One Chip MSX MKII

The wait is over. Today, Japan based company D4 Enterprise have opened a website dedicated to the release of a brand new MSX computer, the long awaited One Chip MSX.

Almost one year ago, we reported about the One Chip MSX computer not being produced by ASCII because the limit of 5000 pre orders wasn't met. Back then, Gigamix already told us not to lose hope though, MSX Association immediately went investigating alternatives for a One Chip MSX release after all. Although we already reported about a potential second chance for the One Chip MSX in October 2005, it looks like now they have succeeded. Today, the One Chip MSX was demonstrated on the 70th Comic Market in Tokyo, while tomorrow it will be demonstrated during the Micro Magazine Game Live event. Simultaneously, D4 Enterprise, the company behind Amusement Center (Project EGG/EGG Plus!) unveiled this website, revealing the new specifications and the new transparent-blue casing of the One Chip MSX.

In the past there have been many discussions about the One Chip MSX. People disagreed with the initial configuration and it was rumoured this was the main reason why the 5000 pre orders weren't placed. It looks like they learned from the past and listened to the international MSX scene. The new OCM looks very promising. Here are a few highlights:

MSX2 with 256kB RAM
Kanji support
MSX-DOS2 support
PS/2 connection
2 MSX joystick ports
2 MSX cartridge slots
SD/MMC flashcard slot with native FAT16 support in MSX-DOS2
Composite and SVHS TV output
VGA monitor output
2 cinch audio outputs
FPGA I/O pin (40 pins and 10 pins)
2 USB ports
32MB SDRAM

The FPGA chip used to make it all work is an Altera Cyclone EP1C12Q240C8, while an Altera EPCS4 configuration ROM allows you to restore the default configuration of the One Chip MSX at any point in time.

MSX-MUSIC and SCC+ are supported, while a little investigation on our side revealed both the cartridge ports also have the proper 12V needed to make e.g. a Moonsound work. In this forum thread, a MegaROM loader tool for the One Chip MSX, which allows you to play any MSX game ROM straight from your SD/MMC cards was announced as well. The One Chip MSX website furthermore mentions possibilities of more advanced stereo audio support in the future. Theoretically, the audio cinch connectors could also be used as inputs, e.g. to connect a cassette recorder to. Very importantly, the OCM will be sold together with extensive manuals and software (including VHDL examples) for development purposes.

This all just looks too good to be true. At the moment, we don't know whether the OCM will be sold through D4 Enterprise only and whether it will be available overseas as well. It is likely though that, just like last time, Bazix is to distribute the One Chip MSX with localized manual and 220V adapter outside Japan. At the moment, pre-ordering is not yet possible in or outside Japan, but at the website of D4E you can leave your e-mail address in order to keep informed. Of course, we will keep you informed as soon as possible as well. Until then, stop reading this newspost and get your browser pointing to the new MSX!

Relevant link: MSX website at D4 Enterprise

Comments (149)

By ARTRAG

Enlighted (4276)

11-08-2006, 22:56

INCREDIBLE!!

By Google

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

11-08-2006, 23:07

Yay? \o/

By [D-Tail]

Ascended (8209)

11-08-2006, 23:09

HELL YEAH!!!

*and now some more naked chicks!

By dvik

Prophet (2176)

11-08-2006, 23:09

Wow, that's amazing Impressive features and it looks good too.

By [D-Tail]

Ascended (8209)

11-08-2006, 23:13

EAT THAT, APPLE!

In your face

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

11-08-2006, 23:17

now, the cherry on the cream would be to name it 'mPod' ^_^

By chaos

Paladin (804)

11-08-2006, 23:26

Finally some great news from Japan again!

By selios2000

Champion (321)

11-08-2006, 23:44

please change that blue case!!

By Huey

Prophet (2365)

11-08-2006, 23:48

Hmmmmmmm. I might even consider buying one.
If I hook it up with my portable dvd player I can MSX everywhere

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

11-08-2006, 23:49

I like this blue case ... as I like the blue MSX screen ... and blueMSX !

By J-War

Champion (387)

12-08-2006, 00:05

Seriously, i always though believing it could happen was totaly insane... Possibly some kind of joke !
Somehow, I'd like to apologize for that ! I was wrong and i am happy i was...
I am totaly amazed to see the achievement made for the one chip MSX project. Even the casing is modern and smart.

Congratulations to every involved people who made it possible. Thanks.

That said, may i marry Wolf_ ?
RNFF yours.
~J-War

By J-War

Champion (387)

12-08-2006, 00:18

Just one question tho, will the ocm contain SPYWARE ?

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

12-08-2006, 00:22

only in the VHDL-code for the casport ^_^

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

12-08-2006, 00:31

I've heard this thing uses WiFi to send identifyable usage stats to Bazix... It's all quite scary, really!!!

By opcode

Expert (95)

12-08-2006, 01:08

Just curious...
They say PS/2 connection, but in fact I am seeing two USB ports... Maybe the specs are wrong?
Anyway, wonderful news!

Eduardo

By jltursan

Paragon (1537)

12-08-2006, 01:11

Too good to be true, it's really, really, really official?

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

12-08-2006, 01:42

you better believe it, jltursan! ^_^

By Chardson

Champion (411)

12-08-2006, 02:07

Wow! Impressive! Actually, this is the first time I feel like buying it! Reading MegaROMs from SD is just too good to be true

By Meits

Scribe (2153)

12-08-2006, 02:18

If this thing is going to be available and the price is nice... I'm thinking of getting one...
at least this story is not as vague as the ascii one... i like that...

By Maggoo

Paladin (933)

12-08-2006, 02:24

Way cool ! Get me two of those :-)

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 02:35

www.dropshots.com/photos/152250/20060811/033920.jpg

congratz to all involved for the hard work !

By dvik

Prophet (2176)

12-08-2006, 03:00

What is the device called, blueMSX ?

By flyguille

Paragon (1833)

12-08-2006, 04:27

I wonders why when i saw the bluebox, i tought... ehh it is a famicon!!!

today is a very happy day....

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 05:12

more like a zip drive then a famicom

By ricbit

Master (157)

12-08-2006, 05:29

Bring this thing to Brazil and I'll buy it.

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 05:49

guess it can be sent worldwide ?

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 05:52

www.dropshots.com/photos/152250/20060812/055023.jpg

Guess I figured out what that C stands for in OCM

By Konamito

Paladin (945)

12-08-2006, 07:34

Wondeful news from Japan. Too good to be true but I believe I'll have one of them in my hands sooner or later.

Write down today's date, because it's a new milestone in MSX history...

By quickzand

Supporter (4)

12-08-2006, 08:05

So when can I order one

By Matej

Resident (57)

12-08-2006, 09:31

Nice work.Case is perfect.

By dumfrog

Rookie (30)

12-08-2006, 09:36

Uninteresting, they should have done it MSX2+ ! (joke inside )

By konamiman

Paladin (706)

12-08-2006, 09:46

Native FAT16 support in DOS 2??
I WANT THIS ROM RIGHT NOW!!!

By Huey

Prophet (2365)

12-08-2006, 10:15

I translated the site a bit:

'* As a study teaching aid

If the source program which existing MSX language (such as BAISC) although of course thing, the MSX very thing is reproduced, was used, is described with VHDL type is rewritten, the function of MSX are open-ended by your own hand. You you thought, it is possible also to make “original MSX standard”. Also it is funny to try thinking of “MSX3” of dream with everyone, probably will be.'

Does it have some kind of opensource approach?

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

12-08-2006, 10:21

Excite translation is better :

- As a learning material

If the source program described by the VHDL form used to reproduce MSX not to mention an existing MSX language (BAISC etc.) is rewritten, the function of MSX is extensible in my hand. "Original MSX standard" that you thought about can be made. It might be also interesting that everyone thinks about dream "MSX3".

See complete Excite translation in this forum thread

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

12-08-2006, 10:24

Comment : everybody can start to think about a new (personal) version of MSX-BASIC, so you can add instructions and create your own MSX 3 !!!

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

12-08-2006, 10:31

Of course, MSX-BASIC (5.0 ?) is only an example of new (personal) development !

By yakumo

Expert (70)

12-08-2006, 10:36

Somebody can trhow any light about the aproximate price?

How much will we have to wait for a MSX Portable, or a MSX Lite?

See ya!

By spl

Paragon (1244)

12-08-2006, 10:44

I want one now!!

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

12-08-2006, 10:49

Say uhm.. what if these things are broken (e.g. you dropped it, cola sneaked into it, anything), can they simply be repaired at any fair (@RepairBas for instance)? Or are these devices completely non-suitable for DIY repairs and is it just bad luck then? (e.g. you can as well throw it away)

By Kosher-X

Supporter (5)

12-08-2006, 11:49

These USB ports, are they 1.1 or 2.0?

Ok, never mind, of course USB 2.0 would be a waste.

Man, that's what I call good news. Fantastic. The price is not cheap but it's fine (19800 yen)

By sunrise

Paragon (1091)

12-08-2006, 11:50

Repairs, sounds to me is a question of returning to Japan.
Since it is guarantee, or Bazix has to find a repairservice. It is most unlikely that Bas will repair it.
Hans Oranje as well as Sunrise most likely also not

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

12-08-2006, 12:09

Thought so already, it's like organs, in the 80's we had our own repairservice because back then they *could* be repaired.. when the digital keyboards came a) they never broke down, and b) we wouldn't be able to fix it anyway. So, let's assume these OCMs won't break down..
(otoh, they ARE computers )

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

12-08-2006, 13:09

The VHDL source code used in the default configuration will be delivered together with the OCM indeed, as a great starting point to start developing that dream MSX3 computer

Considering the price is identical to the previous OCM, the massive improvements (following suggestions from the community) and the neat casing, I think it will be no problem to move from 3500 pre-orders last time to (more than) 5000 orders this time.

As for repairs: you will get a year's guarantee on the OCM, but of course - as in any case - it is void if you do things like spilling coke on it. Schematics of the OCM are most likely available on the CD-ROM as well, so I would not be surprised if someone will - if needed - start a repair service at some point in time.

By sunrise

Paragon (1091)

12-08-2006, 13:27

Wolf, that has more reasons.
If you want to import those chips it and have it on stock, costs simply a fortune.
And that for something that is still not for sale, besides I think decent asking by Bazix and also allowing it since there is guarantee as said by snout , what is good news also ofcourse.
And to be honest, we have togehter contributed and they listened. So, for me no obstacle to buy anymore

By sjoerd

Hero (583)

12-08-2006, 14:05

I'd like to have a pink one.

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

12-08-2006, 14:09

poke will colour it for you

By ro

Prophet (3650)

12-08-2006, 14:20

good new, but still cucumbers !

But uhrm, does this mean I should throw away my good 'ol MrT?

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 15:19

nah, it'still ain't a turbo r if that's what you mean
so ehhh 189 euros ?

By Edwin

Paragon (1164)

12-08-2006, 15:38

It may be even cheaper. Last year the 19800 yen came to about 172 euros, at current exchange rate it is 134 euros. Which makes this a damn cheap piece of kit!

By Edwin

Paragon (1164)

12-08-2006, 15:41

Hmmmm, checking back, last year would have been more like 147. The 172 must have included something else then.

By Huey

Prophet (2365)

12-08-2006, 15:44

[offtopic]
Wouldn't it be great if it came standard with some MSXdev games?
This way we could reach MSX-ers in other continents (japan!)
[/offtopic]

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

12-08-2006, 15:44

It's good news indeed.
I liked the case, is really nice. And there are improvements, as we asked.

Some questions:

1) Would it be possible to have a english page (or someone translate so we can know more)?
2) What about those USB ports? Can I plug one Pen drive on it and use it as an HD?
3) If the OCM uses 256kb of RAM, all the 32 MB of RAM is free for us or is it being used for something else?
4) What about FAT16 support? How is it done? Is it a improvement in DOS2 (can we use that DOS2 in our MSX machines )?

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

12-08-2006, 15:55

1: I think bazix will be that page
3: join the club, various ppl want more RAM by default. (to run for instance Meridian on the day the ocm arrives)

By ro

Prophet (3650)

12-08-2006, 16:29

@poke, jup I mean a MSX turbo R.

The swapping of letters was a joke, fool!
(remember mr. T? eh)

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 16:51

I'm not gonna fly !!!

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

12-08-2006, 16:53

and for all mr. t fans : http://youtube.com/watch?v=5H5Yza2XO8k

yes... rap....

about...

yes....

By dvik

Prophet (2176)

12-08-2006, 18:31

I wonder how good the timing in the OCM is. Would it for example run timing sensitive demos, like Unknown Reality or MSX Unleashed without glitches? And would it be possible to use the OCM as a reference computer when developing new games/demos?

By ARTRAG

Enlighted (4276)

12-08-2006, 18:49

I had the same doubt, how accurate will be the emulation?
Accurateness and compatibility will be a huge issue in the OCM,
IMHO we will see an MSX compatible, bug free release (comparable with
the level of the current SW emulators)in 1-2 years.

BTW the advantage of an FPGA device is that any new OCM release can be
distributed like it were common SW.

By dvik

Prophet (2176)

12-08-2006, 18:59

It would be interesting to add the OCM to the emulator comparison.

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

12-08-2006, 18:59

It would be great if we someone could answer all the questions we (still) have. OCM release it's a great news, but it seems that the japanese guys never let us forget that this product is not for us, only to japanese people. This would explain the lack of news in a language (english?) people outside Japan understands...

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

12-08-2006, 19:03

indeed, OCM in the emulator comparision would give us the chance to see how good the current version of OCM really is.

By Sama

Ambassador (2022)

12-08-2006, 19:45

This is quite an unfounded complaint, imho. Sure, the D4E site is in Japanese, as D4E is to distribute the OCM in Japan. Only a few days later, MRC presents the same news in English. The Japanese don't know any more than the non-Japanese do at the moment. Just wait! Of course many questions rise when a new product is announced, but in most cases you just have to wait for the release and see it for yourself! Probably the service you get with the OCM makes that you know a lot more about the thing before its actual release than you would for many other announced products.

So in short: the Japanese guys do nothing wrong. Nobody does something wrong. As long as not all the details are cleared, just let your imagination work - anticipating is fun too.

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

12-08-2006, 20:02

You just said yourself:
"Sure, the D4E site is in Japanese, as D4E is to distribute the OCM in Japan. Only a few days later, MRC presents the same news in English."

That means, if we didn't have MRC and its contributors that presented the new itself, we would not know about this (at least I wouldn't. I may be speaking for myself, but I don't think its fun to keep checking japanese pages using web translators).

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

12-08-2006, 20:09

The Japs usually don't write/talk english, because they can't .., and perhaps they already count with Bazix for their english translations..

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

12-08-2006, 20:23

Indeed... as Bazix take care of the distribution of the OCM outside Japan, it would make little sense for the Japanese distributor to offer an English website. As was the case last year, Bazix will offer several pages with English information on the One Chip MSX. Thanks to the MRC, you all indeed know a lot already, but that doesn't differ from other Japanese products of which information is often available on news/fansites before it's offered on official English websites.

Although questions asked on the MRC are likely to be answered as well, you can always mail Bazix about any questions you might have on the One Chip MSX.

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

12-08-2006, 22:04

Hello Snout, it's nice to talk with you again. Do you have a answer to any of the questions posted here?

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

12-08-2006, 22:52

>I may be speaking for myself, but I don't think its fun to keep checking japanese pages using web translators).

Well, I like using web translators, not only for Japanese sites, but also Korean or Russian sites. You learn many interesting things, and when it's news, you have them before the 'official' news in English, so I find that amazing.

Now some little tricks :

- for Russian : Babelfish is generally good
- for Japanese : use first Excite, then eventually Babelfish to clarify some things
- for Korean : never try to translate directly to English, the translations are very strange, the trick here is to use Excite to translate first from Korean to Japanese, then from Japanese to English
- general tip : install Firefox and the extension 'Panneau de Traduction' for more comfort

By sirpaul484

Rookie (23)

13-08-2006, 02:26

Yep.. definitely going to get it..

I am debating, though... Should I keep it the original color, or should I try and paint it black to match my current MSX?

oh well, either way it's nice. I definitely love the specs. Now, if only I can find an MSX compatable gamepad... *sighs*

By viejo_archivero

Paragon (1335)

13-08-2006, 12:17

I'll keep waiting for the release date before shouting the big "hooray!". After all, we have the same than the last time but adding a nice casing. Anyway, these are definitely good news .

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

13-08-2006, 12:45

uhm.. there is *more* than the last time .. (FPGA reset, MSX2, 12v etc.)

By viejo_archivero

Paragon (1335)

13-08-2006, 12:52

Wolf_, please read my words... yes, now specs are better, but the last time we also had the specs (that is what I meant). I'm not talking about the better the ocm is becoming: I'm talking about the amount of information about the thing. I mean, in the past we knew how it will be, and finally it won't. So, again, for me it is really good news, but I won't start jumping and cryin' involved into a crazy happiness state. I hope you can understand it . You can start rnff if you want .

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

13-08-2006, 13:25

I think with these, all questions that had not been answered yet have been answered by now

Q: What will the price of the OCM be?
A: In Japan, the price has remained unchanged. The goal for Bazix is to release the OCM at the same price (€ 153,- ex VAT) or at a bit lower price (the yen is on our side). Please wait for the official announcements on this one.

Q: When can I order the OCM?
A: In the near future. I can assure you that I'm at least as impatient about this as you are, but we're almost there now.

Q: When will there be an official OCM website in English?
A: Bazix have decided to open such a website as soon as (pre)ordering is possible, and the news goes to press.

Q: Will the OCM be available outside Japan?
A: Yes, Bazix will distribute the OCM outside Japan.

Q: What can the USB ports be used for?
A: By default, the USB ports are not supported. With VHDL, you can use them for virtually anything though. Considering the amount of people who would like to use a pendrive or external HD, I think it will only be a matter of time until someone releases a VHDL upgrade for this functionality.

Q: If the OCM uses 256kB, all the 32MB is free?
A: Part of the 32MB is used for RAM and VRAM. The rest is ready for use.

Q: How is FAT16 support accomplished?
A: Similar to Okei's FAT16 patch, which is already available for 'ordinary' DOS2 MSXes. On the OCM, FAT16 works out-of-the-box though. And did I mention the SD slot is hot-swappable?

Q: The PS/2 connector doesn't show on the pictures. Is it there?
A: It is the intention to have it on the final product. Please wait for the official announcements on this one.

Q: How about accuracy?
A: The MSX2 prototype demonstrated on (e.g.) Bussum 2005 was already quite accurate. Many improvements have been made since. I think testing the OCM in the Emulator Comparison would be a good idea indeed of giving a clear, objective indication on how close the OCM gets to the real thing at this moment. Although I'd like to completely rewrite the Emu Comparison soon, I'll see if it's possible to write a test of the latest prototype with the latest 'firmware' in the nearer future. I'll keep you posted on this.

Q: May J-War marry Wolf_?
A: Only in some countries, lads. But you have my blessing! ^_^

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

13-08-2006, 13:29

\o/

By BiFi

Enlighted (4348)

13-08-2006, 13:35

Q: May J-War marry Wolf_?
A: Only in some countries, lads. But you have my blessing! ^_^
That's really a cucumber FAQ...

(msd wanted me to post this)

By spl

Paragon (1244)

13-08-2006, 14:33

Thanks for (ALL QUESTIONS of) the FAQ . Hope all release info will be soon available!

By Guillian

Paragon (1542)

13-08-2006, 15:27

>Q: The PS/2 connector doesn't show on the pictures. Is it there?
>A: It is the intention to have it on the final product. Please wait for the official announcements on this one.

AFAIK, this version includes the PS/2 connector in the back side
Front: USB x2, Joystick x 2, card slot
Back: Power, composite video RCA, audio RCA x 2, PS/2, VGA, SVHS
Upper: Cartridge slot x 2, power switch, reset
Bottom: Config switch

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

13-08-2006, 16:18

idd, it looks like there's a connection on the far right (and rear) of the case, think that might be the PS/2 connector.

By Guillian

Paragon (1542)

13-08-2006, 17:05

>idd, it looks like there's a connection on the far right (and rear) of the case, think that might be the PS/2 connector.
Yes, that is the PS/2 connector, next to the VGA connector. And between the VGA and RCAs is the SVHS one.

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

13-08-2006, 17:06

hey so ehmm... for the audio side, would it also be technically possible to add effects ?
Like say more operators for fm pac, or on the PSG side, some chorus,delay, flanger stuff ?

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

13-08-2006, 17:11

as in the step at the end of the chain, before the output. Like routing a synth through an effectpanel

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

13-08-2006, 17:13

I'd say it is.. delay is a cookie, really .. chorus/flanger etc. is a bit more tricky as it does require a bit more FP processing. Operator shapes in the Fm-Pac are just a table .. so, <insert your table here>.

By zett

Champion (334)

13-08-2006, 20:00

ugly box looks cheap!

By Meits

Scribe (2153)

13-08-2006, 20:44

At least there is a case...

By zett

Champion (334)

13-08-2006, 21:46

yes and thats all.nice a 1chipmsx bad casing. it breaks the fun

By J-War

Champion (387)

13-08-2006, 22:04

ah ?

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

13-08-2006, 22:09

Well, a l33t casing would raise the price of the machine, don't you think? I don't think your suggestions for a nicer case will create a mass following.

By zett

Champion (334)

13-08-2006, 22:22

I don't think it raise the price. you could make a case of non transparant material and some design in it

By karloch

Scribe (1757)

13-08-2006, 22:30

Complete MSX2 support? YAW!!!! I just hope that this time we can actually get one of these brand-new MSX

By Manuel

Ascended (8297)

13-08-2006, 22:48

Great news and great design!

One more question though: what is exactly the type of license agreement that comes with the OCM's VHDL code?
I hope it is GPL like, so that we can all freely share, modify and redistribute the code.

snout?

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

13-08-2006, 23:45

I actually like the transparantness of the case (as you can see it's all really about one chip. no tricks!) and the case itself. Surely, it's only a matter of taste...

About the VHDL license: another 'wait for the official announcements' on that one

By [D-Tail]

Ascended (8209)

13-08-2006, 23:51

TRANSPARENT M$X BLUE IS WHAT WE ALL WANT! \m/ 1CM for everyone!

By Nautilus

Expert (68)

14-08-2006, 01:19

Cool! I will certainly buy one.

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

14-08-2006, 01:33

I do think the casing is beautiful (better than the previous design) but I would like to hear about the code license as well.

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

14-08-2006, 02:33

well hey it does like a zip drive or your average cardreader
So hey, reason the more for some case modding zett ^_^
if my fake mac add wasn't inspiration enough, the phletora
of msx machines is
What about a HB201P mod ? nice

By Tanni

Hero (556)

14-08-2006, 16:01

Looks very good! I like that transparent blue colour.

By Pat

Resident (64)

14-08-2006, 17:05

For me: Just skip that PS/2 connection. It's not MSX and a USB keyboards/mouse should not be a problem. Saves a few cent on manufacturing and saves some gates in the FPGA. (Although you can always make a FPGA image without the PS/2 VHDL code.

By spl

Paragon (1244)

14-08-2006, 17:07

Actually, I like a lot the design and the case

By Ivan

Scribe (8955)

14-08-2006, 17:25

Yes, simple and robust looking case design. Nice!

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

14-08-2006, 18:12

Almost 100 reactions !

Who will write the 100th reaction ???

By Tanni

Hero (556)

14-08-2006, 18:15

By Tanni

Hero (556)

14-08-2006, 18:17

Seems to be me, mars!

By msd

Paragon (1078)

14-08-2006, 18:21

Yes because USB is msx and PS/2 isn't .. So what use instead USB keyboards?

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

14-08-2006, 18:27

Indeed, Tanni, it's you ... but I don't know what you have won ???

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

14-08-2006, 19:01

ah, after the casport and the case, we have a new subject of useless debate: the ps2 port ;P

By sunrise

Paragon (1091)

14-08-2006, 21:04

Keeps people connected to the internet, and or off the street

By ivke2006

Resident (39)

14-08-2006, 21:35

Yes, I want one for sure but knows someone anything about the performance (CPU + VDP speed) ?
I can imagine that for compatibly reasons the speed is standard set at normal z80 and VDP speed but is there with the current VDHL code some extra performance possible what can be easy 'activated'?

and howmany gates are used for this standaard configuration? Is there still some space left for enhancements?

Snout, could you shine your light on this questions please?

Thx!

By J-War

Champion (387)

14-08-2006, 22:30

I'd like to celebrate the fact i've never seen sunrise usign a smile, thus 2 in such a short time is simply great ! Thanx to the OCM

By msd

Paragon (1078)

14-08-2006, 23:03

I've seen the ocm run with vdp delays disabled. The parallax scroll in the sd-snatcher intro was really smooth and fast

By turbor

Champion (292)

14-08-2006, 23:32

USB and PS/2 keyboards?
Oh great!
Most MSX games uses space+cursors and if you read most emu FAQ's about emulation and keyboard behaviour...

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

15-08-2006, 00:06

Yes, Pat, we should get rid of PS/2 connection. It's not MSX! We should use the place for an additional USB connector instead.
And USB should be useable out of the box! I think, the design of the case is appropriate to the product. I like it, too! It looks very nice.Yes, let's get rid of the PS/2 connector which isn't MSX and replace it with the USB connector MSX has had such a long history with! Now there's a good point!! ^_^

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

15-08-2006, 00:18

Other option : restart the production of separate MSX keyboards (as it was the case for the Pioneer PX-7) and add the connector on the OCM

By spl

Paragon (1244)

15-08-2006, 00:35

Stupid question: so... you can't use a keyboard without making some coding or is ps/2 activated for keyboard using?

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

15-08-2006, 00:52

Yes, they keyboard connector works by default. I know this, because if it didn't work that would be st00pid. I wonder if they were kind enough to add PS/2 mouse support as well tho...

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

15-08-2006, 00:57

yeah that connector isn't MSX.
Let's also just toss the flashcard, that's not msx either...or VGA port.. not MSx either
Or usb2 ports. Not msx either.
What, all on one chip ? real msx has more then 1 chip. NO msx.
I suppose not buy it then

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

15-08-2006, 01:01

yeah instead I think they should rerelease the old msx, so it's born dead right from the start.
Guess that's what the world was waiting for.

By opcode

Expert (95)

15-08-2006, 02:23

A couple of questions for Snout...
Snout, do you know if ASCII is planning to release another issue of MSX Magazine this year, now that the OCM is coming, or are they mostly done with the MSX, since it isn't them that are going to release the OCM? I am a big fan of MSX Magazine and would love to see another issue come out.

Another question: I suppose MSXA is still planning to release upgrades for the OCM in the future, right? Like a MSX2+ or TR upgrade...

I am spreading the news about the OCM in some US forums. There have been a lot of interest on the MSX....

Eduardo

By opcode

Expert (95)

15-08-2006, 02:29

Two more question:
How about the video out, will it be NTSC or PAL? And does Bazix have plans to distribute the OCM with 110V power suppliers (for us, MSX users living in americas)?

By iamweasel2

Master (243)

15-08-2006, 04:07

actually, some of us, msx users living in (south) america, use 220 V. But that's not a big issue (at least, not to me).

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

15-08-2006, 07:00

Q: Does the PS2 port offer keyboard-support out-of-the-box?
A: Of course, it does

Q: How many gates are left in the default configuration?
A: I don't have the exact current figures at hand, will get back to this, but will for now copy/paste an answer from the old One Chip MSX FAQ (about the old ASCII OCM).

In an MSX2 setup, the amount of gates in use can roughly be devided into the following:

Z80 CPU 18.0%
V9938 VDP 22.3%
PSG 4.0%
SCC 6.5%
MSX-MUSIC 28.1%
Video encoding 2.4%
1 bit DAC 1.7%
PS/2 keyboard interface 2.0%
Cartridge slots and other I/O 6.6%

This configuration includes, like the MSX1 configuration, implementation of MegaSCSI with MSX-DOS2 and FAT16 support. In total, 11050 Logical Elements are being used in this configuration, which is 91% of the total amount of Logical Elements available on the One Chip MSX. However, this code has not been optimized as of yet. By estimation, the Z80 core, the V9938 core and the MSX-MUSIC core can be optimized in order to use only 50% of the Logical Elements they are using at the moment. More recent figures on this are to follow in the near future.

Q: What about the maximum performance?
A: There are a few small settings (Z80 speed, VDP delay, ...) that can already increase performance quite a bit. Given our experiences with the old MSXes, I think it's best to be very careful about stating what the absolute maximum is you can squeeze out of it. How far, fast and feature-rich the OCM will evolve is mainly in the hands of the VHDL-coding future-owners of the OCMs.

Q: Will there be a new ASCII MSX Magazine?
A: I have no information on this. During the release of MSX Magazine 3, I had a brief conversation with the editor-in-chief, who told that it had become increasingly difficult to license good software to fill the CD-ROM. As ASCII was very pleased about the sales figures of the first three editions of MSX Magazine, I think they will at least try and put a fourth to market at some point in time.

Q: Is MSXA to release upgrades for the OCM?
A: The people who made the OCM happen will not stop their work after the release of the OCM. With many new owners of the device, a lot of new OCM-improving VHDL coders will be available. The idea of certifying certain OCM extensions as 'official' and distribute them via the MSX Association and Bazix website still stands. This might be MSX2+ or turboR support, but also something completely different.

Q: Is the video-out NTSC or PAL?
A: NTSC.

Q: How about 110V/220V?
A: The adapter that comes with the OCM has a Japanese power plug and takes 100-240Vac. Bazix will add a converter plug to the OCM package, so that it can be used out-of-the-box in Europe. Afaik, in the US the same 2-pin 110V power plugs are used as in JP, so you should be able to use the OCM out-of-the-box as well.

By Samor

Paragon (1506)

15-08-2006, 09:46

the device was mentioned on InsertCredit (www.insertcredit.com/),
which I see as a good indication; it hints at the device already getting a lot more attention than last time.

By opcode

Expert (95)

15-08-2006, 14:25

Snout, thanks a lot for your time answering all my questions. I currently live in Brazil, but I will be moving to the US in two months were I hope to promote and spread the MSX and the OCM. I have been working on a port of the several Pac-Man arcade games for the ColecoVision (which was big in the US) and the MSX, and a bit for my surprise many ColecoVision fans started to get interested in the MSX version, even considering the purchase of a MSX machine. Moreover, many people in the US has started to see the MSX as a kind of lost gem from the 80s, due mainly to the many important game titles it got during that period.

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

15-08-2006, 14:53

ehhh it is NTSC ? that's... inconvenient

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

15-08-2006, 15:38

Sounds like you're doing a very good job, opcode! Good to see that the MSX is finally getting the attention it deserves in the US.

Btw, the news is up on www.emuita.it as well.

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

15-08-2006, 17:03

Probably blueMSX as multi-platform emulator (MSX, SVI, Coleco, Sega) has also contributed to the MSX promotion in U.S. !

By opcode

Expert (95)

15-08-2006, 17:19

Indeed, BlueMSX has helped a lot. It's so easy to use, that even if you have never seen a MSX computer before you can still learn to use BlueMSX very quickly, thanks to its very nice GUI. And BlueMSX is the only emulator currently supporting my ColecoVision RAM expansion.

By Ivan

Scribe (8955)

15-08-2006, 18:03

Did you notice that the design of the PCB is different from the old 1chip MSX prototype?

By msd

Paragon (1078)

15-08-2006, 18:29

What is changed in the pcb?

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

15-08-2006, 18:35

added: ROM configurator (for restoring default config)
changed: location of i/o ports (for fitting into that neat casing)

By djh1697

Paladin (874)

15-08-2006, 19:54

I am not going to mention the cassette port, but if OCM is a MSX2 machine, why does it not contain the MSX2 logo?

I am sure that some hobbist can come up with a solution to the cassette port, maybe some thing connected to the joystick port? or the USB port?

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

15-08-2006, 20:04

As for the cassette port: you could use one of the audio cinch connectors as an audio-in and connect a cassette recorder to that. Even stated that in the newspost itself. Afaik Manuel Pazos has already demonstrated a prototype which runs with the necessary code. Check over here.

As for the MSX(2) logo: Apart from the fact that the picture is still a non-final prototype, and the final might differ slightly from the picture above, I'm sure you'll agree the OCM is different from any other MSX2 computer. And can be a lot more than that, actually.

By msd

Paragon (1078)

15-08-2006, 20:06

Afaik Manuel Pazos didn't write that, but the people who make the ocm vhdl at the moment

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

15-08-2006, 20:08

heh.. I had already edited my post... point is though, even before the OCM has hit the streets, there's a VHDL patch for all those casport purists out there! Just one example of how FPGA can come in handy

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

15-08-2006, 20:23

Ah ... you can edit your post ... and we can't edit our own posts ?

By msd

Paragon (1078)

15-08-2006, 20:30

@mars2000you: yes how very strange that a mrc admin can change all messages

By wolf_

Ambassador_ (9427)

15-08-2006, 20:31

* yelling for newspost edit functionfor years already

By mars2000you

Prophet (3172)

15-08-2006, 21:42

>@mars2000you: yes how very strange that a mrc admin can change all messages

I can do the same on the blueMSX forum, so I know how it works

By Guillian

Paragon (1542)

15-08-2006, 23:26

About the cassette port: Kazuhiro Tsujikawa made it. He just changed only about 5 lines of code! Here you can check some games I loaded with the ESE MSX System 3.

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1645)

16-08-2006, 03:15

Kazuhiro Tsujikawa doesn't sound spanish

By Sonic_aka_T

Enlighted (4130)

16-08-2006, 14:23

Depends on which part of Spain you're from!

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

20-08-2006, 15:34

OCM news up @ barrapunto.com and cooler-online. (Yeah I know, MSX in the Media challenge... I'm closing in on my MRC ToDo list backlog, but... patience!) :)

By spl

Paragon (1244)

26-08-2006, 03:28

Hope next news will be: "OCM ready for being sold"

By Atheus

Expert (73)

01-09-2006, 21:08

System will be in NTSC ... It's a bad new for european people

By Edwin

Paragon (1164)

01-09-2006, 23:13

I don't much care for either NTSC or PAL. I want RGB output! That'll be project #1.

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

02-09-2006, 03:40

It's already there... just switch a few jumpers on the bottom and (with the right cable) you have an RGB output ready to be used on your TV or old MSX monitor. (yay!)

By BiFi

Enlighted (4348)

02-09-2006, 07:30

the right cable... only available without one-chip-msx after the release

By Edwin

Paragon (1164)

02-09-2006, 13:58

Would I be right is guessing that the VGA connector would then be used for RGB output (which it already is really) and that you'd need to make a DB15 -> scart cable?

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

02-09-2006, 18:50

Correct!

By Raster

Rookie (25)

15-09-2006, 06:20

Awesome stuff!

How many games support MSX2+ only (percentage)? Looking at the specs, it looks like they wanted to keep the colors to 256 or lower, is this is a limitation of the FPGA?

By snout

Ambassador (14353)

17-09-2006, 21:22

More details on the One Chip MSX, info about availability outside Japan

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