About

I bought my first computer when starting at the university. I wasn't so much into gaming, and what I was looking for was a powerful and yet affordable computer. The computer I chose was a CASIO FP-1100. It was a Z80 CPU based computer with 64kb RAM and a second CPU with 48kb RAM responsible for the video and graphics. I couldn't afford a color screen, and I ended up with a 12" green monitor. The machine was able to produce 16 colors if I remember correctly, but on my screen, it came out as shades of green. Later I also acquired a double disk station with 2 x 360kb disks. The machine could either run in a Casio Basic mode or full CP/M 2.2 system. I had several program packages, those I remember best was WordStar 3.3, dBase II, SuperCalc, PascalMT+, TurboPascal 3. I had a few games, but my primary interest was in programming. I did many patches to CP/M and the software. I also wrote a few games and system tools. The computer was thrown away many years ago when it was still working, and I wish hadn't. I don't have formal training in electronics and computer other than a few programming courses (PASCAL) at the university. I made an early decision that I didn't want to make a professional career in computing, but keep it as a hobby, which I have to this day. I have later programmed for more advanced systems with GUI. I am too old for that now, so the RC2014 ecosystem enables me to go back and "play" in a more familiar environment.




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My first computer: Casio FP-1100


The photo shows my main "retro computer" setup:

  • Six Slot Backplane
  • Z80 CPU + CLK, 20Mhz
  • 512K RAM/512K ROM
  • Compact Flash Drive
  • MC68B50 + CLK serial I/O card
Not beautiful, but functional and very stable.
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* The photos may not show the latest revision of the modules or the backplanes.


TIKI-100

Recently I acquired a TIKI-100 home computer. This computer was designed and manufactured in Norway and was primarily intended for use in schools and higher education. The computer runs a CP/M 2.2 compatible system called TIKO. The computer was released in 1985, a few years later than my CASIO FP-1100, and at this time I had upgraded to an ATARI 1040stfm.

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Specifications:
Z80 CPU 4Mhz
64kb RAM
8kb ROM (optional +8k ROM)
32kb Video RAM
Floppy disk controller: FD1767
Sound chip: AY-3-8912
Discrete video logic.
Z80A PIO (parallel)
Z80A DART (serial)
Z80A CTC (counter/timer)
Two Floppy Drives