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Pseudonymous New Zealand classic computing fanatic “Monotech” has launched a helpful software for these struggling to deliver again MOS Expertise-powered gadgets from the useless: A converter to show a normal 6502 right into a quartet of different far rarer chips.
The MOS 6502 is without doubt one of the most fondly-remembered microprocessors of its period, having powered gadgets from the best-selling Commodore 64 to the early Apple computer systems — and it is nonetheless in manufacturing right now. Its lesser-known stablemates, nevertheless, should not: The 6510/8500 discovered within the Commodore 64, the 6510T within the Commodore 1551 floppy drive, the 8501/7501 within the Commodore 16, C116, and Plus/4, and the 8502 driving the Commodore 128.
The Monotech MOS CPU Replacer goals to work round shortages of extra uncommon CPUs. (📷: Monotech)
“The above ‘CPUs’ are simply normal 6502s with some further logic tacked on inside,” Monotech notes — which led to the creation of an adapter to pop that lacking logic the place it must go. “This gadget makes use of a normal 6502 CPU, and implements the additional capabilities utilizing discrete logic — no programmable elements.”
The thought is easy: Select the chip sort you are making an attempt to interchange, solder the jumpers accordingly to configure the exterior logic, and slot a 6502 chip dwelling earlier than popping the whole meeting into the CPU socket of your goal gadget.
Operation in 6510 and 8501 modes have been confirmed as working, whereas the 6510T mode is untested; 8502 mode “works,” its creator explains, “however has graphical glitches, doubtless as a consequence of a timing concern, so ought to solely be constructed when you plan to assist me diagnose this.”
The assembled board drops in to the goal gadget as a pin-compatible different. (📷: Monotech)
One other warning comes for these trying to make use of a extra trendy incarnation of the 6502, somewhat than period-appropriate authentic elements. “You should utilize a 65C02 or W65C02,” Monotech explains, “however that is untested, and can trigger compatibility points with some software program as a minimum, or not work on the worst.”
KiCad information for the undertaking have been printed to GitHub underneath an unspecified license, whereas kit-form and fully-assembled boards can be found with or with out examined 6502 on the Monotech web site beginning at $15.
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