WiFiStation is a WiFi module for the Cidco MailStation Z80 computer that connects to its parallel printer port.
It allows files and code to be uploaded to the MailStation in conjunction with a loader…
WiFiStation is a WiFi module for the Cidco MailStation Z80 computer that connects to its parallel printer port.
It allows files and code to be uploaded to the MailStation in conjunction with a loader program installed on the MailStation and firmware loaded onto the ESP8266-based WiFi module. It also acts as a WiFi modem for telnetting to BBSes with an AT-command-style interface, when combined with terminal software on the MailStation.
Base unassembled kit includes:
Printed circuit board
DB25 connector
4.7k Ohm bussed resistor array
12-pin header and 16-pin header
MCP23S18 SPI chip and socket
Options:
Adafruit Huzzah Feather module with loose pins and WiFiStation firmware flashed
3D-printed black case
Note: Battery is not included but can be ordered from Adafruit or other source directly (make sure the pins are the same, most on Amazon are reversed), or use a MicroUSB cable for power.
I read jcs's article about hacking the MailStation a month ago, and decided to get started hacking the Z80. I adapted his original USB-parallel "tribble"-based Teensy sketch for an Arduino Nano clone, and was able to send programs from my modern-ish laptop to the MailStation. I had started planning the design of a bare-bones AVR-based PCB in my head, but hadn't yet started to put CAD to disk. As soon as I saw the announcement for the WiFiStation, I ordered one.
Assembly was easy - no precarious situations with the soldering iron, and it came with all the headers and sockets needed to make the board extra-maintainable.
The open-source ISC-licensed repository made it easy to load a program over USB. I haven't yet tested the wireless functionality, but that's up soon, as well as installing a LiPo battery.
The 3D-printed case snaps together nicely, and the black color almost blends in with the original MailStation's case.
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