[Coco] Multipak redesign/replacement

[Richard E Crislip]

On Sun, 22 Feb 2015 15:46:02 -0500
Joe Grubbs <jsgrubbs at hotmail.com> wrote:

> 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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> > Coco at maltedmedia.com
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> > 
> > 
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>  		 	   		  
> 

I was just going to make that comment too.