Interview - Interview Maksagora / NedoPC group newspaper 'Nicron'.
NedoPC group / team
Interviews Maksagora newspaper 'Nicron'
Views of participants and the editorial board meeting can
not always match.
WB - Wlodek Black,
Maksagor - Maxim Timonin.
WB> Please, currently (within tactful:))
Maksagor: My name is Timonin Maxim A. (nickname -
Maksagor). Born in 1978 in Lithuania, Klaipeda. Ibid
passed all my childhood. The first computers I saw in 1986,
although at that time and did not understand their
classification, characteristics, and so on. With Spectrum met
in 1990. This was a "Byte-48." Spectrum seen before in
widespread if gambling clubs, but if not interested in what
kind of computers and with what they eat. " At that time, to
explore the "byte" for me they were just video games. Since
ZX48 different models were then universally then gradually
became involved in the process of computerization is to based
on this platform. The most prominent of the remaining ZX
platforms, I started when I saw the 1992 game ELITE. But Speccy
fan, that is actually spektrumistom, I became about in 1993
when a friend saw the Pentagon 128 AY and drive that won me
over (especially the sound). Since then, I am a serial
spektrumistom.
In 1994, the parents have purchased (according to my urgent
request) your own Spectrum, Kojima became a clone of an
ATM-turbo (512 Kb). So I became more and ATMschikom because ATM
any modifications - it is slightly more than a ZX-128. Then he
began to understand in assembly language (BASIC mastered the
"byte"), although the encoder and did not.
In the 1995-1996 year to Lithuania from the CIS are
beginning to reach new games, software, the first serious demo.
Particularly impressed by the first newspapers and magazines
(Spectrofon, ZX-Format), a completely new phenomenon on the
platform. But at the same time, through them I got a huge
amount of information about the life of the Spectrum in the
world and ex-USSR. And Local spektrumisty were then still
numerous, and let good program under the brand name of "Zero".
Flow of new quality programs that finally convinced me that the
Speccy - The computer, which is engaged in further, for any
circumstances.
Graduated from high school in 1996. In 1997, not resigned to
local Baltic nationalists who went to Russia in
Moscow, where he enrolled at MSU in the Department of
Philosophy. During training found the ex-manufacturer ATMki -
MikroART, where bummed a bunch of new (to me), ATM-specific
software under CP / M. There I got hold of and the last
modification of their products - ATM-turbo 2 +, which "sit"
until now. In those years, in connection with the rapid
development of the Internet, I also went to the network through
which made the acquaintance of many spektrumistami. It was then
During my passive spektrumizma (using the Spectrum purely for
pleasure, reading e-mail. newspapers, games) was replaced by
period of vigorous activity, when he wanted something very do
for development and later life platform.
WB> Your role in the band?
Maksagor: Well, as I said at the beginning of the XXI
century I have come period of vigorous activity on the
Spectrum. Here is the new activities and led me to NedoPC
group. More precisely, it is necessary friend said, and then
the phrase might think that I came to group and ask of it.
None. First was the establishment of contacts with various
Moscow spektrumistami. With some relationships were constant,
with some - periodic. The closest relationship I have formed
with three people: DJ I-Kick (Vasily Tkachev), CHRV (Roman
Chuunin) and cr0acker (Vladimir Karpenko). Well, Vasya have so
far remained aloof, but constantly interacting with the Roman
and Vlad, we once knew that we - a group. Well, for the title,
"NedoPC group", it is far no more.
As for my role in the group, I have been engaged
first of all ATM-turbo. Still almost three years ago I opened my
Site http://atmturbo.narod.ru, dedicated to this clone, which
collecting specific software, any information, charts, he was
preparing article, a description, as well as searching for
other users of ATM. In result of accumulated huge load of
knowledge on ATM and experience with these clones. So when our
group decided to revive the production of this clone, the
actual "iron" part of the work fell on Vlad, Roman, and
information - for me. These included: obtaining permission to
MikroARTa production of their offspring, mining right spreading
room, firmware. Formation of the documentation and description.
Listing necessary improvements, and more. Furthermore, it is
I'm doing communication with potential customers ATM, answer
their questions to clone. In short, provides a technical
information service. Well, of course, if the conversation will
go on any special intricacies of programming or performance of
any controllers, then redirect the question to the novel, and
in the remaining cases take communion himself.
WB> Your vision of the hardware development of the Spectrum?
Maksagor: Speaking by and large, all that is necessary for
Spectrum, on the platform have already been created. It
developed a sound system (GS, DMA), enhanced graphics (Profi,
ATM, Sprinter) higher clock frequency, controllers modems, hard
drive with CD, and so on. One bad, all these developments exist
on their themselves: some computers have a schedule, but the
sound, but AY, no, but there is a modem controller. The other -
the controller screw and GS, but there is no Kempston mouse,
etc.. Well, no single standard - when, for example, there are
several types controllers, modems ...
Therefore, in my opinion, the further development of hardware
Spectrum shall not occur through the creation of a fundamentally
(!) Of new "widgets" and the path of integration that already
exists in common software and hardware with an open and flexible
architecture and using all really need (well, not
needed, for example, gigaskrin PC with EGA-graphics, where each
point has its own color), developments in one board and the
possibility of connection of something previously unrecorded or
unnecessary precisely on motherboard through the slots.
Incidentally, the notion of software and hardware complex
includes the development of the new OS. There much hope I
confer on Comrade. Breeze of brotherly Belarus. But it already
goes beyond the scope of the topic. Let him about his work done
puffing. : O)
In addition to the integration of all developments will, of
course, and their some development, but not create something
radically new (Unless there are extreme necessity, but then who
is soft- write a will?), and by improving the existing one.
For example, in plans, not yet quite near, our
group is the production of a sound card Nedo Sound, which
software will be compatible "top-down" with the GS, but having
significantly more memory and able to play MP3 through
built-in decoder chip-MP3. But these are separate cases. And so,
I repeat, the most basic and most promising trend -
integration of all that has already attained. Well, still, of
course, repetition of these developments on modern element
basis, which reduce the number of chips and area boards, as
well, hence, for an intelligent approach to reduce development
costs and production. Incidentally, all of these principles
(integration and elemental basis) most closely matches the
Sprinter, although it is not without flaws.
If you talk about the need to completely new developments,
the it should be controllers and interfaces to connect
pozvolyayushie Spectrum of modern peripherals and media. This,
first of all, RS-232 (he Speccy exists but a single
standard has not yet created) and USB (primarily for connection
Flash-carriers, which may eventually supplant IDEvinchestery,
and so long legacy FDD and even more so).
WB> What are the results of today
day?
Maksagor: Well, the main result - that we come from.
And we are at the moment is actually unique in the world
ZX-producing gland.
Released several batches of "Nemo-compatible"
IDEkontrollera, dispersed fairly quickly.
Given a second birth to a clone ATM. Fall was released more
two dozen motherboards. Now is their gradual
assembly and distribution customers. But extra fees still
remain, so that all individuals can make orders. Information on
sites http://atmturbo.narod.ru and http://chunin.infpres.com.
Well, in the advertisement in the newspaper "Nicron", of course
... : O)))
WB> What's new on the group expects spektrumistov in 2005?
Maksagor: I can not say that it would be like next year, but
Overall there are plans to:
1) Continuation of issue IDE-controller;
2) Issue converter RGB2SVGA, to connect any
Spectrum to modern SVGA-monitors. Enough to spoil their
vision of the ancient World Trade Center! The work entered the
home stretch;
3) Release of PAL-encoder for connection Speccy through
RGB-output to the TV. Too, is almost ready;
4) We will continue to issue ATM. If this gets going
Party release another one. As will sell 50 cards will be
launched the proceeds to develop a new ATM at the new
elemental basis, just based on the principle of integration;
5) It is planned to launch a new KAY-2005 - repeat KAY-1024
on the basis of a new element to some of my innovations (for
More details - to Roman and Vlad);
6) Release of GS-compatible sound card NedoSound; true
not in the short term.
Maybe then something else will. Roman will not let lie ... :
O)
Well, do plan to actively participate in community life.
For example, we supported the competition, "Your Game", where as
prize winner (determined by the terms NedoPC group) will take a
collected by the new fee ATM-turbo 2 +. In general, in the
minds wander ideas like that major producers of software,
hardware, as well as representatives of the ZX-media (primarily
print) unite into a single asssotsiatsiyu for mutual promotion
and development platform. Because the potential is far from the
Spectrum exhausted, especially as developing educational
computer for children. So when skilful approach to the
integration process iron, creating a single operating system
and information system software, creating a compact computer,
which is not necessary climb a soldering iron, and "turned on,
put the OS and everything works, you can return Spectrum of
subcultural reservation in the wide world. But this is still so
vague dreams. But the share of reality in them, certainly is.
Although they are implemented - is unknown.
WB> Your comparison of the new ATM-KAY?
Maksagor: New ATM no. What is available now - it's
good old ATM-turbo 2 + 1994 development, released by
distributing source code provided to us by MikroART. New
KAY - even more so. I can only briefly compare existing KAY1024
and ATM-turbo 2 +.
If we talk about KAY-1024, this machine is based, in
Basically, the classic, only a few extended
Architecture ZX-128. It involves a rigid structure of memory
preloaded with pages ROM and RAM, and a change in their (RAM)
only at # C000, preloaded with colors and
standard ZX-screen 256h192. By extension should include:
increase the memory up to 1024 kB, the replacement ROM page
Rom # 00, Turbo Mode, and most importantly, open
architecture, in common parlance - slots. By the way, the
shortcomings it KAY-1024 I would mention that the
FDD-controller is a separate device inserted into the slot, and
not integrated into motherboard.
In ATM-turbo 2 + all the architecture is different. It is
fully programmable, meaning the user decides what
page, which of the four windows of the address space
turn, and generally it will be pages - RAM or ROM.
Flexibly changing and color palette. In addition to standard
screen, there are three: 640x200 (hardware multicolor)
320h200h16 (EGA-analog) and text console 80h25. Do I need to
talk about that ZX-compatible mode is only one of
possibilities of architecture, just pre-set in
special page of ROM at startup? Second
preinstalled in the ROM architecture is the architecture,
allowing to work with CP / M. Change of architecture was also
used for adaptation and iS-DOS Chic to ATM, as well as
creating specifically for the new ATM, iS-compatible OS TASiS,
which very soon will see the light. Yet the merits ATMturbo 2 +
I would attribute a high degree of integration of different
periphery. She placed on the motherboard controller IDE
(IDEkontroller to KAY is a separate card, so himself on
advantages of this machine is not, but true emphasizes its
another advantage - an open architecture), PCklaviatury,
RS-232, COVOX and ADC. The disadvantages I would mention lack
of Kempston joystick, and, most importantly, lack of slots, so
that everyone there Kempston joysticks, mice and GS'ki have to
solder yourself. True, NedoPC group plans to solve this problem
by issuing "blotches" on slots, "are inserted into the socket
Z80. But these are only plans, but not distant.
WB> Your optimism or pessimism.
Maksagor: While looking to the future with great optimism.
Now there is a new wave of popularity of the Spectrum. An
increasing number of produced software, as well as people
interested in this platform. The reason for this new, 'third'
wave of popularity Spectrum, in my opinion, lies in the two
entered into a resonance processes: firstly, it's a new young
generation spektrumistov that with fresh forces began to explore
the wisdom of programming and that kind of activity. On the
other hand, previously had gone to the Spectrum luminaries and
simply users who did this because of the rough and tumble of
life (Graduation, marriage, job search, the army, etc.
led to a shortage of time for something else), entered into
stable band of his life. And some of them, spurred
inevitable nostalgia, anyway back to the active
activity on the Spectrum. It still contributes to the fact that
8bitnye machines around the world move from the category of
hopeless Junk in the category of powerful antiquarian
curiosities, more stokes interest in these machines, as old and
producing now. For example, almost half of orders for ATM
came from abroad. A similar situation was with the sales
Sprinter. So now it's time for a breakthrough to regain
Spectrum in the big world. But even if it does not work, then
due to this wave for at least another couple of decades of life
ZX-platform is provided.
WB> Any text for a newspaper (which would be worth to say).
Maksagor: Well, what can I say? Spektrumisty! Write more
software (games, sistemok, demos), supports manufacturers
iron, and were themselves included in a production development.
And do not Remember this little wonder is the brainchild of
Clive Sinclair! Only on You will determine whether the platform
is still alive ...
Maxim Timonin. September 2004.
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Interview - Interview Maksagora / NedoPC group newspaper 'Nicron'.
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