Okay,
triggered by the post of ivke2006 and marlon-B's response to it (http://www.msx.org/forumtopic11358p135.html ), I am (after discussing with ivke2006) proposing the following idea:
After seeing ivke2006 post www.msx.org/forumtopicl11358.html I started thinking. I am considering opening a challenge, but of course do not want to be the only one committing and donating money to it, so consider this a feasibility request. Since I am only vaguely familiar with electronics design (and legal issues of certain assumptions below), it may seem far fetched, but hey, goals can be set anyway :-) The challenge will be to create a fully functional open source platform (with use of closed source components where applicable) for hobbyists according to the following requirements:
the base should be:
eZ80 (or compatible) + FPGA like chip (for components like VDP, MSX engine, etc..)
networking possibility (not sure yet if it can be WiFi onboard, via dongle USB or physical RJ45 connector)
2 x USB
SD(HC) slot
HDMI (which will be used for audio as well)
DIMM slot for memory (standard 1GB RAM?)
The above will be the basic package, and could actually be used for every Z80 based system, not just MSX.
Then, the MSX "package" could be:
base is MSX2(or MSX2+??) - this includes audio specs, video specs and BIOS
then of course, some extras:
video modes up to 720p resolution (1280x720)
I can imagine other z80 based systems have their own "package" contents, but the base platform will be as described above
deliverables should be:
- fully working, production ready prototypes that can be used by developers to build extensions or software on. And possibly later as template for "ready to order" devices.
- documentation ( PCB layout, instructions , component list, etc) - for those that want to build it themselves
- program code for base package and extended packages (e.g. MSX, Spectrum, etc)
Questions:
- are there any experts willing to assist in further expanding/detailing the above list? Maybe specs need to change. But the intention is not to stick to the old school architecture, but to really improve on it from the core.
- for funding, I was considering to use http://kickstarter.com so we need a more detailed financial insight - of course depending on which direction this will go implementation wise. Funding means commitment!
- for delivering software for the end product (for users) we were considering using a webbased system where people can buy software and download. Something like the webshop from msx.org.
- Any other bright ideas for getting up to speed with this project?
We (ivke2006 and myself) are already willing to donate funds to get things up to speed, but it will be up to the community to get it really working, and active. We know the above is ambitious, it's not something we expect to be done in a few weeks, of course. We have some ideas, but we are not experts enough to actually make them into a product :-)
We also think that making a universal base would make the device suitable to be used for more than just MSX, many more hobbyist communities might profit from the above. But since we are MSX fans, we thought we'd propose here first. Baby steps :-)
How'bout some comments :-)




People use all kinds of display equipment, and it's wrong to assume that (almost) every user will have a modern TV/flatscreen to hook up. Or wanting to use that screen. Or shelling out for another screen to use with the new MSX...
. And finally I'm the only one left cheering.
Just keep it realistic