Real MSX computer collection poll down, One Chip MSX poll up

On August 21st we opened a new poll, asking our visitors 'How many working MSX computers do you currently own?'. 136 votes later, these are the results:

2 to 5 (48.55%)
1 (21.74%)
6 to 10 (10.87%)
over 10 (10.87%)
None (7.97%)

In our new poll, which was requested in our MSX Forum, we would like to know how you feel about the improvements to the One Chip MSX that were announced by Bazix. As you can read in this newspost, the One Chip MSX is likely to get a second chance as an (out-of-the-box) MSX2 compatible device with two cartridge slots and an extra flashROM which makes it possible to return to the default MSX2 configuration at any time. What we would like to know from you is: 'Which other improvements do you feel the One Chip MSX needs? Happy voting!

Relevant link: How many working MSX computers do you currently own? - Poll results

Комментарии (18)

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (10135)

06-10-2005, 13:30

Just for those who don't know: If you ever want to use the real Moonsound cartridge, you need the +12V/-12V thingy ..

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

06-10-2005, 14:10

Just +12V, as far as I know -12V isn't used that much...

By BiFi

Enlighted (4348)

06-10-2005, 14:46

afaik opamps require both

By sunrise

Paragon (1091)

06-10-2005, 15:38

As said many times, this not only valid for your Moonsound.
For our japanese friends, would you like to use your MSX Audio.
Or philips/toshibamodules. Communication as RS23C.
I would be glad to pay even some more money for it. And it avoids also complaints later on.

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

06-10-2005, 16:09

Well, I don't care so much about the adaptor. As long as the actual connector at least has the pins for it. That way you at least won't have to solder on your brand-new OCM if you want to have +12V/-12V. I can understand a special +5/+12/-12V adaptor being a bit too expensive, or having to put various extra circuits on the board to produce the +12/-12V, but adding a simple connector and two lines to the board shouldn't be too much of an effort. It would idd greatly improve the OCM imho.

By ARTRAG

Enlighted (6980)

06-10-2005, 17:51

what about a DIY kit for the FPGA?
I would like to upgrade/modify the HW of the VDP

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

06-10-2005, 18:21

You can 'flash' it, or buy a cable to completely reprogram the FPGA. For normal 'MSX use' that shouldn't be required tho. I guess almost all of us won't need a cable at all.

By karloch

Prophet (2159)

06-10-2005, 20:58

What about an integrated ObsoNET on the FPGA and an RJ-45 connector? I would save one slot to everyone.

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (10135)

06-10-2005, 21:05

You don't need any cable ..

Just hack 'n try until you drop with some DOS tool, if you mess-up the machine, just flash it with the msx2-flashrom that was recently announced..

By SeD_NcL

Master (152)

07-10-2005, 11:42

If the OCM comes along with an integrated ObsoNet, +12V/-12V on the cartridge slots and a nice housing (and ofcourse at least MSX2 integrated), I would consider buying one.

By karloch

Prophet (2159)

07-10-2005, 21:25

If the OCM comes along with an integrated ObsoNet, +12V/-12V on the cartridge slots and a nice housing (and ofcourse at least MSX2 integrated), I would consider buying one.Just consider? It would be the most complete out of the box MSX. How much did you pay for your turboR?

ObsoNET is difficult, it would require some kind of cooperation Daniel Berdugo/Néstor Soriano - MSX Association/ESE. We can always plug on the ObsoNET cartridge, but... wouldn't it be nice to have it integrated out of the box? However, the RTL8019AS can spend too much gates of the FPGA. Putting the real chip itself on the board would be ideal (the RTL8019AS is very cheap).

Besides that, ObsoNET would be a nice feature, but +12V/-12V on slots and complete MSX2 implementation are mandatory features.

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (10135)

07-10-2005, 21:47

It would be nice if the 1cm itself would be as complete as possible, then you've a solid platform every developer can rely on. MSX already had its fair share of situations where a better option didn't became common because it was a mere minority compared to the majority.

I better discussion would be whether users would 'allow' developers to overwrite their fpga-setup or not, in order to run the developer's game/demo/anything. If (temporarily*) overwriting 'your setup' is considered 'not done' then developers are a bit stuck with the current specs. I for one would ditch the SCC-gates to invest it on something else.

* current fpga state stored in a tempfile on the SD card, restored when the demo/game ends

By SeD_NcL

Master (152)

07-10-2005, 22:59

@Karloch: Yes consider. I got 3 MSX computers (2x MSX2+ and 1x Turbo-R GT) with Moonsound, Audio, FM-PAC, etc. So I don't really need the OCM. But when it gets ALL the features, maybe I will buy it because it is perfect and complete.

By karloch

Prophet (2159)

08-10-2005, 11:46

@SeD_NcL: You have your point, but I also take in account the new features that OCM offers that original MSX(s) don't have such as brand new hardware, VGA output, SD slot, FPGA rewritting, extra extra RAM, etc...

By [D-Tail]

Ascended (8263)

08-10-2005, 15:07

Let's not forget the MEGASCSI interface