RC 2021/10 Entry List
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Category: General
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(HTM) Just4Fun
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Platform: 68008 CPU + CP/M-68K homemade SBC
Project:
The 68k-MBC is an easy to build 68008 CPU SBC (Single Board Computer),
using only easy to find TH parts.
It follows the same "concept" of the previous Z80-MBC2
(https://hackaday.io/project/159973) and V20-MBC
(https://hackaday.io/project/170924) boards, using a PIC18F47Q10 MCU
as EEPROM and "universal" I/O emulator (so a "legacy" EPROM programmer
is not needed).
You can choose between two main HW configuration options: Lite or
Full. Lite HW configuration option allows to build a 3 ICs 68008
system running CP/M-68K.
Short demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4DA7k4Jmoc
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Paleoferrosaurus
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Platform: Western Electric Model 551 PBX
Project:
Update, automate, and hopefully not deflagrate
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Mu0n
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Platform: Compact Macintosh
Project:
Reverse engineer the Studio Session (From Bogas Productions, 1986)
file format for a playthrough, driven mostly by C code.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Lee Adamson
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Platform: Unix, VMS BASIC Plus, CP/M on TRS-80 Model II (target)
Project:
I have an ongoing project to port Dan Lawrence's "DND", an early CRPG
(circa 1976), to a cleaner C codebase so that I can extend and improve
the game, while still targeting old hardware via z88dk and cc65.
My RetroChallenge entry is a subproject within this larger project:
To get the code-so-far building for CP/M and running on a TRS-80 Model
II, even if all of the game mechanics aren't completely ported by
then. If my "real" Model II doesn't have enough memory, I'll have to
either build a bigger RAM card for it or use an emulator.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) jskists
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
Take the RC2014, and design/build modules so that the RC2014 can run
the Jupiter ACE ROM image unmodified.
Yes, its easy enough to run a Jupiter ACE in an emulator, on a
Raspberry PI, but where is the fun in that? I want to learn how the
80s computer worked! Im a software engineer, by trade, so hardware
design is quite unknown to me
I perfectly accept that this probably is not very challenging, to
most. Personally, I think that real challenge is, for me, to actually
finish something
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Jim Gerrie
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Platform: TRS-80 Micro Color Computer (MC-10)
Project:
I hope to blog about a couple of projects this month and next as part
of RetroChallenge 2021, and possibly also of Septandy. The main
project involves my port of Freecell from some QBasic source I found
on the Net. I am also working a port of a 4K adventure game "Cavernes"
for the TRS-80 Pocket computers. The source is from the French
computer magazine Trace from the early 80s.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Tom Raidna
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Platform: TI 99 4/a
Project:
Write a minimal MUMPS language interpreter in TMS 9900 assembler -
which Im just learning, that will run as 8k cartridge on SD card in a
flashrom99 in TI 99 4/a. Cross assembly using Asw.exe and p2bin.exe
under wine on a mac. Will use classic99.exe emulator for testing.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Phillip Stevens
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Platform: RC2014 - 8085 - Am9511A APU
Project:
1. Extend my Sept 2021 8085 CPU Module for RC2014 to support the
Am9511A APU (Floating Point Module). 2. Build driver support to allow
it to be used from C, BASIC, and assembly.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) AussieSmitty
URL:https://github.com/AussieSmitty/RetroChallenge/wiki/Using-a-1983-Commodore-6
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Platform: Commodore 64
Project:
Using the C64 to control a remote control car. Control of the RC car
can be via a joystick and recorded (to a floppy disk) for autonomous
'play back' by the C64. The C64 will use RS232 to a microcontroller
with a wireless transceiver that can connect to the RC car.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Sean Billings
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Platform: Dragon 32
Project:
My challenge is to learn about the Dragon 32 I/O and interface to some
electronics.
I am specifically looking at the Cartridge Port, but may also venture
into the Printer and Joystick ports too!
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Paul Robson
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Platform: Mattel Aquarius
Project:
Going to write some homebrew games and maybe other stuff.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) europlus
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Platform: Apple ][
Project:
Project : 1. europlus Refurbapalooza Resurrection my Apple ][
europlus refurbishment project has edged along since my last
Retrochallenge entries, but I've started to kick up the pace. Can I
get all my boards tested by the end of Retrochallenge 2021/10?!
2. Lockdown WOzFests to celebrate Retrochallenge 2021/10, I will
schedule the next two WOzFests for 2 October and 30 October.
Retrochallengers from around the globe should connect in to detail
their plans at WOzFest 21, then describe the pain of how they went all
awry at WOzFest 22! If we're out of lockdown, I'll have attendees!
Share the love, pain, frustration, triumphs!
3. Pirated software manual scans I have a 13cm pile of photocopied
Apple ][ software manuals from WOzFest attendee Neville to scan and
upload to the Internet Archive.
4. Applesaucing Similarly, I have a metric buttload of disks to
image with my Applesauce, gotta just get back to it.
5. [NEW]Citizen Science Floppy disks vs Magnets: Ive seen
discussion of magnets affecting disks, Ive done it myself, and I
jokingly place bad disks on WOzFest HQs fridge with HD magnets. But
magnets are all around us now, and those into software preservation
have to be careful. Join me as I test the effects of the various
common (and maybe not so common) magnets in our modern lives on the
media were here to preserve. If you have equipment to flux image a
disk, and some magnets laying around, add your data to the pool so we
can spread the warning far and wide disks and magnets are not BFFs!
Yes, five projects is an extra-crazy load to take on, but I'm crazy!
Aim for the stars and you'll blow up on the launchpad, I always say!
Details on the WOzFests can be found at
https://europlus.zone/wozfest/wozfest-rc21-10-wozfest-22/
[UPDATE]: DM me on Twitter for the Google Meet link for the two Friday
prep days before WOzFest RC 21/10 and WOzFest 22 and the WOzFests
themselves.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Michael Wessel
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Platform: Busch Microtronic
Project:
A fully retro-authentic yet modern reimplemenation of the classic 1981
4bit educational single board computer. Hex in machinecode with a
7segment bubble display like its 1981!
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Kyle Farrell
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Platform: Eighties nostalgia... retro gaming, arcade games
Project:
Alphanumeric LED displays, discrete LEDs, switches, arcade buttons,
rotary knobs and selectors. All wired up to a Holtek 16K33 for key
scan and LED display. Raspberry Pi Zero under the hood to make it all
happen. Modern stuff, yeah. Front panel with silly scifi references,
retro games being developed for play on the LED displays, sounds from
eighties arcade machines, fun stuff like that.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Mark C
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Platform: ET-3400 Microprocessor Trainer
Project:
Create a small 24pin drop in replacement ROM for the original MCM6830A
mask ROM.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) John Honniball
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Platform: Compukit UK101, modified with 6809 CPU
Project:
It's been several years since I did anything with the modified
Compukit UK101 with the 6809 CPU. The hardware is undocumented and the
software is in a Subversion repo on a machine I no longer use. Time to
get it working again! Draw the schematic, get the code into Git,
update it, burn some EPROMs, make a video.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Mark Wickens
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Platform: DEC VAX
Project:
Analysing my Amateur Radio QSOs using VAX/APL 4.0
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) MarkO
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Platform: Tandy Color Computer ( all models )
Project:
Writing drivers in MC6809/HD6309 Assembler for a Wiznet5100 NIC.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) MooTheFish
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Platform: Power Computing Macintosh clone
Project:
Clean and diagnose the issues with the computer, currently it does not
power up. My plan is to strip the computer down, clean everything,
then reassemble and diagnose the power issues and return this computer
to its former glory, as well as discover its past life.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Pendleton115
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Platform: Macintosh Classic
Project:
I will be restoring a Macintosh Classic and installing a Rascuzzi Hard
Drive adapter.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Retrobits
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Platform: Altair 8800bt
Project:
The goal is to control an 8x5 NeoPixel (RGB LEDs) array from an Altair
8800bt, using an Arduino to connect the two. The Altair/Arduino
connection uses a MITS parallel I/O from back in the day, called an
"88-4PIO".
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Michael Mulhern
URL:https://www.jongleur.co.uk/blogs/programming/retrochallenge-2021-10-1786/
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Platform: Apple ][
Project:
"1786!"
The ink on the 1783 Paris Treaty is barely dry. George Washington as
the Commander-in-Chief has to rebuild the Continental Army, garner
support of the States and their Militias, battle internal strife of
those that wish to see the the newly founded Union brought down with
the assistance of foreign powers.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) James Ots
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Platform: An imaginary one (FPGA)
Project:
It's the early 1980s, it's nearly Christmas, and everyone is releasing
new computers. Management has decided we need a new computer too. I
have one month to create it from scratch. Some corners may need to be
cut.
Back in the present day I'm going to try creating a 1980s style
8-bit computer from scratch using an FPGA board. I've already
developed a new 8-bit CPU, which I've named the AUG processor after my
great grandfather, August Maramaa (https://bit.ly/3kde9dy) I'll need
to write some kind of operating system. Maybe a text only system which
connects to a terminal. Maybe it's the 1970s? Maybe connect a PCW
keyboard to it. Maybe add colour graphics and a sound chip? Maybe
struggle with VHDL coding and give up? Who knows.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) Peter Irwin
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Platform: IBM PS1
Project:
I am restoring this system to original specifications, I have a
complete system with matching printer.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) Scott Lawrence
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
I'm planning on tying up a bunch of loose ends in my RC2014 system
landscape. I have a few unbuilt modules, some storage solutions I've
started working on (ie, my "vampire" system that runs over the same
communications channel as the serial console) and so on.
Status: Non Starter
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Category: Publish It! (Publish Your Recent Project Documentation)
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(HTM) leaded solder
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Platform: ColecoVision clone (Leako)
Project:
I will finally get around to documenting and releasing the BOM, KiCad
files, assembly guide, and Gerbers for my ColecoVision clone
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) roughana
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Platform: Apple ][
Project:
Document how to contribute to the Total Replay compendium, and solicit
contributions from the community.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Jeremy Barr-Hyde
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Platform: Apple ][ and Macintosh
Project:
Upload of post-processed scans - Macintosh posters, books, manuals and
box art
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Adrian Franulovich
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Platform: Community resource for all vintage tech
Project:
To create a global resource to help people ship vintage technology
correctly and safely to avoid further damage and destruction to our
already deteriorating and shrinking supply of original vintage
technology.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Anthony Beckett
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Platform: Commodore
Project:
I have been archiving the magazine library of the Commodore Computer
Users Group of Queensland (Cursor Magazine) for nearly a year and to
be honest, have been falling behind. I'd love punch out the rest of
the magazines left - 30-40 of them - and get them uploaded on
archive.org.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) equant
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Platform: Apple //e, 68k Macs (System 6/7)
Project:
I have two "Publish It!" goals... (1) Document the Apple II expansion
card I've been working on this year. By "document" I mean usages docs
and example code on github, but also a narrative summary of the
project including success and failures. (2) Git all of my previous
RetroChallenge projects (e.g. Grackle68k, 68kmpc) up on github.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Bread80
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Platform: Amstrad CPC
Project:
Finish, document and publish reverse engineered Amstrad CPC firmware
ROMS in a state that can be modified and assembled.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) Colin Maykish
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Platform: Homebrew 65C02-based computer system
Project:
My goal for this challenge is to document the hardware and software
design of my recent computer build, the Herring 6502. Additionally,
I'd like to implement custom graphics hardware for it on an FPGA.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) Murray
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Platform: OSBORNE
Project:
To scan all issues of the AUSBORNE newsletter. The ACMS found many
issues of these newsletters during the relocation of our items from
previous storage locations, and they need to be archived.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) Chillers
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Platform: All Turing Complete machines
Project:
I want to come up with a strict, unambiguous set of metrics to
determine the world's first implemented computer game. The history is
messy, but I think my metrics will make things clear. There are lots
of "one of the first" Wikipedia articles, but no definitive winner.
I will then use the metrics to determine the winner.
Status: Non Starter
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Category: The Millennials (Circa 1998-2002 Systems)
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(HTM) ShaneMcRetro
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Platform: 386 / 486 Computer
Project:
Retro computers need websites to visit. That is what this project is
all about. Recreating websites that are compatible with older web
browsers.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Matteo Trevisan
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Platform: Windows XP
Project:
Build a Racing Cars 3D GAME with a 3d compiler
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) epooch
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Platform: Sharp Zaurus SL-5500
Project:
Use the Sharp Zaurus SL-5500, directly mounted on a serial mouse, as
video display/keyboard/mouse to interact with VNC running on the
Zaurus to control my Mac.
To Do List:
Dig the Zaurus out of my "Sell on eBay" bin.
Replace the battery (barely lasted 30 mins new)
Install a mouse driver
Get a serial mouse connected and working with VNC.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Mr2021
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Platform: Pentium MMX SBC
Project:
Bringing a Pentium MMX SBC (industrial PC) back to life
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Jon Co
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Platform: PowerMac G4
Project:
I recently received this PowerMac G4 that powers on, but has no video.
I want to get it working/usable again.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Josh Malone
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Platform: Gateway 2000 GP6-400
Project:
Windows 98 Gaming PC build
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Paul Pritsis
Platform: Commodore Amiga 2000HD
Project:
Rebuild my 30+ year old Amiga 2000HD.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) Cynde Moya
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Platform: Amiga 4000
Project:
I have 2 Amiga 4000 computers that I would like to return to working
order. New batteries, recapping, refurbishing the drives, and whatever
else that need to be done to make at least one of them go.
Status: Non Starter
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