NanoBeast

TLDR;

A true Z80 Single Board Computer - No Microcontrollers!

• Z80 CPU 8Mhz, 512K RAM, 512K Flash ROM.
• MicroBeast compatible(*)
• Just 105 x 66mm (4.1" by 2.6")
• Power and data over USB-C. One cable does it all.
• Battery backed real time clock.
• Runs CP/M 2.2 and custom BIOS.
• GPIO and Matrix Keyboard headers.
• RC2014 compatible expansion port.
• Dual UART - USB C and expansion port.
• I2C Header.

Introducing NanoBeast

NanoBeast extends the Beast family with a pre-build single board computer that has all the power of MicroBeast in an easy to use form factor (and without the soldering!).

* - With the same memory, paging, keyboard matrix decoding, I2C port, real time clock and serial over USB-C, NanoBeast is compatible with MicroBeast software - though it does not have the iconic LED display. What it does have is a second UART (available on the RC2014 compatible expansion port), the smallest possible form factor and mounting holes ready to be built into your next project.

Pictured above is an optional OLED display - 128 x 32 pixels. We're also working on a electronics developer package that adds a compact keyboard, 24 character LCD display and breakout board ready to experiment. Please welcome the NanoBeast Explorer, which comes in a compact box that might be familiar to MicroBeast owners - though it's just half the size!

Nano Explorer

You didn't think we'd leave the classic MicroBeast display behind, did you? Now in LCD form, Nano Explorer has the same virtual console and the same 14 segment, 24 character display as it's bigger brother. Along with a compact keyboard, NanoBeast runs CP/M 2.2 just as well... just.. smaller!

Nano Explorer adds a breakout board, a header for 8 GPIO lines and another for a decoded Z80 I/O port and direct connection to the data bus. Build projects around synchronous and asynchronous I/O.. and did we mention the SNES joypad connector squeezed in at the back?

Status - Spring 2025

NanoBeast prototypes are currently in testing, and we're working on a revision for Nano Explorer for later in Spring.

Join the wait list for early access to development units.