Curt Vendel Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 To get the plastic's costs in line and make them affordable I thought about releasing two versions of the expansion modules: Expansion Module #1: High Score Module This would be just the features of the High Score Cartridge in the expansion module plastics versus the stack-ontop cart to cart design I did back in 2000-2001. Would look to sell these around $59.99 Expansion Module #2: High Score/Expanded RAM/Pokey Audio/ Yamaha Audio/ I/O Expansion Ports Would look to still do these around $89-$99 (can't do $79 with the extra audio and I/O sections) Now to make this possible, I need to get initially around 250-300 confirmed buyers, so I'm putting something together for a sign-up site and pre-release reservation system. The tooling is going to run me close to $9,000 so I need to do some kind of downpayment, maybe around $25 to both guarantee the orders and also to help offset the costs of production as I can't put the full amount out of pocket. This would happen around mid-Sept and it will be 30 days for the tooling to be made and readied, so I want to make sure everything is ready and set to go, all that would be needed is to receive the plastics and do the assembly. Any feedback and/or comments would be appreciated, thanks. Curt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bakasama Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 This would be just the features of the High Score Cartridge in the expansion module plastics versus the stack-ontop cart to cart design I did back in 2000-2001. Does this just have the high score feature or is there room for expansion so users can add a pokey, RAM, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curt Vendel Posted August 19, 2010 Author Share Posted August 19, 2010 This would be just the features of the High Score Cartridge in the expansion module plastics versus the stack-ontop cart to cart design I did back in 2000-2001. Does this just have the high score feature or is there room for expansion so users can add a pokey, RAM, etc. No, the PCB would be HSC only. The SIO and Keyboard boards would be blocked off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gambler172 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Hi Curt Count me in.I want both...... Great news..... greetings Walter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammR25 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 So you'd need 250-300 for both combined to make this work? Sounds like the best way to go about it for plastic mold costs since some may not want anything more than the high score module. It's just too bad there won't be a way for them to upgrade later. I personally have no problem making a down payment or even giving you the entire preorder price. I won't be flipping out and calling you a scam artist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrekMD Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Count me in for #2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Leach Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I am in and can pay upfront.... Expansion Module #2: High Score/Expanded RAM/Pokey Audio/ Yamaha Audio/ I/O Expansion Ports Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 OK, but as of right now, depending on how my dispute with my credit card company pans out, I'd need to send you a check or money order, though, so I'd be willing to send it in to you early, possibly for the full amount, if possible. * I'll do a number two (2), too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DracIsBack Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 My loaded question: What games will there be for the Expansion Module when it launches? I'm highly supportive of this unit though I will hold off paying until I know there's a game or two that's completed and ready to go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Leach Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 My loaded question: What games will there be for the Expansion Module when it launches? I'm highly supportive of this unit though I will hold off paying until I know there's a game or two that's completed and ready to go. Duh, Im gonna need some games as well for this thing. Where is the menu? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underball Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 My loaded question: What games will there be for the Expansion Module when it launches? I'm highly supportive of this unit though I will hold off paying until I know there's a game or two that's completed and ready to go. Countdown until Groovybee comes in here to bitch you out for daring to ask what games will be available for it: in 5...4...3... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HammR25 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 My loaded question: What games will there be for the Expansion Module when it launches? I'm highly supportive of this unit though I will hold off paying until I know there's a game or two that's completed and ready to go. Countdown until Groovybee comes in here to bitch you out for daring to ask what games will be available for it: in 5...4...3... This thread is suppose to be about the Expansion module, not your grievances with GroovyBee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DracIsBack Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Countdown until Groovybee comes in here to bitch you out for daring to ask what games will be available for it: in 5...4...3... I've always found him to be extremely open and communicative. Not sure what your issue is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayhem Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Count me interested in #2 as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 From just glancing over the various topics in this forum, from the four top-rate programmers I know of who are already on-board, I count three games in the works and digging a little further can surmise a couple of others titles that were put aside because of limited resources that might be polished off. And the module isn't even out. I'll take 1 of each configuration, a #1 and a #2, please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Leach Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I will take 1 of each of the first 4 games as well....! Payment as soon as items are confirmed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradsco Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) I'm interested in option 2. Maybe I missed it, but will the expansion module be a viable path to using the 7800 as a dev system? Edited August 19, 2010 by schmedly 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Sauron Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Countdown until Groovybee comes in here to bitch you out for daring to ask what games will be available for it: in 5...4...3... Such comments really aren't warranted. Please do not make such unnecessary comments like this in here again, especially when they target a specific individual. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underball Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Countdown until Groovybee comes in here to bitch you out for daring to ask what games will be available for it: in 5...4...3... Such comments really aren't warranted. Please do not make such unnecessary comments like this in here again, especially when they target a specific individual. Sarcasm, the internet's worst enemy. I'm merely jokingly pointing to the fact that when I asked the same question a month ago in another thread about the 7800 XM, I was screamed at to holy hell for it. It's a touchy subject. I'd like to know what games will be available too. But everyone who has asked has gotten the same pat answer to date: "homebrewers will announce what games they are working on when they are ready. Until they do, STOP ASKING." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underball Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 From just glancing over the various topics in this forum, from the four top-rate programmers I know of who are already on-board, I count three games in the works and digging a little further can surmise a couple of others titles that were put aside because of limited resources that might be polished off. And the module isn't even out. I'll take 1 of each configuration, a #1 and a #2, please. I know of two that have been sort of announced: Groovybee's Dungeon, which looks like a fantastic Gauntlet style crawler. and possibly, opcode is working on a proper Donkey Kong Arcade. There's also the possibility that Pac-Man Collection, Pokey Edition will be ready for it as well. Groovybee also has a WIP Tempest port, but that was runnign on standard 7800 hardware, so I don't know if it will be XM needed to run it, unless he's planning on adding a bunch of features to it that require the XM. Beyond that, I've seen a bunch of wishlists of games people would like to see from non-developers, but that's about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimo Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I'm in for one of the number 2 add ons, presumably they will run on a PAL system? Can place deposit as soon as required. Is 250-300 a realistic number? that's what worries me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellis Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 Put me down for a #2, please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hex65000 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I'm in for the full blown version as well... Kurt, Just wake me up when you need some up front money. I'll also go on the record saying that keeping costs down on a design is a real PITA. I'm fighting that battle as well and the end result is that I'm going to have to make some decisions and trade offs if I want to sell any units. That said, quantity typically can equal a price break, so buying a bunch of parts is cheaper, but that is typically a larger initial outlay. I haven't even investigated a custom case like Curt is, and know that to just break even he's gonna have a ton of shells sitting around the workshop. For my own effort, I will be happy and amazed if I break even -- excluding the bits I have bought to prototype everything, and I'm still not done prototyping. Hex. [ Now if I can keep my office empty for more than 20 min. stretches I'll be good to go... ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNerd Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) Numbers are always an issue...and a month isn't a great deal of lead-time for some folks. You might want to extend the feelers out to other Atari and general gaming sites a bit - not all of them whose regulars would visit this place in a timely manner for a project like this. A lot of folks would probably like a plain high-score cart. If the other portion is delayed a bit because of the economics, I think people will understand. A couple of demos will whet peoples appetites, again. Edited August 19, 2010 by AtariNerd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coleco Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 (edited) I'd be interested in option 2. In fact, this is such a niche product, it seems like option No. 1 would not be very appealing to most people. I think most of us will prefer the full deal for $30-$40 more. Edited August 19, 2010 by Coleco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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