This project is a small Z8001 based computer. It is really just for fun.
The system contains a Z8001 segmented CPU running at 6Mhz, 1MB of RAM, 2 serial ports and 20 general purpose I/O pins. The serial ports and I/O are implemented with Zilog Z8000 series chips, the Z8030 and Z8036. All the I/O simply terminates on headers.
There is no EPROM or FLASH storage - only RAM. An Arduino Mega 2560 R3 is used to load the RAM at startup, and provide access for debugging.
A large number of CPU and memory signals are connected to header pins. This is to enable the easy connection of test instruments, and in the longer term possible expansion with a daughter board.
I'm glad this micro is not completely abandoned. There was a Z8000 in a Circuit Cellar project called "Trump Card", which was a slave to the PC ISA bus. Alas I have not been able to find any firmware for the Z8000.
I've ordered a few Z8001 chips from eBay but I can't find the Z8581 clock drive chip anywhere. Where did you get yours from?
Update: The guy who sold me the Z8001 said he had some Z8581 chips, so I bought one from him.
I'm glad this micro is not completely abandoned. There was a Z8000 in a Circuit Cellar project called "Trump Card", which was a slave to the PC ISA bus. Alas I have not been able to find any firmware for the Z8000.
I've ordered a few Z8001 chips from eBay but I can't find the Z8581 clock drive chip anywhere. Where did you get yours from?
Update: The guy who sold me the Z8001 said he had some Z8581 chips, so I bought one from him.