Author: George (issfw.palomar.edu)
Date: 09-29-2001 03:40
The big problem with getting a TOS clone started is knowing how to ensure compatibility.
I frequently dream of spending $100 to buy a ColdFire processor and various support chips (including the 56001 DSP or equivalent) and plugging them into a motherboard -- but the problem is the custom Atari glue logic chip as well as the need for a motherboard to plug them in.
Can a clone be designed backwards using standard off-the-shelf parts? Start with TOS & MiNT, ask the existing software developers what processors, video chips, I/O chips, et. al. are currently supported. Then, create a hardware design that TOS and MiNT can settle into -- custom PC board, mostly -- and create some mail-order do-it-yourself kits.
Then ... an Atari enthusiast can buy the socketed motherboard, c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y install the chips, plug in an el-cheapo 300-watt clone power supply (see, there is one good reason for PC/clones to be in production -- cheap power supplies) and you've got your machine up and runnin'!
As a group effort, we could at least create the hardware specification and then see who has the deep pockets to create the first run of boards.
There would be lots of benefits for all involved ... and maybe the remaining Atari dealers might be interested in creating their own prepackaged systems for the non-hobbyists that would like a newer machine.
Anyone interested in contributing their comments and thoughts to a hardware standard?
George Crissman
strads@tmisnet.com
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