Refreshed Casio GII models come with Prizm CPU

[fxdev]

Yes, it's true. They now use an SH-4A CPU (without FPU) like on the Prizm. Meaning that it should be possible to share at least some code between both platforms. Also, the new fx-9860GII SD now supports SDHC cards with up to 32 GB of memory (which the Prizm doesn't!).

You can identify the new models by the label "USB POWER GRAPHIC 2" or by the preinstalled firmware version "OS 2.02".

[flyingfisch]

Can the regular power graphic models use prizm code also?

[Art_of_camelot]

Oh, wow. That's pretty cool. =)

[fxdev]

Can the regular power graphic models use prizm code also?

No. The Prizm OS has been compiled directly for SH-4A meaning that new instructions and processor-specific entensions are used. These would cause critical exceptions on an SH-3 CPU. What I mean with "code sharing" is that, for instance, we could use the init code for the Prizm's frequency control register (FRQCR) to speed up the new GII CPU to 58 MHz as well.

[Art_of_camelot]

A couple more questions:

1.)What is your information source?
2.)Do you know if they changed the screen resolution?

[fxdev]

1.) Casio guru Simon Lothar
2.) Just look at the picture: No, they did not change the display.

[MPoupe]

The difference of SD and non-SD model may help to add SD support to the Prizm model (hoping, that only connector + few discrete parts are missing and Prizm FW has SD supports)

Just an idea ... :-)

[Eiyeron]

Er-, not really secure, like mod...
But sounds COOL!

[flyingfisch]

Can the regular power graphic models use prizm code also?

No. The Prizm OS has been compiled directly for SH-4A meaning that new instructions and processor-specific entensions are used. These would cause critical exceptions on an SH-3 CPU. What I mean with "code sharing" is that, for instance, we could use the init code for the Prizm's frequency control register (FRQCR) to speed up the new GII CPU to 58 MHz as well.

Does this mean that Power Graphic SH-3 FX-9860's will not be able to use add-ins developed for FX-9860 Power Graphics 2 models?

[DJ Omnimaga]

I kinda like the look of the old model, though. Still nice, though.

However, does this means old FX-9860G add-ins will no longer run on this new model?

[fxdev]

Does this mean that Power Graphic SH-3 FX-9860's will not be able to use add-ins developed for FX-9860 Power Graphics 2 models?

If they solely use SH-4A-specific features, then yes.
But my hope is that most experienced hackers will make their programs cross-platform compatible.

However, does this means old FX-9860G add-ins will no longer run on this new model?

Indeed, most add-ins have stopped working.

I kinda like the look of the old model, though.

Nah! I'm still a fan of the classic fx-9860G SD!

[DJ Omnimaga]

It would really suck if Casio broke compatibility with old programs. It would mean they're going the TI route in some ways (remember OS 2.53 MP and how old Lua programs break in newer Nspire OSes)

[fxdev]

It would really suck if Casio broke compatibility with old programs. It would mean they're going the TI route in some ways (remember OS 2.53 MP and how old Lua programs break in newer Nspire OSes)

Would? They did break compatibility. But it's not their fault as they warned their users not to access hardware directly.
If you used the official Casio SDK, your programs will continue to work. However, this SDK offers very limited functionality only.

[DJ Omnimaga]

Hmm calm down, it happens to everyone to miss something in posts when reading. I didn't see someone mentionned they broke compatibility in previous posts, hence why I asked. Also your post above mine was edited with the answer to my question after I replied again. Anyway this still sucks. At least they warned users to not access hardware directly, though, unlike Texas Instruments with hardware changes and stuff. Also even if it's not their fault, it's still a bit their responsibility to offer a SDK that allows people enough freedom to not have to access hardware directly.

[willrandship]

On the plus side, that means that Prizm progs will be more easily ported to them! That's not so bad, considering the amount of prizm programs that are coming in.