Радио 86РК (Radio 86RK): Part 4 (Learning 8080 Assembly) [TCE #0505]
24Thanks again to #PCBWAY for supporting this project! It's their 10th anniversary - check out their activities here (until 31-Aug-2024):
https://www.pcbway.com/activity/anniv...
I always find it easiest to learn a new programming language by having some sort of goal in mind. So I thought it might be interesting to try porting the original Sargon Z80 code on to the 86RK.
The code was published in a book but isn't proper Z80 assembly ... they used TDL's Z80 macro assembler which uses 8080-style mnemonics and had its own mnemonics for Z80 specific instructions:
http://www.s100computers.com/Software...
I'm also using this very neat online 8080 assembler designed specifically for 86RK-type machines:
https://github.com/svofski/pretty-808...
Finally, for an electronic version of the Sargon assembly, I'm getting it from this project:
https://github.com/z80playground/sarg...
From Part 1:
The Radio 86RK was an early Soviet home brew computer (not the first) designed around their version of the Intel 8080, the КР580ВМ80А. It is named after the magazine it was featured in, РАДИО (or RADIO), with the РК (or RK) standing for "Радио Компьютер" (or radio computer), indicating that it was targeted at ham radio enthusiasts, similar to the use of a "ham shack" computer in the West.
It was then used as the basis for a range of industrially produced computers, such as the Партнер 01.01 (Partner) and Альфа БК (Alpha BK) already featured on this channel, which provided a case & keyboard, as well as saving the builder from trying to source scarce parts on their own.
This isn't an original build but Sergey Kiselev's updated version - I'm using v1.3 of his board which requires 2716 (2KByte) EPROMs still and uses the quirky JCUKEN keyboard layout.
He has created a v1.4 that allows larger/newer EPROMs to be used as well as switching to the more familiar QWERTY keyboard layout.
https://github.com/skiselev/radio-86rk
Getting a hold of the parts wasn't too difficult - I sourced the older ones from Unicorn Electronics in the US (as suggested by Sergey).
https://unicornelectronics.com/
Shout out also to @adamradipat1715 for sending me both a Polish and a Soviet 8080 (now in use).
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com
/ @whitebataudio