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cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds

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  cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-03-03 12:00 -0800
    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Captain Nemo <Nemo@nowhere.nohow.com> - 2026-03-03 17:42 -0500
      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-03-03 17:30 -0800
    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Patric  <minim@news.invalid> - 2026-03-04 14:00 +0100
      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-03-04 12:44 -0800
        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Captain Nemo <Nemo@nowhere.nohow.com> - 2026-03-05 05:22 -0500
    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds John <john@somewhere> - 2026-03-05 04:58 -0600
      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-03-05 17:43 -0800
        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds dxf <dxforth@gmail.com> - 2026-03-08 11:37 +1100
        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Eisenbahn <eisenbahn@is.invalid> - 2026-03-08 12:37 +0100
        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-08 06:46 +0000
          Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-05-08 08:01 -0700
            Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-08 18:10 +0000
              Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds yeti <yeti@tilde.institute> - 2026-05-08 20:02 +0042
              Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-05-13 08:58 -0700
                Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-14 15:02 +0000
                  Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> - 2026-05-18 11:29 -0700
                  Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Nils M Holm <nmh@sraddha.invalid> - 2026-05-23 09:53 +0000
                    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-23 19:11 +0000
                Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Paul Bartlett <bartlett@panix.com> - 2026-05-14 15:10 -0400
                  Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-15 06:17 +0000
                    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Paul Bartlett <bartlett@panix.com> - 2026-05-15 02:59 -0400
                      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-15 18:29 +0000
                        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Paul Bartlett <bartlett@panix.com> - 2026-05-15 15:30 -0400
                    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Andreas Eder <a_eder_muc@web.de> - 2026-05-15 09:42 +0200
                      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds John <john@somewhere> - 2026-05-15 04:44 -0500
                        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-15 18:41 +0000
                      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-15 18:30 +0000
                        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds John <john@somewhere> - 2026-05-15 14:41 -0500
                          Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-16 06:22 +0000
                            Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds jeffj@panix.com (Jeff Jonas) - 2026-06-11 14:45 -0400
                          Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds jeffj@panix.com (Jeff Jonas) - 2026-06-11 14:43 -0400
                            Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Captain Nemo <Nemo@nowhere.nohow.com> - 2026-06-12 10:26 -0400
                              Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds drb@ihatespam.msu.edu (Dennis Boone) - 2026-06-12 20:00 +0000
                    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds "John D. Baker" <jdbaker@consolidated.net> - 2026-05-22 15:49 -0500
                      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-23 19:22 +0000
                        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds "John D. Baker" <jdbaker@consolidated.net> - 2026-05-23 16:05 -0500
                        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds "John D. Baker" <jdbaker@consolidated.net> - 2026-05-23 15:55 -0500
                    Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Nils M Holm <nmh@sraddha.invalid> - 2026-05-23 09:57 +0000
                      Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) - 2026-05-23 19:15 +0000
                        Re: cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds Nils M Holm <nmh@sraddha.invalid> - 2026-06-06 18:23 +0000

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#14544 — cp/m on modern homebrew z80 builds

Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
homebrew builds with CP/M boot ROMS and flash memory. How do they work
for you and all that mumbo jumbo.

I've seen a few vids on youtube but haven't crossed any content of
decent quality.

I had been considering a rex/cpm chip for my Tandy 102 device but, have
hesitated in doing so - mostly because the producer of the item
can't/won't ship it into my country. But secondly, I prefer to use my
Tandy 200 for most daily uses due to the larger screen.

But, also, I'd prefer to dip my toes into CP/M on a device designed for
it. And from what I've seen, CP/M is quite slow to use on the Tandy
boxes.

To date it isn't an OS I've ever used, but my extensive history with
DOS should make the transition straight forward. It is becoming more
intriguing as the days progress.

I look forward to any discussion on the matter.

Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw

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#14545

On 3/3/26 3:00 PM, Daniel wrote:
> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
> homebrew builds with CP/M boot ROMS and flash memory. How do they work
> for you and all that mumbo jumbo.

I have 2 RC2014 systems that I've built.  They work fine.

CP/M is sort of like using MS-DOS 0.1 but with some differences (ex: you 
have to run an external program to copy files).

Pretty much all the CP/M software that I've found online work on it 
without any problem - with the exception for "oddball" versions of CP/M 
(like for the TRS-80).

> But, also, I'd prefer to dip my toes into CP/M on a device designed for
> it. And from what I've seen, CP/M is quite slow to use on the Tandy
> boxes.

Another option is to get a Kaypro.  They seem to go for reasonable 
prices today, take a Gotek to replace the aging floppy drives and have 
lots of software/disk images available.

There's also RunCPM that's a CP/M emulator that can run on most modern 
computers, if you aren't in to hardware.

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#14546

Captain Nemo <Nemo@nowhere.nohow.com> writes:

> On 3/3/26 3:00 PM, Daniel wrote:
>> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
>> homebrew builds with CP/M boot ROMS and flash memory. How do they work
>> for you and all that mumbo jumbo.
>
> I have 2 RC2014 systems that I've built.  They work fine.
>
> CP/M is sort of like using MS-DOS 0.1 but with some differences (ex:
> you have to run an external program to copy files).
>
> Pretty much all the CP/M software that I've found online work on it
> without any problem - with the exception for "oddball" versions of
> CP/M (like for the TRS-80).

That's good to know.

>> But, also, I'd prefer to dip my toes into CP/M on a device designed for
>> it. And from what I've seen, CP/M is quite slow to use on the Tandy
>> boxes.
>
> Another option is to get a Kaypro.  They seem to go for reasonable
> prices today, take a Gotek to replace the aging floppy drives and have
> lots of software/disk images available.
>
> There's also RunCPM that's a CP/M emulator that can run on most modern
> computers, if you aren't in to hardware.

I've considered a kaypro after watching 'tech tangents' youtube
channel. I'm not fond of retro computer key configurations and I'm very
fond of function keys.

I have an interest in making a homebrew kit with LCD and modern keyboard
and I'm day one of research.

Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw

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#14547

In article <878qc8y96x.fsf@rpi3>,
   Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
> homebrew builds with CP/M boot ROMS and flash memory. How do they work
> for you and all that mumbo jumbo.

I've played around with CP/M on the Agon Light which seemed to work well
enough. Couldn't get the serial interface to work but other than that it
was a very easy to use and fast(!) platform.

Patric

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#14548

Patric  <minim@news.invalid> writes:

> In article <878qc8y96x.fsf@rpi3>,
>    Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
>> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
>> homebrew builds with CP/M boot ROMS and flash memory. How do they work
>> for you and all that mumbo jumbo.
>
> I've played around with CP/M on the Agon Light which seemed to work well
> enough. Couldn't get the serial interface to work but other than that it
> was a very easy to use and fast(!) platform.
>
> Patric

The inspiration for me is to play  with one of these devices to see if
cpm is the next OS for me. I have some software concepts I'd like to
test.

The devices like the kaypro and the TRS-80 models with cpm are
compelling for me.

I'd like to double my usage and use them as  terminals  too. I have a
vps and a RPI that I use for various things. I also do a ton of BBSing.

Ultimately, I'd like to build a homebrew machine physically modeled
after a trs-80 data terminal/model 4p. So, a case that holds an LCD
screen and a keyboard with a standard modern qwerty layout as well as
the hardware. It is going to be a tall project.

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#14549

On 3/4/26 3:44 PM, Daniel wrote:
> Ultimately, I'd like to build a homebrew machine physically modeled
> after a trs-80 data terminal/model 4p. So, a case that holds an LCD
> screen and a keyboard with a standard modern qwerty layout as well as
> the hardware. It is going to be a tall project.

I've done something similar.

I used an old radio case - speaker on the left, small door to access the 
knobs on the right.

The speaker I replaced with a small VGA LCD display.  Then I built an 
RC2014Zed and put it in under the door.  The door area made it easy to 
hide things, including a USB/Serial cable on the aux port so that I 
could transfer files easily.

Finally, I hooked up my own reset button and mounted it externally on 
the case.

The end result is something that looked more like a short Kaypro than a 
TRS-80 4P, but it works nice.

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#14550

On 3/3/26 2:00 PM, Daniel wrote:
> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80

Well, instead of purchasing something, you can write your own CP/M 
emulator and put it in ROM.  It's an interesting experience.

When you say 'modern Z80' - that doesn't really make a difference.
CP/M specs state it should run on an 8080 - which means any Z80 should 
run the code.  The tricky part is creating a BIOS for your particular 
hardware environment.  Digital Research (who made CP/M) produced an 
'Alteration Guide' to help users with this process.

And I have a Gotek on one of my Osbornes.  Very convenient.  But I don't 
use them on all my machines.  I prefer to keep the drives running.

-J

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#14551

John <john@somewhere> writes:

> On 3/3/26 2:00 PM, Daniel wrote:
>> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
>
> Well, instead of purchasing something, you can write your own CP/M
> emulator and put it in ROM.  It's an interesting experience.
>
> When you say 'modern Z80' - that doesn't really make a difference.
> CP/M specs state it should run on an 8080 - which means any Z80 should
> run the code.  The tricky part is creating a BIOS for your particular
> hardware environment.  Digital Research (who made CP/M) produced an
> 'Alteration Guide' to help users with this process.
>
> And I have a Gotek on one of my Osbornes.  Very convenient.  But I
> don't use them on all my machines.  I prefer to keep the drives
> running.

/snip

I'm considering the RC2014 since it's a great all-around card and can do
other things with its daughter board design language. Still learning
about it.

For my build, I'll need to find a nice LCD panel no larger than 15
inches viewable for what I'm envisioning. I considered finding an older
LCD panel but modern models use less power. A requirement is low
power consumption and fanless operation.

Already have the keyboard model identified from another project.

Once I have the lcd figured out, I'll be able to spec out the
chassis and overall build/aesthetics.

Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw

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#14557

On 6/03/2026 12:43 pm, Daniel wrote:
> ... 
> I'm considering the RC2014 since it's a great all-around card and can do
> other things with its daughter board design language. Still learning
> about it.
> ...

Perhaps the only issue for me would be the speed.  I've used DOSBOX with
MYZ80 emulator for so long that a 4 MHz Z80 would probably be torture.
I should mention it was due to the popularity of the RC2014 that a decade
ago I dusted off my CP/M Forth compiler and began developing it again.

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#14558

The use of an emulator as a help tool for testing and getting acquainted 
with CP/M has been mentioned a few times in this thread. I like to 
tinker with Ronald Daleske's EMUZ80 RPI - Z80 / CP/M. A CP/M emulator on 
a Raspberry Pi.

https://www.daleske.de/projekte/prog/11_EMUZ80_RPI/prog_EMUZ80_RPI_en.htm

Eisenbahn


On 2026-03-06 02:43, Daniel wrote:
> John <john@somewhere> writes:
>
>> On 3/3/26 2:00 PM, Daniel wrote:
>>> Has anyone in the CP/M usenet community played with modern z80
>>
>> Well, instead of purchasing something, you can write your own CP/M
>> emulator and put it in ROM.  It's an interesting experience.
>>
>> When you say 'modern Z80' - that doesn't really make a difference.
>> CP/M specs state it should run on an 8080 - which means any Z80 should
>> run the code.  The tricky part is creating a BIOS for your particular
>> hardware environment.  Digital Research (who made CP/M) produced an
>> 'Alteration Guide' to help users with this process.
>>
>> And I have a Gotek on one of my Osbornes.  Very convenient.  But I
>> don't use them on all my machines.  I prefer to keep the drives
>> running.
>
> /snip
>
> I'm considering the RC2014 since it's a great all-around card and can do
> other things with its daughter board design language. Still learning
> about it.
>
> For my build, I'll need to find a nice LCD panel no larger than 15
> inches viewable for what I'm envisioning. I considered finding an older
> LCD panel but modern models use less power. A requirement is low
> power consumption and fanless operation.
>
> Already have the keyboard model identified from another project.
>
> Once I have the lcd figured out, I'll be able to spec out the
> chassis and overall build/aesthetics.
>
> Daniel
> sysop  | air & wave bbs
> finger | calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw
>

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#14567

Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
> I'm considering the RC2014 since it's a great all-around card and can do
> other things with its daughter board design language. Still learning
> about it.
> 
> For my build, I'll need to find a nice LCD panel no larger than 15
> inches viewable for what I'm envisioning. I considered finding an older
> LCD panel but modern models use less power. A requirement is low
> power consumption and fanless operation.
> 
> Already have the keyboard model identified from another project.

Interesting! I've been pondering getting into RC2014 lately, as part
of my exploration of permacomputing.

How do you plan to interface the LCD to the system? From what I've
gathered, the RC2014 normally uses a serial terminal as its interface,
so I'm guessing you'll need to somehow interface keyboard and LCD to
the serial port? I'm thinking 'simple microcontroller that drives the
LCD and reads keystrokes and acts as a serial terminal to the RC2014'.

What are your thoughts?

Cheers,

Koen

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#14568

gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:

> Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
>> I'm considering the RC2014 since it's a great all-around card and can do
>> other things with its daughter board design language. Still learning
>> about it.
>> 
>> For my build, I'll need to find a nice LCD panel no larger than 15
>> inches viewable for what I'm envisioning. I considered finding an older
>> LCD panel but modern models use less power. A requirement is low
>> power consumption and fanless operation.
>> 
>> Already have the keyboard model identified from another project.
>
> Interesting! I've been pondering getting into RC2014 lately, as part
> of my exploration of permacomputing.
>
> How do you plan to interface the LCD to the system? From what I've
> gathered, the RC2014 normally uses a serial terminal as its interface,
> so I'm guessing you'll need to somehow interface keyboard and LCD to
> the serial port? I'm thinking 'simple microcontroller that drives the
> LCD and reads keystrokes and acts as a serial terminal to the RC2014'.
>
> What are your thoughts?

I haven't gotten that far yet. The project is on the back burner while I
finish a previous project that's mid-way. What I learn from this project
will help with my rc2014 build.

Of course, I need to get one first and dick around with it.

There are so many add-on cards to the rig I still need to investigate.

Is the rc2014 open source? I mean, can I get the plans and get a pcb
manufactured or do I have to order it from the dude? It's a bit pricey.

What does permacomputing mean?

--
Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw

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#14569

Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
> gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:
>> Interesting! I've been pondering getting into RC2014 lately, as part
>> of my exploration of permacomputing.
>>
>> How do you plan to interface the LCD to the system? From what I've
>> gathered, the RC2014 normally uses a serial terminal as its interface,
>> so I'm guessing you'll need to somehow interface keyboard and LCD to
>> the serial port? I'm thinking 'simple microcontroller that drives the
>> LCD and reads keystrokes and acts as a serial terminal to the RC2014'.
>>
>> What are your thoughts?
> 
> I haven't gotten that far yet. The project is on the back burner while I
> finish a previous project that's mid-way. What I learn from this project
> will help with my rc2014 build.
> 
> Of course, I need to get one first and dick around with it.
> 
> There are so many add-on cards to the rig I still need to investigate.

Indeed. I just pulled the trigger and ordered a 'pro' kit, which comes with
the backplane, cpu module, rom module (which includes the ROM code needed
for CP/M), RAM module, RTC module and a CF card module. I got a few extra
modules as well, such as a VGA interface module and wifi module, but I
intend to hook up an LCD and keyboard to it, but haven't really thought
that out yet. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.

And yeah, I've got plenty of projects to work on as well, we'll see when
and how I get to it :)

> Is the rc2014 open source? I mean, can I get the plans and get a pcb
> manufactured or do I have to order it from the dude? It's a bit pricey.

From what I can see, the schematics for all the modules are available as
PDF files, but I haven't seen any CAD files. It's all very simple and
straight-forward though, so not too much effort to create your own
schematics in your CAD program of choice and create your own gerbers.

The software is all open source though (although I guess CP/M itself
is not).

> What does permacomputing mean?

Well, depends on who you ask I guess. There's a lot that goes into it,
but let me summarise to say that it's about making computing more
sustainable. It's a movement that's fed up with the tech industry's
wasteful strategy of planned obsolence, but also a movement that
considers that the global supply chain on which modern computing
relies might one day go away. 

For me, the RC2014 and similar projects fit in because they use
simple components and create systems that can be understood and
maintained by an individual rather than requiring teams and teams
of people across many huge companies to produce and maintain.

Cheers,

Koen

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#14570

gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) wrote:

> The software is all open source though (although I guess CP/M itself
> is not).

Hackaday / 20220713
CP/M Is Now Freer Than It Was
<https://hackaday.com/2022/07/13/cp-m-is-now-freer-than-it-was/>
|
| Its source has been available in some form with a few strings for a
| long time now, but now we have confirmation from Digital Research’s
| successor company that it’s now available without restrictions on
| where it can be distributed.
.

-- 
Test Dept
Gdansk (excerpt)
<https://youtu.be/5lYKE2PiOYY>

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#14571

gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:

> Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
>> gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:
>>> Interesting! I've been pondering getting into RC2014 lately, as part
>>> of my exploration of permacomputing.
>>>
>>> How do you plan to interface the LCD to the system? From what I've
>>> gathered, the RC2014 normally uses a serial terminal as its interface,
>>> so I'm guessing you'll need to somehow interface keyboard and LCD to
>>> the serial port? I'm thinking 'simple microcontroller that drives the
>>> LCD and reads keystrokes and acts as a serial terminal to the RC2014'.
>>>
>>> What are your thoughts?
>> 
>> I haven't gotten that far yet. The project is on the back burner while I
>> finish a previous project that's mid-way. What I learn from this project
>> will help with my rc2014 build.
>> 
>> Of course, I need to get one first and dick around with it.
>> 
>> There are so many add-on cards to the rig I still need to investigate.
>
> Indeed. I just pulled the trigger and ordered a 'pro' kit, which comes with
> the backplane, cpu module, rom module (which includes the ROM code needed
> for CP/M), RAM module, RTC module and a CF card module. I got a few extra
> modules as well, such as a VGA interface module and wifi module, but I
> intend to hook up an LCD and keyboard to it, but haven't really thought
> that out yet. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.

Wow great job. So how many daughterboards can fit on the backplane and
which ones do you intend on standardizing?

> And yeah, I've got plenty of projects to work on as well, we'll see when
> and how I get to it :)
>
>> Is the rc2014 open source? I mean, can I get the plans and get a pcb
>> manufactured or do I have to order it from the dude? It's a bit pricey.
>
> From what I can see, the schematics for all the modules are available as
> PDF files, but I haven't seen any CAD files. It's all very simple and
> straight-forward though, so not too much effort to create your own
> schematics in your CAD program of choice and create your own gerbers.

That's what I observed. I will order my own set at some point. My
project is extensive and it's a heavy sports time at the moment.

> The software is all open source though (although I guess CP/M itself
> is not).
>
>> What does permacomputing mean?
>
> Well, depends on who you ask I guess. There's a lot that goes into it,
> but let me summarise to say that it's about making computing more
> sustainable. It's a movement that's fed up with the tech industry's
> wasteful strategy of planned obsolence, but also a movement that
> considers that the global supply chain on which modern computing
> relies might one day go away. 
>
> For me, the RC2014 and similar projects fit in because they use
> simple components and create systems that can be understood and
> maintained by an individual rather than requiring teams and teams
> of people across many huge companies to produce and maintain.

I did look up permacomputing in the meantime. For me, I want a device
that will work the same the day I start using it than years later. And
with my day-to-day OS (linux) changing ever-so-rapidly, I want to find
methods of living with older os's that are the opposite. CP/M seems to
fit that bill, especially with all the modern software being written for
the platform, that I've read about.

I look forward to exploring the cp/m world. There's a decent online
emulator that I play with occasionally. And there's a RC2014 BBS that
I'll poke around in too. I asked the sysop some questions but he replied
with 'read the fucking manual.' I guess some people don't like to have
conversation anymore.

--
Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | calcmandan@bbs.erb.pw

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#14573

Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
> gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:
>> Indeed. I just pulled the trigger and ordered a 'pro' kit, which comes with
>> the backplane, cpu module, rom module (which includes the ROM code needed
>> for CP/M), RAM module, RTC module and a CF card module. I got a few extra
>> modules as well, such as a VGA interface module and wifi module, but I
>> intend to hook up an LCD and keyboard to it, but haven't really thought
>> that out yet. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.
> 
> Wow great job. So how many daughterboards can fit on the backplane and
> which ones do you intend on standardizing?

It depends on which backplane you get. The pro one fits 12 slots, but
there's an 8- and 5-slot version available as well.

>> For me, the RC2014 and similar projects fit in because they use
>> simple components and create systems that can be understood and
>> maintained by an individual rather than requiring teams and teams
>> of people across many huge companies to produce and maintain.
> 
> I did look up permacomputing in the meantime. For me, I want a device
> that will work the same the day I start using it than years later. And
> with my day-to-day OS (linux) changing ever-so-rapidly, I want to find
> methods of living with older os's that are the opposite. CP/M seems to
> fit that bill, especially with all the modern software being written for
> the platform, that I've read about.

I hear ya! It's as if some people think completely redisning the UI of
whatever every month or so makes for a great user experience. I'm getting
tired of relearning everything each time I turn the machine on.

I'm curious about the software offerings though, haven't looked into
that much yet. Do you have any tips on where to look?

> I look forward to exploring the cp/m world. There's a decent online
> emulator that I play with occasionally. And there's a RC2014 BBS that
> I'll poke around in too. I asked the sysop some questions but he replied
> with 'read the fucking manual.' I guess some people don't like to have
> conversation anymore.

That's a pity. Where's the RC2014 BBS? The whole noveau-BBS scene is
something I also plan to get into at some point, but there's only
so much time in a day.

I'm quite looking forward to diving into CP/M myself, it's gonna be
fun. I'm curious to see how far I can take it. The kit is now stuck
in customs, but won't be long before it's here.

Cheers,

Koen

-- 
Software architecture & engineering: https://www.sonologic.se/
Sci-fi: https://www.koenmartens.nl/
Retrocomputing videos: https://retroscandinavian.eu/

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#14585

gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:

> Daniel <me@sc1f1dan.com> wrote:
>> gmc@metro.cx (Koen Martens) writes:
>>> Indeed. I just pulled the trigger and ordered a 'pro' kit, which comes with
>>> the backplane, cpu module, rom module (which includes the ROM code needed
>>> for CP/M), RAM module, RTC module and a CF card module. I got a few extra
>>> modules as well, such as a VGA interface module and wifi module, but I
>>> intend to hook up an LCD and keyboard to it, but haven't really thought
>>> that out yet. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.
>> 
>> Wow great job. So how many daughterboards can fit on the backplane and
>> which ones do you intend on standardizing?
>
> It depends on which backplane you get. The pro one fits 12 slots, but
> there's an 8- and 5-slot version available as well.
>
>>> For me, the RC2014 and similar projects fit in because they use
>>> simple components and create systems that can be understood and
>>> maintained by an individual rather than requiring teams and teams
>>> of people across many huge companies to produce and maintain.
>> 
>> I did look up permacomputing in the meantime. For me, I want a device
>> that will work the same the day I start using it than years later. And
>> with my day-to-day OS (linux) changing ever-so-rapidly, I want to find
>> methods of living with older os's that are the opposite. CP/M seems to
>> fit that bill, especially with all the modern software being written for
>> the platform, that I've read about.
>
> I hear ya! It's as if some people think completely redisning the UI of
> whatever every month or so makes for a great user experience. I'm getting
> tired of relearning everything each time I turn the machine on.
>
> I'm curious about the software offerings though, haven't looked into
> that much yet. Do you have any tips on where to look?
>
>> I look forward to exploring the cp/m world. There's a decent online
>> emulator that I play with occasionally. And there's a RC2014 BBS that
>> I'll poke around in too. I asked the sysop some questions but he replied
>> with 'read the fucking manual.' I guess some people don't like to have
>> conversation anymore.
>
> That's a pity. Where's the RC2014 BBS? The whole noveau-BBS scene is
> something I also plan to get into at some point, but there's only
> so much time in a day.

rc2014.ddns.net
port 2014

--
Daniel
sysop  | air & wave bbs
finger | info@bbs.airandwave.net

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#14590

Koen Martens <gmc@metro.cx> wrote:
> I'm curious about the software offerings though, haven't looked into
> that much yet. Do you have any tips on where to look?

There's some modern CP/M software on my homepage:
http://t3x.org/t3x/0/programs.html

-- 
Nils M Holm  < n m h @ t 3 x . o r g >  http://t3x.org

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#14593

Nils M Holm <nmh@sraddha.invalid> wrote:
> Koen Martens <gmc@metro.cx> wrote:
>> I'm curious about the software offerings though, haven't looked into
>> that much yet. Do you have any tips on where to look?
> 
> There's some modern CP/M software on my homepage:
> http://t3x.org/t3x/0/programs.html

Thanks!

I see 've', that might be interesting. I'm using 'te' now as an
editor to edit .asm files on the target, but I keep hitting vi
keys :)

Cheers,

Koen

-- 
Software architecture & engineering: https://www.sonologic.se/
Sci-fi: https://www.koenmartens.nl/
Retrocomputing videos: https://retroscandinavian.eu/

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#14574

Just a small remark at the very end of the post, not about CP/M as
such. (My first computer was a Kaypro with CP/M.)

On Wed, 13 May 2026, Daniel wrote:

> [trim]

> [...]  And there's a RC2014 BBS that
> I'll poke around in too. I asked the sysop some questions but he replied
> with 'read the fucking manual.' I guess some people don't like to have
> conversation anymore.

Yes, this seems to be a growing problem online. I am an elderly person
and do not always think of some ways of doing things that are outside
my experience, so I ask a question in an online forum. Often I get a
response of RTFM or "Google is your friend" (even though I tend to use
other search engines). It seems like the interpersonal touch has gone
away for some people. Sad.

-- 
Paul Bartlett

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