From 4a306de5ff8f1cd45c0102622cc5faa0416f36f9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Alex-2-Graf <182795204+Alex-2-Graf@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:20:58 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] en --- README.en.md | 73 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ README.md | 2 ++ 2 files changed, 75 insertions(+) create mode 100644 README.en.md diff --git a/README.en.md b/README.en.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..796b6e5 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.en.md @@ -0,0 +1,73 @@ +# ZX-EQ Nemo-bus Edition (Universal CPLD) + +## Spectrolyzer Cartridge for ZX Spectrum. Based on the RBSC architecture. + +> [English](README.en.md) | [Русский](README.md) + +**ZX-EQ** is a hardware audio spectrum analyzer (expansion cartridge) designed for the ZX Spectrum computer family, heavily inspired by the original hardware design developed by the **RBSC** team. The device visualizes music frequencies and notes in real time during games and demo-scene playbacks using multi-segment LED bars. + +The core processor of the cartridge is an Altera/Intel MAX CPLD chip housed in a **TQFP-100** package. + +*Important Note:* This repository is based on the official RBSC/ZX-EQ project documentation. All enhancements, structural modifications, and edge-connector changes have been executed with strict respect to the original authors. + +*** + +## Key Hardware Upgrades + +1. **Nemo-bus Form Factor:** The printed circuit board is designed to plug directly into the standard Nemo-bus expansion slots found on modern clones and upgraded vintage motherboards (such as the ZX-Evolution, Scorpion ZS-256, Kay, and ZXM-Phoenix). +2. **Multi-CPLD Architecture:** The PCB power distribution lines and logic paths have been redesigned to be multi-voltage tolerant. This allows you to choose between two different generations of Altera/Intel CPLD chips in the TQFP-100 package: + * **Altera MAX 7000S:** EPM7128STC100 / EPM7160STC100 (Native +5V core logic). + * **Altera MAX 3000A:** EPM3128ATC100 (+3.3V core logic, featuring 5V-tolerant input pins perfectly safe for the Nemo-bus lines). + +*** + +## Bill of Materials (BOM) & Jumper Configuration + +Depending on which CPLD chip family you choose to solder, you must adjust the onboard power circuitry configuration: + +### Option A: Using the EPM3128ATC100 (+3.3V CPLD) +* **Voltage Regulator:** You **MUST** solder a 3.3V LDO regulator chip (such as the LT1117-3.3) onto the board to feed the low-voltage CPLD core. +* **Power Jumper (JP1):** Must be left completely **OPEN** (un-soldered). +* **Firmware:** Use a `.pof` or `.jed` binary compiled specifically for the MAX3000A family. + +### Option B: Using the EPM7128STC100 / EPM7160STC100 (+5V CPLD) +* **Voltage Regulator:** Not required. You can safely skip soldering the LDO regulator along with its input/output filter capacitors `C3` and `C4`. +* **Power Jumper (JP1):** Must be **SHORTED** (soldered closed) to route raw 5V power straight to the CPLD power pins. +* **Firmware:** Flash the original RBSC `.pof` binary compiled for the MAX7000S family. + +*** + +## CPLD Firmware Programming + +Thanks to the universal power distribution layout, this project natively supports firmware code targeting different Altera/Intel CPLD generations. + +This repository includes custom modifications and provides full, seamless integration with the **alternative firmware repository by andykarpov (zx-eq-firmware)**. This third-party code branch vastly broadens the choice of compatible LED bar components and pin polarities. + +### Available Firmware Binaries +Please browse the [/Firmware](https://github.com/Alex-2-Graf/ZX-EQ) folder of this repository. Select the specific `.pof`/`.jed` file that exactly matches your soldered CPLD model, your specific LED segment bar configuration, and desired polarity. + +### JTAG Programming Steps +1. Connect an **Altera USB Blaster** (or equivalent hardware programmer) to the onboard 10-pin JTAG header. +2. Provide power to the cartridge either by plugging it into a powered Nemo-bus slot or using an external +5V desktop power supply. +3. Open the **Quartus Programmer** software tool, scan for the JTAG chain, select your chosen `.pof` file, check the `Program/Configure` option, and press **Start**. + +--- + +## 🎨 Hardware Gallery & PCB Renders + +Visual project documentation, high-definition photographs of assembled devices, and 3D PCB renders can be found inside the [/Foto](https://github.com/Alex-2-Graf/ZX-EQ) directory. + +--- + +## 👥 Credits & Acknowledgments + +* **RBSC (Retro-Computers Breeding Society)** — Authors of the original circuit diagram, Core Spectrum analyzer hardware logic, and general cartridge concept. +* **Andrey Karpov (andykarpov)** — Author of the excellent alternative firmware optimization branch featuring robust 8-bit scale controls and flexible LED pin polarity configuration. + +--- + +## 📜 Disclaimer and Licensing Terms + +In absolute accordance with the open-source distribution rules established by the original authors (RBSC): +* This project files are provided **"AS IS"**, without any warranties of any kind, explicit or implied. +* ⚠️ **STRICTLY NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE!** Fabricating a small batch of PCBs and selling the excess unpopulated blank boards to local hobbyists solely to cover your manufacturing costs is perfectly fine. However, any large-scale, automated commercial production or commercial kit distribution **requires explicit, prior written approval** from the RBSC team. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 436c74d..7fd2dd9 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,6 +1,8 @@ # ZX-EQ Nemo-bus Edition (Universal CPLD) Spectrolyzer Cartridge for ZX Spectrum +> [English](README.en.md) | [Русский](README.md) + ![](Foto/ZX-EQ_1.jpg) ---