ATW800/2 - a legend reborn

[geekdot]

@geekdot Very much looking forward to the VME version!

Me too :D

I was reading the FAQ, specifically the limitations of the VME card cage for TT/Mste. Can some of these limitations be removed by simply taking the metal card cage out? For instance, my TT currently does not have the VME card cage installed, as I installed a NOVA & Mach64 board internally (meaning I had to remove the cage) I am thinking that the ATW800/2 could possibly fit inside a MegaSTe/TT without a card cage, as it is fairly secure when the backplate is screwed in. It is fairly straight forward for owners to do this I think. I am just wondering if you have thought of this as an option for MSTe/TT owners.

Without the cage all other options would work just fine - minus the ROMs I guess, at least for the TT.
We're totally aware that there's no weapon against the tinkerers... which is just great :lol: So for those who like to go-geek, sure, do it! And you can still retrofit all parts you might have decides against in the first place.

Also - it is great that Idek has created drivers for this!

It's the people which make a great product, not the tech.
I saw so many good projects dying because the sole creator ran out of energy or turned to something else. So it's crucial to have a team of specialist.

Is this graphics core totally in FPGA or running on ARM? Is this graphics core something which will stay unique to your card, or will this graphics core become something open and available for others to create more graphics output options for a range of Atari machines?

It's 100% FPGA.
ARMs belong into an Acorn machine. Full stop. 8-)

As for now, we're not going to put the core into Open Source. That said, "The league of extraordinary Transputer Gentlemen" is open for serious requests. Talk to us, present your project... Claus might test your VHDL skills by putting a lamp in front of your face shouting German at you. The usual stuff, you know.
Also, being me, heavily suffering from "Project ADHD", I'm pretty sure I will do some ports to other platforms. :geek:

[geekdot]

Looks interesting if only we could get our hands on TRAMs

Well, I know someone, who's still making/selling those ;-)

I had wanted to remake the FarmCard which went into the 800 ATW as several owners only have one transputer.

Feel free to try my design... the downside is that it's about 65€ to have the minimum of 5 PCBs made. Plus shipping. Plus testing... because this young man does not own an original ATW :cry:

[alexh]

I did contact you several years ago about helping Robert "Robson" Tercsi (the only person I know who has ATW800) populate his ATW800. He brings it to UK shows if you ever get the chance to meet him.