|
N8VEM is a homebrew computing project. It features a variety of free and open hardware and software. N8VEM builders make their own homebrew computer systems for themselves and share their experiences with other homebrew computer hobbyists. N8VEM homebrew computer components are made in the style of vintage computers of the mid to late 1970s and early 1980s using a mix of classic and modern technologies. They are designed with ease of amateur assembly in mind. In November 2015 the N8VEM project was ended by its creator Andrew Lynch and the community reconvened under the new name of (Retrobrew Computers ) ==Creation and Operation== There are several N8VEM designs starting with a single-board computer carrying a Z80 microprocessor designed to run CP/M and similar operating systems. It was created in 2008 by Andrew Lynch. Contrasted with the P112, which has some surface-mount components, the N8VEM SBC uses only through-hole components, consistent with the design philosophy that building should be within the skills and resources of non-professional hobbyists. The project has also developed boards for other processors including Z180, Intel 80188, MOS 6502, Motorola 6809, 68000 and 68030. The N8VEM boards are designed with the free KiCad Electronic design automation (EDA) toolset. Printed circuit board routing provided by (FreeRouting.net ) Software is developed in Z80/8085 assembly language using the MS-DOS (Telemark Cross Assembler ) program (TASM), as well as the open source Small Device C Compiler. A major design goal is to use freely available tools to the maximum extent possible. The printed circuit board design is supplemented using component libraries available here (KiCad Libraries ), specifically the Zilog Z80 CPU and Intel 8255 PPI chips. The design philosophy encourages low cost development and assembly by hobbyist amateurs using common tools such as 25 watt soldering iron, multimeter, logic probe (optional), and common hand tools. An oscilloscope is recommended but not required. Some basic electronic skills are helpful although the printed circuit boards are designed for relative beginners. There are numerous N8VEM components available including ECB〔http://hd64180-ecb.de/html/n8vem.html〕 and S-100 backplane boards, allow processor and expansion boards to be connected. Other components include video boards, disk controllers, peripheral expansion, and prototyping boards. In response to interest from members, the N8VEM homebrew computing project has collaborated in developing a range of boards for the S-100 bus. These can be used to build new systems from scratch on that historic industry standard platform, or to restore and enhance vintage S-100 systems preserved from the 1970s and 1980s. Most of the S-100 board initial design work has been contributed by John Monaghan of (s100computers.com ), with board layout, prototyping and testing contributed by Andrew Lynch and other N8VEM supporters. Some of these S-100 boards provide enhanced capabilities beyond what was available on original S-100 machines, some are replacements for historic S-100 boards, and other board projects aim to apply the convenient bus architecture to processor families beyond the 8080/Z80 CPUs for which the bus standard was originally designed: notably 6502, 68000, and later Intel processor types.〔http://www.s100computers.com〕 N8VEM is notable for being the largest and most active homebrew computing community in existence today. The project is entirely non-commercial and is made up of over 350 hobbyists,〔http://www.classiccmp.org/cini/n8vem.htm〕〔http://thomasns.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/first-project-n8vem-single-board-computer/〕 many of whom are actively involved in designing and prototyping the hardware and software.〔http://hackaday.com/2009/03/04/n8vem-computer-with-a-3km-wireless-link/〕 The community is a modern-day version of the historic Homebrew Computer Club frequented by Steve Wozniak and other pioneers of home computer development. Printed circuit boards of the mature designs are manufactured in small batches on a collective order basis, and distributed to members for the cost of the board manufacturing and shipping. The project does not provide complete kits—builders must procure their own parts to populate a board. Support is purely on a volunteer basis through a Google Group and Wiki. Software is open source and freely available for download from the Wiki. The project was careful to keep things within the reach of the amateur computer hobbyist by using low cost and readily available components that can be assembled with simple hand tools. In addition, notable freeware system emulator SIMH〔http://www.schorn.ch/altair_5.php〕 simulates the N8VEM SBC (along with many other architectures), providing a virtualised development environment that has the speed and flexibility of modern hardware. Completed N8VEM hardware and software has frequently been displayed at Vintage Computer Festivals.〔http://www.vintage.org/2004/main/exhibit.php VCF 7.0 - Exhibition〕〔http://www.flickr.com/photos/21881956@N05/5010159697〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「N8VEM」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|