I started programming in 1978 (In Assembler) and wanted to know not only how the software worked but how the hardware worked.

Found a great kit using the Z80 and built it and spent many nights with a logic probe and oscilloscope learning digital eletronics. Also devoured the Z80 manual learning the instruction set.

I'm nearly 70 now but remember those days like they were yesterday.

Truly a magnificent CPU

Same! Also built external peripherals for my ZX81.