I tried to expand on my #RetroChallenge and build an #RC2014 module that could decode the 8 bits returned from a NES controller using just 74 series logic and a 555 timer.

It didn’t work. I think I have the timing slightly out so some of the logic is triggering too early. I’d need a dual scope to confirm this, but unfortunately I don’t own one. It looks like I’m on the right track though.

The #RetroChallenge may have finished, but I have a bonus post.

@ChartreuseK pointed out that the SNES controller is an extended version of the NES controller.

So, I have reworked my #RC2014 NES controller module and Z80 assembly language example code to use the SNES controller.

https://www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/rc2025-part-9-using-a-snes-controller/

We're kicking off our first Long Play with the intense GBC homebrew, Mount Crymore by Pigeonaut! Join us as we try to conquer the world's deadliest summits.Watch us climb, risk, and maybe fall trying to conquer the world's deadliest summits.⛰️
https://youtu.be/z4B2sge2dtw?si=5-Miwq_Se4Fa87qR

#BrewOtaku #LongPlay #MountCrymore #GBC #Homebrew #ClimbingGame #RetroChallenge

What helped me deliver my RetroChallgence 2024 project on time? Prior experience with the Interlisp API of NoteCards and the nature of Lisp and Lisp systems.

https://journal.paoloamoroso.com/how-lisp-helped-my-retrochallenge-2024-project

#RC2024 #RetroChallenge #retrocomputing #interlisp #NoteCards

It's the final day of the #RetroChallenge so I've written about my finished project.

Originally I wanted to interface an NES controller to my #RC2014 and use this to control a game.

I built the RC2014 module and got it working from both BASIC and Z80 Assembly Language. I even got it to move a pixel around on an LED matrix.

However, I was running out of time to write a game. So I decided instead to hack one of my favourites to use the NES controller - Manic Miner on the Sinclair ZX Spectrum.

In this post I explain how I was able to connect the RC2014 module to the Spectrum using @quazarsamcoupe's bus adapter, and how I hacked the Manic Miner code to use my new module.

https://www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/rc2025-part-8-playing-manic-miner-with-an-nes-controller/

RetroChallenge announced the results of RC2024/10 and I'm honored to be among the winners. I entered with the WebCard project written in Interlisp, a NoteCards extension for visiting websites.

Thanks to the organizers, voters, and judges and congrats to all the entrants, especially @psychotimmy who won the Grand Prize.

https://www.retrochallenge.org/2025/10/rc202410-resultsless-than-year-late.html

https://github.com/pamoroso/webcard

https://journal.paoloamoroso.com/tag:WebCard

#RC2024 #RetroChallenge #retrocomputing #interlisp #NoteCards

Totally stunned that the Pico MZ-80K won the "general" category in last year's #RetroChallenge! Thank you to everyone who voted for me, followed the project, etc. etc. etc.

https://www.retrochallenge.org/2025/10/rc202410-resultsless-than-year-late.html

#RetroComputing

I teased this a few days ago, but here's the latest part of my #RetroChallenge

I've been able to put together the various parts I've already written up, and I can now move a pixel on a LED matrix using an NES controller on my #RC2014.

https://www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/rc2025-part-7-moving-a-pixel-with-a-nes-controller/

I've been using the 8x8 LED Matrix module on my #RC2014 recently as part of the #RetroChallenge

I've written up how it works, and also added a demo program in Z80 assembly language converted from the original BASIC example.

https://www.robertprice.co.uk/robblog/rc2025-part-6-using-an-8x8-led-matrix-from-z80-assembly-language/