Back in the day there was a device that you could slide a 64 into that acted like the port replicators for laptops, but also housed disk drives and a power strip and such. Today, we have many more things that plug into the back of our 64/128 systems and we have needs for newer and more modern connectors, too.
I'm proposing a project to create a modern 128 port expander with the following built in devices:
1a) IDE64 w/RR-Net. The port expander would rise about 3 inches above the back of the 128 and the side facing the user would have a CF slot hooked up to the IDE64 as an IDE device. The inside of the of port expander would have a mounting plate for a 2.5" HD. The back of the port expander would have the RJ-45 for ethernet.
OR 1b) MMC64 w/RR-Net. The port expander would rise about 3 inches above the back of the 128 and the side facing the user would have a SD card slot. The back of the port expander would have the RJ-45 port for ethernet.
1c) Disable switch for the IDE64/MMC64.
2) 25-pin D-Sub with XE1541 circuit. Just plug in a standard 25-pin pass through cable to the parallel port of a PC running 64HDD!
3) 9-pin D-Sub with standard RS-232 circuit for user port. Ready for standard RS-232 devices! A switch would change the output to a GEO Print port.
4) The top of the port expander would have a robust cartridge port. Inserting a cartridge would automatically disconnect the IDE64. On the MMC64 version this would be the pass through port.
5) 2-IEC pass through ports.
5a) 25-pin printer port with buffered printer expander.
6) S-Video output
7) Composite and audio output
8) VGA output for 80-column
9) Switching 110/220 power supply with pig tail to power the 128 as well as powering the 2.5" HD for option 1a.
10) A 2 Meg REU which would be selectable via the IDE64/MMC64 disable switch, although this would also be disabled in the presence of a cartridge in the top port.
Of course, both IDE64 and MMC64 need some firmware updates to operate in 128 mode. We can hope!
It would be great if someone would create a single PCB with all these functions built into it to save space and allow the device to be as small as possible. Obviously, a version for the 64 (I believe the bread-bin 64 and the 64c are mechanically identical on the back ports) would be welcome as well (the VGA output would be scan-doubled VIC-II).
So, anyone up for the challenge? :)
Quote from: plbyrd1a) IDE64 w/RR-Net.... OR
1b) MMC64 w/RR-Net....
1c) Disable switch for the IDE64/MMC64.
I assume you're referring to some sort of multi-slot cartridge port expander that would support the above devices?
Quote from: plbyrd2) 25-pin D-Sub with XE1541 circuit. Just plug in a standard 25-pin pass through cable to the parallel port of a PC running 64HDD!
3) 9-pin D-Sub with standard RS-232 circuit for user port. Ready for standard RS-232 devices! A switch would change the output to a GEO Print port.
2 and 3 are simple to implement.
Quote from: plbyrd4) The top of the port expander would have a robust cartridge port. Inserting a cartridge would automatically disconnect the IDE64. On the MMC64 version this would be the pass through port.
Why not just incorporate a 3 slot cartridge slot expander?
Quote from: plbyrd5) 2-IEC pass through ports.
5a) 25-pin printer port with buffered printer expander.
6) S-Video output
7) Composite and audio output
Should be easy to design.
Quote from: plbyrd8) VGA output for 80-column
Would bring up the total cost a fair bit.
Quote from: plbyrd9) Switching 110/220 power supply with pig tail to power the 128 as well as powering the 2.5" HD for option 1a.
Can do.
Quote from: plbyrd10) A 2 Meg REU which would be selectable via the IDE64/MMC64 disable switch, although this would also be disabled in the presence of a cartridge in the top port.
Would a GEORAM compatible REU do the job?
Quote from: plbyrdOf course, both IDE64 and MMC64 need some firmware updates to operate in 128 mode. We can hope!
Yes, the lack of native 128 mode support is disappointing.
Quote from: plbyrdIt would be great if someone would create a single PCB with all these functions built into it to save space and allow the device to be as small as possible. Obviously, a version for the 64 (I believe the bread-bin 64 and the 64c are mechanically identical on the back ports) would be welcome as well (the VGA output would be scan-doubled VIC-II).
Using a single PCB of that size would be very expensive. The most affordable way would be to design a case that's able to house alll of the required PCB boards. But then again, the tooling required to create a case for this project would also be expensive.
Quote from: plbyrdSo, anyone up for the challenge? :)
The time/effort/money required for something like this is quite a challenge
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd1a) IDE64 w/RR-Net.... OR
1b) MMC64 w/RR-Net....
1c) Disable switch for the IDE64/MMC64.
I assume you're referring to some sort of multi-slot cartridge port expander that would support the above devices?
No, I was thinking that it would be either an IDE64 or MMC64 device. I would personally prefer IDE64.
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd2) 25-pin D-Sub with XE1541 circuit. Just plug in a standard 25-pin pass through cable to the parallel port of a PC running 64HDD!
3) 9-pin D-Sub with standard RS-232 circuit for user port. Ready for standard RS-232 devices! A switch would change the output to a GEO Print port.
2 and 3 are simple to implement.
:tummenupp:
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd4) The top of the port expander would have a robust cartridge port. Inserting a cartridge would automatically disconnect the IDE64. On the MMC64 version this would be the pass through port.
Why not just incorporate a 3 slot cartridge slot expander?
Slot expanders are so difficult to use for even moderately technical users, and when I insert a cart in top, I just want it to take over the system like normal.
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd5) 2-IEC pass through ports.
5a) 25-pin printer port with buffered printer expander.
6) S-Video output
7) Composite and audio output
Should be easy to design.
:tummenupp:
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd8) VGA output for 80-column
Would bring up the total cost a fair bit.
:gråta: I know, but it's so important. I actually decided to type this up because of this one feature.
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd9) Switching 110/220 power supply with pig tail to power the 128 as well as powering the 2.5" HD for option 1a.
Can do.
:tummenupp:
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrd10) A 2 Meg REU which would be selectable via the IDE64/MMC64 disable switch, although this would also be disabled in the presence of a cartridge in the top port.
Would a GEORAM compatible REU do the job?
I was really thinking 1750 clone here as it's much more widely supported than GEORam.
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrdOf course, both IDE64 and MMC64 need some firmware updates to operate in 128 mode. We can hope!
Yes, the lack of native 128 mode support is disappointing.
:gråta: Someone please fix!
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrdIt would be great if someone would create a single PCB with all these functions built into it to save space and allow the device to be as small as possible. Obviously, a version for the 64 (I believe the bread-bin 64 and the 64c are mechanically identical on the back ports) would be welcome as well (the VGA output would be scan-doubled VIC-II).
Using a single PCB of that size would be very expensive. The most affordable way would be to design a case that's able to house alll of the required PCB boards. But then again, the tooling required to create a case for this project would also be expensive.
:ironisk: I never said it would be cheap, although with 3D printing becoming much more reasonable it shouldn't be tooooo expensive to get it prototyped and molds made. What I don't want is something that sticks out 5 inches or more out the back of the 128, which is what happens when you plug an IDE64 or User Port RS232 adapter into a C=. I think going vertical makes a lot of sense and I think it's prudent to design PCBs for this form factor.
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: plbyrdSo, anyone up for the challenge? :)
The time/effort/money required for something like this is quite a challenge
I guess I really need to with the lottery. :)
Yes, but would it end up being as cool as a Spartan Apple ][ Emulator for the C64? :)
Quote from: airshipYes, but would it end up being as cool as a Spartan Apple ][ Emulator for the C64? :)
I had forgotten all about that. Here's an old print ad for it:
(http://oldcomputers.net/ads/wow/mimic-1.jpg)
EDIT: By the way, Mark, just noticed your signature. Nice of you to find us here! A question for you, if you don't mind: Any idea who owned the rights to INFO's IP after closing?
Quote from: nikonikoI had forgotten all about that. Here's an old print ad for it: http://oldcomputers.net/ads/wow/mimic-1.jpg
Wow, the Spartan from Mimic looks bigger in size than the C64!
nikoniko, The Bank got everything. But they don't even know they have it by now, I'm sure; besides, it has no $$$ value, only historical. I know I don't have any qualms about posting stuff from INFO, and neither does Benn (Dunnington, the publisher), who has a gallery of most of the covers online.
I'm putting together some historical info as I go at http://airship.home.mchsi.com/infomag.htm but I'm sure I won't have time to scan in pages and post them until after I retire, which isn't for another 6 years at least!
Quote from: airshipYes, but would it end up being as cool as a Spartan Apple ][ Emulator for the C64? :)
Did that thing actually work? I would assume it didn't have Enhanced support and was closer to a 128k II+?
Quote from: airshipnikoniko, The Bank got everything. But they don't even know they have it by now, I'm sure; besides, it has no $$$ value, only historical. I know I don't have any qualms about posting stuff from INFO, and neither does Benn (Dunnington, the publisher), who has a gallery of most of the covers online.
I picked up a dozen issues of Gazette for scanning recently, and mixed in were two INFOs, which was my first proper introduction to your magazine. I certainly knew OF it, but the nearest stores here didn't have the greatest selection so unfortunately I missed it during its day. Since there might be a few others like me finding it for the first time, as well as many longtime fans who are missing it, I'd love to add INFO to my scanning project and work on getting them online, or pass the scans on to you to present them however you'd like. They seem to pop up on eBay from time to time, so I'll start grabbing the ones I find.
Cheers,
Michael
As long as you understand that I can't give you 'official permission' to do anything with them. At all. Not even read them. :)
But I'd love to post the results when you have something. Web space I've got.
Quote from: plbyrdDid that thing actually work? I would assume it didn't have Enhanced support and was closer to a 128k II+?
It worked just fine. It turned the 64 into a glorified video adaptor. It seems it was more popular up here in Canada than anywhere else.
We actually gave the Spartan a pretty good review: ***+ stars.
It was an incredible kludge, and unreliable as all get-out. But it was a LOT of fun to tinker around with if you were into hacking either hardware or software.
The thing I remember most about it is that the 'Frankenstein' board you had to put into a 1541 to make it read Apple disks made it impossible to put the case back together. Now THAT'S a hacker design for you!
Quote from: airshipWe actually gave the Spartan a pretty good review: ***+ stars.
It was an incredible kludge, and unreliable as all get-out. But it was a LOT of fun to tinker around with if you were into hacking either hardware or software.
The thing I remember most about it is that the 'Frankenstein' board you had to put into a 1541 to make it read Apple disks made it impossible to put the case back together. Now THAT'S a hacker design for you!
Hmm, that "Frankenstein board" could be a solution to a problem that many Apple II owners have today: Getting disk images to/from a PC without using a null modem cable.
Quote from: airshipThe thing I remember most about it is that the 'Frankenstein' board you had to put into a 1541 to make it read Apple disks made it impossible to put the case back together. Now THAT'S a hacker design for you!
Darn, when I got my Spartan, it didn't come with the board to put into the 1541 (or at least, I wasn't given the 1541 that had the board).
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
I can't remember for sure, but I think it was an extra-cost item.
I'm pretty sure they figured you already had an Apple drive if you were buying the Spartan.
Plus they had to keep costs down to something that at least SOUNDED reasonable.
But the doggone 1541 COULD read Apple disks with that board hacked in.
I"m pretty sure it was just a complete Apple controller clone that switched out the 1541 controller and took over.
Quote from: airshipI can't remember for sure, but I think it was an extra-cost item.
I'm pretty sure they figured you already had an Apple drive if you were buying the Spartan.
Yeah... but an Apple drive hooked up to a C64-Spartan box wouldn't look right. ;-)
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Here's what I've come up with for a physical mockup:
Card:
(http://home.mchsi.com/~airship/C128_Exp_Chassis.jpg)
Case:
(http://home.mchsi.com/~airship/C128_Exp_Case.jpg)
With modern components, I think it would all fit. It includes an admittedly tight 3-slot expander. The power supply would be external to fit in this tight a space, and you'd need a pigtail to connect to the C128 power connector on the side. You could mount a small IDE hard drive somewhere on top of the left-hand side of the board (as seen from the front). I think all of the original ports need to be passed through, also, and in their original arrangement without new ports on the same 'line'. Of course, this will present a real estate problem.
Note the retro toggle switches on the front of the case. Not shown are the cool LED indicator lights for just about everything.
This would be a bear to plug in (as was the Spartan), but once you had it connected up there would be no need to remove it.
Not to hog the thread, but if you needed more room you could use an 'overhang' design that slides over the back of the flat 128. What I like about this is that it puts the switches and MMC slot closer.
(http://home.mchsi.com/~airship/C128_Exp_Case2.jpg)
(Back panel remains the same.)
If you move the IDE hard drive a little to the right, you might even be able to get a 1581 clone squeezed in on the left, there (as shown). At the very least you could stack a real one on top.
Also added: front headphone jack, way TOO convenient reset switch, and front cartridge slot (for a total of 5).
I'm also thinking you need a way to connect a CD drive, since you've already got the IDE controller on board. But that's for someone else to figure out. I'm exhausted.
P.S. Where do I send my deposit to reserve one of these? :D
Wow, this looks amazing. Now if I could just win the lottery...
BTW, I still think you'd want to fit a power supply inside the device, and since your concept wraps over the top of the 128 you'd want to provide a fan as well.
Another idea is to create a new case for the whole 128 that reuses the original 128 motherboard and keyboard but provides the space for all of these additions. I think you'd wind up with something roughly the depth and height of an Amiga 500 and your built in 1581 could side load on the left. I would also make it slightly wider at the back so that the pigtail for the power can be kept internal and locate the power and reset switches to somewhere more convenient. I'd even create a spot on the case next to the power and reset for mounting other toggle switches for function ROMs like JiffyDOS and Servant.
I thought about most of those things, Payton, and reached this particular compromise with myself mostly because:
(a) It's as small as it can get. Hence the external supply. I DO agree that I'd like it all built-in without a pigtail.
(b) The front-panel switches are meant to include those for function ROMs, etc., as you suggest.
(c) The new case thing was the first thing I thought of.* While that would be cool, too, I tried to stay true to the idea of the 'expansion chassis' here.
(d) I figured it might need a fan. But I couldn't squeeze one in. I'd have to move connectors around which, of course, can be done.
(e) I already moved the reset switch. Just too darned convenient. A new power switch is a good idea, though, and would be necessary anyway. D'oh!
(Imagine one right next to the new reset switch position.)
(f) I've already wasted enough time at work on this today. :)
Here's how the design up there would look connected up:
(http://home.mchsi.com/~airship/C128_Exp_Case3.jpg)
*I actually think the whole 'new case' idea is better from a functional standpoint. But you'd want to try to stay true to the flat C128 look'n'feel.
The solder pads are right in the upper right-hand corner of the main board for CN11 and CN12, the power connectors. If you soldered some header pins on those pads, you'd be set for an internal power connector.
Reminds me of my old Ohio Scientific Challenger C1P. It had the solder pads on the board for RS232, but they were unpopulated. My friend Dave dug around in his junk box for a couple of transistors, resistors, and capacitors, soldered them in, and in about 5 minutes with 25 cents worth of parts I had RS232.
Seems like the folks at Ohio Scientific stole more from Commodore than their computer designs. They stole CBM's management decision-making process as well! :)
Last post. I PROMISE!
Potential board layouts: main board (mostly pass-thrus and pin headers), daughter board stacks right on top, cartridge port 'escalator', IDE and 1581 mounted forward in jog-back case design.
(http://home.mchsi.com/~airship/C128_Expand_Boards.jpg)
I'm tired. I'm off to bed, so some of you other guys will have a chance to post for awhile.
I found this GREAT Apple ][ site called 'AppleFritter' which has a page on the Spartan Emulator! Here's a pic:
(http://www.applefritter.com/images/front-224.jpg)
Note the arrangement for all the hookups, which would be similarly challenging for a C128 expansion chassis.
You can read all about it, complete with more pics, here:
http://www.applefritter.com/node/229
Hey, the lead software developer calls it 'Frankenstinian', too! :)
The second ad they show appeared several times in INFO, despite the fact that we were always going on about what a chunk of vaporware it was.
Even though my VIC-20 collection is limited, I managed to pickup this VIC-1010 expansion module yesterday in great condition.
(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/5849/vic1010smallpr2.jpg)
I wonder why there was never anything similar for the C64 or 128?
Beautiful! I'd never even heard of the VIC-1010, but a Google search yielded this page over on Bo Zimmers's site. He also mentions the VIC-1020 (below), which had the expansion bus inside a metal case, so it was even bigger!
(http://www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/cbm/VICnTED/vc1020.gif)
http://www.zimmers.net/cbmpics/x1020.html
Apparently both were strictly 220v items, so they never released a model in the states.
The closest we ever got for the C64/128 were the various cartridge port expanders from Aprotek, Navaronne, etc.
Quote from: MangeloreEven though my VIC-20 collection is limited, I managed to pickup this VIC-1010 expansion module yesterday in great condition.
I am *really* jealous. I've been trying to find a VIC-1010 for quite some time now.
Quote from: gklingerQuote from: MangeloreEven though my VIC-20 collection is limited, I managed to pickup this VIC-1010 expansion module yesterday in great condition.
I am *really* jealous. I've been trying to find a VIC-1010 for quite some time now.
I'll keep an eye out for another one for you. However, it wasn't cheap. I'm embarrassed to say how much I paid for it, but it was in such a good condition I couldn't resist.
Don't worry. We've all been there. :/
Quote from: MangeloreI'll keep an eye out for another one for you.
Cheers.
QuoteHowever, it wasn't cheap. I'm embarrassed to say how much I paid for it, but it was in such a good condition I couldn't resist.
We've all been there. Fess up, how much? The upside is they're worth a pretty penny and no matter what you paid, there's someone who is willing and able to pay more so if you ever sell it, it's likely you'll make money. Crazy world.
Any chance of adding a few more USB ports to that? After all, it still is in the pre-production stage :D
:::::::BIG HUGE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT:::::::
We're just about ready to go into pre-pre-pre-production on these incredible C128 Expanders ('we' meaning me and my partner Payton, of course). Deposits will be $10,000 each, but we're only taking a LIMITED NUMBER of pre-pre-pre-orders. Like maybe 1000 or so. Remember, custom circuit boards and injection-molded plastic cases cost a LOT of money!
So go out and promote this thing in all the Commodore chat rooms, and encourage people to PayPal us their deposits soon. And don't miss out yourself, or you'll hate yourself when the first tiny lot of barely-working hand-soldered beta units of this Really Cool Thing is sold out and no more can be made for various inscrutable reasons!
Our production timetable will be 'whenever we get around to it', as we both have day jobs. And there will be the inevitable 'feature creep', too, of course, which will cause redesigns and production delays. As time drags on, our email addresses will change frequently to avoid your inquiries. When we fail to produce any tangible product after a year or two, please feel free to complain about broken promises in the same chat rooms where you initially promoted it.
Hey, at least you've got to admit that we're more honest than MOST of those guys with pie-in-the-sky project plans that never materialize!
-- Sorry to drag you along with this post, Payton. I just couldn't help myself! :)
Drag along? That was freaking hilarious! Although I was serious about needing to win the Lottery as I'd actually hire Bil Herd's company to build this thing if I could afford it.
Quote from: gklingerQuote from: MangeloreI'll keep an eye out for another one for you.
Cheers.
QuoteHowever, it wasn't cheap. I'm embarrassed to say how much I paid for it, but it was in such a good condition I couldn't resist.
We've all been there. Fess up, how much? The upside is they're worth a pretty penny and no matter what you paid, there's someone who is willing and able to pay more so if you ever sell it, it's likely you'll make money. Crazy world.
Well, I ended up paying AUS $150 for it... yes, crazy I know... but at the same time I managed to sell a 1581 drive for a similar amount. So, in the end it was like swapping a 1581 for it....
Actually, that's not bad. I would have paid that much in the blink of an eye.
Sure beats the $10,000 the C128 expander is going to cost you! :)
And here's some MORE GOOD NEWS about the C128 Expander Project! I read a post on an online forum somewhere that they were talking with BIL HERD and he was ON BOARD to design and build it! I wish I could remember where I read that!!! :förvånad:
Quote from: MangeloreQuote from: gklingerQuote from: MangeloreI'll keep an eye out for another one for you.
Cheers.
QuoteHowever, it wasn't cheap. I'm embarrassed to say how much I paid for it, but it was in such a good condition I couldn't resist.
We've all been there. Fess up, how much? The upside is they're worth a pretty penny and no matter what you paid, there's someone who is willing and able to pay more so if you ever sell it, it's likely you'll make money. Crazy world.
Well, I ended up paying AUS $150 for it... yes, crazy I know... but at the same time I managed to sell a 1581 drive for a similar amount. So, in the end it was like swapping a 1581 for it....
Have any more working 1581's laying around?:cool:
Quote from: swordfish1030Have any more working 1581's laying around?:cool:
You really shoudd go to ECCC. The same guy that has the Super Snapshots has 1581 drive kits. :)
Hey! Be quiet about the 1581 kits! I'm going to ECCC and I hope to score two of them! :o
By the way, I've picked up three of the proper 1581 drives over the last few weeks at my local computer recycler for $3-$5 each. Even if only one or two of them works, I'm still going to come out way ahead of buying a 1581 on eBay, which might work questionably anyway.
Between my two local computer recyclers, I've also purchased 3 C64s, 3 C64 power supplies, 11 1541 drives, a $40 PC to use as a C128 file server using 64HDD, and a 360K 5 1/4" PC drive for file transfers, all at dirt cheap prices. Everything has worked pretty well: 4 of the 1541s were out of alignment, and one has a bad ALPS drive though the board is good. I also got 2 bad CIA chips in my C64s. The first 5 1/4" PC drive I got didn't work, but they let me trade it for one that did. Oh, and for $50 I got a KVM switch and two cables so that I could run my XP box and my C128 server on the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor. If you're handy around hardware, for the money buying recycled is a tremendous bargain. And I think I've finally got them trained to email me first when they get Commodore stuff in - they HATE packing and shipping for eBay sales!
So check out your local recycler. Keep Commodore stuff from going to the chipper/shredder!
managed to score any GOOD 5.25 floppies? and a dick notcher... I need both..
Wish I had a store nearby like you have..
oops forgot to mention I did the vid test and the Rom test on my C128.. I have the last version of both and the vid is 64k..
you seem to know more then I on this.. when did they switch them to 64k video
I'll bet you DO have a computer recycler somewhere within driving distance. It seems to be THE startup business of the 21st century. I didn't know about the two in my area until a friend told me about them. The university here also regularly has sales of old equipment. Though they don't have Commodore stuff (obviously), they do have drives, old PCs (for 64HDD or to strip for drives and other parts), monitors, printers, interesting lab stuff that hooks up via serial or parallel, cables, stands, etc. And they all work just fine with my CBM stuff.
I bought 100 sealed 'white box' military surplus 5 1/4" floppy disks on eBay for about $15, shipping included. They work great! Don't ever buy any that aren't still sealed in plastic. 20 years of exposure to air will rust away just about any disk. Though I've got some floppies that have been lying around that long that still work, I bought a pack of 25 'new' disks that weren't sealed, and though the disks looked good they all had fine rust powder in their envelopes and would not work at all.
I managed to score TWO disk notchers on eBay for $15. I thought I was only buying one of them, so when two showed up, I was pleasantly surprised. Too bad you're not going to ECCC, I could bring the spare along for you. -- Trying to provide more incentive for you to attend. :)
If you have 64K of VDC RAM in a FLAT C64, you got a VERY late model. I've never seen one that had it, though I've read that they did. Does anyone have a serial number range for this?
I would venture a guess that he actually got a modded 128. I remember back around 1990-1991 that was THE thing to do with a flat 128.
It's still THE thing to do with a flat C128, Payton. It was the first thing I did when I got mine.
But you're right - it's much more likely to have the CLD board in it, or a homemade hack, than it is to be a late-late-late model flat C128 with factory-original 64K VDC RAM.
I've been thinking about your whole 'if I won the lottery' scenario, Payton, and I'm not sure...
If I won the lottery I think I'd buy the rights to the C-One, Retro Replay, RR-Net, MMC64, IDE64, and whatever other cool hardware I could track down. Then I'd hire Jeri Ellsworth, Bil Herd, Dave Haynie, and some of the best demo coders and have them put together a small form factor 65816-based machine that could be built into a laptop. It would, of course, have to have rock-solid C128 and C64 cores with SuperCPU and RAMlink compatibility, as well as PET, VIC-20, Plus/4, C65, Atari, Apple, NES, Atari 2600, etc. cores.
Then I'd have them work on the C128 expander as their second project. :)
As an owner of a C-One I'd have to respectfully disagree about hiring Jeri.
Quote from: plbyrdAs an owner of a C-One I'd have to respectfully disagree about hiring Jeri.
Robert should be along momentarily to explain that nothing is Jeri's fault and Jens is Satan incarnate.
I don't think there's any disagreement that she's brilliant on 8-bit stuff. The only problem I see is that there's some contention that she (a) didn't deliver what she promised, and (b) didn't finish what she did deliver. Because of the 'brilliant' part, I think she'd be a great addition to the team. Because of the 'unreliable' part, there would have to be others who were willing to to clean up and finish her work.
CAVEAT: I do not personally know Jeri or Jens or anyone else involved in the C-One project. All I knows is what I reads on the InterTubes.
And I'd still love to own a C-One, finished or not. What I keep wondering is, if Jeri didn't deliver then why can't Jens find someone to finish the thing? Or is Jeri so very brilliant that she's irreplaceable?
I'll sell you my C-One. I've been holding out for a core to make it into an IEC file server, but that doesn't seem to be happening any time soon. The C-One's motherboard is too big for a small-footprint IEC file server and mini-ITX + 64HDD would make it irrellevant anyways.
Here's the link to a web album of pictures of my C-One before I painted the case black:
Payton's C-One (http://picasaweb.google.com/plbyrd/COne)
Quote from: plbyrdAs an owner of a C-One I'd have to respectfully disagree about hiring Jeri.
As an owner of a C-One, I'd have to respectfully disagree with Payton. (Hey, Payton, you had your chance to talk to Jeri personally at the Vintage Computer Festival East and get the story.) As an owner of C64 DTVs, I know that when Jeri is given the *resources* and the *leeway* to build what she needs to build, she will finish her project and deliver.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Quote from: airshipThen I'd hire Jeri Ellsworth, Bil Herd, Dave Haynie...
You missed your chance when they were all together at this year's Vintage Computer Festival East. :-) That was quite a group.
Don't forget to talk to Jeri at the Emergency Chicagoland
Commodore Convention this weekend,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Robert,
I enjoyed Jeri's company and wanted to keep the visit as personable and comfortable as possible. I'm sure she's aware of my position on the matter and so I was tense that she'd be mad at me, but I think the social gathering was very pleasant and not the appropriate time to rehash what is essentially a dead horse topic.
Unfortunately, I had some unexpected medical expenses come up this week, so I'm not going to be able to attend ECCC. :gråta:
Well, there's always next year...
I was really hoping to be able to grab a few minutes of Jeri's time. I wrote an article on modding the DTV for MAKE magazine, and I was curious as to whether or not she saw it.
Quote from: plbyrdI'm sure she's aware of my position on the matter...
Especially after I told her before VCF East.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Quote from: airshipUnfortunately, I had some unexpected medical expenses come up this week, so I'm not going to be able to attend ECCC.
Aw, too bad.
Quote from: airshipI was really hoping to be able to grab a few minutes of Jeri's time. I wrote an article on modding the DTV for MAKE magazine, and I was curious as to whether or not she saw it.
What issue of MAKE was that? I missed it.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
Appears to be MAKE:02, the article "Hacking the C64 DTV" (http://makezine.com/02/diy_c64DTV/).