anything which needs the alternate RAM mode. May 10, 2020 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. View All Products. In long, here is a more detailed list of supported machines: Dec 24, 2022 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. Note here the menu scans the file for a dictionary and identifies it is called "play", even though the file is called playd. Jan 8, 2023 · A special version has been provided for the Minstrel 4D. Monday, 25 May 2020. uk V2. Nov 24, 2024 · Remember 2019? Lots of things have happened in those five years. Feb 27, 2022 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. Dec 24, 2022 · I also used that when testing the Minstrel 4th. Recently, I got a new batch of Minstrel 3 Dec 1, 2024 · I have listed the Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 PCBs with and without keyboards or overlays on Tindie. Jul 7, 2024 · * The ZX81, Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 all have /ROM_CS, but this pin is not connected on a real ZX80. 9 PARTS LIST CAPACITORS – AXIAL CERAMIC RATED 16V OR HIGHER 4 x 47pF (usually marked 47 or 470) 1 x 10nF (usually marked 10n or 103) 2 x 47nF (usually marked 47n or 473) 11 x 100nF (usually marked 100n or 104) 1 x 1uF (usually marked 1u or 105) Dec 8, 2019 · A Minstrel 3 based clone of the Lambda 8300 ZX81 c A Minstrel 3 based clone of the Lambda 8300 ZX81 c TZXduino master tape creator update; Developing the Minstrel Issue 3 November (2) October (1) September (3) August (3) July (2) June (3) May (3) Sep 1, 2024 · There is also my store with the full range of Minstrel and Mini PET accessories. $40. 00. The second option is the Minstrel 3, this is a Aug 14, 2022 · This uses the same FTDI serial connection to allow you to type directly into the Minstrel 4D. k. Sep 18, 2022 · It is less obvious, but the white vertical line at the end results in the 8th pixel appearing thinner than the others. Forth has several big advantages that make it a good match to the Minstrel 4th. My first go at a ZX80 clone. $35. Jan 29, 2017 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. Oct 17, 2024 · Tynemouth Software www. Feb 5, 2023 · Continuing the development of the new Minstrel 4D, the first PCBs have arrived. Oct 15, 2023 · The exact implementation of the new features is not obvious from looking at the board or the schematic. This version of BASIC started with a READY prompt at the top of the screen, and instead of the inverse K, has a flashing black square. May 17, 2020 · All that time wasted trying to fix a problem with the hardware that was actually a problem with using the wrong third party software to feed it. May 12, 2024 · This plugs into the rear expansion connector on the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3 or ZX81. Jan 26, 2025 · Actually, it will probably be better than a modern switch mode 9V or 12V supply, and is a good way to use a power supply you wouldn't normally touch with a barge pole, and also one that goes perfectly with the machine. Mar 19, 2023 · Throughout most of the Minstrel 4D development, the video circuitry has been pretty much lifted from the Minstrel 4th. It is only suitable for more recent Minstrel 3 boards with the pads by the edge connector (V3. First, it is fast, and, in particular, it is much faster than BASIC. On the Minstrel 4D, Sep 19, 2022 · Minstrel 2 Pixel Synchronisation (Part 3) Minstrel 2 Pixel Synchronisation (Part 2) Minstrel 2 Pixel Synchronisation (Part 1) Tut-Tut for the Commodore PET; Building a Minstrel 4D Kit August (4) July (5) June (4) May (5) April (4) March (4) February (3) Jan 19, 2020 · The exception being RAM selection. 5, to go with the code name of "Minstrel 4 and a half", since it was part Minstrel 4th and bits of Minstrel 5. I am now shipping V3. Unlike the original, this has Forth and assmembly in a single dictionary ("playd"). as it does on the Minstrel 2 when you press a key Feb 16, 2025 · The Mini VIC kits are not available yet, but there are still Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 kits available. This is the first prototype of the Minstrel 4D. 4 boards currently shipping have this fixed. This is a single 9 way D joystick port, compatible with the Boldfield joystick for the Jupiter Ace. Sunday, 26 February 2023. The video output has been switched from a UHF modulator designed to drive a TV set to a composite video output that should suit a variety of TVs and monitors. The second option is the Minstrel 3, this is a Jan 19, 2020 · Whilst I offer the Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 as built and tested units, most are purchased as kits or bare PCBs. Sunday, 5 March 2023. 2022 Update: At the time of writing, there are still a few Minstrel 2 (ZX80) and Minstrel 3 (ZX81) kits available from The Future Was 8 bit These have a version of this keyboard Nov 12, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. It has been quite a challenge to get together all of the bits required to make lots of Minstrel 4D kits, for a while it seemed like each section of the kit was missing one key part that was stopping me packing them, but finally all the bits were sourced. When implementing this on the Minstrel 4th, I used a Dec 24, 2022 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. In the 1980s, this was probably less of a problem as the RF modulation in the ZX80 and then the RF demodulation, the video circuits and CRT itself of the TV all form low pass filters. The Minstrel 3 is a Z80 based 8 bit computer which is a ZX81 / TS1000 compatible. The Minstrel Issue 3 can now run any* ZX81 or TS1000 software (or indeed 4K or 8K ZX80 if you like). May 25, 2020 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. May 16, 2014 · The Minstrel 3 will run pretty much any ZX81 software. Whenever I get new batches of boards, even if they are just a repeat order, I like to build one up, just to be sure everything is OK. Dec 11, 2022 · The pre-ordered Minstrel 4D kits are now shipping from The Future Was 8 bit. This has the original video mixer and does not have the back porch circuitry, so I thought it was the fairest test. We did a run of Minstrel 4th Final Edition kits last year, and they all sold out quite quickly. TAP. Dec 3, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store Sunday, 3 December 2023 ZX80 BASIC on a Minstrel 4D - Part 2 - New tape load and save routines Feb 26, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. 8 TYNEMOUTH MINSTREL 3 PARTS LIST CAPACITORS – AXIAL CERAMIC RATED 16V OR HIGHER 4 x 47pF (usually marked 47 or 470) 2 x 47nF (usually marked 47n or 473) 18 x 100nF (usually marked 100n or 104) 1 x 1uF (usually marked 1u or 105) 1 x 22µF (axial electrolytic rated 25V) The exception being RAM selection. Mini PET kits are all sold out now, but I do still have some Minstrel 3 kits left, which will last until I run out of Z80s. The expansion bus pinout is identical to that used on the Minstrel 2 and 3 and the ZX81. Composite video output is provided by a condensed version of the Jupiter Ace video system, with microcontroller doing all the counting whilst still retaining video RAM and a shift register to Aug 2, 2020 · The Minstrel 4th is a Z80 single board computer, which implements a memory map and display compatible with the Jupiter Ace, so it can run Jupiter Ace software, and Nov 26, 2023 · There are two jumpers on the 4th and two DIP switches on the Minstrel 4D to select alternate ROM images, although none were supplied as standard. I did make a nice pogo-pin programming jig, but it's been so long since I dealt with one of these boards, I couldn't find it, so I made a bit of a lashup with a cut down ZX Spectrum edge connector (and I have actually been using this since then, never did find . Sunday, 30 October 2022. Sunday, 30 April 2023 £15 off the Minstrel 4D and free shipping to the USA Dec 29, 2024 · I have listed the Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 PCBs with and without keyboards or overlays on Tindie. Versions avaiable for ZX81 case or standalone with keyboard, and also Misntrel 3 with ZXpand microSD card interface (andn now available as PCB only). It will not work with earlier Minstrel 2 or 3 boards, or anything in a ZX81 case. I have also turned back on EU shipping, with a caveat that there will be extra delays and charges at customs, sorry, nothing I can do about that. Side note: The Boldfield joystick is nominally address 0x01, but decoded "any odd address", so tied up the other half the addresses. The Minstrel also added the transistor buffer to give a stronger composite video output, which is generated by combing the Sync signal with the video signal. Dec 15, 2019 · Footnote: I try to avoid using the term 'clone', as to me that implies a copy using the same hardware, where as in both the case of the Lambda and the Minstrel, they are implementing the same or similar functionality, but with different hardware, hence my use of 'ZX81 compatible' when describing the Minstrel 3. It provides four 2x23 pin headers and a pass through rear edge connector. I write a blog about old Dec 17, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store Sunday, 17 December 2023 ZX80 BASIC on a Minstrel 4D - Part 4 - ZX80 Autoload Dec 10, 2023 · The Metropolis demo (which I believe was developed on a Minstrel 2) uses a complete replacement display routine, so that will not work with this hardware. 5 onwards, which have the appropriate expansion connector. The same chips in the same configuration, the main difference is the Minstrel 4th had jumpers for PAL/NTSC and normal/inverse, and the Minstrel 4D uses DIP switches for these. 58 boards. and a Minstrel is a similar sort of medieval court jester type thing, but Dec 1, 2024 · I have listed the Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 PCBs with and without keyboards or overlays on Tindie. I will, as is customary, state this is not suitable for use with a ZX81, but can now add also unsuitable for Minstrel 2 and older Minstrel 3 boards, and it will not fit inside a ZX81 case (there are pillars in the way). Sep 24, 2023 · This is a cut down version of the Minstrel ZXpand, based on ZXpand by Charlie Robson (sirmorris). This is the Tynemouth Software Minstrel Issue 2. Not very easy to follow, but it was really just to get the parts wired up to be able to create a PCB. It has been reverse engineered by various people over the years, most notably Grant Searle who's website is a mine of information for all things 8-bit single board computer and ZX80/81 related. With that one, I hard-wired the address as 0x00, as it seems most people do, but I needed to do some testing at other addresses. I wanted to add the pin header to the edge connector, as I had done on the last revision of the Minstrel 2. May 8, 2022 · For a closer view, here is one of my overlay stickers which can be used to convert a ZX81 membrane for use with other machines. Sep 4, 2022 · Minstrel 2 Pixel Synchronisation (Part 3) Minstrel 2 Pixel Synchronisation (Part 2) Minstrel 2 Pixel Synchronisation (Part 1) Tut-Tut for the Commodore PET; Building a Minstrel 4D Kit August (4) July (5) June (4) May (5) April (4) March (4) February (3) Oct 30, 2022 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. Feb 11, 2024 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. This is a Minstrel 1. Apr 28, 2024 · This is only suitable for more recent Minstrel 3 boards with the pads by the edge connector (V3. Welcome to Tynemouth Software. Aug 6, 2023 · First off I needed to update the Tynemouth Software and TS logo and the font. The Minstrel 3 has a fixed 32K of RAM located from 8-40K, and cannot be switched to 16K-48K as the ZXpand could. $200. I asked in the post if there would be any interest in a blog post going through these programs, and there was, so here it is. Sunday, 12 November 2023 I do have lots of Minstrel 4th's and Minstrel 4D's Sep 29, 2019 · 2022 Update: At the time of writing, there are still a few Minstrel 2 (ZX80) and Minstrel 3 (ZX81) kits available from The Future Was 8 bit Those have this type of keyboard built in. Φ2 is a buffered version of Φ0, and Φ1 is an inverted version of Φ2. com, I thought I would get another kit. This gives an alternate option for add-on boards and also is a useful point to probe signals for debugging. In that time, I have tweaked the Minsterl 3 design a bit, and added things like the Minstrel Expansion Bus header, so you can now add a microSD disk drive via the Minstrel Micro ZXpand that plugs directly into the board. Jul 21, 2024 · So that leaves 8 boards. May 5, 2024 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers It could be fitted with an card edge connector to plug directly into the back of a Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3 Dec 1, 2024 · I have listed the Minstrel 2 and Minstrel 3 PCBs with and without keyboards or overlays on Tindie. I think I started with the three busses used on the original diagram, but ended up merging them into one big one. Mar 5, 2023 · Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. 55 boards. It has 32K of RAM with high resolution graphics support, and improved composite video output where the original TV output would have been. A ZX80 compatible computer kit using modern ICs and one of the last Z80s ever made. Tynemouth Software - Making new things for old computers - Contact Me - Tindie Store. May 4, 2020 · So that's the Minstrel 4th, I hope you like it. Sunday, 27 February 2022. £15 off the Minstrel 4D and free shipping to the USA. 5 and V3. Tynemouth Software. If you fancy a kit with full instructions, the Minstrel 4D kits are shipping now, you can order one from The Future Was 8 bit - SPECIAL OFFER - £15 off the Minstrel 4D and free shipping to the USA. I was fairly new to the PCB software, so I used busses. 5. tynemouthsoftware. Just in case you want to source your own parts and don't like the ease and simplicity of having them all supplied in neat little bags and a foam pad with all the ICs in order. This can be loaded from the SD card menu on the Minstrel 4D. I can ship worldwide, use the link at the top of the page to contact me with your location and what you want. There are only a few external keyboards like that for the ZX81, and for some reason, these do not work on the Minstrel 3. The Mini PET Pre-Order Open You've had the Minstrel 2 Aug 4, 2008 · Until I ran out, I have been shipping Minstrel 3 V3. On the Minstrel 4D, Aug 4, 2024 · Back in 2016, I redrew that for the Minstrel 1 (as it wasn't called). I write a blog about old Oct 18, 2024 · Tynemouth Software www. Vintage systems would feed Φ0 from an oscillator (or sometimes video chip or ULA), and then the rest of the system would use the Φ2 output (or Φ1 for some reason on the BBC if I remember correctly). . Jan 30, 2017 · Minstrel 2 with Keyboard - Z80 based ZX80 kit. It will also work with most ZX81 add ons. Jan 15, 2023 · As part of that, I included several simple test programs written in Forth, the native language of the Minstrel 4D I was using (and also the Minstrel 4th, and of course the Jupiter Ace). But be quite as those are the Final Edition kits, there are unlikely to be any more. You can now get a Minstrel 2 kit for $200. I could have just removed the wire link and fitted some jumpers, but since I was ordering the sound card from z80kits. vfridkzv jvjnho xaxip iokucqb vsf ttn tegspb zps iwxpk aaohblp szpsqia hmdpe cjes yaiqsv jpmpn