Robotron KC87 core port

[Slein]

Hello everyone,

i ported this Robotron KC87 core to the MiSTer platform.
Its usable, but not a finished product yet.

Don't get your hopes to high though, its a basic system without much graphics capabilities.
No pretty games like on C64 or other contemporary computers.

Made in GDR/DDR/East Germany in the later half of the 80ies it is based on the U880/Z80 CPU,
has 16kb RAM + expansion module, a truly terrible keyboard and a metal case.
Some info and pictures at Wikipedia.

As of now the core lacks tape input , *.TAP support and audio output. There is not much software available, it was a somewhat
less loved little stepbrother of the KC85/x series. But theres a core for those too waiting for a port, my next project.
Tape support/audio/better MiSTer integration are on my todo list for later.
Video output on HDMI works for me at a little over 50Hz, i have no way of testing analog video and don't expect it to work.

There is a Basic interpreter in ROM, type BASIC at the OS prompt to start it.
Basic comands are the usual RUN/LIST/EDIT XY (line number).
I don't know much more about using this computer.

Sources and a precompiled .rbf are available at github.

[tontonkaloun]

Hello,

Thank you so much

I love all these machines from the Soviet bloc, they're often surprising.

[tontonkaloun]

Thank you for your new core : kc854_20210218

[Slein]

Its not really ready yet, just a quick backup to github.

I starting working on tape support for both cores last night to really see if things are working with software.

Nice to see someone enjoying the old iron

[Alkadian]

Vey cool machine, I love discovering new computers I wasn't aware of!

I have just lunched it to see how it looks like.

[Slein]

I added TAP file support to the core, but now its obvious that things are running a little fast. One more thing for the todo list..

There is more info on how to convert/use TAP files on github.

Its pretty crazy to see how sloow tapes really were back then:

[tontonkaloun]

I added TAP file support to the core, but now its obvious that things are running a little fast. One more thing for the todo list..

There is more info on how to convert/use TAP files on github.

Its pretty crazy to see how sloow tapes really were back then:

A big thank you !!!

[Alkadian]

I added TAP file support to the core, but now its obvious that things are running a little fast. One more thing for the todo list..

There is more info on how to convert/use TAP files on github.

Its pretty crazy to see how sloow tapes really were back then:

Great, thanks! Something new to play with!

Ahh! I see now the meaning of "grab some coffee and/or watch the disk led blinking"

[tontonkaloun]

@Slein
Thank's for the new version of KC87

[Chris23235]

Many thanks, I am looking forward to tap support so that I can have a look at the software available on the system. I always wanted to look at both KC series emulators for a while now, but never did it.

[Slein]

I suggest you wait a little longer. There are more nice games than i had thought and the cores really don't do them justice in their current state.

The experience will get better as i learn more about the systems and how to implement them.

[Slein]

I found the speed problem, the original author already implemented a turbo mode and i failed to understand it. Now its switchable in the osd.
There is sound output too now, tape noise can be turned on in the osd.

The games are now playable at close to the real speed and in all their glory
There might still be problems or errors though.

[wark91]

Thank you Slein !

[Alkadian]

I found the speed problem, the original author already implemented a turbo mode and i failed to understand it. Now its switchable in the osd.
There is sound output too now, tape noise can be turned on in the osd.

The games are now playable at close to the real speed and in all their glory
There might still be problems or errors though.

Great, I will test the new release shortly!
Thanks!

[tontonkaloun]

I found the speed problem, the original author already implemented a turbo mode and i failed to understand it. Now its switchable in the osd.
There is sound output too now, tape noise can be turned on in the osd.

The games are now playable at close to the real speed and in all their glory
There might still be problems or errors though.

Thank you Slein

[tontonkaloun]

Hello

Thank you for your Core Arcade "PolyPlay_20210303"
I wouldn't even have imagined that there might have been arcade machines in East Germany

[Alkadian]

Hello

Thank you for your Core Arcade "PolyPlay_20210303"
I wouldn't even have imagined that there might have been arcade machines in East Germany

@tontonkaloun,

Well spot it! I didn't notice this new core at all!

@Slein,

Thanks for that, as I keep saying I just love exploring new machines

[Slein]

Some games on the PolyPlay are real fun to play!

I'm trying to get a KC85/x to find out why the joystick doesn't really work on the KC85/4 core. So far the first seller on Ebay let me down cause the price was too low (damaged while packing...). Maybe i will find another for a good price.

[tontonkaloun]

Hello

Thank you for your Core Arcade "PolyPlay_20210303"
I wouldn't even have imagined that there might have been arcade machines in East Germany

@tontonkaloun,

Well spot it! I didn't notice this new core at all!

@Slein,

Thanks for that, as I keep saying I just love exploring new machines

Hello

[Slein]

Or post a link to the forum post i made a little later: https://misterfpga.org/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2172
Theres a link to the github repository, the current rbf (and possible updates) is in the release folder.

[Alkadian]

Hello

Thank you for your Core Arcade "PolyPlay_20210303"
I wouldn't even have imagined that there might have been arcade machines in East Germany

@tontonkaloun,

Well spot it! I didn't notice this new core at all!

@Slein,

Thanks for that, as I keep saying I just love exploring new machines

Hello

Hello! Thanks for sharing the file!

I have also noticed that Slein made a separate post to announce his new core.

[Donpachi]

I've had a MiSTer for quite a long time, but never thought to check if there was a KC87 Core. That was my childhood! My dad brought the computer home from university every now and then at the weekend and I could play Mazzogs and Floor on it. What wonderful memories. And somehow the beginning of my passion for video games and my career. So: THANK YOU Slein for this core! (and now I'm searching for Mazzogs and Floor images)

[AmintaMister]

Or post a link to the forum post i made a little later: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2172
Theres a link to the github repository, the current rbf (and possible updates) is in the release folder.

Hi! Any news about a KC85/x series core?