scorch
Member
I was wondering if there might be any interest in creating a single board computer (SBC) that is basically VC forum designed and supported? I know there was a project recently by lynchaj, but that was a sorta preconceived Z80 CPM type widget. What I am talking about here is creating the ideal SBC with all the best features based on input from our VC users. Many guys here have experimented with various SBC's such as the good old KIM-1 and others. While those are fun to play with from a nostalgic point of view (I myself have a KIM), most use old technology and outdated ideas. A new SBC incorporating modern technology, software, and features would be fun to build and use, user friendly, and an excellent training tool for those who might like to understand things at a lower level. We have a lot of talent here, let's see what we can do by putting our heads together.
Ask yourself what your own personal SBC would be? Things should come to mind like... data bus size, CPU(s), display, memory, I/O, power supply, etc. Bear in mind the balance of modern technology vs user friendly features and ease of use. For instance, a modern P4 or AMD dual core might be powerful, but attempting to learn those CPUs at a machine level could be a daunting task; especially for newbs.
I think this would be a fun project and everyone interested, regardless of skills, could find a way to participate. If you don't have hardware or software experience, there may other things you could contribute like user documentation, debug history regression, archiving, burning ROMs/CDs, etc., so the project could be divided up into tasks and action items, appropriate to skill sets. Like with other projects here, in the end we should have created a PC board and kit of parts available for group purchase for those who want to build it and play.
To start things out, some cool features might be...
Hardware:
8 bit CPU (Z80, 6809, etc.)
Small graphic LCD
USB port
VGA output
SD or CF card interface
Hi current driver port(s) for LEDs, relays, etc.
Timers with interrupt capability
Motor controller for small DC or stepper
Hex keypad
PS2 KB connector
Small prototyping area or breadboard
PWM speaker
A/D & D/A interface
EPROM/EEPROM/FLASH programming socket
Simple wall wart power supply
Software/firmware:
Updateable flash ROM with low level monitor proggie
Full breakpoint debugger
Mini assembler (no, this is not a midget with a soldering iron)
Single step capability showing full register dumps
Upload/download from PC
Hopefully, I left room for others - LOL. When "blue sky" thinking, try to keep an open mind about the possibilities of other uses for the SBC, such as robots, or other machine control. It's important at this stage that no idea is dumb or stupid, so just throw anything on the table, even if it seems impracticable, too costly, or too difficult. We can weed out features that can't be done later. Often it's the inexperienced minds that come up with the best ideas because they are not preconditioned.
Ask yourself what your own personal SBC would be? Things should come to mind like... data bus size, CPU(s), display, memory, I/O, power supply, etc. Bear in mind the balance of modern technology vs user friendly features and ease of use. For instance, a modern P4 or AMD dual core might be powerful, but attempting to learn those CPUs at a machine level could be a daunting task; especially for newbs.
I think this would be a fun project and everyone interested, regardless of skills, could find a way to participate. If you don't have hardware or software experience, there may other things you could contribute like user documentation, debug history regression, archiving, burning ROMs/CDs, etc., so the project could be divided up into tasks and action items, appropriate to skill sets. Like with other projects here, in the end we should have created a PC board and kit of parts available for group purchase for those who want to build it and play.
To start things out, some cool features might be...
Hardware:
8 bit CPU (Z80, 6809, etc.)
Small graphic LCD
USB port
VGA output
SD or CF card interface
Hi current driver port(s) for LEDs, relays, etc.
Timers with interrupt capability
Motor controller for small DC or stepper
Hex keypad
PS2 KB connector
Small prototyping area or breadboard
PWM speaker
A/D & D/A interface
EPROM/EEPROM/FLASH programming socket
Simple wall wart power supply
Software/firmware:
Updateable flash ROM with low level monitor proggie
Full breakpoint debugger
Mini assembler (no, this is not a midget with a soldering iron)
Single step capability showing full register dumps
Upload/download from PC
Hopefully, I left room for others - LOL. When "blue sky" thinking, try to keep an open mind about the possibilities of other uses for the SBC, such as robots, or other machine control. It's important at this stage that no idea is dumb or stupid, so just throw anything on the table, even if it seems impracticable, too costly, or too difficult. We can weed out features that can't be done later. Often it's the inexperienced minds that come up with the best ideas because they are not preconditioned.