Amstrad CPC related projects.
A simple HTML/web page to aid typing in Locomotive BASIC program listings on a modern computer. It doesn't run the program, that's for a proper emulator.
This HTML page will:
- Check each line as you type it in
- Colourise/capitalise keywords
- Highlights missing GOTO/GOSUB targets
- Save/load BAS file for resuming where you left off
An idea to convert the 6128 PLUS model's Centronics floppy connector to a more standard 26-way or 34-way pin header to connect a drive via a ribbon cable.
21-May-2026: test boards being fabricated
An idea for a no-cut adaptor board to allow two 32KB ROM images to be installed/switchable on a 64KB EPROM. This means you could have the original 464 firmware/BASIC 1.0 and 664 (or 6128) firmware/BASIC 1.1 easily switchable. Alternatively you could install a diagnostic ROM in one of the 32KB banks.
Of course you would need to de-solder the original ROM and install this, but you wouldn't need to worry about cutting the PCB and wiring up pin 1, and you can just reinstall the original ROM.
21-May-2026: test boards being fabricated
Started off as a quick'n'dirty keyboard for my 2nd CPC664 motherboard that's missing the top case/keyboard, then morphed to a generic CPC keyboard that could be used for troubleshooting naked motherboards.
25-Jul-2025: work in progress
Trying out hardware projects from the book.
A modification of grzegorz_gr's original design to use with WacKEDmaN's enhanced firmware.
- Rev. A: original re-design of grzegorz-gr's original, adding 6-pin & 8-pin DIN input sockets plus 3.5mm audio pass-through & 2.1mm DC power input
- Rev. B: added buffer on VGA output as suggest by WacKEDmaN, pass-through for B&W LUM signal, extra push button & breakout of spare GPIOs
- Rev. C: removed CPC PLUS 8-pin DIN to reduce board size (<100x100mm) for cheaper fabrication, adjusted resistor values
- Rev. D: added the CPC PLUS 8-pin DIN back in plus 3.5mm stereo audio output, remaining under 100x100mm
- Rev. E: swapped TLV3212 (SOIC-8) comparator for TLV3232 (SSOP-8) as it's faster
- Rev. F: moved the comparator to its own daughterboard (simplifies circuit routing), switched to 5V logic (Pico 2 required), also switching the 74LVC245 (SMD) to 74HCT245 (THT)
22-May-2025: Rev. C pending fab & testing
This is just a very simple connector converter - convert the CPC/CPC PLUS DIN to VGA, with also an RCA for the B&W LUM signal and 3.5mm stereo socket for the PLUSs' audio output.
The idea is that you can then more easily plug it into a device with a VGA socket (like GBS8200) for actual signal conversion.
Laserwarp was the first game, with Map Rally, that we got with our green screen Amstrad CPC464 so I have fond memories.
I thought it might be interesting to try out Claude to disassemble and delve into how the game works.