Date   : Sun, 26 Sep 2010 21:34:37 +0100
From   : groupsstuff@... (Farlie A)
Subject: MOS6 - Any programmers want to see a free BBC Micro

As this list is presumably aware,  there are BBC Micro emulators,  some 
of which are even under GPL.

However, even a nominally GPL BBC Micro Emulator can't go into Debian, 
because the ROM firmware needed is 'grey-ware'(i.e Still copyright and 
not under a copyleft license.) .

I'm therefore going to ask if there are any experienced (65x02) 
programmers (I'm not) that would be capable of providing an alternative 
but compatible firmware developed from 'clean-room' tactics (which I'd 
nominally called MOS 6 )? (Namely the combined documentation of the  
various chip datasheets, Advanced User Guide and
TAU, TMU back issues.

The inital firmware that would need to be reimiplemented is OS 2.0, 
BASIC and the 6502 tube code (on both sides), which should suffice in 
respect of code that was written to be 'legal'. Later software that uses 
'clever' techniques would also somehow have to be accomodated.  In time 
a sutiable DFS implementation would also be a useful addition.

In time more obscure co-pro BIOS, PHROMS and so on could be replaced 
with alternatives...

This is partly in response to what happened in respect of the Spectrum's 
firmware, for which a replacement ROM for emulators was developed.

(There is of course a reason why there isn't a 'free' C64 ROM, but then 
why would anyone bother?? XD )

Of course such a free firmware could also be used with FPGA 
implementations of the BBC style hardware... (in that I've definitly 
seen  FPGA implementations of some
chips used in a BBC Micro - Although not as yet an 8271 :( )

It may take many years, but I think it's worth at least floating the idea...

Alex Farlie