[Coco] Introducing the next generation of Color Computer, the CoCo-X

[Gary Becker]

I just finished entering a project into KickStarter.com. This project is to develop the next generation Color Computer, the CoCo-X. This project develop a replacement main board for an existing Color Computer 3 case. The main board would include an FPGA to implement the Color Computer circuitry. As with the CoCo3FPGA, the max speed would depend on the chosen FPGA, the goal would be to run at least 20 MHz. The main board would also include an optional socket that would fit a 6x09E processor for users that needed cycle accurate computing. The speed would be reduced to match the processor in the socket. The main board would also include most of the original Color Computer 3’s original IO ports. The expansion slot would be implemented, but speed would be limited while accessing the slot. This first generation of main board will implement the Color Computer 3 basics. In the future, upgrades to the FPGA code to implement an extended feature set will be
 available.
 
Here is a list of planned IO ports:
 
CoCo3 Keyboard
Bit Banger / RS232 port
PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse port
Expansion slot
CoCo3 RGB and/or VGA
Joystick ports
Stereo Sound
 
If this project is to get started, your support will be needed. For the 30 days after KickStarter approves the project, the site will allow people to pledge money to fund the project. No money will be charged until the minimum funding limit is reached. There are two levels of funding. For a $25 pledge, you will receive a "Powered By CoCo-X" sticker. For a pledge of $250, you will receive one of the first replacement main boards to install into you own Color Computer 3 case.
 
There have been discussions of the next generation of Color Computer for many years. A real alternative is finally here. But this can only happen with your help. I set the funding level low enough that it is doable, but high enough to get the component prices in range. The funding level might still seem high, but it does not seem to be worth getting started for less. It is all up to you. If you think this is the next generation of Color Computer, then show it and pledge. I will send out one more message as soon as the project is approved and funding begins.
 
Gary Becker