(C) Alexey Guryev, 1998
For quite a long time know that
St. Petersburg firm "Peters" was developed and
prepare to release a brand new
Spectrum-compatible computer - Sprinter.
Around him revolve a huge number of
rumors and speculation. Revision decided to put an end to it, and
find out all the details. Bright day in January, the
correspondent of the newspaper (that I have;) went to one of
our offices "Peters", in order to obtain reliable information
about the mysterious Sprinter'e.
When I asked the technical documentation for the Sprinter, I
was given a price list, the contents of which I quote below.
Hardware capabilities.
1. Processor Z84C15 - 21MHz
* The instruction processor is absolutely
compatible with the standard Z80, including
including the undocumented commands for
This is achieved by almost complete
compatibility with software written for the Spectrum-compatible
computers;
* TURBO-mode switch processor
frequency of 3,5 MHz to 21MHz and provides an opportunity
work with a floppy-disk 1,44 Mb. Enable / Disable TURBO done
programmatically or manually;
2. Main memory - up to 4Mb. Operates at a frequency of 7MHz.
* The scheme of distribution pamati provides compatibility for
the organization starnits from the ZX-Spectrum 48 and Scorpion
ZS-256 and Peters 256. Additionally, a new pattern pamati,
which has four paging port who connect any of the 256
memory pages in any of the four 16Kb
processor units;
* Accelerator operations with RAM increases the speed of
sending information to the physical speed limit of the main
RAM, which sharply increases the speed of the video images.
This suggests a dynamic high-resolution mode;
* The computer has an extra high-speed RAM 64Kb, which makes
it possible to run the CPU cycles without waiting. This
uskoraet work programs CPU clock speed than 14MHz.
3. High-speed videoOZU - 256/512Kb.
Clocked at 42MHz.
Obshem 256Kb RAM allows support
Modes G16-16 on the entire screen, and the regime
G256-16 in the window, no larger than polovny screen area. RAM
512Kb keeps up Modes
G256-16 on the entire screen.
4. Modes:
* Standard ZX Spectrum 256h192 pixels with two colors in one
of familiarity 8x8 pixels;
* Text enhanced mode 80 characters
32 lines, with the quality of IBM CGA text and
set the color of each character;
* Graphical G256-8 - 320h256 with
specifying 256 colors at each pixel, selected from a palette of
16 million colors;
* BOUND - special submode G256-8. Increases the output speed
of dynamic images that contain a large number of single-color
planes;
* Graphical G16-16 - 640h512 (in
mode INTERLACED) with the task of 16 colors for
each pixel is chosen from a palette of 16
million colors;
* Graphical G256-16 - 640h512 (in
mode INTERLACED) with the task of 256 colors
for each pixel selected from the palette
16 mln.tsvetov;
5. Display Features:
* Programmable screen size (change the number of pixels
horizontally and vertically from the standard to 256h192
640h512);
* An opportunity of sharing the screen on the field
with different modes and various palettes. This allows you to
organize on a single screen set ups, with the assignment of any
output mode images in the window. Windows You can
programmatically move around the screen without moving large
amounts of graphics information by setting the start address
data in each window. Specifying the initial
address of each window allows
fast scrolling of images in the windows
and on the whole screen in any direction;
* Ability to organize multiple screen pages. When the amount
of RAM 256Kb - 1 page mode G16-16, 2 pages for
regime G256-8, and 22 normal Spectrum
pages. When the amount of RAM 512Kb - 1 page
mode G256-16, 2 pages to stop mode
G16-16, 4 page mode G256-8, to 44
Spectrum display pages;
* The ability to regulate
of momentum INT. This provides maximum compatibility with
programs that are sensitive to the position of the pulse.
6. Flexible distribution system ports
allows you to change the configuration of ports and
configure them to work in modes PENTAGON, SCORPION-256,
PETERS-256 and others in any time by the user, or
software. Availability of this scheme approximates
computer to the standards, like Plug''
Play. Any new devices being developed for Sprinter'a will be
connected without any problems with the incompatibility of
ports. This allows for maximum
compatibility of the ports with existing software
Computer type ZX Spectrum.
7. Ability to connect a 5.25 "
drive mode 720Kb, and 3,5 "
drive mode 720Kb/1.44 Mb.
8. Keyboard IBM-AT. Keyboard Emulation
ZX-Spectrum is done in hardware. Pressing the circuit generates
an electronic key from the matrix that is connected as well as
keyboard ZX-Spectrum. Any program that will return to the
standard keyboard port ZX-Spectrum, will receive the
appropriate code of pressed keys on the mode nazavisimo
interrupt the processor: IM1, IM2, the regime banned the
interrupt. Programs written under the Sprinter, are able to
receive direct keyboard scan code.
9. Built-in IDE-controller enables podkyulchchat hard drive,
and if there drivers and CD-ROM.
10. Two built-in serial ports,
allowing you to connect serial mouse, external modem, or other
devices.
11. Two built-in parallel port type
Cetronix to connect a printer or other devices.
12. The ports ZX-Spectrum:
* Port 0FEh - keyboard, recorder, curb, AUDIO;
* Port 01Fh - kempston-stick;
* Port 7FFDh - control port Spectrum-128.
13. The system bus in the standard ISA-8 (2.3
slot), which gives the ability to connect
Internal Modem, Sound Card, or other
devices. Each slot is connected to the address space of the
processor as a block RAM, and has its own range
addresses to 1Mb of RAM and 64K ports. This
can guarantee the absence of conflict between the connected
devices.
14. Investigate the possibility of placing on the
board computer 16 votes 13-bit sound card emulation AY-8910,
and the encoder PAL-woofer with the ability to transfer at least
256 colors.
Software capabilities.
1. Management of all modes of computer and
Work with key external devices
osushestvlyaetsya a function BIOS. This makes it easier to
write software for Sprinter'a and accelerate its work, and also
leaves open the possibility of hardware without losing
compatibility with earlier written on the
2. When my computer starts
program written in ROM and Sprinter'a
allows you to:
* Work in all text and graphic modes;
* Organize from 1 to 16, RAM-drives
arbitrary size in the range from 16Kb
up to 3,5 Mb;
* Manage scheme raspredeleiya ports;
* Use the memory allocation up to 4Mb;
* Work with the FDD and HDD in the format of TR-DOS and
MS-DOS, introducing the MS-DOS files as virtual drives TR-DOS,
which leaves compatible with TR-DOS and removes the restriction
1Mb from disk;
* Work with IBM-AT keyboard, mouse,
printer.
3. When perhode mode ZX-Spectrum, ROM
Sprinter'a replaced with a page of RAM
recorded in these standard programs
BASIC and TR-DOS, which maximizes compatibility with existing
software.
4. Currently being developed OS
for Sprinter'a, text and graphic
editors, as well as software that allows you to work on
computer networks and FIDO SPbZXNet.
Then, all of my questions graciously agreed to answer the
director of "Peters" Nikolay Noskov.
Q: Tell me please, when Sprinter goes on sale?
A: We hope that within a week.
In: Work on the machine is completed, or will be
Are there any other "cleanup"?
A: Of course, something in the scheme of the computer
can be changed. There are still some improvements. But this
does not mean that there need to buy this "unfinished"
Sprinter! Our company holds a very flexible distribution policy
of the computer: if you buy, for example, tomorrow we Sprinter,
and one month (two, three ...) appear to sleduyushaya
modification, we will produce FREE you replace the board.
Q: That is the person is no risk when buying a Sprinter now?
A: Absolutely. And we will deal with
support for users of the computer.
Q: What is the cost of the computer today?
A: Basic package - 940-990 rubles. Fee - 640-670 rubles.
Q: What is included in the basic kit?
A: The processor Z84 - 21MHz, 4Mb RAM, cache
64Kb, video RAM, 256Kb, 3,5 "1,44 Mb FDD,
8-bit Covox, IBM-AT keyboard, mouse,
and all this in the case MiniTower. Also, according to
the customer's request can be established
video RAM, 512Kb, and other periphery.
Q: What about the connection of HDD,
CMOS, CD-ROM, Hayes modem?
A: Since the disk drive controller card to be on board, he
connected for a pair of HDD minutes.
Q: And what is the maximum amount of "screw"?
A: As of today - 540Mb, but when
computer goes on sale, it will be possible to connect the HDD
of any size. With other devices, this is the case: non-volatile
CMOS clock without problems connected - The board established
for them a special connector. CD-ROM can also be connected -
then the only question the driver, but he
will soon be resolved. IBM-ovsky podklyuchaetsya modem through
a standard ISA-slot. So as soon as ready
software, the owner will be able to work Sprinter'a
in FIDO, and possibly in the future, and the Internet.
Q: Originally you had planned to place on
board system connector in the standard Scorpion. Sold it?
A: Unfortunately, we had to otkazatsya
such a decision, because the density mounting.
Q: And what about, for example, connecting
XTR modem?
A: Unfortunately, it is impossible, but as
Sprinter has all the standard ports
Spectrum, Viccom modem can be connected, and
in the near future, we plan to do
this issue. Generally, Sprinter essentially yavpyaetsya ideal
computer for opening BBS.
Q: Another important question: Is it possible
Do Sprinter connect to domestic TV?
A: I hasten to reassure all: our computer without any problems
connected to domestic TV, or to any CGA monitor.
Q: So I can connect it to my
"Electronics"?
A: Without any problems!
Q: What about the sound card?
I understand that a basic set of
no ...
A: The basic kit will predlogatsya
8-bit Covox, but over the map of the work will be curtained, I
think in the next two or three weeks. This will be a 16-voice
13-bit card that can also emulate AY-8910, and GeneralSound. It
is planned that its cost will not exceed 170-180
rubles.
Q:?? That is cheaper than the same GeneralSound?! Impressive
... And what is the amount of RAM this card?
A: The card does not have its own RAM, it will use the
computer's memory. Well agree, four megabytes - here is where
MOD burn!
Q: By the way, and whether you can use all these
4Mb RAM, for example, IS-DOS'e?
A: Absolutely. Will soon be ready to download.
Q: What is already created using the
opportunities Spinter'a?
A: Already ready text editor, and Denis
Parinov when will finish SMM, will release a version of
under the Sprinter - 80 characters per line.
Work is underway to create a graphic
editor.
Q: What plans does the company "Peters" in the future?
Will you continue to develop computers?
A: Absolutely. And those computers that we will be releasing in
the future will developed with the view that all
Software running on Sprinter'e, work on
them. Perhaps in the near future we will
development is already 32-bit computer.
Q: Well, one last question: on the network SPbZXNet
rumor has it that you will take the old
Spectrum'y, and their value will vychitatsya
the cost of Sprinter'a. Is this true?
A: We have considered this possibility. Then the only question
is, for some prices, we will take old computers. Most likely,
this amount will not exceed 200 rubles.
And after the interview I saw it! Most
normal MiniTower stood next to the most
conventional CGA monitor. Flip the switch
- Monitor blinked, and appeared on the screen before
pain splash. The same "menu", that
same color stripe on top, the same blue
cursor ... True embarrassed caption: "4Mb". Looking closely, I
noticed that menu items soverschenno others. Was full of
"Hardware", entered into which could letsezret inscription
"PENTAGON 128", and "SCORPION 256 ". And then - silk, and you
have the" Pentagon "! And all the demos and multicolor work
perfectly! Once again - click, and you have the "Scorpion"!
Rulezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! :))) Standing beside Nikolay Noskov
unobtrusively commented on what is happening:
"Peters": We did work with a computer
most similar to the Spectrum, so that new users can quickly get
used to. In the future, probably, the interface will be changed.
Then I showed graphic
opportunities Sprinter'a. First aired fast scrolling (I would
even say that very fast! :) Izobrazhny. The picture size larger
than the screen scrolled with a crazy speed in all directions.
Then the screen "run" scanning photos. Color images of
excellent quality were replaced on the screen of each other. I
repeat, all this was done with reckless speed!
"Peters": We were asked to make a quick withdrawal of graphics
- done! Now slow down have ... Very often, the question is
asked: "Can you even faster?" Can! Only here
have-you?
But what I saw then made my
his eyes widen ... People, you are "BABYLON 5"
seen? Well, or "STAR WARS" at worst?
So, imagine the scene: the flies in
space, a fighter (no, not that
both in our "ELITE"!). Perfectly painted, color (of course;) on
the body are solar flare ... And then it gets a rocket (or, the
laser beam). The ship, of course - in chips, and you have to
sweep of his eyes burning wreckage ... Presented? Well, all I
saw on this very Sprinter'e! Perhaps some professional says:
"Nonsense! This made quite difficult! "But
me, "teapot", it made a considerable impression ... As it
turned out it was a piece of "Pisyushnoy" games, "torn" and
running on Sprinter'e ...
"Peters": Perhaps we will soon release a few games to be
converted to IBM.
And while no games directly under the Sprinter, you can play
old spekovskie toys. Imagine the "ELITE", or "MICRONAUT" at
21Mhz!!! 8) A in the logic Toys "sulk" just kicks will be!
After "Think" they will be exactly 6 times faster than a normal
3,5 Mhz-PTO processor!
These are the mugs here ... ;))) You like
learn about Sprinter'e - we told you about.
But as the saying goes: better to see once
worth a thousand words! So you can
themselves to go to the firm "Peters", and see themselves. The
office is a demonstration sample, and you will be able to
contemplate all of his eyes. Find a company "Peters" is easy:
198320 St. Petersburg, ul. Uprising 1935
office 31. It is on the fourth floor.
Hours:
Mon-Fri from 10 to 18
Saturday from 10 to 16
Sun closed
All questions can set by calling (812) 327-35-31
Email:
2:5030 / 529.24 @ fidonet
2:5030 / 435.12 @ fidonet
E-mail: peters@atlant.ru
You can also write to our office. If there will be many
questions, we again went to the firm "Peters", and find out
everything! :)))
-----------------------------------------
P.S.
"Myselki" on the topic.
Please, do not need to take everything that I write on as
unobtrusive ads Sprinter'a - it's simple arithmetic.
I am holding a price list of firm "Scorpion". And now I want to
compare how much it would cost "Scorpio", though a little
reminiscent of Sprinter in its capabilities. So:
Ready kompyuer "Scorpion ZS-256 TURBO +"
with ProfPZU 27,040 and import drive, with
the IBM keyboard (+ itself Claudia)
and mouse ... 180 $ All of this is the case MiniTower +
powerful PSU + VLF + indicator TURBO / norm. Execution Suite
"...+ 15 cu Mouse ... $ 10 Controller SMUC ... 20
cu Fee GMX. Approximate price of RAM
512Kb ... 35 U.S. dollars (take to minimize)
Total received 260 USD And since the conditional
unit in the company "Scorpion" is equal to 6.5 rubles (6500
old), it turns out that the computer will cost you 1,690
rubles! Now subtract from that amount the cost Sprinter'a.
We get 750 rubles a difference! However ...
With this money you can buy a good monitor, and "Zatar" the
latest software! Besides, I thought, without any shleyfof,
wires and so on. But even a "heaped" "Scorpion" in its
capabilities can not be compared with Sprinter'om!
So, gentlemen, make your conclusions!
-----------------------------------------
Author of the article to thank the firm "Peters", and
personally its director Nikolay Noskov for the material
provided.
