Description
The RC2014 Mini II is the evolution of the RC2014 Mini. A small Z80 based Single Board Computer (SBC) that can boot straight in to BASIC, FORTH or a Z80 assembler. With the optional new RC2014 Mini II CP/M Upgrade Kit it can run CP/M from compact flash cards. (Backwards compatibility with the original CP/M Upgrade Kit has been maintained)
Compared to the RC2014 Classic II, the Mini II has a smaller footprint, 55% less soldering and a more efficient use of logic chips. It also contains a single expansion slot that can be used with Enhanced Bus or Standard Bus expansion modules. If you need more slots it can be added to a Backplane 5, Backplane 8 or Backplane Pro if you need more slots.
Features
- Z80 CPU running at 7.3728 Mhz
- 32k RAM
- Power-on Reset
- 8/16k Pageable ROM
- Microsoft BASIC on ROM
- SCM Z80 Assembler on ROM
- CamelForth on ROM
- 6 pin FTDI compatible header
- Connect over TTL serial at 115,200bps
- 40+10 pin RC2014 Standard Bus header
- 0.1″ header pitch (stripboad compatible)
- Compatible with Backplane8 and Backplane5 backplanes
- Compatible with existing RC2014 expansion modules
- Designed to mate with the RC2014 Micro keyboard
- Power from a 500ma USB socket. USB to barrel jack cable supplied
- 55% less soldering than modular RC2014!
Which RC2014 Should I buy?
The RC2014 Mini II, the Modular RC2014 Classic II and the individual modules will effectively give you the same computer at the end of the day. So, which one is best for you? The features of the RC2014 Mini II are listed above, however, you should be aware that the Mini is not as flexible as the modular approach.
For example, if you wish to run at a different clock speed, or upgrade the RAM, then this can be done simply by changing a module on the Classic II.
The backplane and individual module approach has worked out better for people that want to design their own computer based loosely around the RC2014 framework, but with a different CPU for example.
If you simply want to build an RC2014 as easily as possible, plug it in and start programming in BASIC, then the RC2014 Mini Z80 SBC would certainly be the way to go. The RC2014 Micro+ also offers a no-frills alternative with similar features to the Mini II
To get even more power out of your RC2014 Mini, consider adding the RC2014 Mini II CP/M Upgrade Kit (Available September 2023). This boosts memory to 64k, adds compact flash storage, and even includes an extra RC2014 Standard Bus expansion slot
