https://beep.robertmorrison.me/ en Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:34:13 +0000 https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/04/21/just-for-fun-i-made.html Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:34:13 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/04/21/just-for-fun-i-made.html <p>Just for fun, I made a SAM Coupé disk for Go-Go Bunnygun. It’s a neat self-contained 48K Spectrum game so all it really needs is a few bytes of machine code to shuffle SAM memory into a suitable configuration (screen at $4000, game at $8000).</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/215155ef7b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a blue 3.5&quot; floppy diskette, the label is hand written and reads “Go-Go BunnyGun!”"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/7a9ec93e78.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A photograph of the BunnyGun splash screen displayed on a CRT telly running on SAM Coupé. Also pictured is a lurid green, pink and yellow joystick and several floppy disks."></p> Just for fun, I made a SAM Coupé disk for Go-Go Bunnygun. It’s a neat self-contained 48K Spectrum game so all it really needs is a few bytes of machine code to shuffle SAM memory into a suitable configuration (screen at $4000, game at $8000). <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/215155ef7b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a blue 3.5&quot; floppy diskette, the label is hand written and reads “Go-Go BunnyGun!”"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/7a9ec93e78.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A photograph of the BunnyGun splash screen displayed on a CRT telly running on SAM Coupé. Also pictured is a lurid green, pink and yellow joystick and several floppy disks."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/04/12/sunday-night-midi-club-im.html Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:06:05 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/04/12/sunday-night-midi-club-im.html <p>Sunday Night MIDI Club I’m sequencing some gnarly basslines tonight🤘 #SID #MIDI #SamCoupé #SNMC</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/345808a64c.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Photograph of MIDISID Morpheus, a neat oblong black box with a small screen and four twiddly knobs. The device is attached to various wires."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/aeee573a9e.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Photograph of SAM Coupé with a floppy disk labelled “SAM MIDI Sequencer”. The MIDISID and some small speakers are also on the same desk. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/58bcd8c831.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Screenshot of SAM MIDI Sequencer software. The screen shows a list of MIDI note events playing chords in B minor. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/4d4407173d.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Another software screenshot from SAM MIDI Sequencer. The same note events from the previous image are now shown in a graphical piano roll. "></p> Sunday Night MIDI Club I’m sequencing some gnarly basslines tonight🤘 #SID #MIDI #SamCoupé #SNMC <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/345808a64c.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Photograph of MIDISID Morpheus, a neat oblong black box with a small screen and four twiddly knobs. The device is attached to various wires."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/aeee573a9e.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Photograph of SAM Coupé with a floppy disk labelled “SAM MIDI Sequencer”. The MIDISID and some small speakers are also on the same desk. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/58bcd8c831.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Screenshot of SAM MIDI Sequencer software. The screen shows a list of MIDI note events playing chords in B minor. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/4d4407173d.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Another software screenshot from SAM MIDI Sequencer. The same note events from the previous image are now shown in a graphical piano roll. "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/03/30/upgrade-day-my-blue-box.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:00:29 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/03/30/upgrade-day-my-blue-box.html <p>Upgrade day! My blue box #RC2014 Pro gets a bump from 3.5.0 to 3.6.0. #RomWBW #CPM #ZSystem #Z80</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/fbec1935c3.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a little blue box that appears to be bigger on the inside. The front panel is adorned with toggle switches, LEDs and a green LCD glowing brightly. Text on the small screen reads RomWBW V3.6.0, Z80 CPU 7.372 MHz, RC2014_std, Ready. Also pictured is a ROM programmer."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/e5b88d02f0.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A desktop computer screenshot showing a white-on-black terminal emulator application. The text shown in the terminal window is the boot message generated by RC2014 RomWBW. It is headed by an ASCII-art RC2014 logo, and a comprehensive dump of system information indicating the attached media and so on. The text ends with the prompt: Boot [H=help]"></p> Upgrade day! My blue box #RC2014 Pro gets a bump from 3.5.0 to 3.6.0. #RomWBW #CPM #ZSystem #Z80 <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/fbec1935c3.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a little blue box that appears to be bigger on the inside. The front panel is adorned with toggle switches, LEDs and a green LCD glowing brightly. Text on the small screen reads RomWBW V3.6.0, Z80 CPU 7.372 MHz, RC2014_std, Ready. Also pictured is a ROM programmer."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/e5b88d02f0.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A desktop computer screenshot showing a white-on-black terminal emulator application. The text shown in the terminal window is the boot message generated by RC2014 RomWBW. It is headed by an ASCII-art RC2014 logo, and a comprehensive dump of system information indicating the attached media and so on. The text ends with the prompt: Boot [H=help]"> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/03/14/pixels.html Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:06:19 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/03/14/pixels.html <p>Pixels!</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/517cd7cc4f.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A photograph of a CRT display showing eight rows of thirty-two 8x8 checkerboard patterns. Each block is a different permutation of colours taken from a palette of eight hues and two and intensities."> Pixels! <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/517cd7cc4f.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A photograph of a CRT display showing eight rows of thirty-two 8x8 checkerboard patterns. Each block is a different permutation of colours taken from a palette of eight hues and two and intensities."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/02/22/holy-hexadecimal-batman-evidently-they.html Sun, 22 Feb 2026 13:21:12 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/02/22/holy-hexadecimal-batman-evidently-they.html <p>Holy hexadecimal Batman! Evidently they make hex editors for Trouserphones now, so you can scrutinise the ZX Spectrum ROM code on-the-go! (Or indeed, on-the-couch).</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/ee9a9f136b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Cropped iPhone screenshot showing a hex-view of “48.rom”. Two consecutive bytes among many are highlighted. (Other fondleslabs may be available, YMMV)."> Holy hexadecimal Batman! Evidently they make hex editors for Trouserphones now, so you can scrutinise the ZX Spectrum ROM code on-the-go! (Or indeed, on-the-couch). <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/ee9a9f136b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Cropped iPhone screenshot showing a hex-view of “48.rom”. Two consecutive bytes among many are highlighted. (Other fondleslabs may be available, YMMV)."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/01/30/good-news-everyone-the-sun.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:23:03 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/01/30/good-news-everyone-the-sun.html <p>Good news, everyone! The Sun Machine <em>is</em> coming down and we <em>are</em> gonna have a party. #DarioG #1998 #MiniDisc #HiMD #vinegar #fixed</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/f292d514d0.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Battery terminal gently fizzing away in some vinegar.&10;Delicious-looking forbidden green crusty flakes float alluringly."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/d0690fc752.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sony MiniDisc Walkman. Screen display reads&10;&quot;Dario G&quot;."></p> Good news, everyone! The Sun Machine *is* coming down and we *are* gonna have a party. #DarioG #1998 #MiniDisc #HiMD #vinegar #fixed <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/f292d514d0.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Battery terminal gently fizzing away in some vinegar.&10;Delicious-looking forbidden green crusty flakes float alluringly."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/d0690fc752.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sony MiniDisc Walkman. Screen display reads&10;&quot;Dario G&quot;."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/01/30/remember-kids-do-not-leave.html Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:52:20 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/01/30/remember-kids-do-not-leave.html <p>Remember, kids: DO NOT leave the batteries in your stuff!</p> <p>Today’s chemistry lesson brought to you by Sony™ MiniDisc® Walkman®, the ravages of time and the indefatigable power of entropy.</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/113fb924eb.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Partially disassembled Sony MiniDisc Walkman. The batter contacts are crusted green. Soldering tools and cotton buds have been used to start the repair. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/96cb12dd57.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Close up of a very green and upsettingly crusty batter contacts plate. Big chunks of fizzy bogeys are flaking off. 😋 "></p> Remember, kids: DO NOT leave the batteries in your stuff! Today’s chemistry lesson brought to you by Sony™ MiniDisc® Walkman®, the ravages of time and the indefatigable power of entropy. <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/113fb924eb.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Partially disassembled Sony MiniDisc Walkman. The batter contacts are crusted green. Soldering tools and cotton buds have been used to start the repair. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/96cb12dd57.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Close up of a very green and upsettingly crusty batter contacts plate. Big chunks of fizzy bogeys are flaking off. 😋 "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/01/22/gogo-bunnygun-by-ionian-games.html Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:47:13 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/01/22/gogo-bunnygun-by-ionian-games.html <p><a href="https://ionian-games.itch.io/go-go-bunnygun">Go-Go BunnyGun</a> by Ionian Games is out now!</p> <p>#ZXSpectrum #shmup</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/uqhci4.png" width="600" height="476" alt=""><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/ns4tae.png" width="600" height="476" alt=""></p> [Go-Go BunnyGun](https://ionian-games.itch.io/go-go-bunnygun) by Ionian Games is out now! #ZXSpectrum #shmup <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/uqhci4.png" width="600" height="476" alt=""><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/ns4tae.png" width="600" height="476" alt=""> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2026/01/02/the-spectrum-machine-code-reference.html Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:27:24 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2026/01/02/the-spectrum-machine-code-reference.html <p>The Spectrum Machine Code Reference Guide: Microdrive Interface 1 Complete ROM Disassembly.</p> <p>(Mince pie for scale. It’s a big book!)</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/33c6985058.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a book titled “The Spectrum MACHINE CODE Reference Guide”, subtitled “Microdrive Interface 1 Complete ROM Disassembly”. Also pictured is a mince pie. "> The Spectrum Machine Code Reference Guide: Microdrive Interface 1 Complete ROM Disassembly. (Mince pie for scale. It’s a big book!) <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2026/33c6985058.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a book titled “The Spectrum MACHINE CODE Reference Guide”, subtitled “Microdrive Interface 1 Complete ROM Disassembly”. Also pictured is a mince pie. "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/12/12/html-is-for-life-not.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:30:58 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/12/12/html-is-for-life-not.html <p><a href="https://vole.wtf/doctype/">HTML is for life</a>, not just for Christmas. This year, give the gift of Open Web.</p> <p><a href="https://vole.wtf/doctype/">https://vole.wtf/doctype/</a></p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/981b5c530b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of three copies of DOCTYPE magazine on a tabletop with Christmas wrapping paper and some unidirectional bondage tape. Also some Scottish islandy booze. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/e805a17e4d.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="The aforementioned books now wrapped and beribboned."></p> [HTML is for life](https://vole.wtf/doctype/), not just for Christmas. This year, give the gift of Open Web. https://vole.wtf/doctype/ <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/981b5c530b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of three copies of DOCTYPE magazine on a tabletop with Christmas wrapping paper and some unidirectional bondage tape. Also some Scottish islandy booze. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/e805a17e4d.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="The aforementioned books now wrapped and beribboned."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/12/12/its-our-office-christmas-party.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:15:26 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/12/12/its-our-office-christmas-party.html <p>It&rsquo;s our Office Christmas Party today, so it&rsquo;s #XmasJumper time!</p> <p>Design your own unique <a href="https://robertmorrison.me/public/files/woot/23/">Yuletide Wooly Pully</a> from the comfort of your ZX Spectrum!</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/jumpersim.png" width="600" height="450" alt="ZX Spectrum loading screen. Text reads &quot;Advanced Christmas Jumper Simulator&quot;. Image depicts two people wearing ugly Christmas jumpers."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/disco.png" width="600" height="450" alt="ZX Spectrum mini game. Dancing figure at a Christmas party, wearing a Christmas jumper."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/jumper.gif" width="600" height="450" alt="A pixel art rendition of a Christmas jumper."></p> It's our Office Christmas Party today, so it's #XmasJumper time! Design your own unique [Yuletide Wooly Pully](https://robertmorrison.me/public/files/woot/23/) from the comfort of your ZX Spectrum! <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/jumpersim.png" width="600" height="450" alt="ZX Spectrum loading screen. Text reads &quot;Advanced Christmas Jumper Simulator&quot;. Image depicts two people wearing ugly Christmas jumpers."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/disco.png" width="600" height="450" alt="ZX Spectrum mini game. Dancing figure at a Christmas party, wearing a Christmas jumper."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/jumper.gif" width="600" height="450" alt="A pixel art rendition of a Christmas jumper."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/11/17/check-out-my-swag-and.html Sun, 16 Nov 2025 23:08:52 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/11/17/check-out-my-swag-and.html <p>Check out my #swag ¹ and #pickups #haul from Retro Computer Festival 2025 (Gaming Edition)</p> <p>¹ The real ² swag is the friends we made along the way of course. ✌️🥰</p> <p>² Freebies are good too though 😆</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/a9d50bda3b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="An asssortment of items I picked up at the event. Comic books, stickers, a Spectrum game, a badge, a promotional beer mat and a couple of flyers. Lovely stuff!"> Check out my #swag ¹ and #pickups #haul from Retro Computer Festival 2025 (Gaming Edition) ¹ The real ² swag is the friends we made along the way of course. ✌️🥰 ² Freebies are good too though 😆 <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/a9d50bda3b.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="An asssortment of items I picked up at the event. Comic books, stickers, a Spectrum game, a badge, a promotional beer mat and a couple of flyers. Lovely stuff!"> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/11/16/did-i-mention-im-an.html Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:00:03 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/11/16/did-i-mention-im-an.html <p>Did I mention I’m an elite top tier pro gamer? #ZX81 #Won #OneGo</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/fa1a9ccf36.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a museum display featuring a ZX81 computer and a small portable black-and-white television. Text on screen reads: “you have three goes. You won in 1 goes. Another go?”"> Did I mention I’m an elite top tier pro gamer? #ZX81 #Won #OneGo <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/fa1a9ccf36.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a museum display featuring a ZX81 computer and a small portable black-and-white television. Text on screen reads: “you have three goes. You won in 1 goes. Another go?”"> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/11/15/what-can-i-say-still.html Sat, 15 Nov 2025 17:29:35 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/11/15/what-can-i-say-still.html <p>What can I say? Still got it. #HiScore #Winner #Badge #690 #Dragon</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/06ac29d4de.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of micro computers on a table. Three dragons (and a CoCO?) Each computer has a different game, above each display is a high score dry-erase board with scores by Nigel, Robert and Nicholas. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/5746dd43d6.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="High score of 690 by Robert on “Ghost Run”"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/cd6147cb07.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A SAM Coupé pin badge and a “green gamer” badge with a Pac-Man style ghost on the lapel of my jacket. "></p> What can I say? Still got it. #HiScore #Winner #Badge #690 #Dragon <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/06ac29d4de.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of micro computers on a table. Three dragons (and a CoCO?) Each computer has a different game, above each display is a high score dry-erase board with scores by Nigel, Robert and Nicholas. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/5746dd43d6.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="High score of 690 by Robert on “Ghost Run”"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/cd6147cb07.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A SAM Coupé pin badge and a “green gamer” badge with a Pac-Man style ghost on the lapel of my jacket. "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/11/15/sega-rally-completed-it-mate.html Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:37:05 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/11/15/sega-rally-completed-it-mate.html <p>SEGA Rally? Completed it, mate.</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/4d2b258032.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Saturn screen shot. Mountain stage clear! Rank 1st!"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/7ad5313b75.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Rally screenshot. Extra stage clear! Rank 1st! CONGRATULATIONS!"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/12972012f8.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Rally ending cutscene/credits. Drivers celebrate standing on the car bonnet. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/3a957f5ed9.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Rally high score entry. The name “BOB” has been entered. "></p> SEGA Rally? Completed it, mate. <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/4d2b258032.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Saturn screen shot. Mountain stage clear! Rank 1st!"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/7ad5313b75.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Rally screenshot. Extra stage clear! Rank 1st! CONGRATULATIONS!"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/12972012f8.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Rally ending cutscene/credits. Drivers celebrate standing on the car bonnet. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/3a957f5ed9.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Sega Rally high score entry. The name “BOB” has been entered. "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/11/15/good-morning-i-smell-retro.html Sat, 15 Nov 2025 07:59:35 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/11/15/good-morning-i-smell-retro.html <p>Good morning! I smell #retro #games in the air …</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/d954b143db.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="A photograph of a street on a damp November morning. Aliens plummet from the sky apocalyptically but don’t worry because the Earth is defended by a Spectrum+ and a Quazar mechanical keyboard!"> Good morning! I smell #retro #games in the air … <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/d954b143db.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="A photograph of a street on a damp November morning. Aliens plummet from the sky apocalyptically but don’t worry because the Earth is defended by a Spectrum+ and a Quazar mechanical keyboard!"> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/11/14/im-heading-down-south-for.html Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:56:59 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/11/14/im-heading-down-south-for.html <p>I’m heading Down South for the Retro Computer Festival in Cambridge. 🚂 👾</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/7bb90f9f5f.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="Photograph of Loch Etive on a clear November morning. The sky is blue and the water is still. A couple of moored sailing boats are visible; as is North Connel on the opposite shore."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/9815a2cf7f.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="A photo taken at Connel Ferry railway station. The rising sun is peeking through spindly autumn trees. An electronic notice board reads “Glasgow Queen Street”."></p> I’m heading Down South for the Retro Computer Festival in Cambridge. 🚂 👾 <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/7bb90f9f5f.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="Photograph of Loch Etive on a clear November morning. The sky is blue and the water is still. A couple of moored sailing boats are visible; as is North Connel on the opposite shore."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/9815a2cf7f.jpg" width="600" height="337" alt="A photo taken at Connel Ferry railway station. The rising sun is peeking through spindly autumn trees. An electronic notice board reads “Glasgow Queen Street”."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/10/04/power-cut-but-dont-worry.html Sat, 04 Oct 2025 19:28:28 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/10/04/power-cut-but-dont-worry.html <p>Power cut! But don’t worry, we still have music. #EmergencyToastrack #StormAmy #SAA1099P</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/6c1d6c4412.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph showing a computer, screen, battery pack and a mug illuminated by torchlight and the glow of the small screen, in the dark. "> Power cut! But don’t worry, we still have music. #EmergencyToastrack #StormAmy #SAA1099P <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/6c1d6c4412.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph showing a computer, screen, battery pack and a mug illuminated by torchlight and the glow of the small screen, in the dark. "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/09/23/oh-you-know-just-brushing.html Tue, 23 Sep 2025 09:54:57 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/09/23/oh-you-know-just-brushing.html <p>Oh you know, just brushing up on my British Standard logic symbols. (I’ve never seen these before).</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c01c7f48e1.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="&10;The good author's guide to explaining projects&10;IF YOU WISH to submit articles to sinclair Projects we would appreciate it if you adhere to the following rules.&10;Although they are not exclusive it would help us to evaluate projects if there is some element of compatibility between different pre-sentations.&10;&10;• All manuscripts should be typed with double-line spacing.&10;• Logic symbols should follow British Standards.&10;• Circuit symbols should follow&10;British Standards.&10;• Circuit diagrams should have the values of the components shown, not a reference to a component table.&10;• Parts of integrated circuits should be designated&10;in this way&10;1/4 74LS14, not ICSa for example.&10;• All circuits should be designed for construction using standard Vero-board. Any printed circuit board designs are likely to be returned for conversion. Submission of a project based on a PCB will not exclude future publication.&10;• Any constructional detail which is unusual or slightly complicated should be illustrated with simple hand-drawn diagrams, showing how it can be implemented.&10;&10;For those who are unfamiliar with British Standards logic symbols, they are shown here. The reason for using BS symbols is simple, although controversial; they are used extensively in the British educational system and in British industry. As most of our readership is in those areas we use circuit symbols which are most familiar.&10;&10;U.S.:&10;AND&10;NAND&10;OR&10;NOR&10;NOT&10;EXCLUSIVE OR&10;&10;BRITISH STANDARD:&10;AND&10;NAND&10;OR&10;NOR&10;NOT&10;EXCLUSIVE OR&10;&10;SINCLAIR PROJECTS June/ July 1983"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/97b900ce76.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="&10;June/July 1983&10;An independent magazine published by ECC Publications&10;SINCLAIR PROJECTS&10;&10;&10;THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SERIOUS SINCLAIR USER&10;&10;&10;SIX GREAT PROJECTS&10;CENTRAL HEATING PART II&10;GRAPH PLOTTER&10;DECODER PART II&10;SOUND GENERATOR&10;JOYSTICK FIRE BUTTON&10;SAVE AND LOAD&10;"></p> Oh you know, just brushing up on my British Standard logic symbols. (I’ve never seen these before). <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c01c7f48e1.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="&10;The good author's guide to explaining projects&10;IF YOU WISH to submit articles to sinclair Projects we would appreciate it if you adhere to the following rules.&10;Although they are not exclusive it would help us to evaluate projects if there is some element of compatibility between different pre-sentations.&10;&10;• All manuscripts should be typed with double-line spacing.&10;• Logic symbols should follow British Standards.&10;• Circuit symbols should follow&10;British Standards.&10;• Circuit diagrams should have the values of the components shown, not a reference to a component table.&10;• Parts of integrated circuits should be designated&10;in this way&10;1/4 74LS14, not ICSa for example.&10;• All circuits should be designed for construction using standard Vero-board. Any printed circuit board designs are likely to be returned for conversion. Submission of a project based on a PCB will not exclude future publication.&10;• Any constructional detail which is unusual or slightly complicated should be illustrated with simple hand-drawn diagrams, showing how it can be implemented.&10;&10;For those who are unfamiliar with British Standards logic symbols, they are shown here. The reason for using BS symbols is simple, although controversial; they are used extensively in the British educational system and in British industry. As most of our readership is in those areas we use circuit symbols which are most familiar.&10;&10;U.S.:&10;AND&10;NAND&10;OR&10;NOR&10;NOT&10;EXCLUSIVE OR&10;&10;BRITISH STANDARD:&10;AND&10;NAND&10;OR&10;NOR&10;NOT&10;EXCLUSIVE OR&10;&10;SINCLAIR PROJECTS June/ July 1983"><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/97b900ce76.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="&10;June/July 1983&10;An independent magazine published by ECC Publications&10;SINCLAIR PROJECTS&10;&10;&10;THE MAGAZINE FOR THE SERIOUS SINCLAIR USER&10;&10;&10;SIX GREAT PROJECTS&10;CENTRAL HEATING PART II&10;GRAPH PLOTTER&10;DECODER PART II&10;SOUND GENERATOR&10;JOYSTICK FIRE BUTTON&10;SAVE AND LOAD&10;"> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/09/22/have-you-ever-wanted-to.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 21:10:41 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/09/22/have-you-ever-wanted-to.html <p>Have you ever wanted to load arbitrary Microdrive files using machine code, but Sinclair&rsquo;s hook codes let you down? Well: want no longer and behold: <a href="https://github.com/flatduckrecords/zx-interface-1/blob/main/shadowload.asm">SHADOWLOAD</a>!</p> <p>#zxSpectrum #microdrive #interface1 #asm #z80</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/microdrive.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a ZX Microdrive unit. Its single baleful red eye glimmers with menace; its tongue stuck out at you in defiance. Or it might just be an unilluminated red LED and a partially-inserted Microdrive cartridge, but who can say."> Have you ever wanted to load arbitrary Microdrive files using machine code, but Sinclair's hook codes let you down? Well: want no longer and behold: [SHADOWLOAD](https://github.com/flatduckrecords/zx-interface-1/blob/main/shadowload.asm)! #zxSpectrum #microdrive #interface1 #asm #z80 <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/microdrive.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a ZX Microdrive unit. Its single baleful red eye glimmers with menace; its tongue stuck out at you in defiance. Or it might just be an unilluminated red LED and a partially-inserted Microdrive cartridge, but who can say."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/08/02/xa.html Sat, 02 Aug 2025 22:14:33 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/08/02/xa.html <p>0x002A</p> 0x002A https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/05/23/good-morning-its-snorkin-time.html Fri, 23 May 2025 07:21:02 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/05/23/good-morning-its-snorkin-time.html <p>Good morning! (It’s Snorkin’ Time!) ☕️🎩</p> <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/5b346c406a.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph, outdoors, garden. In the foreground a WhatHoSnorkers coffee mug with an Aeropress atop, such that it looks like Snorkers is wearing a top-hat. (Well sort of). The mug is on a little table and is next to a Cambridge Computer Z88 portable computer. The sun is rising in the background. It is evidently Snorking Time™️."> Good morning! (It’s Snorkin’ Time!) ☕️🎩 <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/5b346c406a.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph, outdoors, garden. In the foreground a WhatHoSnorkers coffee mug with an Aeropress atop, such that it looks like Snorkers is wearing a top-hat. (Well sort of). The mug is on a little table and is next to a Cambridge Computer Z88 portable computer. The sun is rising in the background. It is evidently Snorking Time™️."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/05/22/i-just-finished-building-my.html Thu, 22 May 2025 16:17:52 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/05/22/i-just-finished-building-my.html <p>I just finished building my new PC! #RC2014 #RomWBW #Z80 #CP/M</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c49933c619.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a little blue box with switches lights and small LCD screen."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/70becf19de.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Computer with the lid removed. Inside are blue modular circuit boards and several wires connecting them here and there. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/32066f56c9.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of the assembly process. The main backplane is pictured with a few modules connected, and the front panel is propped up nearby being tested. Multimeter and soldering iron in the background."></p> I just finished building my new PC! #RC2014 #RomWBW #Z80 #CP/M <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c49933c619.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of a little blue box with switches lights and small LCD screen."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/70becf19de.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Computer with the lid removed. Inside are blue modular circuit boards and several wires connecting them here and there. "><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/32066f56c9.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of the assembly process. The main backplane is pictured with a few modules connected, and the front panel is propped up nearby being tested. Multimeter and soldering iron in the background."> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/05/13/upgrade-time-ive-added-a.html Tue, 13 May 2025 23:00:06 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/05/13/upgrade-time-ive-added-a.html <p>Upgrade time! I’ve added a combined 512K ROM / 512K RAM card to my RC2014 which replaces the two respective cards from my old setup and also brings the RomWBW system to explore. I’ve had the upgrade kit since the Retro Computer Festival in November and finally built it tonight! #Z80 #CPM</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c8e18a8031.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="RC2014 Pro modular computer. The combined RAM and ROM card has been separated from the backplane."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/d54ef54af8.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="RC2014 powered-up with green LEDs glowing brightly. "></p> Upgrade time! I’ve added a combined 512K ROM / 512K RAM card to my RC2014 which replaces the two respective cards from my old setup and also brings the RomWBW system to explore. I’ve had the upgrade kit since the Retro Computer Festival in November and finally built it tonight! #Z80 #CPM <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c8e18a8031.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="RC2014 Pro modular computer. The combined RAM and ROM card has been separated from the backplane."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/d54ef54af8.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="RC2014 powered-up with green LEDs glowing brightly. "> https://beep.robertmorrison.me/2025/04/26/i-love-an-s-computing.html Sat, 26 Apr 2025 12:49:41 +0000 http://robert.micro.blog/2025/04/26/i-love-an-s-computing.html <p>I love an 80s computing book with completely unhinged technology metaphors.</p> <p><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/6a140ff997.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of the from cover of “The Hacker’s Handbook” a ZX Spectrum 48K communications guide by Longman publishing. The illustration depicts orbital ZX Spectrums encircling the globe."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/2d3cf24ec3.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A diagram from the book. The concept of duplex send and receive communication lines is, for (presumably) some reason, illustrated as two pairs of handlebars with the brake lines connected such that pulling the right hand brake lever raises a flag on the left hand lever of the other side."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c777f18617.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Another illustration and more abject nonsense. A cartoon of a car driving on a winding road that passes over a bridge and ends up at a car park. Along the way a police officer is marshalling traffic. The road is suppose to represent the telephone; the cop is software; the road (“highway”) also represent the cable; the eight lanes (annotated but neither depicted nor explained) lead to the car park with eight spaces that represents the screen."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/766579faeb.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Biblically-accurate rendering of RS232 from the perspective of the computer. Allegedly. I quite like this one to be honest, I might get it as my next tattoo. We’re back to handlebars but this time with six brakes and umpteen flags. The brake lines are labelled TxD, RxD, CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, circuit common, and DCD. "></p> I love an 80s computing book with completely unhinged technology metaphors. <img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/6a140ff997.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Photograph of the from cover of “The Hacker’s Handbook” a ZX Spectrum 48K communications guide by Longman publishing. The illustration depicts orbital ZX Spectrums encircling the globe."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/2d3cf24ec3.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="A diagram from the book. The concept of duplex send and receive communication lines is, for (presumably) some reason, illustrated as two pairs of handlebars with the brake lines connected such that pulling the right hand brake lever raises a flag on the left hand lever of the other side."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/c777f18617.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Another illustration and more abject nonsense. A cartoon of a car driving on a winding road that passes over a bridge and ends up at a car park. Along the way a police officer is marshalling traffic. The road is suppose to represent the telephone; the cop is software; the road (“highway”) also represent the cable; the eight lanes (annotated but neither depicted nor explained) lead to the car park with eight spaces that represents the screen."><img src="https://cdn.uploads.micro.blog/297/2025/766579faeb.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Biblically-accurate rendering of RS232 from the perspective of the computer. Allegedly. I quite like this one to be honest, I might get it as my next tattoo. We’re back to handlebars but this time with six brakes and umpteen flags. The brake lines are labelled TxD, RxD, CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, circuit common, and DCD. ">