[Coco] Introducing the next generation of Color Computer, the CoCo-X

[Mike Rowen]

Sounds Awesome, Gary. I could not find the project on Kickstarter yet,
however.

Cheers,
-Mike Rowen

On Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 3:11 PM, Gary Becker <Gary_L_Becker at yahoo.com>wrote:

>
> I just finished entering a project into KickStarter.com. This project is
> to develop the next generation Color Computer, the CoCo-X. This project
> develop a replacement main board for an existing Color Computer 3 case. The
> main board would include an FPGA to implement the Color Computer circuitry.
> As with the CoCo3FPGA, the max speed would depend on the chosen FPGA, the
> goal would be to run at least 20 MHz. The main board would also include an
> optional socket that would fit a 6x09E processor for users that needed
> cycle accurate computing. The speed would be reduced to match the processor
> in the socket. The main board would also include most of the original Color
> Computer 3’s original IO ports. The expansion slot would be implemented,
> but speed would be limited while accessing the slot. This first generation
> of main board will implement the Color Computer 3 basics. In the future,
> upgrades to the FPGA code to implement an extended feature set will be
>  available.
>
> Here is a list of planned IO ports:
>
> CoCo3 Keyboard
> Bit Banger / RS232 port
> PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse port
> Expansion slot
> CoCo3 RGB and/or VGA
> Joystick ports
> Stereo Sound
>
> If this project is to get started, your support will be needed. For the 30
> days after KickStarter approves the project, the site will allow people to
> pledge money to fund the project. No money will be charged until the
> minimum funding limit is reached. There are two levels of funding. For a
> $25 pledge, you will receive a "Powered By CoCo-X" sticker. For a pledge of
> $250, you will receive one of the first replacement main boards to install
> into you own Color Computer 3 case.
>
> There have been discussions of the next generation of Color Computer for
> many years. A real alternative is finally here. But this can only happen
> with your help. I set the funding level low enough that it is doable, but
> high enough to get the component prices in range. The funding level might
> still seem high, but it does not seem to be worth getting started for less.
> It is all up to you. If you think this is the next generation of Color
> Computer, then show it and pledge. I will send out one more message as soon
> as the project is approved and funding begins.
>
> Gary Becker
>
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