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The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:26 pm
by terriblefire
The TFMSX will be a complete machine.

Rev 0 aims... subject to the stocks of trappist beer lasting.

1. 512K of SRAM (because it takes less space than DRAM)
2. 128K Video RAM. (Unfortunately Through hole 41464 chips as thats the only thing the VDP will speaks to).
3. VDP9958 chip.
4. ST Sound Chip.
5. SCC Sound emulation via the central logic + Sigma Delta DAC.
6. 2 x Cartridge Slots.
7. Space permitting a floppy interface.. probably no room though.
8. Scart only video output.

Remaining unknowns..

1. Do carts really need +12V and -12v and if so how to get those out nicely off a 5V supply. (probably not)
2. Are there any hobby cases that would be worth looking into supporting/fitting into.

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:54 pm
by arkadiusz.makarenko
So it is whole new computer, not expanding existing one?

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:02 pm
by terriblefire
arkadiusz.makarenko wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 9:54 pm So it is whole new computer, not expanding existing one?
Yeah why not.. they are stupidly simple.

I mean compared to a TF1260 its banging rocks together simple

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:44 pm
by 8 Bit Dreams
:idea: interesting,
I've, just started to order parts for this MSX2 clone:
https://github.com/skiselev/omega

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:55 pm
by terriblefire
I like the Keyboard on that solution ... really nice.

I'm kinda thinking of either stealing that keyboard or using the TF riser and putting a USB keyboard on it.

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:26 am
by arkadiusz.makarenko
terriblefire wrote: Wed Mar 17, 2021 11:55 pm I like the Keyboard on that solution ... really nice.

I'm kinda thinking of either stealing that keyboard or using the TF riser and putting a USB keyboard on it.
If you need ARM keyboard firmware, I do have some experience with those already ;)

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:42 am
by terriblefire
Hehe... Yes you and a certain crazy Frenchman living in Ireland will be the first to get a board.

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:53 am
by terriblefire
arkadiusz.makarenko wrote: Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:26 am If you need ARM keyboard firmware, I do have some experience with those already ;)
Wanna use the same arm chip? I can just copy paste the circuit over to the MSX

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:24 am
by PhilC
Nice project, I was just joking about the name :lol:

If you need any help, ie ST sound chips and ram then give me a shout as I should have both.

Re: The TFMSX Is out of the bag...

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 10:28 am
by terriblefire
Thanks.. i''ve been looking for an alternative to the 41464 ram chips that can interface to a 9958VDP. If anyone has any ideas about that i'm all ears.

Also i am going to consider a partial 7Mhz mode .. Probably some kinda stunt like the TF330 where the clock changes speed based on the address being accessed. Although i'm not sure what can actually use it ...

Suggestions so far have been (maybe)

http://www.grauw.nl/projects/vgmplay-msx/