Forum - A. Strelnikov. Prospects of development of ZX Spectrum.

<b>Forum</b> - A. Strelnikov. Prospects of development of ZX Spectrum.

            FORUM



(C) Strelnikov AS,
g.Millerovo.


   I write to you after reading an article by Alexei Didenko in 
ZX REVIEW 96/4-5 p.113-looking

Speccy. In his letter, Alexey
proposes to develop a new
Spectrum-compatible computer:


     Processor - Z80H, 7 MHz;

     RAM - 512KB - 1 MB;

     Video processor;

     Shadow ROM;

     Alternative ROM;

     Winchester;

     ZX-Covox.


   The machine, of course, will
not bad, but what is the prospect? All owners of Spectrum-s 
throw away their old computers and will run for the new ones?

This is not the solution. To
develop Spectrum, need to focus on improving
existing models, creating peripherals that enhance the power of 
the computer. In ZX-Format'e flashed idea

create additional devices with its CPU, RAM, ROM.
In particular, it proposed a new
Controller screen. I would add
that every effort should be to ensure that new
device connects to your computer with minimal modifications. 
Maximize existing ports and interfaces

- Tape recorder, keyboard, Beta
Disk. Why no one uses
muz.protsessora ports, and that's
the most common printer interface. Why would "sculpt"
VV55, when almost everyone
is AY.

   A shining example of the device being connected "small
blood ", is a controller HDD
S. Veremeenko. The only flaw of the author - the use of MFM -
Winchester. But by calling him, I
learned that now there is processing of the controller to work 
with IDE interface. For such a device, I was the first camp in 
the queue. With regard to intervention in the scheme of the 
computer, then in my opinion, the only devices connected to the 
"big blood, "can (and should) be

bus controller. Designed
for each particular model, it
allows you to connect any device designed to work
with a standard system connector ZX-Spectrum. And it is not
system connector, namely the bus.
Board, connected to the main
computer's motherboard, which has elements of the buffer, and 
3-5 slots. 

   Finally a few suggestions:

   There were many ideas for alternative ROM. Is it not better 
to make a ROM-disk, as in Orion-128. And the fans to make new 
SOS and DOS may load them into the lower

16k RAM from the same ROM-disk'a. A
ROMs are better left alone. Never new ROM will not be at all
sinkleristov. Therefore, the program that uses the new ROM
will be fewer potential buyers than using
standard firmware.

   Further, the fashionable topic - turbirovanie. How much 
effort and real gains in productivity fold in half, not more. 
May someone to do for Speccy

transputer?

   And about the ZX-Covox. In fact,
Covox - a DAC connected to the
printer port. In the simplest
case - R2R chain, which
can be mounted directly in
connector. In the schemes, which I
came across as just formed
printer port, and output -
chain R2R. But, the city all
is not it easier to connect the DAC
a ready-made ports AY, which almost everyone has?

   On this, perhaps, everything. Was
would be interesting to know the opinion of other users 
ZX-Spectrum on this issue.


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