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55 lines
3.5 KiB
Markdown
55 lines
3.5 KiB
Markdown
# ZX-EQ Nemo-bus Edition (Universal CPLD)
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## Spectrolyzer Cartridge for ZX Spectrum. Based on the RBSC architecture.
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> [English](README.en.md) | [Русский](README.md)
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**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.
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The core processor of the cartridge is an Altera/Intel MAX CPLD chip housed in a **TQFP-100** package.
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*Important Note:* This repository is based on the official [RBSC/ZX-EQ](https://github.com/RBSC/ZX-EQ) project documentation. All enhancements, structural modifications, and edge-connector changes have been executed with strict respect to the original authors.
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***
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## Key Hardware Upgrades
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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).
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2. **Multi-CPLD:** The board is designed for universal power supply and logic level tolerance. Two types of FPGA chips in TQFP-100 packages are supported:
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* **Altera MAX 7000S:** EPM7128STC100 / EPM7160STC100.
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***
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## CPLD Firmware Programming
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This repository includes custom modifications and provides full, seamless integration with the **alternative firmware repository by [andykarpov/zx-eq-firmware](https://github.com/andykarpov/zx-eq-firmware)**. This third-party code branch vastly broadens the choice of compatible LED bar components and pin polarities.
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### Available Firmware Binaries
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Please browse the [/Firmware](Firmware) 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.
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### JTAG Programming Steps
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1. Connect an **Altera USB Blaster** (or equivalent hardware programmer) to the onboard 10-pin JTAG header.
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2. Provide power to the cartridge either by plugging it into a powered Nemo-bus slot or using an external +5V desktop power supply.
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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**.
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---
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## 🎨 Hardware Gallery & PCB Renders
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Visual project documentation, high-definition photographs of assembled devices, and 3D PCB renders can be found inside the [/Foto](Foto) directory.
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---
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## 👥 Credits & Acknowledgments
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* **RBSC (Retro-Computers Breeding Society)** — Authors of the original circuit diagram, Core Spectrum analyzer hardware logic, and general cartridge concept.
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* **Andrey Karpov (andykarpov)** — Author of the excellent alternative firmware optimization branch featuring robust 8-bit scale controls and flexible LED pin polarity configuration.
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---
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## 📜 Disclaimer and Licensing Terms
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In absolute accordance with the open-source distribution rules established by the original authors (RBSC):
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* This project files are provided **"AS IS"**, without any warranties of any kind, explicit or implied.
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* ⚠️ **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.
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