The article details the history of the TRS-80 Model I computer, highlighting its cost-cutting design, limitations, and impact on the early home computer market. It discusses its hardware, software (Level I & II BASIC, CP/M compatibility), and eventual replacement by the Model II and Model III. It also touches on the community's nickname 'Trash-80' and its lasting legacy.
An email machine, the Cidco MailStation, is repurposed as a terminal using the Z80 processor and msTERM application. The WiFiStation dongle enables network communication.
- Hardware: Z80 processor, 128KB RAM, 0.5MB flash, modem, parallel port, RTC, QWERTY keyboard.
- Code Loading: Built-in hex editor or loader program via parallel port.
- Dev Env: OpenBSD laptop, C/Z80 assembly, SDCC compiler, upload via parallel port.
- msTERM: Stein's terminal program for BBS communication, custom ISR, modified font.
- Get Started: Stein's released msTERM code, example project, WiFi adapter option."