https://github.com/EremusOne/ZX-ESPectrum-IDF is the next repository we try with ESP32-SBC-FabGL.
At first it didn’t build but after Twitter consultation the problem appear with PlatformIO which was searching for obsolete version of ESP32 tools, after adding one line in platformio.ini
[env]
platform_packages = toolchain-riscv32-esp @ 8.4.0+2021r2-patch5
the project compiled and show on the screen, there are still some annoying things like menus not working well and no programs in the slots, but I stopped spending time on it 🙂 a little bit more documentation would be helpful though!
Many people asked when W65C265 computer like AgonLight2 will be available and I reply that even now such computer is available: The Mensch W65C265 computer is available at Mouser for EUR 18!
Today I wired Mensch to ESP32-SBC-FabGL access bus following this schematic:
AccessBus.pin1 +5V to Mensch.J5.pin.3
AccessBus.pin3 GND to Mensch.J5.pin.1
AccessBus.pin5 (TX) to Mensch.J5.pin4 (RX)
AccessBus.pin6 (RX) in series with 220 ohm resistor to Mensch.J5.pin5 (TX)
The 220 ohm resistor is necessary as current limiter as Mensch is working on 5V while ESP32 on 3.3V
ESP32-SBC-FabGL is running the standard FabGL ANSI Termainal example with small modification. Mensch sends only CR but not LF. So the FabGL code should be changed when see CR on Serial port to send CR+LF to the terminal. In serialport.cpp this should be add:
void SerialPortTerminalConnector::rxCallback(void * args, uint8_t value, bool fromISR)
{
auto obj = (SerialPortTerminalConnector *) args;
if (obj->m_serialPortRXEnabled) {
obj->m_terminal->write(value, fromISR);
if (value == 13)
obj->m_terminal->write(10, false);
}
}
and we are set 🙂 now Mensch have VGA display and PS2 keyboard!
Víctor Iborra
May 31, 2023 @ 15:32:07
Hi there!
Thanks for trying our emu on the new board. Glad to see the suggested fix did the trick 🙂
Whilst the versión you tried is a beta, it is fully functional and there’s a lot of users enjoying it right now on the Lilygo VGA32 board.
Menus are still simple but working and it comes with some sna’s and an example tap in the SPIFFS storage. If u wish to test with your own sna, z80 snapshots or tap files you have to prepare a SD card following the instructions in the README.md: https://github.com/EremusOne/ZX-ESPectrum-IDF/blob/master/README.md
We are currently focused on preparing the next version, which will have some very interesting updates and a surprise, and we will be presenting it this coming Saturday, June 3rd, at RetroReal, a gathering of retro enthusiasts that will take place in Ciudad Real, Spain.
Also, we’re finishing the new site at https://zxespectrum.speccy.org
Thanks again for testing our emu! We are eager to test our emulator on your board and to test its capabilities.
Víctor Iborra
ESPectrum dev team
tcpipchip
May 31, 2023 @ 21:14:10
very very cool
ArKay
Jun 08, 2023 @ 16:58:55
Is the Lilygo VGA32 board more powerful or why does the Olimex nedd the Mensch computer?
SK
Jun 08, 2023 @ 23:07:37
Seems this is a use case for those that are fans of having the real hardware CPU (not emulation) – then the ESP32-SBC-FabGL simply acts as a co-processor for video, keyboard, etc.
That being said, I believe ESP32-SBC-FabGL can work on its own pretty happily too, doing whatever the Lilygo board can do (check the initial announcement here: https://olimex.wordpress.com/2023/05/25/new-open-source-hardware-design-is-verified-esp32-sbc-fabgl-single-board-computer-based-on-fabgl-library-with-ps2-keyboard-mouse-and-vga-display-with-many-retro-computer-emulators/)
ArKay
Jun 09, 2023 @ 13:35:26
Thanks for the clarification!
OLIMEX Ltd
Jun 09, 2023 @ 09:46:11
both Lilygo VGA32 and ESP32-SBC-FabGL are based on FabGL library and design, but Lilygo uses WROOM module which has no PSRAM, while ESP32-SBC-FabGL uses WROVER module with 8MB PSRAM. Also ESP32-SBC-FabGL has UEXT connector for expansion with SPI I2C UART.
ArKay
Jun 09, 2023 @ 13:34:39
Thanks for the clarification! 🙂 For someone who doesn’t know anything about those boards it can all be a little confusing 😂
Matej Hudák
Jun 14, 2023 @ 20:35:17
So next step will be W65C265 based + esp32-fab on one board?