Just a thought, a clockport header could be used for this sort of thing.

Is there any chance for a Deluxe version with clockport or should I just get it out of my head ?

Unfortunately I can't put a clock port connector anywhere; there is just no PCB space available for it. However, and maybe that is just as interesting; you could connect a display through the C2N connector, and use a display that works with RS232 (TTL) or I2C?

That's a shame, still it was worth hassling you about it. I'd be happy if it works with a port expander.



That is pretty interesting, eslapion mentioned the C2N. Could you please expand on it's implementation? Could it be used for other serial comms?

I saw that there where 2 holes in the print maybe its better to make some (how do you say that in english) feeds ?

Gideon will you keep us updated with the progress of the boards when things start to move? It's kinda like being in the hospital waiting room while your wife is in the Labour Ward giving birth

I think you mean "feet", or "stands". Yes, actually they are included in the final product. It makes the whole thing very stable, even without case.

Oh Borat; are you serious? )) I was a lot more excited when my wife was actually in labor!

Well, the components were ordered and have arrived already. The first few PCBs are on their way to see if the final layout is correct. I'll solder them by hand next week and test them. When the PCB is correct, the batch run will start. I am currently getting good quotes for the assembly; hopefully the first units will arrive on my desk by the second week of march. By that time, it will be a matter of programming and testing the units and shipping them to each one of you.

Thanks Gideon Let me know if mine is a boy or a girl

Thanks Gideonz

I was going to ask the question, is it compatible with the C128. From the above, it seems like it is now, which is excellent news.

I'm quite excited by all of this, it's gotten my geek juices following and might be a reason to get my C128 out of its box again.

It's just amazing that multiple 6510a / 6502 CPUs can be just put on the chip along with all the current and potential features

[update]

Just a quick question, does the cart come with a case? and If I order one now, is it likely that the hardware will change in the near future? I realise most updates can be flashed so I'm hoping not...?

[/update]

_________________
Webmaster of The Def Guide to Zzap!64 and GameBox64

My first message here! Great.

Ok, I thought I should step in because Gideon is very busy with the prototype.

I'm Erno and I am helping Gideon (just a tiny bit) with the software of the device. Also I was happy to be involved with dreaming up the initial ideas when Gideon was in the same office as I was. Anyway I thought I could as well answer some questions.



Well, the firtst proto was not. The flat 128 and the 128D was incompatible and so were some C64-s. Since Gideon figured out there was a difference between the machines handling of the expansion slot the interface was redesigned and a second board was produced. Gideon assembled the second prototype last week and was able to verify that the C128 problem is ironed out now.




Don't get too much hope for potential on the basic version. Our SRAM is filled almost to the last byte. This is also because we write alot in C.
We are stretching the resources of the 6502 currently.

[update]



No, just a support leg.


Check with Gideon if the list is full (with verified orders).
No hardware will change in the near future. But I can imagine an updated design in the future with more capacity hardware and perhaps a nic.
For the shorter term I can only foresee soft/firmware updates for the current device.

_________________
Regards,
Erno

Thanks for the update Erno Nice to hear from someone else involved in the project.

Is there any estimated date for the completion of the first batch? I am so looking forward to getting hold of this

Hello,

I am new on the forum.

Congratulation for this project!

I am also impatient to test this Ultimate Drive!

I also hope that it could be compatible with this other excel project: Prophet64 (and MSSIAH) of 8bit Ventures.

So, wait and see, and long life to the C64!

Please be patient. Currently at least one of us is working on it every evenening. You can't imagine how much more work this kind of thing turns out to be.



Don't have high hopes for compatibility with other cartridges. The ultimate needs full control of all lines and is not happy to share it. But on this subject you must ask gideon.



Components are pouring in as we 'speak'. The PCB's are on their way so it is to the assemblers then. After that we must have something stable to program into it. That is the part we are still working hard to get. Currently not all intended features work as should. Lucky for us we can update afterwards I'm not going to reveil the date we set as we might not make it in time

_________________
Regards,
Erno