Possible MSX Kickstart Project ? | MSX Resource Center (Страница 2/7)

By Grauw

Ascended (10768)

02-02-2015, 19:33

FYI, OPL2 is not compatible with MSX-AUDIO nor OPLL.

By syn

Prophet (2123)

02-02-2015, 20:27

thats what I meant with "i dont know how that will work out"

By RetroTechie

Paragon (1563)

03-02-2015, 00:27

If the point is to learn how to design/build an MSX, then have a look at Gr8bit. If that's too expensive, roll your own. It's not like putting together a Z80 based system is rocket-science... (well it is to some).

If the point is to put a new MSX out there: skip all those old IC's, FPGA-based is the way to go. Even including a V9958 (since existing FPGA implementations of V9938 or V9958 aren't 'perfect') is a step back imho. As a base to start from, there's plenty of affordable FPGA boards out there.

Btw: for the latter purpose, I'd back a Kickstarter project - IF it has a nice set of features & IO options vs. expected price. Think something between Speccy2010 and the Mist board. Bonus points if it's standard Mini ITX size or fits into the 1chipMSX housing.

By Dirty Harry

Resident (45)

19-02-2015, 11:04

The idea would be to simply design a cheaper version of the GR8BIt for those that find $500 a little too steep! Like the GR8BIT it would be a kit, you'd build and test it yourself and learn about microcomputer design on the way. Appealing to students, hobbyists and those that want a low cost MSX machine.

By megatron

Resident (41)

17-04-2015, 12:45

Great idea when will it start ??

By raymond

Hero (643)

17-04-2015, 16:49

Good question. Another good question would be who will be able and is willing to design it?

In the meantime I ordered a gr8bit

By MSX King

Supporter (8)

11-02-2016, 11:19

Has anyone seriously considered doing a CROWN-FUNDING project to get enough money to make a NEW MSX machine become a reality. ZX Spectrum followers did it with the ZX Vega... though I personally don't like it as it uses an ARM CPU. But if Speccy users can do it, then surely so can MSX users ?

Perhaps teaming up with a Retro Computer Charity (Like Retro Computer Museum) could be a first step ?

By tvalenca

Paladin (747)

11-02-2016, 17:20

I don't see it happening soon.

you can split MSX lovers in two different classes: those who doesn't care for a new MSX, and those who can't decide what to have in a new MSX. Sad but true.

By ivke2006

Expert (88)

12-02-2016, 11:44

Quote:

you can split MSX lovers in two different classes: those who doesn't care for a new MSX, and those who can't decide what to have in a new MSX. Sad but true.

I think your right, perhaps there are even three types.
1. Those who don't care about new MSX
2a. Those that want a new MSX but with more or less old specs (slightly faster Z80, V9990, etc..)
2b. Those also want a new MSX but with recent and more capable hardware. With the aim to extend the MSX scene with new users.

The issue with 2a is that the scene get's more divided and the scene software development capacity also get's divided. This is also the case with 2b but the user group will be much bigger and will be therefore the new MSX standard.

Well, I'm a 2b type and I think it's possible but sadly I don't have the hard and/or software skills to make it happen.

About this kickstarter project: It's a nice hobby project for yourself but I would be surprised if you sold more then a few dozens. Only interesting for a few diehards and it will probably divide the scene more i'm afraid...A kickstarter project could be successful but it should be able to attract users that are not part of the current MSX scene!

By Samor

Prophet (2174)

12-02-2016, 11:59

st1mpy wrote:

personally, I have no interest in soldering all those components just to get a msx...
if its ready made and nice case and nice mechanical keyboard, yes pls.

agreed, ready made would be awesome.
I'd like to have a new, proper MSX. I'd prefer that a lot over a second-hand with scratches and yellow keyboard.