Operation - RC2014Z80/RC2014 GitHub Wiki
Operation
This page gives short context for power-up, ROMs, and firmware choices. Detailed how-tos stay on rc2014.co.uk and on the Using-* pages linked below.
Console setup
Most RC2014 systems talk to a serial terminal (USB–serial adapter or built-in video terminal module).
- Baud rates are high on many images (for example 115200).
- Some BASIC ROMs use 8 data bits, no parity, 2 stop bits (8N2).
- Prefer hardware flow control when your adapter supports it.
At power-up you may need to press space (or follow the prompt for cold/warm start) before the firmware answers. See Using Basic for BEL / RAM check behaviour on MS BASIC ROMs.
Decoding ROM labels
Factory ROMs often carry an 8-digit label. Each digit is one 8k bank from 0x0000 through 0xD000 (select banks with A13–A15 jumpers as documented).
Common digit meanings (see the official page for the full current list):
| Code | Typical image |
|---|---|
| 0 | Empty bank (user space) |
| R / K | Microsoft BASIC (32k or 56k RAM, ACIA) |
| 2 / 4 | Microsoft BASIC with SIO/2 |
| 1 / 6 | CP/M monitor (ACIA or SIO/2, CF at I/O 0x10) |
| 88 | Small Computer Monitor (16k image; page size / jumpers differ) |
| 9 | Small Computer Monitor (generic) |
Mini II and flash parts (for example ST39SF010) use different page sizes. Always match the label to your serial module and RAM size.
Source: Decoding ROM labels.
Binary images: Factory ROMs.
Firmware and OS choices
| Path | Wiki page | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft BASIC | Using Basic | Interactive BASIC; HLOAD / hex load for machine code and C |
| SCM (Small Computer Monitor) | Using SCM | Assemble/disassemble, memory edit, optional BASIC/CPM boot menus |
| RomWBW | Using RomWBW | Large ROM/RAM systems; CP/M and Z-System from ROM; HBIOS API |
| CP/M | Using CP/M | Grant Searle–style CP/M, CF storage, alternate CP/M builds |
For software development, see Using TASM and Using Z88DK.
Memory map (reminder)
Maps change with ROM, RAM, and bank hardware. Do not assume one map for every kit. Use:
- Your ROM label and jumper sheet
- The module docs for pageable ROM / 512k boards
- The map file from your compiler/assembler when you load user code