ZX Review #3-4
22 июля 1997 |
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Forum - 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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В этот день... 21 November