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 Original URL : https://retrobrewcomputers.org/doku.php?id=boards:sbc:minimax8085:start
 Snapshot date: 2025-11-17
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Introduction

The MiniMax8085 project has been brewing for almost three years. Sometime in the spring of 2014 my kids and I visited local the surplus store, where my kids found some Intel 8000 series parts in the kids-fill-your-bucket area. Among these ICs were there: an 8085 CPU, an 8155 RAM with I/O ports and timer, a couple of 8255 PPIs, an 8282 latch, and some 27C128 UV EPROMs. It looked like a good start for an 8085 based computer that can be used to teach my kids some computer design and programming basics.
I wanted the project to be simple to build, with a minimal number of components, but yet to be a fully functional single board computer (e.g. to include the memory and an input/output device, for example a UART) with an extension bus. I checked the Internet for existing homebrew 8085 computers and found Roman Fülek's NCB85 and NCB85v2 projects, and Glitch Works 8085 projects. While I liked these projects, they didn't quite meet my project design goals:

NCB85 was the closest, but it doesn't have an extension bus

NCB85v2 is a little bit too complicated for my needs

Glitch Works 8085 project didn't have an on-board UART

The resulting design includes 8085 CPU, 8251 USART, 32 KiB SRAM, 32 KiB or 16 KiB ROM. It uses a GAL16V8/ATF16V8 simple programmable logic device (SPLD) instead of discrete logic ICs for the address decode and the frequency divider for USART. It reduces the number of components, allows for tweaking the configuration by re-programming the SPLD, and provides an introduction to the programmable logic devices.

Specifications

80C85A or 8085A CPU, 3.072 MHz or 4.9152 MHz CPU clock frequency

82C51A or 8251A USART for console connection

32 KiB of battery backed SRAM

Up to 32 KiB of ROM. EEPROM, UV EPROM or Flash ROM memory is supported

40-pin extension bus connector, including most of 8085 signals and demultiplexed data and address buses

Hardware Documentation

Design Files

Mini8085 - KiCad - 1.0.zip - KiCad schematic and PCB layout files
Mini8085 - Schematic - 1.0.pdf - Schematic in PDF format
Mini8085 - Board - 1.0.pdf - PCB layout in PDF format

Design Description

The MiniMax8085 is based on the Intel 8085A CPU (U1). The 74*573 octal latch (U6) is used to demultiplex the lower 8-bit of address and data bus.
The board uses the Intel 8251A USART (U2) for serial input / output, for example for connecting a console. The MAX232A RS-232 driver/receiver (U7) is used to convert TTL logic levels to RS-232 voltage.
The 62256 32 KiB SRAM (U4) is used for the system RAM. The RAM is battery backed using the DS1210 NVRAM controller (U8).
The board supports a variety of ROM options (U3): The 28C256 EEPROM; UV EPROMs, such as 27C256 (32 KiB), 27C128 (16 KiB), and 27C64 (8 KiB); or The 29C256 Flash ROM ICs. Normally the ROM is mapped to the CPU memory beginning from the address 0x0000, while the RAM is mapped beginning from the address 0x8000. The ROM and RAM addresses can be swapped by pulling /SWAP_MEM signal low. This can be used, for example, to implement a CP/M extension card.
The GAL16V8 simple programmable logic device (U5) implements all the required “glue” logic functions:

Address decode and chip select for the USART. The default USART I/O address is 0x08.

Clock divider that divides the CPU clock to obtain USART transmit and receive clock. The divisor value depends on the CPU speed. Fuse maps with divide by 10 and 20, divide by 13 and 26, and divide by 16 and 32 ratios are provided to support common 8085A CPU clocks: 3.072 MHz, 4 MHz, 4.9152 MHz, 6.144 MHz, and 8 MHz.

Address decode and chip select for the ROM and SRAM. The address decode logic include additional /SWAP_MEM input, which by default is configured to swap address mapping of ROM and RAM.

Please refer to the Simple Programmable Logic Device section below for more details regarding the SPLD configuration and programming.
The MiniMax8085 includes a 40-pin extension connector (P4), that features the 8085A address and data buses, and control signals. Please refer to the Jumpers and Connectors section below for the connector pinout and signals description.

Jumpers and Connectors

Jumpers JP1 and JP2 - ROM Configuration

These jumpers configure how pins 1 and 27 of the ROM IC (U3) are connected. The jumper settings are printed on the bottom side of the PCB.

ROM Type	Jumper JP1 Position - ROM Pin 1 Connection	JP2 Position - ROM Pin 27 Connection
27C128, 27C64, 27128, 2764	2-3 - pin 1 connected to VCC	1-2 - pin 27 connected to VCC
27C256	2-3 - pin 1 connected to VCC	2-JP1 pin 1 (jumper installed vertically), pin 27 connected to A14
28C256	1-2 - pin 1 connected to A14	2-3 - pin 27 connected to /WR
29C256	2-JP2 pin 3 (jumper installed vertically), pin 1 connected to /WR	2-JP1 pin 1 (jumper installed vertically), pin 27 connected to A14

Jumper JP3 - USART Clock Frequency

JP3 sets the USART input clock frequency

Jumper Position	Description
1-2	307.2 kHz - 19200 bps (default) or 2400 bps, depending on USART configuration 614.4 kHz - (For 6.144 MHz and 8 MHz CPUs) 38400 bps (default) or 4800 bps, depending on USART configuration
2-3	153.6 kHz - 9600 bps (default) or 1200 bps, depending on USART configuration 307.2 kHz - (For 6.144 MHz and 8 MHz CPUs) 19200 bps (default) or 2400 bps, depending on USART configuration

Connector P1 - POWER

Connect regulated +5V power supply to this connector.

Pin	Description
Tip (the inner contact)	Positive terminal - +5V
Barrel / Sleeve	Negative terminal - Ground

Connector P2 - SIO

P2 exposes the 8085A CPU serial input and output lines.

Pin	Description
1	Ground
2	SOD / Serial Output Data
3	SID / Serial Input Data

Connector P3 - SERIAL

P3 is the serial port connector. It is normally used for connecting a console or terminal. P3 uses pinout similar to that of IBM AT serial port (with some signals missing). Use a null modem cable to connect to a PC.

Pin Number	Signal Name	Description and Notes
1	DCD	Carrier Detect; Not used - Not connected on the SBC
2	RX	Receive Data; Input to SBC
3	TX	Transmit Data; Output from SBC
4	DTR	Data Terminal Ready; Not used - Not connected on the SBC
5	Signal Ground	Connected to the SBC GND signal
6	DSR	Data Set Ready; Not used - Not connected on the SBC
7	RTS	Request to Send; Output from SBC
8	CTS	Clear to Send; Input to SBC
9	RI	Ring Indicator; Not used - Not connected on the SBC
Shield	DE9 Shield	Connected to the SBC GND signal

Connector P4 - EXTENSION

P4 exposes the 8085A CPU address and data buses, and control signals.

Pin	Signal	Description
1	TRAP	Non-maskable interrupt input
2	3.072 MHz	CPU clock output
3	RST5_5	RST5.5 interrupt input
4	INTR	Interrupt request input
5	RST7_5	RST7.5 interrupt input
6	/INTA	Interrupt acknowledge output
7	ALE	Address latch enable output
8	/SWAP_MEM	Swap ROM & RAM addresses input
9	A9	Address bus - bit 9 output
10	A8	Address bus - bit 8 output
11	A11	Address bus - bit 11 output
12	A10	Address bus - bit 10 output
13	A13	Address bus - bit 13 output
14	A12	Address bus - bit 12 output
15	A15	Address bus - bit 15 output
16	A14	Address bus - bit 14 output
17	AD1	Address/data bus - bit 1 bi-directional
18	AD0	Address/data bus - bit 0 bi-directional
19	AD3	Address/data bus - bit 3 bi-directional
20	AD2	Address/data bus - bit 2 bi-directional
21	AD5	Address/data bus - bit 5 bi-directional
22	AD4	Address/data bus - bit 4 bi-directional
23	AD7	Address/data bus - bit 7 bi-directional
24	AD6	Address/data bus - bit 6 bi-directional
25	/RD	Read control output
26	IO/M	I/O / memory cycle status output
27	/WR	Write control output
28	RESET	Reset output
29	A1	Address bus - bit 1 output
30	A0	Address bus - bit 0 output
31	A3	Address bus - bit 3 output
32	A2	Address bus - bit 2 output
33	A5	Address bus - bit 5 output
34	A4	Address bus - bit 4 output
35	A7	Address bus - bit 7 output
36	A6	Address bus - bit 6 output
37, 38	VCC	Power - 5V
39, 40	GND	Power - Ground

Connector P5 -VBAT

P5 is used to connect the battery for the SRAM backup. A 3-volt lithium cell, or 2-3 alkaline batteries connected in series can be used for this purpose.

Pin	Description
1	Battery voltage, 3V - 5V
2	Ground

Simple Programmable Logic Device

SPLD Files and Programming

As described above, the MiniMax8085 SBC uses a GAL16V8 simple programmable logic device (SPLD) to implement all the necessary glue logic. The SLPD images are available in Mini8085-SPLD-1.2.zip file in the downloads section below. Here are some files contained in that ZIP archive:
Mini8085-3.072MHz.pld - SPLD source code for a system with CPU running on 3.072 MHz or 6.144 MHz* clock frequency
Mini8085-3.9936MHz.pld - SPLD source code for a system with CPU running on 3.9936 MHz (4 MHz) or 8 MHz clock frequency
Mini8085-4.9152MHz.pld - SPLD source code for a system with CPU running on 4.9152 MHz clock frequency
Mini8085-3.072MHz.jed - SPLD fuse map for a system with CPU running on 3.072 MHz or 6.144 MHz* clock frequency
Mini8085-3.9936MHz.jed - SPLD fuse map for a system with CPU running on 3.9936 MHz (4 MHz) or 8 MHz clock frequency
Mini8085-4.9152MHz.jed - SPLD fuse map for a system with CPU running on 3.072 MHz clock frequency
* When used with 6.144 MHz or 8 MHz CPU clock frequency, the USART clock will be doubled. So that it will work on 19200 bps instead of 9600 bps, or 38400 bps instead of 19200 bps.

The SPLD IC has to be programmed using an EPROM programmer, such as a popular MiniPro TL866CS programmer. The process is very similar to programming regular EPROM ICs:

Select IC manufacturer: Lattice for GAL16V8 or Atmel for ATF16V8)

Select the SPLD type: GAL16V8 or ATF16V8

Load the SPLD fuse map - pick either Mini8085-3.072MHz.jed or Mini8085-4.9152MHz.jed file, depending on the CPU frequency (or the crystal resonator you are using).

Program the SPLD. You might want to disable “lock” option, so that SPLD will remain readable after the programming.

SPLD Implementation

The Mini8085-3.072MHz.pld and Mini8085-4.9152MHz.pld files contain the SPLD source code, that describes the logic equations defining the desired SPLD functionality. The source code can be divided into the following sections:

This part contains the name of the SPLD and the project name:

GAL16V8       ; 8085 SBC Logic first line : used GAL
8085Mini      ;                second line: any text (max. 8 char.)

Pin Names Definition

This part assigns names to the SPLD pins. The names order corresponds to the pin numbers: the first line assigns names to the pins 1 - 10, and the second line to the pins 11 - 20. Note that several pins have fixed functions: pin 1 - Clock, pin 10 - GND, pin 11 - /OE, and pin 20 - VCC. Also pins 2 - 9 can be used as inputs only, while pins 12 - 19 can be used as either inputs or outputs.

Clock IOM    A15    SWAPMEM A7    A6    A5    A4    A3   GND
/OE   RAMCS  ROMCS  USARTCS Q4    Q3    Q2    Q1    Q0   VCC

Logic Equations - USART Clock Frequency Divider

The frequency divider is implemented as a synchronous counter, where all the outputs change their state simultaneously with the rising edge of the Clock signal. To achieve this, the SPLD is configured in registered mode (this is done automatically, by the SPLD assembler). In this mode the SPLD outputs with .R suffix (Q0.R - Q4.R) are configured as D flip-flops, and their logic equations describe the next state of the flip-flops (the values on their D inputs, that will be latched with the Clock signal). For example, in the Mini8085-4.9152MHz.pld the next state of Q0 output is defined to be the inverse of its current state: Q0.R = /Q0. The Q0 - Q2 outputs are the outputs of intermediate stages of counter/divider, and they are not used in the MiniMax8085. The USART clock inputs are connected to either Q3 or Q4 output, depending on the position of the jumper JP3, resulting in either divide by 10 or 20 for 3.072 MHz CPU clock (using the Mini8085-3.072MHz.pld fuse map) or in divide by either 16 or 32 for 4.9152 MHz CPU clock (using the Mini8085-4.9152MHz.pld fuse map).

Mini8085-4.9152MHz.pld: 5-bit binary counter, or divide by 32 frequency divider.

Q0.R =   /Q0
 
Q1.R =    Q1 * /Q0
       + /Q1 *  Q0
 
Q2.R =    Q2 * /Q1
       +  Q2 * /Q0
       + /Q2 *  Q1 *  Q0
 
Q3.R =    Q3 * /Q2
       +  Q3 * /Q1
       +  Q3 * /Q0
       + /Q3 *  Q2 *  Q1 *  Q0
 
Q4.R =    Q4 * /Q3
       +  Q4 * /Q2
       +  Q4 * /Q1
       +  Q4 * /Q0
       + /Q4 *  Q3 *  Q2 *  Q1 *  Q0

Mini8085-3.072MHz.pld: Q2-Q0 implement divide by 5 frequency divider, Q3 and Q4 stages divide the frequency further by 2 and 4 respectively.

Q0.R =   /Q2 * /Q0
 
Q1.R =   /Q2 * /Q1 *  Q0
       + /Q2 *  Q1 * /Q0
 
Q2.R =   /Q2 *  Q1 *  Q0
 
Q3.R =    Q3 * /Q2
       + /Q3 *  Q2
 
Q4.R =    Q4 * /Q3
       +  Q4 * /Q2
       + /Q4 *  Q3 *  Q2

Logic Equations - Memory Chip Select

These equations activate /ROMCS and /RAMCS signals:
The /ROMCS is active (LOW) when 8085 IO/M signal is LOW, indicating a memory access, and either A15 is LOW (lower 32 KiB of memory address space) and SWAPMEM is inactive (HIGH), or then A15 is HIGH (upper 32 KiB of memory address space), and SWAPMEM is active (LOW).
The /RAMCS is active (LOW) when 8085 IO/M is LOW, indicating a memory access, and either A15 is HIGH (upper 32 KiB of memory address space) and SWAPMEM is inactive (HIGH), or then A15 is LOW (lower 32 KiB of memory address space), and SWAPMEM is active (LOW).

/ROMCS =   /IOM *  SWAPMEM * /A15
         + /IOM * /SWAPMEM *  A15
 
/RAMCS =   /IOM *  SWAPMEM *  A15
         + /IOM * /SWAPMEM * /A15

Logic Equations - USART Chip Select

This equation activates the /USARTCS signal. It is active (LOW) when 8085 IO/M signal is HIGH, indicating an I/O port access, address lines A7-A4 are LOW, and address line A3 is high. So that USART is selected using 00001xxxb addresses (8h-0Fh).

/USARTCS = IOM * /A7 * /A6 * /A5 * /A4 * A3

Bill of Materials

Link to the project on Mouser.com - View and order all components except of the 8085A CPU, the 8251A USART, and the PCB.
Link to the project on OSHPark.com - View and order the MiniMax8085 PCB.

Component Type	Reference	Description	Quantity	Possible Sources and Notes
PCB		MiniMax8085 PCB Version 1.0	1	Order for Sergey, OSH Park, or your favorite PCB fab
Capacitor	C1 - C11	0.1 uF ceramic, 5.08 mm lead spacing	11	Mouser 810-FK28X7R1H104K, 80-C323C104K5R; Jameco 25523
	C12	1 uF ceramic, 5.08 mm lead spacing	1	Mouser 810-FK24X5R1C105K
	C13	10 uF ceramic, 5.08 mm lead spacing	1	Mouser 810-FK24X5R1C106K Note: Can be replaced with tantalum or electrolytic capacitors
	C14, C15	33 pF ceramic, 5.08 mm lead spacing	2	Mouser 810-FK28C0G1H330J Note: Install only when using CMOS 80C85A CPU. Do not install when using NMOS 8085A
Connector	P1	DC jack	1	Mouser 806-KLDX-0202-A; Jameco 101178
	P2, JP1 - JP3	3×1 pin header	4	Mouser 649-69190-103HLF, 649-78229-103HLF; Jameco 109576
	P3	DE9M, right angle PCB mount	1	Mouser 806-K22X-E9P-N, 806-K22X-E9P-N-99 (teal color), 571-7478404; Jameco 104943, 614459, 614432
	P4	20×2 pin socket	1	Mouser 517-929852-01-20-RB Note: Optional, used for extension bus
	P5	2 pin header with friction lock	1	Mouser 571-6404562, 571-3-641126-2, 571-3-641215-2; Jameco 232266, 613931 Note: Optional, used for SRAM battery backup Corresponding female connector: Mouser 571-770602-2; Jameco 234798 Contacts (2 contacts needed): Mouser 571-770666-1; Jameco 234923, 736501; It is recommended to use a polarized header to avoid incorrect power polarity.
Diode	D1	1N4148	1	Mouser 512-1N4148, 771-1N4148-T/R; Jameco 36038, 179215
LED	D2	LED Indicator, Dialight 566-0206F	1	Mouser 645-566-0206F Note: Can be replaced with a standard 3 mm or 5 mm LED
Resistor	R1	33 Ohm, 1/4 W	1	Mouser 291-33-RC
	R2	470 Ohm, 1/4 W	1	Mouser 291-470-RC; Jameco 690785
	R3	100 kOhm, 1/4 W	1	Mouser 291-100K-RC
Resistor Array	RR1, RR2	4.7 kOhm, 6 pin, bussed resistor array	2	Mouser 264-4.7K-RC, 652-4306R-1LF-4.7K
Switch	SW1	Tactile switch, right angle	1	Mouser 653-B3F-3100, 653-B3F-3152, 706-95C06A2RAT, 706-95C06C2RAT, 706-95C06F2RAT Note: Switches can have different actuator length. You might want to select the switch according your own preferences, for example the enclosure type you want to use, and whatever you want the reset button to stick out of the enclosure or to stay hidden inside. Jameco 1953575
Crystal	Y1	6.144 MHz quartz resonator for 3 MHz CPU 8 MHz quartz resonator for 4 MHz CPU 9.8304 MHz quartz resonator for 5 MHz CPU 12.288 MHz quartz resonator for 6 MHz CPU 16 MHz quartz resonator for 8 MHz CPU	1	Mouser 520-61-18-4XEN (6.144 MHz), 520-HCU983-20 (9.8304 MHz), 695-HC49US-122-U (12.288 MHz), 815-ABL-16-B2 (16 MHz); Unicorn Electronics 6.144 MHz or 9.8304 MHz according to desired CPU clock frequency
IC	U1	80C85A, 8085A-2, or 8085A CPU	1	Jameco 52071 (8085A-2, 5 MHz), 52062 (8085A, 3 MHz); Unicorn Electronics 80C85, 8085A-2, or 8085A; eBay (search for 80C85 or 8085 CPUs, or IM1821VM85A / ИМ1821ВМ85А for Soviet 80C85 clone) Note: Use CMOS part - 80C85A for lower power consumption
	U2	82C51A, or 8251A USART	1	Jameco 52652 (8251A), Unicorn Electronics 82C51 or 8051; eBay (search for 82C51 or 8251 USART, or 580VV51 / 580ВВ51 for Soviet 8251 clone) Note: Use CMOS part - 82C51A for lower power consumption and higher speed
	U3	28C256 EEPROM, 27C256 UV EPROM, 27C128 UV EPROM, 27128 UV EPROM, 27C64 UV EPROM, 2764 UV EPROM	1	Mouser 556-AT28C25615PU; Jameco 74843 (28C256 EEPROM), 39714 (27C256 UV EPROM); Unicorn Electronics 28C256-15 (EEPROM), 27C256 or 27C128 (UV EPROM) Note: EEPROM parts are recommended. UV lamp needed to erase UV EPROMs
	U4	62256 SRAM	1	Mouser 913-AS6C62256-55PCN; Jameco 391822; Unicorn Electronics 62256LP-70 (or any other 62256)
	U5	GAL16V8, ATF16V8	1	Mouser 556-AF16V8B15PU, Jameco 37452; Unicorn Electronics 16V8 (10 ns, 12 ns, or 15 ns versions would work. Make sure to contact the seller and ask specifically for Lattice GAL16V8 part. iCT PEEL16V8 parts are not supported by MiniPro TL866CS programmer)
	U6	74HC573, 74ALS573, 74F573	1	Mouser 595-SN74HC573AN, 595-SN74HC573ANE4, 595-CD74HC573E, 595-SN74ALS573CN, 595-SN74F573N; Jameco 46076 (74HC573); Unicorn Electronics 74HC573, 74ALS573, 74F573; eBay (search for 74HC573, 74ALS573, 74F573, or KR1533IR33 / КР1533ИР33 for Soviet 74ALS573 clone)
	U7	MAX202, MAX232A	1	Mouser 595-TRS202ECN, 701-SP202ECP-L, 700-MAX202CPE, 700-MAX232ACP; Jameco 1800552, 142535; Unicorn Electronics MAX202
	U8	DS1210	1	Mouser 700-DS1210; Jameco 114198; Unicorn Electronics DS1210 Note: Optional, used for SRAM battery backup. If not populated - install two wire jumpers instead as shown on the PCB silk screen
IC Socket	U1	40 pin 600 mil DIP socket	1	Mouser 517-4840-6000-CP, 649-DILB40P223TLF; Jameco 41111
	U2 - U4	28 pin 600 mil DIP socket	3	Mouser 517-4828-6000-CP, 649-DILB28P223TLF; Jameco 40301
	U5, U6	20 pin 300 mil DIP socket	2	Mouser 517-4820-3000-CP, 649-DILB20P-223TLF; Jameco 38608
	U7	16 pin 300 mil DIP socket	1	Mouser 517-4816-3000-CP, 649-DILB16P-223TLF; Jameco 37373
	U8	8 pin 300 mil DIP socket	1	Mouser 517-4808-3000-CP, 649-DILB8P223TLF; Jameco 51571

Replacement Notes

CMOS parts are preferred for lower power consumption.

80C85 (CPU) - Any type in DIP-40 package will do. Use 6.144 MHz crystal for 3 MHz parts. Such parts usually don't have any numeric suffix in the part name. For example Intel P8085AH is a 3 MHz part, while Intel P8085AH-2 is a 5 MHz part.

CMOS parts: MSM80C85A or M80C85A (OKI), CA80C85B (Calmos, Tundra), IM1821VM85A (Soviet/Russian Clone)

NMOS parts: P8085A (Intel, AMD), P8085AH, P8085AH-2, P8085AH-1 (Intel, newer HMOS process, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, and 6 MHz parts respectively), M5L8085AP (Mitsubishi), TMP8085AP (Toshiba), and so on.

80C51A (USART) - Any type in DIP-28 package.

28C256 (EEPROM, EPROM) - The board support a wide variety of ROMs. Note that JP1 and JP2 jumpers need to be set according to the ROM type.

28C256 EEPROM: Atmel/Microchip AT28C256, Xicor X28C256

CMOS UV EPROMs: 27C256 UV EPROMs (32 KiB), 27C128 UV EPROMs (16 KiB), 27C64 UV EPROMs (8 KiB)

NMOS UV EPROMs: 27256 UV EPROMs (32 KiB), 27128 UV EPROMs (16 KiB), 2764 UV EPROMs (8 KiB)

62256-like NVRAM (32 KiB)

AT29C256 Flash ROM

62256 (SRAM) - A low-power CMOS SRAM 32KiB, in DIP-28 wide (600 mils) packages. Here are some common parts:

In production: AS6C62256 (Alliance Memory), CY62256N (Cypress)

Old stock: HM62256LP (Hitachi), HY62256 (Hyundai), KM62256 (Samsung), UM62256 (UMC)

GAL16V8 (SPLD): Needs to be in DIP-20 package

In production: Atmel/Microchip ATF16V8

Old stock: Lattice GAL16V8 (any modification)

iCT PEEL16V8 might work, but it is not supported by common MiniPro TL866CS programmer

74HC573 (Octal D Latch with 3-STATE Outputs) - Can be replaced with any 74-series family that works with 5V power supply voltage.

CMOS parts: 74HC573, 74ACT573, 74HCT573, 74AHCT573, 74AC573, 74ACT573

TTL parts: 74ALS573, 74F573, 74LS573

MAX232A (RS-232 Drivers/Receivers) - There is a variety of compatible ICs available from various manufacturers. Note that the original MAX232 part as well as some compatible ICs require 1 uF capacitors for charge pumps (C7-C11).

Maxim: MAX232A, MAX202, MAX232

Texas Instruments: TRS202, MAX232

Exar: SP232

Analog Devices: ADM202, ADM232

Intersil: HIN202, HIN232

LED D2 - Can be replaced by a 3 mm LED with pins bent at 90 degrees.

Firmware and Software

Monitor

MiniMax8085 uses MON85 Software Debug Monitor For the 8085/8080 written by Dave Dunfield. Specifically it was tested with the improved by Roman Borik version 1.2: mon85-v12-mini85.zip. This version adds support for undocumented 8085 instructions and flags.

Tiny BASIC

The famous Tiny BASIC 2.0 written by Li-Chen Wang and modified by Roger Rauskolb, runs on MiniMax8085 with very little modifications: The 8251 USART I/O address needs to be updated, and its initialization parameters need to be slightly updated - to use 1 stop bit instead of two, and to enable CTS/RTS flow control. Also the RAM addresses need to be updated to start from 8000h.
For your enjoyment the original Tiny BASIC article from the December 1976 issue of Interface Age magazine - TinyBASIC-2.0.pdf, the source files and the ROM image - tinybasic-2.0-mini85.zip, are provided.

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Q: Board doesn't work. No output on the serial console.

A1: Make sure that the ROM type is configured properly using JP1 and JP2 jumpers.

A2: The firmware configures USART with RTS/CTS flow control enabled. Check that your terminal emulation software has RTC/CTS flow control enabled, and that you're using a null-modem cable with RTS and CTS signals on one side connected to CTS and RTS signals on the other side. Alternatively you can connect pin 7 (RTS) and pin 8 (CTS) on the P3 connector, and use a three wire serial cable with TX, RX, GND signals only.

Q: Board works unreliably, gets randomly stuck when board is touched, requires reset every so often.

A: Assuming that DS1210 is installed, make sure you have 3V-4.5V battery connected to connector P5 (observe polarity). Alternatively you can put a jumper across P5, or remove DS1210 and install jumpers instead as indicated on the PCB.