“This is a very fast and low cost Z80 computer, which can run BBC Basic faster than anything. Having an SD Card with preinstalled software would have been nice. Or a printed read me with details of which files needed to be downloaded, but Google is your friend. I managed to get everything working in less than an hour”
“Fun device
Cheapest and fastest combined microcontroller and z80 (retro computer).
It’s novel / it isn’t a BBC micro but uses BBC BASIC but the assembler will deal with z80 assembly language (the original BBC micro used the 6502).
Fun if you understand what you are getting.
The AGON port of BBC Basic doesn’t have all the VDU/plot functions so you can’t just type in BBC programs without some thought. Using the full eZ80 functions has to be done out of BASIC and using sone electronics (fun if that’s your thing)
But lots to discover and learn.
I’m still trying to understand how to access graphics via machine code but it’s all part of the fun.
By far the cheapest device of its type in the UK without using chips, breadboards and jumper wires. Very robust. Some good info via GitHub.
Sone idiosyncrasies with keyboards - needs USB but the keyboard has to understand PS2 protocol - the GitHub info has access to the compatible keyboards. I used a standard raspberry Pi keyboard and it worked a treat.
Boots up like a BBC micro.
Gives a good sense of nostalgia but it is its own machine and not a new version of anything that existed before.”
“Brilliant 8-bit computer for a hobbyist! Takes me back to the days when I programmed 8-bit computers: Atari 600XL/800XL and Acorn BBC B. Already have had great fun programming it using BBC BASIC again!”
“Great little retrocomputer. If you've ever had the feeling that 64KB should be enough for anyone, you're going to love the AgonLight2.
My only complaint is that Real Micros should occupy your entire desk.”
