Omega-TI Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 What is the status on the USB smart media card for the TI? I've heard little to nothing about this device, which is surprising. I would expect a device like this to be nothing short of "THE SECOND COMING" for our TI systems as would open up so many possibilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Ksarul Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 There is no driver for the USB side of it, and none of the programmers have taken the time to try to learn how to create a USB stack from scratch--a difficult task even on a system that has example code available (which we don't). The Smart Media interface works fine, but the parts, especially the connector, are extremely difficult to source. Add the fact that it is all surface mount (Matthew is one of the few TI folks with the equipment to work with that--I also have some tools that are useful in that context, but not enough experience with SM parts to do it really well), and you have a lot of potential that just can't be exploited. About 40 of the boards were made, but I doubt that more than 10 of them were ever assembled, which explains the silence on their use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega-TI Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 There is no driver for the USB side of it, and none of the programmers have taken the time to try to learn how to create a USB stack from scratch--a difficult task even on a system that has example code available (which we don't). About 40 of the boards were made, but I doubt that more than 10 of them were ever assembled, which explains the silence on their use. This is just about the saddest damn thing ever for the TI. So close, but yet so far from the brass ring. All that potential... GAWD, talk about depressing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+InsaneMultitasker Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 I sold (or gave away?) my blank card many years ago, for many of the reasons Ksarul cited. Furthermore if a USB device was connected to the TI via this card, a driver or program to interface with each device's intended use would still be needed. Not impossible, but not very practical either IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omega-TI Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 I sold (or gave away?) my blank card many years ago, for many of the reasons Ksarul cited. Furthermore if a USB device was connected to the TI via this card, a driver or program to interface with each device's intended use would still be needed. Not impossible, but not very practical either IMHO. Yeah, I understand and get what you are saying. Heck, even one DSR routine, if could be hard wired onto the card like the HDX, could at least give it one full-time function like a SSHD with a USB memory stick. But then price-to-benefit ratio still makes it impractical. Sigh.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyerd Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 Looks like there's one of these cards on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/ti99-USB-card-appears-fully-built-out/251727778113?_trksid=p2060778.c100275.m3474&_trkparms=aid%3D333008%26algo%3DRIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140723144412%26meid%3Dce1902c1c9ab4e50a36de79e9b680ce5%26pid%3D100275%26prg%3D20140723144412%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D351033272765 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Vorticon Posted November 28, 2014 Share Posted November 28, 2014 I have a blank card, and have not found the motivation to assemble it given that there is no driver for it. Being able to use a USB thumb drive would have been cool and very useful... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.