The reason for my Prototype label scan request

[OldGuru]

Ok, so here it is:

We (a good friend and myself) are in the process of developing a family of development cartridges for various systems.

The first one will be for the Atari 5200 and it will be followed by its Atari 2600 version.

The idea is pretty simple: a Flash based cartridge with a CPLD for the logic part. The user downloads the desired code via the parallel port to the development cartridge (Which we call Megacart). The program will allow for personal multicart compilation as well. Via the GUI, the users will be able to select their favorite games, compile and download them all (up to the limit of the Flash of course, which is now 4Mbit = 512KB) to the Megacart. This is all done near the PC using a base loader unit (This base unit is common to the Atari 5200 and 2600 versions). Once the Megacart has been loaded with the code, it can be removed from the base loader unit and be used in the console. If more than one game was compiled, a menu code will appear on the console for the game selection.

Basically, this is the concept…

 

How far did we get?

We have all the hardware prototypes as well as code to access the Flash via the parallel port (through the CPLD). The (consoles) menu code is almost ready and the integration phase will start soon. The GUI (windows based) program is in its early integration phase.

 

When will it be available?

There is quite some way to go, however, we think that we have proofed the concept and we that we are heading in the right direction.

 

How much will it cost?

It is too early to say as for the development we ordered low quantities for higher price. One certain thing is: we are trying to reduce the final cost as much as we can.

 

Will you be able to see it before its final version?

Yes, if you come to PhillyClassic…

 

 

Whish us luck and keep your fingers crossed…

[+RangerG]

Wow -- sounds and looks incredible and great to know the 5200 is being included instead of just being for the 2600. Just make sure to make it easy to use so everyone will want it. I wish you the best of luck on it!

-- RG

[sku_u]

That looks sweet!!!

[+Cafeman]

So you are making a programmable multi-cart for 5200 and 2600? Great! Such convenience!

 

512K could yield 16 32K 5200 Homebrews.

 

or 32 16K games. Just out of curiousity, how many games fit on the existing 5200 multicarts? Although I've always wanted one, for some reason I never got around to ordering one.

[CPUWIZ]

Just out of curiousity, how many games fit on the existing 5200 multicarts?  Although I've always wanted one, for some reason I never got around to ordering one.

 

All but Super Pac-Man and BBSB, I think >90.

[DEBRO]

Looks good Ronen. I wish I could be a Philly to see it.

[sku_u]

I just booted mine up. There are 95 games listed on the menu, but Super Pac-Man is one (and doesn't work) and Boogie Demo and Yellow Submarine aren't really games.

[t.skid]

Seems a very good work

[Video]

Most awesome. I'll be looking forward to those. I'm looking into programming for 2600, and possibley 5200....well, hacking, I still know to little to program independantly. I think these would help out a lot.

 

BTW, this will let you essentually flash a cardtridge, and then put it in your system to watch it run right? That's what It sounds like your talking about.

 

That'd be awesome, a real Devo system for 26005200

[OldGuru]

BTW, this will let you essentually flash a cardtridge, and then put it in your system to watch it run right?

 

This is correct.

 

OG.

[OldGuru]

BTW, this will let you essentually flash a cardtridge, and then put it in your system to watch it run right?

 

This is correct.

 

OG.

[Video]

That's cool. So, how far are you into the developement? I mean, how soon do you think you'll be finished?

 

Oh, and I guess one more thing, what type of computer software will you need to run this?

[OldGuru]

how far are you into the developement? I mean, how soon do you think you'll be finished?

 

Hardware:

We have prototypes PCB for all parts.

The base loader is pretty much complete. There are some mechanical issues that still require solution.

The A52 Megacart can now play a single game (I tested Koffi and Castle Blast) that was downloaded via the parallel port.

The A26 Megacart can now play 4KB games only (no Bank switching was implemented yet).

 

Software:

PC-

We are working on both DOS and WIN based programs.

The DOS version is pretty simple now and allows a single file downloading - this will change though.

The WIN version is in a better shape but still requires some more work.

Consoles-

A menu code is needed for both consoles to enable the user to choose the wanted game when multiple have been downloaded.

A5200 - A basic scrolling text code is ready. Integration is needed.

A2600 - A basic scrolling text code is ready. Integration is needed.

 

what type of computer software will you need to run this?

Our software is PC based and for the most, the WIN version will be used. This program allows the user to create and compile their own multicart, download it to the megacart, read back existing flashes, verify etc.

 

Hope it helps,

OG.

[Video]

It sure does.

 

Sounds like your coming along great. And it's nice that you have your own software program running this. I don't know how many things' I've bought (not related to programing, but other things) that you had to find your own software to run it, and it often didn't run properly cause I can't ever find what I need.

 

Anyhow, keep up the good work, I'm sure you'll have millions of people pouring in wanting one.