8 Sep
2007
8 Sep
'07
10:09 a.m.
On 8 Sep 2007 at 7:36, dwight elvey wrote:
You can still use a Z8001 because it boots to
non-segmented mode
and looks like a Z8002. The trick is to find the memory management
chip and add it to the Z8001. One can still use the Z8001 without
this and treat it as a Z8002. You can just ignore the segments.
Still, if you want to get the CP/M8000 running, you'll need to
embrace segmented code.
I understand--and if Ciarcia had offered a full-blown OS for his
card, it might be worth exploring Z8001 segmented mode. The M20 and
even the Onyx Z8000 Unix box that I used once upon a time would be
worthwhile examples. But just to run a compile-in-place BASIC?
The Z8000 wasn't a bad chip; it just didn't have anything going for
it that was particularly exciting. But then, neither did the 8086--
but for the massive presence and production capabilities of Intel.
To be fair, there were Z80-to-Z8000 translation tools, so one could
ostensibly port an existing application. I've got the manual for one
called TRANZ from AMC.
I recall talking with the design guys from NS about the (then) 16032
and was blown away by the ambitious design. Had they been able to
offer silicon in 1981, we would have signed with them. But it was
always "Real Soon Now". From what I heard from friends who had
attempted to use the first silicon, it was an experience that I was
better for having missed. And then there was National's typical
noncommitment to supporting any given design (IMP-16, SC/MP, PACE,
8080, 8086...) given the way the wind was blowing at any time.
Apparently the NS32xxx series had better success overseas than it did
domestically, where I'm sure there were plenty of frustrated people
who gave up waiting on the "Real Soon Now".
Cheers,
Chuck