This is a list of projects that would benefit the Commodore 8 bit community. I'm hoping someone will take on each project and start a thread here to guide the project.
- MOS 8726 REC reverse engineering and replacement (FPGA?)
The 8726 is the chip used in the Commodore REU's and is necessary for REU compatibility. Considering the 1541 UII has REU emulation, maybe Gideon can supply some assistance.
- PLA documentation.
There are several working PLA replacements out there, we just need to get the specs and files organized.
- VIC reverse engineering and emulation.
The various VIC chips are a must have component of any Commodore emulation, hardware or software. There have been several hardware projects that have working VIC emulation so there are people that can contribute to documenting the VIC hardware for reverse engineering projects. An FPGA type replacement on a DIP carrier would be a killer project.
- SID emulation and documentation.
There has already been some progress in this regard with the SwinSID and other projects but a more detailed reverse engineering and documentation needs to be done before a 100% accurate emulation can be achieved. This is also, IMO, a priority project since SID's are irreplaceable and are often ripped from working C-64's just to power other music projects. A 100% accurate SID replacement could stop the destruction of otherwise good C=64's.
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Projects that don't just duplicate,
but also enhance, original hw
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- Universal RF modulator replacement.
No one needs the Commodore 64's RF modulator any more. There are no more TV's being manufactured with analog RF input support and there are much better ways to get video/audio output to modern displays. There are already working circuits to replace the RF modulator, but there is not a board that can be used in all C=64 motherboard revisions. We need a board that can be used with any board revision with a simple jumper setting and that has output headers for S-Video and composite so that users can make their own output choices.
This project should be easy to complete and might be a nice one for this community to start with.
- 6510 CPU replacement, enhancements
I know a LOT of people would like to see a SuperCPU, Turbomaster type project.
The 8726 (REU) reverse engineering is important to me... wish I had the time to develop an FPGA substitute... at least 1 (err,2) devices attempt this: 1541 Ultimate 1 (and 2).... actually they succeed quite well from reports by others (I'm still trying to find/purchase an Ultimate-I)
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, having a generic replacement is a fantastic goal (as opposed to the admirable, yet task-specific, products like 1541 Ultimate).
H2Obsession I have a 1541 Ultimate II and the REU emulation seems pretty solid to me.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah, I also still think it's important to have a replacement for the 8726 REC chip since it is the basis for any REU clone like project.
The chip bit interface wise and circuit I/o wise is actually pretty simple. I'm wondering if some with more knowledge couldn't just use an FPGA with an adapter board.
ReplyDelete