AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer

OlimexSKU: 105359
(11 Reviews)
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The AgonLight2 is a re-design of the original AgonLight board designed by Bernardo Kastrup - an 8-bit Retro Z80 computer running BBC Basic!

It's a complete Single Board Computer with VGA display output, USB (PS2) keyboard input and SD card slot (acting as an external disk), so you don't need an external computer like an Arduino does.

This updated version includes USB-C for power, USB-A for your keyboard, LiPo connector and charging, an improved regulator and more enhancements (see full list below). 

The firmware of AgonLight is written by Dean Belfield and reproduces the BBC Basic for Z80. The firmware is also Open Source Software and available on GitHub. The same firmware works on AgonLight2 without any modifications. User guide available here.

Metal enclosure also available...or 3D print your own case! We also stock a proto board kit designed specifically for the AgonLight2. and a VGA to HDMI adapter from Olimex fully tested with the AgonLight2!

Updated Features

The Agonlight2 has been cost-optimised by Olimex along with a few updates and features from the original design:

  • The board schematic and PCB are re-captured and re-layout in KiCad instead of EasyEDA
  • USB-C (5V) power connector
  • The Linear voltage regulator is replaced with DCDC which delivers up to 2A current
  • Battery LiPo charger and step-up converter is added, allows operations even if the external power supply is interrupted
  • USB-A peripheral connector so a normal USB keyboard (which supports PS2) can be used
  • AS7C34096A-10TCTR SRAM is routed with 40-ohm impedance lines as per the datasheet
  • Fixed a signal naming in the ESP32-PICO-D4
  • The 32-pin connector is replaced with a plastic-boxed 34-pin connector, following the same layout and adding two additional signals Vbat and Vin which allow AgonLight to be powered by this connector
  • UEXT connector added
  • 4x 3.3mm mount holes with GND sleeves are added so the board can be mounted to the matching metal enclosure

A matching case is also available in the store.

Board Layout

Features

  • eZ80 processor with 128KB flash 8KB SRAM
  • 512KB external SRAM
  • ESP32-D4-PICO co-processor for IO
  • VGA output
  • USB/PS2 keyboard
  • MicroSD card connector
  • Li-Po battery charger and step-up converter (ALWAYS check your LiPo polarity first, and switch the wires if needed!)
  • UEXT connector
  • GPIO 34-pin connector
  • 6 mount holes
  • Dimensions: (106 x 65)mm
  • Part number: AgonLight2
  • UID: BG000090

Resources

Check out the Olimex update blog post with a huge list of resources for the AgonLight2!

Documents

Hardware

Software

Package Contents

  • 1x AgonLight2 board
  • 4x Plastic feet

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Based on 11 reviews
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Verified Customer
Ray J
Alford, United Kingdom
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
Sadly, this AgonLight2 was faulty--so had to return; it didn't even boot into MOS.
1 person found this review helpful.
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7 months ago
Verified Customer
Michael B
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
This is a very fast and low cost Z80 computer, which can run BBC Basic faster than anything. Having an SD Card with preinstalled software would have been nice. Or a printed read me with details of which files needed to be downloaded, but Google is your friend. I managed to get everything working in less than an hour
2 people found this review helpful.
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2 years ago
Verified Customer
Lee A
Telde, Spain
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
Fun device Cheapest and fastest combined microcontroller and z80 (retro computer). It’s novel / it isn’t a BBC micro but uses BBC BASIC but the assembler will deal with z80 assembly language (the original BBC micro used the 6502). Fun if you understand what you are getting. The AGON port of BBC Basic doesn’t have all the VDU/plot functions so you can’t just type in BBC programs without some thought. Using the full eZ80 functions has to be done out of BASIC and using sone electronics (fun if that’s your thing) But lots to discover and learn. I’m still trying to understand how to access graphics via machine code but it’s all part of the fun. By far the cheapest device of its type in the UK without using chips, breadboards and jumper wires. Very robust. Some good info via GitHub. Sone idiosyncrasies with keyboards - needs USB but the keyboard has to understand PS2 protocol - the GitHub info has access to the compatible keyboards. I used a standard raspberry Pi keyboard and it worked a treat. Boots up like a BBC micro. Gives a good sense of nostalgia but it is its own machine and not a new version of anything that existed before.
5 people found this review helpful.
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2 years ago
Verified Customer
Dave B
Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
This is proving a lot of fun. Easy to connect, brings back some amazing memories from 1982 and re-energises those programming muscles!
1 person found this review helpful.
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2 years ago
Verified Customer
Nigel O
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
Brilliant 8-bit computer for a hobbyist! Takes me back to the days when I programmed 8-bit computers: Atari 600XL/800XL and Acorn BBC B. Already have had great fun programming it using BBC BASIC again!
1 person found this review helpful.
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2 years ago
Verified Customer
Eric B
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
Great little retrocomputer. If you've ever had the feeling that 64KB should be enough for anyone, you're going to love the AgonLight2. My only complaint is that Real Micros should occupy your entire desk.
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2 years ago
Verified Customer
Mike P
Bolton, United Kingdom
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
Only just got started with it but looking good so far. Relatively easy to update to latest, you just have to do it in a particular order.
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2 years ago
Verified Customer
Simon D
AgonLight2 - Z80 BBC Basic Retro Single Board Computer
This is an amazing bit of kit at a good price. It is great fun to revisit BBC Basic, several decades after the BBC Micro was launched. Very little setting up is required, because the operating system and video operating system come pre-installed. Note that a PS/2 keyboard will be required (either with a USB connector already installed or a passive adaptor from USB to PS/2). To get BASIC up and running, a few files need to be copied to a micro SD card using a PC. Then insert the card in the AgonLight2, switch it on, and you are ready to go. It is well worth paying a little extra for the custom metal case, which protects the circuit board while still giving access to all the ports.
3 people found this review helpful.
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2 years ago
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