Quazar

· 3mo ago

New in stock, a blue colour variant of my Flash Memory Cartridge for the #ZXSpectrum with Interface 2 (or comaptible cart interface)

Preflashed with two games by Radastan (thanks!) + Arcade Game Designer ROM edition by Jonathan Cauldwell (thanks!). Flash chip can be reprogrammed with an EPROM programmer.

http://ebay.co.uk/itm/117277275353 (blue cart)

http://zx.samcoupe.com (for all my Spectrum hardware)

(A few yellow and green carts are still available too!)

#retrogaming #gaming

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKDK8cCNKiU

· 3mo ago

Here's one of the things I would have been showing if I had attended the 'Synthesized' event last Saturday.

A Feersum MicroBeast equipped with some of my hardware via its RC2014 style expansion port. First, my new 3 way expansion card specifically for the MicroBeast and two of my soundchip interfaces - SAA1099P (the soundchip from the SAM Coupé) and SID (the famous C64 soundchip).

In the video the music is playing through the SAA1099P with a tune from the SAM Coupe. The SID Interface is also being used for the interrupt controller I included in the design so it's generating 50Hz interrupts for perfect timing of calling the play routine in the code. The code is all wrapped up as a CP/M .com executable.

As I wasn't able to make the show due to the weather warning by train operators I've extended the 10% off offer on the range of hardware I make for RC2014 and compatibles.

https://2014.samcoupe.com

#retrocomputing #chiptune #rc2014 #samcoupe #c64 #microbeast

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#samcoupe #retrogaming #gaming #books #computing

· 2mo ago

TL;DR eBaying books and games...

I've listed some SAM Coupe games on eBay as 1 day auctions, duplicates from my own collection that I don't really need.
https://ebay.co.uk/usr/quazar-sam-coupe-sales

- Momentum
- Escape from the Planet of the Robot Monsters (re-release)
- Defenders of the Earth (re-release)

Also some computer related books

- Twilight Inventory, by Gareth Pitchford
- Commodork : Sordid Tales from a BBS Junkie, by Rob O'Hara

I've never been much of a reader, but they were both interesting and Commodork is a really fun read!

ebay.co.uk

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#chiptune #retrocomputing

· 7mo ago

Where possible I'm happy to customise hardware I make. This example is a version of my SAA1099P Soundchip Interface for RC2014 & compatibles, modified for use in a homebrew 6502 computer which simulates a Z80 bus for driving a couple of RC style expansion slots.

Although for this setup only address bits A0 - A7 are available, as the 6502 circuitry is using a 256 byte window in its memory map for the simulated I/O address area. As the original SAA Interface uses A0 - A8 to match the decoding per the SAM Coupe I had to change the decoding circuitry to remove the dependence on A8, which I switched to A0 and used A1-A7 for the base I/O address that can be set by jumpers.

For the full range of peripherals I make for use with #RC2014 & compatibles please see my dedicated site at: https://2014.samcoupe.com

For my other hardware...
#SAMCoupe - https://www.samcoupe.com
#ZXSpectrum - https://zx.samcoupe.com

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https://www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm

· 6mo ago

I had hoped to pop into the Centre of Computing History this weekend as they've a Dragon 32 event and say 'hello' but despite being up and down to Cambridgeshire every week at the moment I'm not able to make things coincide to be there.

But, I have designed another PCB Badge to add my growing range, this time it is of the Dragon 32!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117105786267

All helps add a few pounds to the development fund for everything #retrocomputing I'm working on!

#dragon32 #retrogaming #gamedev

www.samcoupe.com - Quazar Quick Shop page, prices include UK shipping...

Quazar - a SAM Coupe developer - New hardware, software and SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe. Celebrating 33 years of supporting the SAM Coupe.

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#commodore #c64 #sid #chiptune #retrocomputing #synth

· 4mo ago

Save £5 this weekend on my 8580 SID Adapter (released in 2020) to use the MOS8580 soundchip in computers/circuits designed for the MOS6581.

More info / Purchase:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117175215066

After more than 1? Direct US shipping quote rather than eBay postage? Buy direct rather than eBay? Any questions? Send me a private message! 😀

This is also useful if you purchased on my SID Soundchip Interfaces, either the SAM Coupe version (released back in 2003!) or the RC2014 & Compatibles version (released in 2020) and you opted for the 6581 configuration. This module can then be plugged in to allow the 8580 to be used. (Info on the SAM Coupe SID Interface -> https://www.samcoupe.com .Info on the RC2014 & Compatible SID Interface -> https://2014.samcoupe.com)

ebay.co.uk

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#samcoupe #zxspectrum #commodore #c64 #dragon32 #retrogaming #retrocomputing

· 6mo ago

The expanding range of #computer PCB Pin Badges and PCB Keyrings I make.

Buy individually at www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm with UK postage included. For combined shipping for a bundle or international shipping please send a message via the site.

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· 5mo ago

Replying to

@stevewetherill@oldbytes.space Another great read Steve! I can remember vividly my birthday in 1985. With a fresh tenner in hand I went to John Menzies and bought JSW2 and the current issue of Your Spectrum which had hacked the game to bits with a variety of POKEs and room teleporter, plus the full map of the game. Later, I had to rebuy JSW2 on its budget re-release as I'd lost the inlay with the massive code card! MM/JSW/JSW2, some of the best games on the ZX Spectrum. While we had a port of Manic Miner for the SAM Coupe in 1992 (with 60 caverns!), but JSW was never licensed/ported over. I filled the platforming gap with my 'Money Bags' Trilogy of games, originally releasing them between 1995-2004. (1 and 1.5 have since been re-released on the coverdisks with SAM Revival magazine and I'll shortly be re-releasing 2 as an updated edition)

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· 6mo ago

A bit of a longshot, but I'll throw this question out here! Anyone remember what sort of 6502 dev board was used for the Scottish Higher Technological Studies around 1991/2?

I remember it had keypad for entering your code as hex, 7 segment displays and digital inputs/outputs for switches, lights, stepper motors...

I remember there was a reference guide for it (folded sheet of A4) with 6502 op codes etc that could be used in the exam too. I binned school stuff many decades ago but curious to see if anyone out there still has anything from all those decades ago.

#computing #electronics

Mastodon App UK

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· 7mo ago

https://linktr.ee/quazarsamcoupe A quick post to my new LinkTree for links to everything #retrocomputing I do - my main website for all my SAM Coupe development, the two smaller sites for ZX Spectrum hardware and peripherals for RC2014 & compatibles. My other social media accounts and my Tindie and eBay stores. #samcoupe #zxspectrum #rc2014 #retrogaming #demoscene #indiedev #gamedev #z80

linktr.ee

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#demoscene #demoparty #synth #chiptune #indiedev #z80 #retrocomputing

· 6mo ago

Half Price Offer - SAM Revival issue 11

- The issue that focuses on sound on the #SAMCoupe computer. Full colour, professionally printed magazine (Originally released 2004, updated 2024). Includes 19 track audio CD.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117127555134

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· 5mo ago

Replying to

@stevewetherill Another fun read! Thanks.

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· 5mo ago

The first part of my 'Money Bags' trilogy for the #SAMCoupe is re-released on the coverdisk with issue 9 of SAM Revival magazine. Often overshadowed on the coverdisk by the re-release of the massive SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner, Money Bags was my own trilogy of platformer games in the style of Jet Set Willy. Originally written back in 1996 it was designed and coded over one week when I should have been studying for university finals! Money Bags 1 1.5, the middle installment but the last to be written, is also re-released on the coverdisk with issue 17 of SAM Revival. https://www.samcoupe.com https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/quazar-sam-coupe-sales The huge sequel, Money Bags 2, will be re-released again as a standalone title in the very near future, as floppy disk and Trinity SD card editions. #retrogaming #jsw #gamedev #indiedev #retrocomputing

www.samcoupe.com - The SAM Coupe site from Quazar - Hardware, Software, Magazines and more for the SAM Coupe...

Quazar - a SAM Coupe developer - New hardware, software and SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe. Celebrating 32 years of supporting the SAM Coupe.

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· 7mo ago

Save 15% off my #RC2014 peripherals at my Tindie store this weekend! (8th/9th March). https://www.tindie.com/stores/quazar SID Soundchip Interface SAA1099P Soundchip Interface Graphic OLED Module ZX True Tone Module ZX-RC Bus Interface #retrocomputing #z80

tindie.com

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· 8mo ago

🚨 Back In Stock! 16 Bank Flash Cartridge for ZX Spectrum (Yellow) Interface 2 style cartridge which can store 16 different ROM images in the flash memory. Comes pre-flashed with 2 games (Mag the Magician and Dead Space, courtesy of Radastan) and the ROM version AGD (courtesy of Jonathan Cauldwell). The flash chip can be popped out of the socket and reprogrammed with an EPROM programmer to add your own ROM images. https://zx.samcoupe.com https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117014376822 The cartridge is also compatible with the ZX-ECUTOR interface on the SAM Coupe, and can be reflashed on the SAM using the programmer software that's included in bank F on the cartridge. #zxspectrum #samcoupe #retrogaming #gaming #retrocomputing #gamedev

zx.samcoupe.com

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· 6mo ago

🚨 SAM Revival 9 back in stock! Fresh stock of the revamped back issue 9 of SAM Revival has arrived. An expanded, full colour, professionally printed back issue, originally released in 2004. Featuring the full SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner (60 Caverns!) on the included floppy cover disk, and Money Bags Special Edition. [Digital file also available of the coverdisk.] https://www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117082338579 #samcoupe #manicminer #retrogaming #retrocomputing #gaming #gamedev

www.samcoupe.com - Quazar Quick Shop page, prices include UK shipping...

Quazar - a SAM Coupe developer - New hardware, software and SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe. Celebrating 33 years of supporting the SAM Coupe.

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#samcoupe #supportprintmedia #retrogames #gaming #retrocomputing #z80

· 6mo ago

New eBay listing - Grab a discounted bundle of the early issues (1 to 8) of 'SAM Revival' magazine for the SAM Coupe. News, Reviews, Interviews, Previews, Cheats, Coding + much more...

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117127543870

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· 7mo ago

Replying to

(2/2) Although just about every other team and company gave up at the tail end of the 1990s I continued on increasing what I do for this wonderful system. 33 years - still going! Everything I do (Hardware, Software, 'SAM Revival' magazine) -> https://www.samcoupe.com I've big projects in the work, including new system using the original custom SAM chips.

www.samcoupe.com - The SAM Coupe site from Quazar - Hardware, Software, Magazines and more for the SAM Coupe...

Quazar - a SAM Coupe developer - New hardware, software and SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe. Celebrating 32 years of supporting the SAM Coupe.

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· 7mo ago

Replying to

(2/2) Photos show the evolution of my range of SID Interfaces over the years, with the last two being the current revisions of the SAM Coupe Interface and the RC2014 Interface. More info / ordering: SAM Coupe version -> https://www.samcoupe.com RC2014 & Compatibles version -> https://2014.samcoupe.com as well as on my Tindie and eBay stores. https://linktr.ee/quazarsamcoupe

www.samcoupe.com - The SAM Coupe site from Quazar - Hardware, Software, Magazines and more for the SAM Coupe...

Quazar - a SAM Coupe developer - New hardware, software and SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe. Celebrating 32 years of supporting the SAM Coupe.

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· 8mo ago

Replying to

And lets not forget the famous Scott Adams VIC-20 Text Adventures can run on the SAM Coupe, using the original VIC-20 cartridges! #samcoupe #vic20 #textadventure #gaming

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#retrocomputing #retrogaming #indiedev #electronics #chiptune

· 4mo ago

Just a quick reminder I've some #SAMCoupe offers up at: https://www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm and I've 10% off the interfaces I make for #RC2014 and compatibles at: https://2014.samcoupe.com 😀

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#samcoupe #zxspectrum #commodore #computing #retrocomputing

· 7mo ago

Two new SAM Coupe computer PCB pin badges available, in different colour styles: Black + Camouflage!
UK buy buttons: https://www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm

The SAM Coupe was only available in a white case, however in issue 94 of Crash (Dec'91) there was news of a SAM bundle which may appear "possibly in a new black case". SAMCo quickly dismissed this the following month in the first issue of their SAM Newsdisk saying it was not something they were planning to do.

They had also been experimenting with other colours, David (the editor of the SAM Newsdisk) had spotted a camouflage painted case when down at SAMCo's HQ, so that is the second new badge!

These new badges, plus the original white design, are available for £7.50 each including UK postage. The few pounds made from each sale all gets put back into my ongoing development of new products for the SAM.

I've also got PCB Pin Badges of C16/64/VIC-20 and ZX Spectrum 16K/48K available.

www.samcoupe.com - Quazar Quick Shop page, prices include UK shipping...

Quazar - a SAM Coupe developer - New hardware, software and SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe. Celebrating 33 years of supporting the SAM Coupe.

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· 6mo ago

RE: @quazarsamcoupe@mastodonapp.uk

They're also on my eBay store at https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/quazar-sam-coupe-sales along with a selection of my hardware, software and magazines for #samcoupe, plus hardware for #zxspectrum and #rc2014 & compatibles.

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· 5mo ago

Replying to

@stevewetherill Although a lot of tricks to get more colours on screen at once, changing the palette registers at specific scan lines to suit your needs, which a lot of demos and games did. Just as an example here is the Flash art software that was bundled with the SAM showing the entire palette as well as having it's own tool colours separate from the screen being edited...

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· 6mo ago

Replying to on mastodonapp.uk

(2/2) I also found the same material was reused and updated for two further books by the author. The next was in 1983 - "Fifty Facts About Robots". While the Daleks are still called robots, the Cybermen have been updated with a drawing of two 'Revenge of the Cybermen' style! (Although the left hand Cyberman does look a bit iffy!) And in 1985, "Just Look At... Robotics" the entry about Daleks being robots has gone! (Hurrah!) And for the Cybermen there's a photo from Earthshock. #doctorwho #cybermen #daleks

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· 8mo ago

Replying to

(I've also been able to re-release 'Days of Sorcery' - the SAM Coupe's largest adventure - on the coverdisk with issue 14 of SAM Revival magazine, and 'Survive the Night' was exclusive to the disk with issue 23) (All back issues of SAM Revival are available, and disk images can be provided for emulator users). #samcoupe #textadventure #retrocomputing

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#zxspectrum #samcoupe #gamedev #indiedev #retrogaming

· 6mo ago

RE: @quazarsamcoupe@mastodonapp.uk

Two left from the yellow batch. Time to order another colour of PCB for the cartridge... I've not done blue yet!

zx.samcoupe.com
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/117117782734

Quazar: "🚨 Back In Stock! 16 Bank Flash Cartridge for ZX S…" - Mastodon App UK

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· 3mo ago

RE: @quazarsamcoupe@mastodonapp.uk

Reluctantly with the extreme weather warnings still in place with the train operators I'm going to have to cancel going to Synthesized tomorrow. ☹️

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#hardware #electronics #retrocomputing #soundchip #chiptune #retrogaming #C64

· 6mo ago

🚨 Use code DONTBEAFOOL to save 15% on the hardware on my Tindie store today! https://www.tindie.com/stores/quazar/

Peripherals for #RC2014 and compatibles...

SID Sound Chip Interface
SAA1099P Sound Chip Interface
Graphic OLED Interface
#ZXSpectrum <-> RC Bus Adapter
ZX True Tone (ZXTT)
8580 SID Adapter

tindie.com

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk Really going down the rabbit hole now... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMGCFLEYakM

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk I know the feeling! In all the years I'd been trying to hunt down this book I always thought it had a red cover! I had no idea of the name or author either. As for contents all I could really remember was the crappy 'cyberman' which had annoyed me so much, and the Grand Turk chess player on a later page. But upon going through it now so many things immediately appear so familiar. And just to finish off, both the truck and exoskeleton are also in the 1983 book... https://archive.org/details/50factsaboutrobo00lamb/

archive.org

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· 6mo ago

Replying to on mastodon.me.uk

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk Heavy dollups of "artistic license" with their drawing of the walking truck, compared to the real thing from 1965...

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk I think the robots on the cover are just made up, rip-offs of the Eagle spaceship for heads as you say, plus the body of 'Robot' from Doctor Who.

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· 6mo ago

Replying to on mastodon.me.uk

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk Yes, it had that walking car! The book is on archive.org here: https://archive.org/details/robots0000lamb/

archive.org

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· 7mo ago

Replying to on retrochat.online

@jonn_blanchard@retrochat.online We #indiedev's need all the support we can get. Just bought the ZX Spectrum version through your itch.io

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· 7mo ago

Replying to on mastodon.me.uk

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk Just fired up the video, yes, that's some of the early issues of my SAM Revival magazine. SAM Revival has evolved a bit over the years, the early issues are just black/white, spot colour was introduced with issue 14, then moved to full colour, professionally printed from issue 24. A few back issues have also been revamped into the full colour over the last two years. The magazine have also had coverdisks bundled from issue 9 - real physical floppy disks! For anyone interested all issues are still available and issue 27 is in the works.

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· 5mo ago

Replying to

@mcnewton@mastodon.online Definitely not that. The 'Emma II' looks most likely to what I'd have used. It was suggested in another reply and is definitely feeling familiar.

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk The 1985 book features the exoskeleton again, but not the truck. https://archive.org/details/robotics0000lamb/

archive.org

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@hansotten@mastodon.social The Emma II is a big possibility...

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@philpem@digipres.club It wasn't the KIM-1 or SYM-1. Looking at the archive information Flite still have online, they made boards for Z80, 68000 and 8086. It's looking like the Emma II (as suggested in another reply) is a real contender...

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· 7mo ago

Replying to on oldbytes.space

@noisetank@oldbytes.space Telnet was always fun to faff with, back in the day! Started myself with it on the SUN Sparc workstations at uni back in '92 to connect to the local MUD!

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· 8mo ago

Replying to on crispsandwi.ch

@mattround@crispsandwi.ch I remember you briefly mentioning this when interviewing you 20-something years ago. Sounded awesome, but an utter shame it became another casualty of the dreaded page boundary corruption in SAM BASIC.

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· 6mo ago

Replying to on mastodon.me.uk

@UKFilmNerd@mastodon.me.uk There was a power loader thing on the same page as the truck. I'll take a quick look in the later two books, but they were both colour too. (I guess cheaper b/w paperback could have been issued too?)

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· 6mo ago

Replying to

@snap2grid@mastodon.social Thanks, but definitely not the AIM65. (I went to an open night at the DIT in 1992!)

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