Minimig PCB run - interest thread

[SteveSMS]

Oeh! I want one too! Actually, i want 2. One assembled and one unassembled.

Here's an idea: How about you put a RAM slot on the board (SD-RAM or so), so we can have extra FAST or CHIP ram?  :idea:
That would be VERY nice

Don't know if it's possible though...


Edit: would it be possible to "upload" new "firmware" to the FPGA? For example, an AGA chipset? Maybe through the serial port?

[keedon]

Where do I send the money?

[alexh]

Edit: would it be possible to "upload" new "firmware" to the FPGA? Maybe through the serial port?

Erm, you put the FPGA image on the MMC card. I thought everyone knew that?

For example, an AGA chipset?

You wont be able to update to AGA though. Not with the original MiniMig PCB.

o No 32-bit processor (No real point in AGA without an 020+).

o 16-bit RAM (need 32-bit for AGA).

o 12-bit R2R ladder / Video DAC (need 24-bit for AGA)

You might be able to work around the RAM thing if you ran the RAM interface at 2x speed. (Dunno if that is possible, probably have to run everything at 2x speed and divide down inside FPGA).

I guess you could ignore the lack of colours on the screen. (I've not looked that close at the PCB design, perhaps there are more than 12-bits, OCS/ECS only needs 12-bits but you never know.)

But there is no getting round the CPU bit.

[reddwarfer]

I'd be interested in buying one!

[PaSha]

12x12 cm = Nano-ITX, so people can buy ready-made Nano-ITX cases, and probably fit them in mini-ITX cases as well.
This size will also fit in a 5,25" drive bay or 5,25" external drive case.

My wishes:
- IDC pin headers for the ports.
- Fix the errors Dennis mentioned.

Would there be any way of making the VGA port output composite sync? If so, that enables the usage of a RGB SCART cable for TV hookup.

Count me in (assembled), as long as i can stick it on a TV.

-Paul

[SteveSMS]

alexh wrote:
Erm, you put the FPGA image on the MMC card. I thought everyone knew that?

I didn't...

alexh wrote:
You wont be able to update to AGA though. Not with the original MiniMig PCB.

o No 32-bit processor (No real point in AGA without an 020+).

o 16-bit RAM (need 32-bit for AGA).

o 12-bit R2R ladder / Video DAC (need 24-bit for AGA)

You might be able to work around the RAM thing if you ran the RAM interface at 2x speed. (Dunno if that is possible, probably have to run everything at 2x speed and divide down inside FPGA).

I guess you could ignore the lack of colours on the screen. (I've not looked that close at the PCB design, perhaps there are more than 12-bits, OCS/ECS only needs 12-bits but you never know.)

But there is no getting round the CPU bit.

Hmm... Ahh well, can't have everything in the world, can you?

[Jope]

Hmm I'll settle for whatever board size wins. Don't really care about the size. 12x12 is fine, but if not, then something else.. Also I don't care how the connectors will be, so I'll go with whatever majority decides.

Or well the VGA connector should probably be mounted directly on the PCB, as the image quality suffers quite quickly if it's tethered on a ribbon connector.

[Snocksman]

Hi !

I would like to have a fully assembled one, depending on the price...

[m1screant]

I will take one in any format i can get my hands on. Cheers

[jkonstan]

 I am interested in two to four unpopulated boards.

 :-)

[Everblue]

I want one please, assembled, and preferably in a nice case! I dont want to solder anything.

One question: will the picture output be via SCART/RGB or VGA?

Thanks

[Nycran]

Holy Tobasco! This is the most exciting Amiga news in years.

Count me in.  Fully assembled, 12 x 12 would be better (so long as someone comes up with a custom case that we can buy as an extra).  Otherwise mini ITX might be better.

I think it's fair to say that you'll get an initial run of 100 of these things, no problem.

As a suggestion, don't under-price them.  Figure out how long it takes you to assemble and do basic tests on a unit, and then price accordingly.  You'll need to be motivated to keep going!

[TiredOLife]

As long as there is no soldering for me to do, I'll go with whatever.

[mingle]

Yep, the 12 x 12cm format sounds perfect. That way it can fit in any size case you want.

The option of the external connectors (VGA, Joystick, etc) on 'stand-off' ribbons cables is also a good idea, since then it would make it easier to fit nicely into larger cases.

But you want to keep it simple (like the EFIKA).

Is there any way we can have an online poll to make it easier to see what people would prefer (rather than wading through these replies)?

Also ready-assembled is much better. I don't see the point of a bare PCB (for the majority of potential customers...)

Maybe you could get the bloke in China to do the whole lot (PCB, assembly, etc.)? I'd say the current projected price is more than a bargain. If assembly of a complete product in China bumps the price up to say $US 100 I'm sure you'd still have LOADS of buyers.

Cheers,

Mike.

[techie]

*raises hand* Me too! Me too! :-D
I'd love to get my hands on an assembled board.

Now for my two cents  :-)

1) I'd like to see a mini-itx version.
While I understand that there are case modders out there that would love to get there hands on a smaller board (smaller board = bigger possibilities) I think for the rest of us out there it would just be a lot easier if we stick with standards.

2) Please incorporate Dennis' improvements if you can. If you can't no big deal :-)
I'm sure you're going to be hearing all sorts of idea's for improving on the design (in fact I guarantee it :roll:) and while I am all for the idea of making the board AGA compatible in the future I think for now it's best to keep things simple and maybe just incorporate the fixes Dennis spoke of (if possible).

3) Custom case would be cool but focus on one thing at a time.
I for one have been dieing to get a new A1000 case molded (one that doesn't yellow with age ) but alas I think it's better that you focus on this project for now.

Though in the future I hope you'll consider it (or maybe even size reduced A1000 case) :-)

Side Note:
Now am I mistaken or does the minimig already supported VGA out :-? This is defiantly a must have for me.

[freqmax]

"swap pin81 and pin 79 on the FPGA. This way you still have four user-IO's left. You do need to change the .UCF file though and recompile the core."

This means non-patched and patched boards won't be compatible. Please let's at a minimum have this patch incorperated. Or we might end with two fpga binaries.. (for no good reason).

The other fixes doesn't seem to affect the plain software aspect of the board.