# RC 2024/10 Entry List
====CATEGORY: GENERAL=============================
(HTM) urbancamo
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Platform: Commodore 64
Project:
Build my C64X into a workable machine and have a play.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Louis Paul
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Platform: x86 real mode
Project:
This is my first entry and I'm a software guy, so the challenge is to
make a Befunge-93 interpreter targeting the x86 real mode. My plan is
to build the interpreter, test it on various emulators, put it on the
sectors of the pendrive, boot it on real machine and use it, bypassing
the operating system.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) europlus
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Platform: Apple ][
Project:
Conduct performance comparisons between the FujiApple, CFFA3000,
Floppy Emu, wDrive, boots, and original Focus Card (with CF card in
IDE adaptor), using interfaces ranging across Liron card, softSP,
native SmartPort, Disk II Interface/5.25 Drive/IO Controller cards
(where appropriate) for comparisons. Aiming to assess europlus, //e
platinum, IIc, IIc+ and IIgs (all unaccelerated in first instance).
Will try to assess impact of .woz vs .dsk vs .po (where appropriate)
and .2mg vs .hdv (where appropriate). Interested to see if there are
differences across interfaces, machines, devices and image type. If I
can secure more device/interface types, I will aim and assess, them,
too.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) stepleton
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Platform: PERQ 2T2
Project:
A friend and I will try to get as far as we can in reviving a very
crusty PERQ 2T2 graphical workstation from the early 1980s. PERQ was
basically an attempt to realise the Xerox Alto concept as a commercial
product while Xerox was still asleep at the wheel. For the hardware
restorer, PERQ presents a real challenge, with hundreds of discrete
ICs spread across three large circuit boards - and that's just the
start! We' ll be troubleshooting all manner of gremlins with our
trusty 'scope with 16 logic inputs and a multimeter of course. Who
knows if we'll see it boot?
What's all of this got to do with RC2014? Not a whole lot... but the
PERQ 2T2 I/O board does use a Z80 as an I/O processor, and I verified
that it was working by plugging it into my RC2014 of course!
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) trcwm
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Platform: 68000/FPGA
Project:
I always wanted to get some 68000 experience but I lack the hardware.
So I need to a 68000 core running on an FPGA and get Fuzix running.
The main challenge is interfacing the 68000 core with SDRAM while
still being performant. We'll see how it goes!
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Mark C
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Platform: ET-3400 Microprocessor Trainer
Project:
1. Build a Compact Flash Hard Drive Interface
2. Install the FLEX 6800 Operating System onto the CF Card and boot it
from the ET-3400.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) CDP1802
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Platform: Sharp MZ-80K
Project:
I love my Sharp MZ-80K2. I bought an expansion box for it some years
ago but still have no cards. Why not try my hand at making something
for it? I'd enjoy something like a serial card, I'd love a way to
control my model trains or use wifi.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Digicool Things
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Platform: Minimalist Europe Card Bus (MECB) / CreatiVision
Project:
I’ve been working on a re-Creation of the early 80’s 6502 based
CreatiVision TV Gaming Console / Home Computer, using my flexible and
configurable MECB based 8-bit retro computing platform. Initially, I
replicated the hardware on MECB, so that CreatiVision Software
successfully runs, unmodified. Then, during August / September, I
developed the relatively complex Controller interface, to allow
interfacing a PS/2 Keyboard and Atari Joysticks to my CreatiVision
re-Creation. The Controller also supports interfacing to an original
CreatiVision Console to allow upgrading or replacing original
Controllers. During October, I plan to further develop this project.
My immediate plan is to next develop a Cherry MX based CreatiVision
specific mechanical Keyboard. This is to replace just using a generic
PS/2 Keyboard with my Controller. Instead, creating a CreatiVision
specific layout & keycap legend 48 key Mechanical Keyboard.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) matseng
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Platform: Custom implementation of OISC SUBLEQ machine
Project:
I plan to finish up my, by now, 1 year old project to build a discrete
74-series TTL-based 24 bit SUBLEQ computer. As of yet misses some
parts to actually make it execute instructions, but a lot of hardware
is already in place. If I get time left (fat chance!) I might also
finish up the last 10% of the Tiny BASIC interpreter I've written in
SUBLEQ assembly.
Status: Non Starter
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(HTM) PPC_505 (AKA Ortho'sDeli)
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Platform: All platforms capable of handling Web 1.1 pages
Project:
I will be "updating" our hobby group's website to be Web 1.1
compatible.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) TiredGeezer303
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Platform: Intel Macbook 1,1 (2006) - IBM NetVista Pentium 4 (2003 ish)
Project:
I want to have both systems running and trying to use them as my
primary systems for the month of October for 'work' (maybe just
vnc-ing into work computer) and fun at home (email, music, games,
entertainment) Tried to get it going last year with the same IBM sytem
but failed to make progress. I already have some upgrades I would like
to try. Trying again this year.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Hack In Days of Futur Past
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Platform: All platforms
Project:
The Hacking Museum will be planning and creating Retro Capture the
Flag Challenges (RetroCTF) and hands-on hacking experiences in
October. We will be focusing on "The Retro Software Protection
Challenge," intended to recreate the classic era of software
protection and cracking.
The Hacking Museum seeks to bridge the gap between past and present by
tinkering with a wide array of old computers and networking equipment.
By practicing historical hacking techniques on authentic hardware, we
aim to enrich understanding of the field's origins and inspire future
innovations in cybersecurity.
Join us in bringing the history of hacking back to life!
Status: Non Starter
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(DIR) ecliptik
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Platform: Palm Zire
Project:
Using my Palm Zire PDA on a daily basis, replacing my iPhone's
Calendar and Notes app.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Paolo Amoroso
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Platform: Medley Interlisp
Project:
Develop a NoteCards extension for visiting websites. The extension
will open sites on the World-Wide Web using the browser of the host
operating system.
NoteCards is a 1980s hypermedia system created at Xerox PARC as an
application program running on Medley Interlisp, the development
environment and system software of Xerox Lisp workstations.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Sean Billings
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Platform: Dragon 32 and possibly ZX Spectrum +2/3
Project:
Pew! Pew!
I haven't done anything for ages with my Retro collection, so I am
hoping this will motivate me to get on with it!
I intend to (Fix first) and then Modify a ZX Spectrum Light-gun to
work on a Dragon 32, and then explore if a simple game or demo could
be written. If all goes well (or badly) I may see what I can do with
it on the ZX Spectrum.
Status: Stalled
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(DIR) xiled
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Platform: Sun Microsystems Ultra 10 workstation and Netra X1 server.
Project:
Further adventures with SunOS, Solaris, and Sun Microsystems hardware.
This is a continuation of the explorations I did for the Old Computer
Challenge 2023 in gopherspace.
I read ecliptik's phost in gopherspace and checked out the surface web
RC2024 site and the archives. Thought it would be fun to participate.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Tim Holyoake
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Platform: Sharp MZ-80K
Project:
To complete a robust Sharp MZ-80K emulator on a Raspberry Pi Pico
microcontroller. The project is partially working at present, but
requires significant effort to achieve a first release by 31st
October. It will use the VGA board reference architecture implemented
by the Pimoroni VGA demo base board.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) rafaelmartins
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Platform: MOS 6581 / 8580, maybe RC2014
Project:
I want to implement a high-fidelity SID replacement using a modern
microcontroller (either AVR DB or STM32G4 series, to be decided). I
may use reSID, or just implement custom code based on the sample
waveform files, depending on the chosen microcontroller. If time
permits, I may create a RC2014 sound module similar to SID-Ulator
using it. Nothing 100% new, but as a synth lover, I want to learn more
about these chips!
Please note that "high fidelity" means "as computationally precise as
possible" and not "sound exactly the same as the original chips" :-)
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) conceitedjerk
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Platform: Sun Sparc IPX, Powerbook 280c
Project:
After a decade+ away from all things Retro, I'm going to tackle two
projects I've been putting off for a long time: replacing the HDs in
my Sparc IPX workstation and Powerbook 280c with SD card based
solutions. After that, it's showtime!
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) RetroCheng
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Platform: CP/M-86
Project:
I will install, and run, CP/M-86 on an old Zenith SupersPort (not a
typo) 8088 laptop.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) thegirlg33k
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Platform: Sharp MZ-700
Project:
I purchased a Sharp MZ-700 from Japan because it had 2 wires and a
switch sticking out the back of it. In opening it, I found what looks
to be an internal PCG add-on for the system. None of my MZ-700s are
fully working, so I want to focus on repairing a system, testing out
the possible PCG with software that can utilize its capabilities, and
then trying to clone it for others to enjoy!
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) Xav101
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Platform: SGI IRIX, Onyx350 InfinitePerformance
Project:
Old workstation systems often don't get much of a chance any more to
do work because of lack of software and resources. The goal is to use
SGI IRIX to perform a structural analysis of a production component
using Finite Element Analysis software and to produce a report on the
results. Additional tasks include making old and new CAD software
interoperate and possibly modeling a production component under IRIX.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Digitalrampage
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Platform: DEC
Project:
I am challenging myself to get a RL02 or TS05 connected to a PDP or
VAX for use!
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) JKnightandKARR
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Platform: Zenith Z-Star EX/Green 753
Project:
Repair Green 753 drive, a game pad with issues, battery packs for
both, and still trying to put IDE DOM in Z-Star
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Mars
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Platform: Atmel AVR
Project:
Long-running 8-bit custom computer
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Pendleton115
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Platform: Apple Macintosh SE/30
Project:
Restoration and upgrade of SE/30
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) ctb
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Platform: Classic Macintosh
Project:
To find the most stable and useful computer that can bridge most
Macintoshes from 1984 to now.
Status: Non Starter
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====CATEGORY: HALLOWEEN HACKS=====================
(HTM) epooch
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Platform: MC14500b ICU, MC6800
Project:
Inspired by avretro's RC2022 robot, I want to make a similar project:
an MC14500b (1-bit processor) based line following robot, but with a
Halloween theme. I will try to keep it simple with 1980's era
components.
I also want to get a Motorola MicroModule (MC6800) working with at
least a debugger and figure out a serial connection to my Elenco
6802D5 (rebranded MEK6802D5).
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Matteo Trevisan aka Toolkitman
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Platform: A600gs
Project:
Some Halloween Drawings in PPaint a600gs that will become a game
developed by me for AMIGA 68k in these few days of retrochallenge
2024/10.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) andreixyz
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Platform: Nokia Booklet 3G (2009)
Project:
Made a janky halloween-themed computer, inside out.
Status: Finished the Month!
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====CATEGORY: RC2014==============================
(HTM) Olav
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
I want to learn more about how computers work, so by using the RC2014
computer as a platform, I am trying to write my own BIOS/Simple OS
from scratch. My goal for the RetroChallenge 2024 is to add some
storage to the system, and I want to make it easier to transfer
programs between my modern computer and the RC2014. To achieve this, I
need to learn how the FAT32 filesystem works and implement it on my
RC2014, and then make a simple command line program so that I will be
able to browse and run programs from the CF card.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) Robert Price
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
I hope to learn more about hardware design and Z80 assembly language
on my RC2014. I am looking for something achievable, so I plan to try
to add one to two rotary encoders and to be able to read them from
software.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) socketwench
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Platform: rc2014
Project:
A hackable, 3D printed expansion box for the rc2014 Blue Box
enclosure.
Status: Stalled
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(HTM) semach.the.monkey
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Platform: RC2014 / ZX81 + others
Project:
Back in 2016 I started work on making a ZX81 module for the RC2014
that would utilise the ROM, RAM and CPU to turn the RC2014 in to a
ZX81. I made very little progress on that 8 years ago, but this year I
will focus on it to get somethng working. See
https://rc2014.co.uk/1352/retro-challenge-102016-still-a-work-in-progress/
for the latest update.
Any down time waiting for components or scratching my head will be
spent introducing some of my retro collection to my RC2014. Things
like the Z88, PPC640, Portfolio, QL, Psion Organiser II and even
Spectrum with Interface 1 all have serial ports which _should_ enable
communication. We'll see...
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) M Bordet
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
In C. In C. In RC. Attempting to build a custom MIDI sequencer in C
for performance of Terry Riley's 'In C' using old synths powered by an
RC2014.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) shieladixon
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
A couple of years ago I made a MIDI module for the RC2014. There are a
few out there and it works, but the design could be better. I used the
SIO2 port B, meaning that there's a bit of setting up and it'll only
work on RC2014s with an SIO2. I'd like to design a 'mk2' which has its
own era-appropriate serial chip (68B50 or similar) clocked at the
right speed for MIDI, so that it'll 'just work' in any RC2014 and
it'll be easy to access on its own hardware port.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) morecat_lab
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
Building MIDI Interface for RC2014. The goal of this project is to
build a music system with RC2014 computer and external (legacy) MIDI
box
Status: Finished the Month!
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(HTM) @jskists
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Platform: RC2014
Project:
The RC2014 has a CamelForth port on its ROM. This entry aims to
finally finish the upgraded version with disk support, Forth-2012
compliance, ... and maybe add graphics support. I will be primarily
debugging and documenting the ROM and having to refactor code as I go
for Forth-2012 compliance.
Status: Finished the Month!
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(DIR) ..