[Coco] Embedded CoCo

[jdaggett at gate.net]

FranK

What I have started is a basic 6809E board. The goal is to be 
around 4.5 x 6 inch maximum. What I want out of the board is to 
controll a telescope and have sufficient memory form several star 
catalogs. Between 10,000 and 20,000 object catalog will require 
between 1 an 3 Mbytes of flash. The base board will be a bit more 
modern. I think should be a 32K ram and 32K rom. An RS232 port 
is also nice. 

Yes one of the 6.5 inch LCD panels would be nice also. I was 
thinking of using a 74C923 or a pic controller to interface to a 20 
button keypad. I have seen some nice 1/8 VGA graphic displays for 
under $50. That will do about 20 characters on 4 or 6 lines. 1/4 VGA 
would get 320x240 graphics  mode. 

I would rather use the 6809 in a PLCC package than the 40 pin dip,  
if a source of enough parts can still be found. One other thought 
came to mind was to make the main processosr a horizontal 
stackable plugin card. That way the memory, expansion and 
interface can be on the secopnd card and one can use what ever 
processor by just plugging in an a appropriate processor card. 

james
  

On 23 Dec 2003 at 7:27, Frank Swygert wrote:

> I'd think that a kit with a board and any hard to find/special
> circuits and software would be sufficient, though a complete parts kit
> would be nice. If the thing can function as an expansion card for the
> CoCo (I/O controller) and/or a stand-alone controller that would be
> great! Maybe a circuit or two or just the ROM would need to be
> changed? Even if it can only be built one way and not dual purpose
> would be fine. Development work could be tested on a CoCo then simply
> ROMed and plugged into the board. Or if it plugs into a CoCo anyway,
> why not a flash ROM so no actual burning is necessary?
> 
> This would be great for my glass dash idea. Since small composite LCD
> monitors are reasonably priced now, I'd like to replace the instrument
> cluster of a car with one. Program it for a normal and performance
> display, switch between the two with a hot key. Could even have a trip
> computer with a couple hot keys. Of course no keyboard, just a small
> keypad or 3-6 momentary switches. I thought about doing that with a
> CoCo a long time ago -- the joystick inputs could be used for most
> things, I think it could be wired to a variable resistance and read
> that. If not, there was the unused keyboard PIA inputs and the
> cartridge slot. Typical old style gas sending units (Ford & AMC) use
> 5V and read 10 ohms high, 73 ohms low (temp, oil pressure, fuel
> level). Speedometer would be easy with a magnetic read switch
> (pulses). Pulses for the tachometer would be harder -- reading the
> coil firing might require some type of isolation circuitry. Program
> could take care of # of cylinder selection. Could always disassemble
> an old electronic tach to find out.
> 
> Main reasons I never did this was that big enough graphic LCD displays
> (not laptop size, 5"x7" would be sufficient, 4"x6" a little small but
> probably usable) were expensive 6-8 years ago, and the CoCo board
> itself was just to big to mount conveniently. I knew enough tricks on
> the CoCo once to pull this off, but didn't want ot put the time and
> effort to learn with a STAMP controller, plus I don't recall it having
> enough inputs. Then there was the LCD panel issue...
> 
> Have more money for an LCD now, plus cost is within reason without
> having to build a complete controller, but CoCo board placement would
> still be a big issue. Not with an embedded type though. Of course I've
> forgotten most of the programming for the CoCo now... -- Frank Swygert
> -- Gulfport, MS Publisher, "American Independent Magazine" (AIM)
> Supporting all AMC related vehicles, 1902-1987 Website:
> http://farna.home.att.net/AIM.html Order a subscription via credit
> card from our website today!
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