On 2024-04-21 8:45 a.m., Mike Katz wrote:
As for the RP2040 being cheap crap, I beg to differ with you. It is a
solid chip, produced in 10s of millions at least. And, I would bet, a
better quality chip than your Z-80, if due only to improved IC
manufacturing technologies.
The pi looks like parts were picked for lowest cost,biggest profit, like
most products today. RISC chips have been around for 40 years, and yet
versions change like hotcakes every year.
I just want a product that is more robust, than the bleeding edge of
technology.
I product must meet my needs,not what some sales man said I need.
I keep finding I still need 74XX just for having 10 TTL loads,
and 74LSXX just does not have the power.
Just because it's old doesn't make it good. I worked on a 32KHz 4 Bit
CPU (about 20 years ago) where the development hardware was very
unstable and the tool chain not a whole lot better.
Early Microsoft and Lattice C compilers for the PC were buggy as hell.
If you want I can list a few bugs from each of them in another thread.
The PC was buggy as hell. Other than the 68000 and the National 16032
I can't think what real cpu is with more than 64Kb. The 386 has
problems. The IBM 360 or VAX never made it the home market. The ARM
was UK product.
One of the biggest features of the Z-80, the extra register set, was
rarely used in open source software in order to maintain compatibility
with the 8080.
I thought the main problem was you could not keep track of what set you
were using.
Some of the early Z-80 CP/M tools did not work because they were derived
from 8080 tools. After time the tools got better. That is the case
with any piece of software. If it doesn't become obsolete and if
maintained it will get better over time.
Most places only up grades software, if somebody pays for it.
You can never get the OK to upgrade of fix software,
but when you do they want it yesterday.
Ben.
PS: Looking the reply email, I say 20 bits is the best.
