KIM-1 Simulator updated to V0.11.0

A ‘profiler’ has been added. Now you can see how often an instruction is executed in a program.

KIM-1 Simulator register and stackpointer watchpoints added

The KIM-1 Simulator is updated to version 0.10.2.

Changes in this version are an extension to the “Run to” execution

Registers and Stackpointer watchpoints added.

‘Run to’ now stops if the value of the register is equal to the watchpoint value.

‘Run to’ also stops if the stackpointer is equal or lower than the watchpoint value. A method to detect stack underrun.

KIM-1 Simulator breakpoints and watches

The KIM-1 Simulator is updated to version 0.10.1.

Changes in this version are an extension to the “Run to” execution

    • up to 10 breakpoints are now possible instead of one
    • up to 10 watch points addresses. When the CPU accesses the watch point execution stops
    • Save file to memroy bug fixed (thank Nils!)

Watch and breakpoints can be enabled or disabled at will, even while the program is running.

Serial terminal emulation software

Serial terminal emulation software, essential when working with SBC’s like the KIM-1.

I started working with computers long long ago. I loved the Digital Equipment devices, the VT100 (1982!), the excellent VT220, the VT340. All serial, the base of the ASCII control codes.

A wide selection is available of programs that work with the serial line.

    • Most implement a subset of the ASCII control codes, VT100 and more. for SBC’s a subset is sufficient
    • Some have strengths in debugging and showing what is sent or received (hex view, control characters etc).
    • Also important is flow control (off, hardware/software).
    • Sending/receving files (text or binary) is also often the only way to get data to/from the SBC. Simple character based (includes hex formats like Intel, S records Motorola, MOS papertape) or with a protocol (Xmodem, Ymodem. Zmodem etc).
    • TCP/Ip protocols like SSH are a bonus
    • And last but not least the ability to wait/delay after sending a character or Line end (Enter key) to let the slower SBC handle the incoming data. For example the KIM-1 MOS papertape format receive, but at higher baud rates needs delays

I found a page on Sparkun that has an excellent description what is essential in dealing with serial communication on a PC, be it Windows, Linux etc.

Also this page names good free terminal emulation programs, running as GUI programs, for serial I use myself.
– Coolterm (croos platform)
– Tera Term (Windows)
– Realterm (Windows)
– YAT (WIndows)

Not named in this list

– Putty (linux and Windows)
– Minicom (Linux console mode)

KIM-1 and clones

Most programs allow character and line delay for sending to slow devices. The KIM-1 with its bit banging serial routines is one of them.

For me 9600 baud, 5 msec character delay and 100 msec line delay worked for me to upload papertape format, this also applies to the clones like PAL-1, Corshams KIM Clone and the Micro KIM.
For Microsoft Basic text file uploads of program sources a line deay of 200 msec may be required.

Serial ports

Nowadays serial ports are only available with USB devices. Work fine in general.
I have here information on USB serial communication and how to write programs (Lazarus of course).

Elektor Junior Paperware 3 in German!

Thanks to Martin Seine I have added the Paperware 3 in German book to the Junior book collection.

6809 Microprocessor Kit

Designed and sold by Wichit Sirichote. Full text and files at his website here. The kit is available for sale, kit or assembled!
Wichit picked the Z80 CPU and designed the microcomputer kit with HEX keys and 7-segment LED displays, and wrote the monitor program.

The 6809 microprocessor kit is a member of the microprocessor kit family (I have also the 6502 and Z80 kit), and share a common design as far as keyboard and LED display and 32K RAM concern, in a format comparable with the Microprofessor 1b.
This kit has hardware serial (68B50) UART at 19200 baud, a big step up from the software serial bit banged slow 2400 baud in the other kits.

Z80 Microprocessor kit

Design and text by Wichit Sirichote. The kit is available for sale, kit or assembled. Wichit picked the Z80 CPU and designed the microcomputer kit with HEX keys and 7-segment LED displays, and wrote the monitor program.The version I have is an older (slower) version with a monitor (source in User manual) close to the the Microprofessor 1b. The current one has a SDCC compiler generated monitor program.

Posted in Z80

6502 Microprocessor KIT

I have a 6502 system that looks a lot like the Microprofessor 1.

Have been playing with it, a new version of the monitor and using the serial I/O. So an update to the page devoted to this system.