Documentation for the Virtual H8

Introduction

The Virtual H-8 is a computer simulation of a computer. This means that you are using one computer to simulate another. In this case the computer doing the simulation is a PC running Windows NT and the computer being simulated is the Heathkit H-8: a Z-80 system popular in the late 1970s. This document describes how to install, re-compile and operate the Virtual H-8. To avoid wasting time and effort, be sure to read the paragraph titled "Why nothing interesting happens".

License and Disclaimer: The Virtual H-8 is being distributed as "freeware", in that the author is not asking for a fee to obtain or use the package as provided. However, use of the applications, program code or documentation in whole or in part for any other purpose requires permission in writing from the author. Distribution of the package in modified or incomplete form to other parties is prohibited. Distribution in any form for fee is prohibited. The author does not warrantee that the software is suitable for any particular purpose and will not be held responsible for your inability to use it nor for any consequential damages caused by attempting to use it.

Program code, executable files and documentation are copyright (c) 2001 - 2003 by David A. Wallace, except for specific portions indicated below which are copyright (c) 2001 - 2003 by David A. Shaw.

System requirements: The Virtual H-8 needs an Intel-architecture PC running Microsoft Windows NT version 4.0 Workstation or Windows 2000 Professional. The processor should be at least a Pentium II operating at 233 MHz. The system should have at least 128 MB of RAM and a video controller and display capable of at least 1024 x 768 pixels at 256 colors. You will need at least 5 MB of available disk space on drive C:, more if you intend to compile the code.

Index to Documentation

Installation

Installation requirements
Download the package
Unzip the download
Review the documentation
Where things belong
Setting up a shortcut on the desktop
Adding the Virtual H-8 to your Start Menu

Compiling

Compiler Requirements
Where things belong
Options in the code you can play with

Operating Instructions

Starting the application
What you see
Choosing a presentation
Configuration options
The H-19 Terminal

The H-19 Escape Sequences
The H-19 cursor and function keys
The H-19 Graphic Characters

Activating the tape drive peripheral
Why nothing interesting happens
PAM-37 Operating Instructions

Interpreting the display
Keyboard
Alert tones
Interrupt
Options

Accessories

Obtaining the PAM-37 and H-17 ROM contents

Why I didn't include the actual ROM code files
How to get ROM contents if you have an H-8
What the ROM file format is

Virtual H8-5 tapes

Dave Shaw's Benchmark
Dave Wallace's Benchmark
Dave Shaw's Console Echo Test

Additional help

For more information about the Virtual H-8 design and implementation, announcements of detected bugs and upgrades and for additional data about the Heathkit H-8 computer, link to my web site. You can also or contact me in email if you have specific questions or wish to report problems (or, especially if you want to deliver praise). Sorry, I can't help you if you have plans to modify the Virtual H-8 code, though I'd be interested in hearing about any successful modifications you make. By U.S. copyright law, I'm not allowed to distribute the PAM-37 or H-17 ROM code or HDOS code develped by Heath Company or other parties without permission (which I have not yet been able to obtain).


Copyright (c) 2001 - 2003 by David A. Wallace