Single board computer kit with Z80 CPU, 32k RAM and BASIC on board

What is it?

RC2014 Mini is a simple 8 bit Z80 based single board computer. It is based on the modular RC2014 [0], but all on a single PCB. The RC2014 itself is inspired by the home computers of the late 70s and computer revolution of the early 80s. It is not a clone of anything specific, but there are suggestions of the ZX81, UK101, S100, Superboard II and Apple I in there.

Why did you make it?

The original RC2014 has been very popular with the homebrew computer crowd, but the modular nature of it does dictate a lot of soldering, an inefficient use of logic chips and a relatively large footprint. The RC2014 Mini requires only 45% as much soldering, has 3 less ICs and takes up 55% of the RC2014 footprint

What makes it special?

• Z80 CPU
• 8k ROM with Microsoft BASIC
• 7 other blank banks on ROM for alternative software
• 32k RAM
• 7.3728 Mhz
• 6 pin FTDI compatible header
• Connect over TTL serial at 115,200bps
• Add a Pi Zero for HDMI video output / USB keyboard input.
• Supplied with 2x20 pin socket and 2x20 pin headers to connecto to Pi Zero
• 40 pin expansion header. Supplied with right angle male, right angle female and male pins for your choice of connection
• 0.1" header pitch (stripboad compatible)
• Compatible with Backplane8 and Backplane5 backplanes
• Compatible with existing RC2014 expansion modules[1]
• Designed to mate with the RC2014 keyboard
• HEX keyboard with LED display option available when bootloader has been developed
• Power from a 500ma USB socket. USB to barrel jack cable supplied
• Equivalent of the modular RC2014 CPU, ROM, 32k RAM, Clock, Serial, Pi Terminal and Backplane all in 1 neat board.
• 55% less soldering than modular RC2014!

Which RC2014 Should I buy?

The RC2014 Mini, the Full Monty Modular RC2014 and the individual modules will effectively give you the same computer at the end of the day. So, which one is best for you? The advantages of the RC2014 Mini are listed above, however, you should be aware that the Mini is not as flexible as the modular approach.

For example, if you wish to run at a different clock speed, or upgrade the RAM, then this can be done simply by changing a module on the Full Monty kit.

The backplane and individual module approach has worked out better for people that want to design their own computer based loosely around the RC2014 framework, but with a different CPU for example.

If you simply want to build an RC2014 as easily as possible, plug it in and start programming in BASIC, then the Mini would certainly be the way to go.

Items such as Backplane5, Digital IO Module, Keyboard and Raspberry Pi Zero shown in the photos above are for illustration purposes and not included. They are shown to give you an idea of some of the ways the RC2014 Mini may be used

[0] which is itself based around Grant Searles excellent Simple Z80 design (used with his express permission)

[1] Note that existing modules will be 'backwards'. This is mostly not a problem, however, for modules such as the Digital IO board, you may wish to solder the switches and LEDs on the reverse side