tnt23 wrote:
Fitting the current version of PCB instead of original disk drive could be slightly unusable on big Amigas. Currently it has its controls - LCD and buttons - soldered on the same PCB
I am not a particular fan of the LCD & Multiple buttons idea. Yes it makes it platform independent, but it adds significantly to the overall cost and as you say it makes it difficult to replace
"any"[/i] 3.5" floppy drive.
After all you have a powerful computer and a TV, why do you need an LCD?
I prefer the idea of only one button (which would be in the position of the Eject) and using the host machine to select disk images.
How would you do that?
A default boot image (selected on power-up or if the eject is held down for 2 seconds).
The boot image is part binary file, and part interaction with the controller.
The binary file provides the preliminary boot media and the menu system. The controller provides the flash card file listings and a way of selecting a disk image by writing data (back to the controller).
Of course you would need a different "default image" for each target platform, but I am sure they could be knocked together with partners from each scene in 5-10 mins.
Especially if you open-sourced the API (i.e. which tracks do what etc.)
By keeping multi-disk games in folders on the flash card, you could select between disks by simply pressing the eject button for less than 2 seconds to cycle through.
If we could agree a partnership and an API, then I would arrange to get the default boot image (dual-format) coded for the Amiga/ST for an experiment?
By getting rid of the LCD and extra buttons (and support code) the floppy emulator can be reduced in complexity and mass produced for a low price. (And/Or for a high profit ;-))
