> >> Speed would be very important. I would just LOVE to speed up the C
> >compiling
> >> process on my MSX. But is there an easy way to make existing software
run
> >> faster with the Z380 card (except for re-compiling, which is not
possible
> >if
> >> there is no source)?
>
> MSX software won't run directly on Z380 because Z380 can't access MSX
> ports, but raw Z80 code will work of course.
That's the big disadvantage in my opinion, and that's why I would like to
have it 'on' my motherboard.
> Basically, this Z380 at 14MHz has a speed similar to R800. Then, what we
> gain when comparing with Turbo-R? I can think on the following:
>
> - New Z380 instructions make programming easier (for example all the
memory
> is accessed linearly, and there is instructions like EX DE,DE'; IX IX,IY;
> PUSH #1234...), and programs shorter and faster (there is multiplication
> and division instructions, 16 bit logical, 32 bit arithmetic, and four set
> of main + alternate registers. Besides each register is 32 bit long. So:
> less PUSH+POP for saving state every time a subroutine is executed!)
>
> - Multitasking is possible (Z380 + R800/Z80), so global speed can be
> doubled. Now we are designing a "Hardware Server" software: in this
working
> mode, MSX will just access peripherals (ports, mapped memory, slots, VRAM,
> etc...) when Z380 asks for it.
Hmmm... I want to run existing software at high speed... But now it seems
that it 1. isn't much faster than a turboR, and 2. you can't access I/O
though the Z380... So all software will have to be newly created...
Dammit I want to assemble a 100k source in 1 second!!!
> >Is there a (relatively simple) way to build it into my MSX instead of
using
> >a cartridge-slot for it??? If not, could such a thing be created???
>
> Hum, sorry, I don't know anything about hardware. You should ask Leonardo
> Padial ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) for such details. I just know that there is a
> working mode (selectable via jumper in the board) in which Z380 replaces
> MSX Z80, but you must cut one or two pins of the Z80. Do you dare? Me not.
> (^^!)
Well that 'mode' sounds more interesting.
> >COULD YOU WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT IT FOR MCCW???
>
> Hum... yes, but be patient, ok? I'm myself learning about Z380 yet!!
> What I can send to you is a photo of the card. I have digital camera. Just
> wait a little. ;-)
Okay, that's perfect!
> >I think very much people would be interested. I hardly know anything
about
> >it. In Brazil (or was it Spain?), it is demonstrated on fairs etc. but I
> >have never seen one and hardly know anything about it.
>
> Actually nobody saw one working, because there is no soft for it! (^^!)
>
> Summarising: it is a nice thing but it is totally "nude" yet. So,
> currently, buying one it is a good idea only if you want to experiment by
> yourself!
k.
~Grauw
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