Author Topic: eZ80 Hardware Discussion  (Read 52128 times)

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Offline willrandship

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #90 on: August 07, 2010, 11:14:10 pm »
But no rectangular pixels! That was the only bad thing about the 86!

Offline TIfanx1999

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #91 on: August 07, 2010, 11:32:03 pm »
Yea, rectangular pixels would be very.. odd.

Offline DJ Omnimaga

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #92 on: August 07, 2010, 11:38:28 pm »
True, I would prefer nothing like the 85/86. At least on Casio calcs, pixels on 128x64 screens are squares. Also no blue LCDs like the 82, 85 or the 2001 version of the 83
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Offline Happybobjr

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #93 on: August 07, 2010, 11:53:26 pm »
so what is the resolution of ti 83+ pixels?
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Offline Madskillz

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #94 on: August 08, 2010, 02:13:22 am »
Can we forget about AAA batteries go with AA or some sort of rechargeable battery.
I like the idea of a 192x128 pixel setup.
I'd like to see a 3.5mm headphone jack. As well as a backlit lcd.

The other thing is the form factor of this device. Just throwing my two cents out there, but I think a look similar to the voyage 200 would cool. However I think the issue would be with all the calc buttons. Either way on what you guys decide, I think it should stand out from the TI form factor.

Offline cooliojazz

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #95 on: August 08, 2010, 02:15:07 am »
Ok, my thoughts:
For resolution, i would also go with the 192x128, albeit a same size screen.  Backlight would be great...
For ports, I think the SD would be a good addition if not to expensive, etc, but no where near necessary.  Either a mini usb-b, or usb-a is needed, the usb-a seeming the more likel choice to me, since most usb devices are usb-a.  Honestly though, I would like to see both.  A standard 1/8 in. headphone jack would be good.  And the "plug in recharge" sounds like a good idea... except when you have nothing to plug into.
Speaking of batteries, I think the best option would be rechargeable AAs, with the "plug in recharge" supported for them.  I know this has been deemed by quite a few as impractical etc, but thats just my two cents.
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I also agree that we should just build it, and worry about trying to get compatibility later with software.
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Offline tloz128

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #96 on: August 09, 2010, 10:34:18 pm »
camera anyone? lol jk  :P

I think that the calc should have a battery life of at least 20 hours, or if not, have a rechargable battery inside of it- preferably both.

« Last Edit: August 10, 2010, 12:08:03 am by tloz128 »
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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #97 on: August 09, 2010, 10:40:33 pm »
I think that we should layout the entire hardware speck, and then tell me, and I can write an emulator for it and we can start building the firmware.  A nice feature would be the ability to get the battery level programatically.

Offline rcfreak0

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #98 on: August 09, 2010, 10:42:11 pm »
I think that we should layout the entire hardware speck, and then tell me, and I can write an emulator for it and we can start building the firmware.  A nice feature would be the ability to get the battery level programatically.

^ This, cause before i can help dev anything hardware wise i need to know what we are using. lol

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #99 on: August 09, 2010, 10:46:36 pm »
Therefore, anyone on the hardware team should write up a *full* spec, including ports and everything, and post it.  Then, we can nitpick at it until it is usable, and I can make an emulator.  Let's get this show on the road, folks!

Offline TIfanx1999

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #100 on: August 10, 2010, 12:39:21 am »
That's actually a fantastic idea. I'm sure it will still take a while to iron specs. out though. :)

Offline matthias1992

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #101 on: August 10, 2010, 03:14:33 pm »
Therefore, anyone on the hardware team should write up a *full* spec, including ports and everything, and post it.  Then, we can nitpick at it until it is usable, and I can make an emulator.  Let's get this show on the road, folks!

I'll work on that. But I'll leave out all the [opional] peripherals!
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Offline calc84maniac

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #102 on: August 10, 2010, 08:53:54 pm »
Hey, I'm already working on an emulator :P
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Offline rcfreak0

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #103 on: August 10, 2010, 09:17:32 pm »
Hey, I'm already working on an emulator :P
Thats cool cant wait to actually mess with hardware tho :P

Offline willrandship

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Re: eZ80 Hardware Discussion
« Reply #104 on: August 11, 2010, 12:28:03 pm »
You know, depending how much power draw 50 mhz actually draws, battery may not be an issue. You're assuming it will cut the power usage in half, while that may not actually be true. Besides, if the calc runs >20 hrs on 50 and >30 on 20 mhz, is it really worth the sacrifice? You're already getting a ridiculous amount of time!

A lot of people, it seems, think higher resolution means bigger screen. We've had lcds that are the same size as the 84+, but much higher resolution for years, more than double, even since the GB.

you know, an emulator wouldn't be so illegal. We can't provide it with the OS, but it's not like everyone will want it, only those who want the compatibility. The only people who will care about compatibility will know how calculator games will work, and can get ahold of their own rom, along with the emu, say, from ticalc.org.

as for keypads, are we going the Alpha-lock route, or the separate buttons? Heck, I'm fine with either configuration, it would just be nice to know which.