[Coco] FPGA the future of coco?

[Nick Marentes]

Problem with this is that it's ok to build a "simple" system such as the 
Apple II or a CoCo1/2 but extending that to something like the CoCo3, 
you'll find that going the discrete components route, it will end up 
being more complex and expensive.

FPGA is still the way to go. I have loaded the MSX 1/2/3 core into my 
DE1 FPGA board and the guy who wrote that did such a fine job, it's 
amazing! I put it next to a real MSX2 system and you couldn't see the 
difference.

A big advantage of an FPGA design is that it's easier to modify or add 
extra functionallity by just coding it.

The MIST does an Amiga 500 (with a much faster CPU speed). It's soon to 
also do an AGA Amiga... just by changing the software using the same board.

I never said that it was impossible to accomplish on the CoCo. I'm 
saying that until someone steps up to the bat to commit themselves to 
creating it, all we will be hearing is talk and ideas. This has been 
going on for many years. I for one would lofve to see it finally become 
a real product but only if it's not excessively expensive.

Also, I personally would not be interested in a DIY CoCo 1/2 kit 
computer. I have 3 real ones already that I don't use.

I still have and use my original CoCo3 and CM8 RGB monitor that I bought 
back in 1986. It's never missed a beat!

Now, if only there was some way to add a CPU accelleration mod to it!   :)

Nick


On 14/09/2014 7:43 AM, Al Hartman wrote:
> Have you looked at the Replica I board? No sacrifices were made. He 
> included the Apple I bus connector.
>
> http://www.brielcomputers.com/wordpress/?cat=17
>
> There is also a ZX Spectrum Clone that implemented the ULA in discrete 
> logic. It's not priced out of the atmosphere, and it has the Spectrum 
> expansion bus.
>
> http://www.worldofspectrum.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37746
>
> Here's a simple 6809 computer that even uses a modified Coco BASIC. I 
> doubt it would take much work to make this into a Coco 2 clone, and 
> then add support for modern peripherals on board.
>
> http://searle.hostei.com/grant/6809/Simple6809.html
>
> You keep trying to say that what others have accomplished on other 
> computers is impossible for the Coco. It's not impossible. Nobody has 
> tried to do it yet, that's all.
>
> I think the FPGA route involves too many compromises. Discrete 
> components allow for a much more faithful recreation.
>
> -[ Al ]-