[Coco] Multipak redesign/replacement

[Joe Grubbs]

I've said it before and I'll say it again :P   Scope creep.  First iteration should be a simple affair. It's like my CoCoCCR project: Though I'd love to add a million features to it, the first version will be primarily for loading one program (the DW client in my case). Simple, easy to build, inexpensive.



> Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:40:37 -0500
> From: alhartman6 at optonline.net
> To: coco at maltedmedia.com
> Subject: Re: [Coco] Multipak redesign/replacement
> 
> Because adding all that stuff and writing drives is non-trivial, and will 
> add over a year to the development as each part is protoyped, tested, and 
> coded for...
> 
> Cloning a Multi-Pak is easier, and faster, and will give folks like me who 
> don't have one, a chance to get one.
> 
> If you'd like one like that, you are welcome to make one.
> 
> -[ Al ]-
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: Nick Marentes
> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2015 3:10 PM
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
> Subject: Re: [Coco] Multipak redesign/replacement
> 
> Rather than "cloning" the multi-pak, why not redesign it?
> 
> I figure that most people who have all manner of hardware connected
> already have a multipak so why no design it for those who don't have one
> already but wish to have the ability to use their SDC or FD controller,
> an RS-232 pack, S/SC cart etc.
> 
> Why not add RS-232 as part of the multi-pak board? Maybe also include a
> sound chip? The TI SN76489 sound chip, a clone of that used in the S/SC
> is available on ebay for under $3.
> 
> Imagine the Tandy Multi-Pak if it had built-in RS-232 and the connectors
> were at the back of the multi-pak where it could be connected out of
> sight instead of suspended up in the air as the current multi-pak does.
> 
> The multi-pak could still have the 4 slots although if the mainboard
> already contains some of the additional hardware that would normally
> plug in by cartridge, we could reduce the number of slots, maybe just 2?
> That would also make it more compact.
> 
> Power could come from a laptop style power "brick". These are easy to
> find from a used laptop.
> 
> And to top it off, a custom 3D printer plastic case to finish it off!
> 
> Nicj
> 
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