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Author Topic: Custom A1200: Project Phoenix  (Read 3687 times)

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Offline AndyCTopic starter

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Custom A1200: Project Phoenix
« on: February 01, 2003, 10:45:56 PM »
OK... "Project Phoenix" is a crap name, but I want to grab some attention here!

I have a bold and imaginative plan that I'd like to share with you all (because I desperately need some help!!)

I have an Amiga with the following hardware installed:

Standard Desktop A1200, Rev 1D-4 Mobo, 3.1 ROMs , 2Mb Chip RAM, Blizzard 1260, 32Mb Fast RAM, 2.1Gb 2.5" internal Hard Disk, SurfSquirrel SCSI interface, 8x External CD-Rom.

I also have the following hardware not currently installed (or surplus to requirements):

Blizzard 1230 50MHz, 16Mb Fast RAM
Elbox A1200 FastATA EIDE Controller
Spare fully working Standard Desktop A1200, Rev 2B Mobo, 3.0 ROMs, 2Mb Chip RAM, 266 Mb 2.5" Internal Hard Disk.
Spare disassembled Standard Desktop A1200, Rev 2B Mobo, No Floppy or Roms (Formerly housed in a tower)

In the post (or on the way shortly) I have an Eyetech MAS Player. I am also considering bidding on a GVP G-Lock genlock on E-Bay.

Once I have the MAS Player, I will have an Amiga capable of real-time full quality MP3 playback, as well as standard Music CD playback.

Once I have a genlock, I will be able to overlay the Amiga video output onto the TV.

Once I have a CNet PCMCIA ethernet card, I will be able to share the internet connection with my PC.

Once I have an EZLink Infrabox (based on the CU Amiga Magazine Air Link DIY project) I will be able to control the Amiga remotely, and my TV, Hi-Fi, Video, and Playstation via the Amiga. Or, I could get an infrared Keyboard and Mouse to do the same thing.

So... to recap, with all the above hardware installed, and the required software configured correctly, I should be able to do the following remotely through my Amiga and TV:

1) Browse the Internet via shared ethernet and TCP/IP.
2) Load and play MP3s stored either on the a) PC Hard Disk, or b) Amiga CD-Rom, with audio output to the TV/ Hi-Fi
3) Play standard Music CDs from the Amiga CD-Rom, with audio output to the TV/ Hi-Fi.
4) Play a multitude of Amiga Games installed on the local hard disk, or download (legally of course) ADF games from the internet and install directly to the Amiga.
5) Use the Genlock to overlay the MP3 player interface on the TV Picture.

You might be asking "Why?", and you'd probably be right! But, wouldn't it be cool to do that on hardware that's effectively 10 years old?

You can probably imagine, however, that this will take up a large amount of space, what with separate PSUs for the Amiga and CD-Rom, as well as numerous cables: not to mention the A1200 itself.

However, this is where I need the help: I need to rehouse the A1200, the Hard Disk, CD-ROM, InfraRed unit, MAS Player and everything else in a tidy (dare I say stylish?!) desktop case. This way, it could fit in nicely with the VCR, Playstation2, and TV.

I thought about trying to mount this all in a CDTV case (somehow!) but I don't think this is possible.

If ANYONE! can help me here, and wants to help me with a potentially rewarding Custom Amiga project, please let me know!

In my opinion, this could form the basis for a cost effective, classic Amiga based consumer elctronic device that may gain a fair amount of interest.

Any thoughts, advice or otherwise would be very much appreciated!!!

Cheers and Beers,
AndyC

Edinburgh

PS. Wish me luck!!
Sarah Palin... seriously?
 

Offline AndyCTopic starter

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Re: Custom A1200: Project Phoenix
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2003, 11:25:12 PM »
That looks about right...

I studies Finland as part of an Architectural Design project last year, so the language is familiar to me, but still impossible to read!!

Itake it, however, that this is a standard VCR case which has been stripped out, and has been fitted with new front and back panels for the CD-Rom tray, Floppy drive etc.

I also take it that the ports on the A1200 mobo have been extended to the backplane???

A basic translation would be very helpful... and it just so happens that I could probably put my hands on a spare VCR case!

Cheers,
AndyC
Sarah Palin... seriously?
 

Offline AndyCTopic starter

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Re: Custom A1200: Project Phoenix
« Reply #2 on: February 02, 2003, 03:18:05 PM »
Thanks for all the help folks...

Keep it coming!!!

I'll definitely be looking for some help with that remote control MP3 player mind you!

Cheers,
AndyC
Sarah Palin... seriously?