I've wanted to build a KIM-1 like computer for a long time. Something that Chuck Peddle would have gladly called his own. However, I'm not looking to build a clone of anything. I'll get to some design questions later.
So, what will my trainer computer be used for? Well, I say "trainer" in that it would be like some of the first 6502 SBC's. Computers that helped people learn 6502 programming. At a minimum, it will have the keypad, 7-segment displays, 20x4 LCD display, UART and a VIA or two. So, quite a bit more than a KIM-1 but not quite an Apple II.
Anyway, one thing I'm wondering about are the button arrangements.
The KIM-1 (at least, the one on Wikipedia) has a 6x4 keypad arrangement with one missing key that is a switch.
For my computer, I'm thinking of doing something similar but maybe a little more intuitive. I thought about going really old-school and use octal format but I'm not insane...not yet. LMAO!!
1) 0-9, A-F (16) keys for hexadecimal input
2) Control keys. Suggestions needed here. I assume "Enter", "Delete", etc.
3) Status keys. Suggestions needed here. I assume "Address" (show the current PC), status flags? Etc.
4) What else?
BTW, I will be putting a PS/2 port on this computer. I love the novelty of the keypad entry but having to use it for a few hours isn't ideal. So the user will be able to use either/or. But I do want the keypad to be intuitive and useful.
Suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!