Cameleon is shipping

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http://www.c64scene.com/c64/?p=2408
 

Finally,  Indivision’s Chameleon cartridge will be released before Christmas … Chameleon has entered production.
This month the first 50 units of batch 0 will be shipped to  hardcore users to iron out the last glitches.
The expectations are that batch 1, the first regular customer batch will be delivered before Christmas, there is no data available about the planned number of units.

Must... find... money... somewhere...

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Edit: Any love for the 128?

No, I hope Jens changes his mind in the future.

Edit2: You know, the only thing this is missing is a ROM socket for  JiffyDOS     

I'd assume it will take advantage of JiffyDOS when plugged into a real C64 equiped with JiffyDOS.

and a power supply -- you could do without the actual C64!!

It can be powered by it's USB connector. Yes, it can be used without an actual C64.

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Turbo last I heard was 4mhz.

I think I heard between 2.5Mhz and 4Mhz depending on what you are doing. That could have changed.The nice thing is the Turbo function has full 6510 processor compatibility (incl. illegal opcodes). This means in theory just about everything can be sped up, including games! I love my 20Mhz SuperCPU, but very few games get a boost.

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So is this basically the C64 counterpart to the minimig ?

It is really much more than that.

Technical data in short:      

• VGA-output with 60 Hz refresh rate or more
• Turbo function with full 6510 processor compatibility (incl. illegal opcodes)
• Cycle-exact REU (memory expansion) with 16 MB RAM
• MMC/SD card slot with             MMC64             compatibility and 1541-emulation
• Connector for PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard
• Freezer (compatible with             Retro             Replay)
• Bright yellow case with blue buttons
• Battery-backed real time clock
• IR receiver for             CDTV remote control
• Stereo audio out for stereo SID emulation
• USB link to a PC for debugging and data transfer
• Connector for             RR-Net (10 Mbit Ethernet)

Minimig is not an expansion for a real amiga, but solely a standalone that is pretty much a bone stock A500. While this is can used as a stand alone, it really shines when plugged into a real C64. Even as a stand alone it expands on the real C64. The video output can be programmed as with better video modes, think video card for C64.

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So a standalone C64 (plus more) that also can plug into a real 64 as an expansion cartridge ?

Yes.

And providing VGA output means no messing around with obscure monitors or old TV's.

Right! I wonder how advanced the floppy emulation will be with the built in SD adapter. The MMC64 and MMC Replay were a bit lacking, this says 1541 emulation. It should handle D64s with custom loaders a lot better than most solutions if that is the case.

I certainly will be getting one, the question is when. My financial situation is putrid atm. :rant:

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Wow nothing like paying 200$ for an upgrade for a 20$ computer... haha but I have to admit I'd buy one, just for the vga output.

I paid $550 for my SuperCPU 128 in 2007, they are going for about $1,500 nowadays. Somewhat different beast than a Chameleon, but as a comparison the Chameleon is a screaming bargain!

I still have a c64c that I'd like to learn to program the sid chip in  basic on, but I've never gotten around to it. Does anyone know any  guides to programming the sid in c64 built in basic? I'd like to make  arpeggiated synth loops to them sample with my pc...

Check the Graphics and Sound section on DLH's site.

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Wow thanks what a fantastic reference. I have to get some printer cartridges thats awesome. I mean pdfs are fine but I prefer to print out books like this so I can sit in front of the thing and bang away.
 
What a motherloard of c64 info, THANKS alot! Now I really need a chameleon to go with my c64c!
 
Steven

It is very good indeed! Everyone reading this should check their collection and see if they have anything not included yet on that site. If you have anything not included, please consider donating it to the project. I've donated 13 books and I think others have donated more than that.

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So what is this exactly? A C64 clone that plugs into the C64 cart slot?!?

When plugged into a C64 cart slot it is a monsterous expansion with all features listed. It may also be used as a stand alone device, you would just lose the estras of having a real C64 (using real floppy drives and pheripherals, real C64 keyboard etc)
 

I'm confused. Also, where is the order link?

The link was a news item. AFAIK only Vesalia has them for sale atm.

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This is a nice project, if a little pricey (but hey, Jens has to cover his dev costs). Does it have an option to come in a case that isn't a bright yellow cartridge?
 
Will there be updates for the FPGA to add new features?
 
Will the core be ported to Minimig / FPGAArcade, so that a single bit of hardware can handle both the C64 and the Amiga cores?

AFAIK it is only coming in yellow atm. You could buy another color case and mod it yourself... The other questions only Jens could answer.

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hmm expensive. I'd love it for vga adaption alone but I think I'd rather spend money on fpgaarcade. I already have the u1541-ii cart for my c128dcr. I think If i was not going to use the real hardware I'd just plonk for using vice with my ps2 control pad
 
I would not turn it down if given it but hmm just seems uber expensive (in USD that is)

Keep in mind the USD price on Vesalia includes 19% VAT, which AFAIK you would not have to pay. The price should be 19% lower for US buyers.