Are you interested in Zeal 8-bit computer but you don't want a fully pre-assembled unit? Do you prefer to solder your electronic projects yourself to completely understand them and know what you are doing?

Then the Zeal 8-bit computer kit is made for you! In this ready-to-solder kit you will find all the required components to get your Zeal 8-bit computer up and running! Learn about computer architecture, electronics, and soldering through hands-on assembly with Zeal 8-bit Computer Soldering Kit.

Who can use it?

This kit is suited for both intermediate users as well as advanced electronic hobbyists thanks to (almost) all the components being in through-hole packages.

Comprehensive Soldering Tutorial and Video Guide!

You will find a complete soldering guide by clicking here.

Check the Soldering Tutorial Video by clicking here.

What is Zeal 8-bit computer?

Zeal 8-bit computer is one of the most advanced modern 8-bit computer made out of brand new and active components, no obsolete parts. It is powered by a real Z80 processor, not a microcontroller, nor an emulator.

The goal of this project is to have a complete and powerful 8-bit computer, capable of outputting graphics, that can be used to learn about electronics, and low-level programming. It can be programmed in assembly, thanks to any Z80 assembler, and in C, thanks to SDCC. More languages support are coming.

This edition is mainly targeted at electronic hobbyists and developers, who are eager to port or develop software to Zeal 8-bit Computer as its operating system, Zeal 8-bit OS, is still work in progress. Feel free to take part into the development, the community is getting bigger!

As you may have seen in the Youtube videos about the project, the final goal is also to have a video board, powered by an FPGA to have a graphical VGA output supporting text mode and graphic mode. This video board is still under development.

You can find more details about the computer itself and its features on this page here, or on the official technical documentation.

What is included?

The Zeal 8-Bit Computer Soldering Kit is your gateway to the captivating world of DIY computing. Uncover the magic of electronics, programming, and innovation in one thrilling package which includes the following integrated circuits:

• One Zilog z80 CPU (PLCC42 package)
• One Zilog Z80 PIO (PLCC42 package)
• One 256KB NOR flash (PLCC32 package). Please note that it has been pre-programmed.
• One 512KB static RAM (DIP32 package)
• One programmable logic device, or PLD (DIP20 package). Please note that it has been pre-programmed.
• One 8-bit buffer, 74HC541 (DIP20 package)
• Two 16-bit static RAM, 74HC670 (DIP16 package)
• Two 8-bit shift registers, 74HC595 (DIP16 package)
• One 8-bit open-drain buffer, 74LS07 (DIP14 package)
• One hex inverter buffer, 74HC14 (DIP14 package)
• One reset supervisor circuit, MCP130 (TO-92 package)
• One 32KB or 64KB I2C EEPROM, depending on the chosen option (DIP8 package)
• One I2C RTC chip (DIP8 package)

The kit also contains the following components:

• Zeal 8-bit computer motherboard PCB, v1.3.0 or above
• Sockets for each of the integrated circuit listed above, except the MCP130, which includes: 2x DIP8 sockets, 2x DIP14 sockets, 4x DIP16 sockets, 2x DIP20 sockets, 1x DIP32 socket, 1x PLCC32 socket, 2x PLCC44 sockets
• CR2032 Battery holder
• 1A fuse and its socket (SMD)
• USB-C power connector
• PS/2 connector
• 2x8-pin 2.54mm standard female connector
• 2x25-pin 2.54mm standard female connector
• 1x05-pin XH2.54mm standard male connector
• Reset switch
• Power switch
• ~32KHz Crystal oscillator (RTC)
• 10MHz active oscillator
• 2x 2-pin jumpers
• 2x 3-pin jumpers
• 5mm power LED
• Some resistors, including resistors network
• Some capacitors
• Some 1N4148 diodes

You will find the exhaustive list of components in the official soldering guide.

What is NOT included?

The following components are not included and are necessary to solder or use the board:

• All the soldering tools, including but not limited to: a soldering iron, some solder, flux, multimeter, etc...
• A 5V adapter and USB-C cable, needed to power on the board. Any phone charger and USB Type-C cable can be used for this, make sure it outputs a stable 5V voltage.
• USB-to-UART adapter. The motherboard provides TX and RX pins, you must connect a cables from there to a USB-to-TLL/USB-to-UART adapter in order to have access to the monitor.

Also, please note that the Zeal 8-bit Computer Video Card is NOT INCUDED as it is still under development. Its connector on the motherboard is also not populated. The matching connector will be available at the same time with the video card.

Support, questions and community

The project has already gathered a community of more than 100 people in the Discord server. Feel free to join the community to get support, to propose some ideas, to help with the software or simply to discuss with people passionate about retro-computing and Zeal 8-bit computer.

Join the community on:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zeal8bit

Discord: https://discord.gg/CtyGsSkzDY

Github: https://github.com/Zeal8bit

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeal8bit.

Disclaimer: Please follow the provided assembly instructions diligently. Should any uncertainties arise, you can seek assistance using the soldering guide, join the Zeal 8-bit community, or reach out to me through any platform (email, YouTube, Discord) provided at the end of this page.

The kit has undergone testing and functional checks before shipping. Any issues resulting from assembly errors or mishandling are not covered for replacement or under warranty. Consequently, I cannot be held accountable for any damage to the board, components, or connected devices due to assembly errors or misuse.