Altair 8800 Computer, Altair 32 Emulator, Altair Front Panel Computer history, Old Computers

Welcome to the home of Altair32
~ Emulator of Altair 8800 Computer

In 1999, I (Rich Cini) downloaded a copy of a MITS Altair emulator program written for the Windows platform by Claus Giloi. Claus, a programmer working for Microsoft, wrote a 16-bit Windows-based "emulator" for the Altair and IMSAI 8080-based computers as a desktop toy more than a usable emulation. By 2000, Claus' Web site had disappeared (although you still can find copies of the original executables on the Web, including on this site.

For the longest time, I was only able to find the binary distribution, but no source code. Well, in June 2000 I came across a copy of the emulator source code. Since then, I've been updating the code, written between 1991 and 1997, to fix various bugs (mostly in the processor core) add features that were left out of the original design. When I originally spoke to Claus, he did admit that the original "emulator" was created more for blinkenlights than for use as a true machine emulator.

Before this project, I had no practical experience developing for the Windows platform, and developing an emulator is certainly not a beginner's project. Working with the emulator gave me the opportunity to learn Windows programming in addition to the C language. To top it all off, I was working with code written by someone who programs for a living.

I had modest expectations for the project, now renamed the Altair32 Emulator Project. I had no expectation of ever owning a real Altair, but I wanted to have the ability to play with some old software like Adventure and StarTrek. Even if it didn't work, I expected a great learning experience.

Like many projects, it began to grow as soon as it started. It's like having "replace faucet" on one's to-do list and ending up with a new bathroom. You get the idea.

There are also several important contributors to this project over the years, adding important capabilities like Telnet, VT100 emulation, a Z80 core, a working Cromemco Dazzler implementation, among others, from Anthony Wood, Rodger Smedley and Fred Scipione. The source files call out these and other individual contributors, and for their help, I'm very grateful.

Please follow the links at the left and enjoy the site.

WWW.ALTAIR32.COM

REAL PROGRAMMERS DON'T NEED KEYBOARDS!
	Welcome to the home of Altair32 ~ Emulator of Altair 8800 Computer In 1999, I (Rich Cini) downloaded a copy of a MITS Altair emulator program written for the Windows platform by Claus Giloi. Claus, a programmer working for Microsoft, wrote a 16-bit Windows-based "emulator" for the Altair and IMSAI 8080-based computers as a desktop toy more than a usable emulation. By 2000, Claus' Web site had disappeared (although you still can find copies of the original executables on the Web, including on this site. For the longest time, I was only able to find the binary distribution, but no source code. Well, in June 2000 I came across a copy of the emulator source code. Since then, I've been updating the code, written between 1991 and 1997, to fix various bugs (mostly in the processor core) add features that were left out of the original design. When I originally spoke to Claus, he did admit that the original "emulator" was created more for blinkenlights than for use as a true machine emulator. Before this project, I had no practical experience developing for the Windows platform, and developing an emulator is certainly not a beginner's project. Working with the emulator gave me the opportunity to learn Windows programming in addition to the C language. To top it all off, I was working with code written by someone who programs for a living. I had modest expectations for the project, now renamed the Altair32 Emulator Project. I had no expectation of ever owning a real Altair, but I wanted to have the ability to play with some old software like Adventure and StarTrek. Even if it didn't work, I expected a great learning experience. Like many projects, it began to grow as soon as it started. It's like having "replace faucet" on one's to-do list and ending up with a new bathroom. You get the idea. There are also several important contributors to this project over the years, adding important capabilities like Telnet, VT100 emulation, a Z80 core, a working Cromemco Dazzler implementation, among others, from Anthony Wood, Rodger Smedley and Fred Scipione. The source files call out these and other individual contributors, and for their help, I'm very grateful. Please follow the links at the left and enjoy the site.
Copyright (c) 1998-2009 Richard A. Cini, Jr. All Rights Reserved. All copyrights of any third parties referred to herein are hereby acknowledged. There is no warranty, either express or implied, relating to any of the content contained herein. The site maintainer shall in no event be liable to anyone for damages, including any loss of profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or misuse of the information contained on this Web site. You may use the information contained herein for NON-COMMERCIAL purposes only and AT YOUR OWN RISK. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during shipping. Updated 27-Nov-2009 19:45 -0500 Website Design by www.DressageArt.com