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Introduction

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Ever since the Z88 came out, technical users wanted began to see if they could improve it . There are several areas that were ripe for improvement.

INTERNAL RAM/ROM OZ v4.0 UPGRADE

The internal 32K of RAM is not large enough. Upgrading this to 128K or 512K internally is possible, but the original 'built-in' OZ operating system did not use this correctly.

Cambridge Computer commissioned OZ 4.0 ROM and were planning to use this with the new User Guide v3 but only the User Guide was changed. The new ROM was made available to users through the Z88 User Group.

The OZ version 4 ROM was the starting point for the disassembly of the code for subsequent versions of OZ. These are available in internal and external versions.

Z88 Motherboard

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Here are where all the main parts are on the motherboard.

The external connector on the RH side was never used.

Note: On this motherboard the RAM socket is a 24 pin which is big enough for 32K. Later versions had a 28 pin fitted.

EXTERNAL RAM

The maximum size of RAM that can be fitted is 1M byte.

These became available about a year after the Z88 was released, but at £200 each, most users bought the 128K at just under £50.

Memory prices have fallen since then so this is more attractive now.

EXTERNAL ROM OZ v4.x UPGRADE

Now that OZ is available to be used externally in Slot 1, flash chips are used rather than EPROMs.

Communicating to other computers

The key strength of the Z88 has been its ability to share its data with a range of computers. Cambridge Computer released PC Link, PC Link II, BBC Link, Mac Link, which was quickly followed by 3rd party software for the Amiga, Archimedes, Atari ST & QL Link.

Computers and methods of communicating have changed since then, RS-232 Serial has given way to USB and even Bluetooth 

Bluetooth

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Serial over Bluetooth

PC Link

Image Removed	Z88 PCLink Client - an experiment
Image Removed	Z88 to FTDI lead via MAX3232

 by writing additional software and producing hardware. Z88 Applications & Projects is a central point where past Companies. developers and end users can share past information.

The commercial value of software written for the Z88 is now past. The author's hope is that this may become a central portal where the history of all the Z88 Applications written, may be recorded and stored. A lot of hard work has been done and I wish to invite past developers to share this publicly by uploading their source code, the application image, manuals, publicity and photos of the finished product. These may be just sitting somewhere on a disc or a computer, sitting on a bookshelf or in the attic, its value unknown to the uninitiated and will therefore be eventually lost.

Rakewell's website is being revamped. Copies of documentation and applications will be downloaded here. I will try and contact the different companies who produced the products to ask for their permission, but this may not always possible because Companies cease trading and personal addresses change. If you are the author or have produced any of the these products and wish them to be removed, please contact me and this will be done. 

Vic Gerhardi 10th August 2013