FPGAArcade case

[Everblue]

It is going to be one hell of a ride

But the good thing is that we start with something really really good from the start, so with every 'addon' it just gets more awesome.

[Everblue]

We'll still need connectors or else we'll also have to fit the entire expansion cards in the FPGA too.  

What I mean is that, for example, a Picasso would be in FPGA format... or any other board, you dont have to buy Zorro cards and that ancient stuff any more.

[Darrin]

What I mean is that, for example, a Picasso would be in FPGA format... or any other board, you dont have to buy Zorro cards and that ancient stuff any more.

True, but someone still has to make the effort to work out how every pice of that hardware works and then recreate it in the FPGA.  An expansion board with a Zorro connector or a PCI slot could open up the world to existing cards (drivers permitting) immediately.

Imagine if Elbox saw a market to make a PCI expansion board for the FPGA Arcade.  They already have existing drivers for a number of cards.  We could even add a real Radeon card and have 32bit 1920x1080 displays!

The potential is there to make the FPGA Arcade as expandable as a "real" big-box Amiga.  Doing this via expansion boards keeps the cost down and means that people who want a games machine don't need to pay for a work-horse.  

[Everblue]

I agree 100%

Can I make an Elbox joke?

[Darrin]

I agree 100%

Can I make an Elbox joke?

LOL, not if you want to see a "FPGA Arcade Mediator 5000".  

[Everblue]

But is it ok if I buy the SharkPPC first (well after the Dragonfire)?

[Darrin]

But is it ok if I buy the SharkPPC first (well after the Dragonfire)?

LOL.  Cruel.  

[Everblue]

@Darrin

Not sure you saw this:

To power the Arcade FPGA do you use a similar PSU for the minimig? Or you have to use an ATX Supply or a PICOPSU?

[Darrin]

@Darrin

Not sure you saw this:

To power the Arcade FPGA do you use a similar PSU for the minimig? Or you have to use an ATX Supply or a PICOPSU?

I've powered mine in 2 ways.  I used the original PSU for my Minimig v1.1 initially, but then I switched to a MOLEX connector from a IDE/SATA-to-USB adapter kit.

[Everblue]

Looking again at the board there is a 5v input. I assume I can use a laptop type PSU?

Nevermind, I see you already did that =)

[bbond007]

My laptop has an 18.1" screen, full keboard, 2 internal hard drives and weighs a ton.  I'm not the sort of guy who goes for tiny gadgets that could fall through a hole in my pocket.  

My laptop is 18.4

I got you beat....

[TheDaddy]

Looking again at the board there is a 5v input. I assume I can use a laptop type PSU?

Nevermind, I see you already did that =)

I am just guessing but a 80-90-120-150 or 160W picoPSU with external brick should work, we really need Mike to answer this...

[Everblue]

In that case, for simplicity (back on topic), the case should just have a hole on the back to connect the 5v pin. Then it is just a matter of getting a 5V brick as TheDaddy says.

Something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-VOLT-5A-DC-POWER-ADAPTER-SUPPLY-CCTV-SECURITY-UK-SAMSUNG-Q170B-V170-/250926915681?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_PowerSupplies&hash=item3a6c68e061

But with more amps?

[Darrin]

My laptop is 18.4

I got you beat....

LOL.  I'm going to have to hunt down a tap measure now.  I've got a HP Pavilion dv8...

[TheDaddy]

In that case, for simplicity (back on topic), the case should just have a hole on the back to connect the 5v pin. Then it is just a matter of getting a 5V brick as TheDaddy says.

Something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-VOLT-5A-DC-POWER-ADAPTER-SUPPLY-CCTV-SECURITY-UK-SAMSUNG-Q170B-V170-/250926915681?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccessories_PowerSupplies&hash=item3a6c68e061

But with more amps?

Exactly, we need to know the exact power/voltages needed by the fpga.

[Everblue]

Exactly, we need to know the exact power/voltages needed by the fpga.

Well Darrin said that he used the Minimig PSU with it. I wonder if he had any problems with it?

Let us know Darrin =)