Ulimate SuperCPU+

[Shaun_CCC(UK)]

Posted here: http://forum.cmdrkey.com/viewtopic.php?t=475 and on L***n64, it reads as follows:

From Gideon (http://www.1541ultimate.net/content/index.php): "There are indeed plans to create a SCPU image for the 1541U Hardware. That means: no hardware change, but a completely different behaviour of the cartridge. The FPGA content would be different of course, offering you SCPU functionality. So *NO* built-in 1541, but just SCPU. [Of course the idea is that two 1541U's should work in a cart-expander, one as SCPU, one as 1541U.]"

I'm not sure how a cartridge extender board would work, but then at least he's giving it a go, and it means that we don't need to hope for a SCPU to come along at less than $1000USD!!!

Also, from the Commodore Computer Club (UK):

"I've been speaking to Gideon about implementing a SuperCPU-compatible device; how he does this is up to him, and he is choosing to implement in within the U1541+, which is fairly sensible from his point of view. The suggestion was made back in the summer, and Gideon said that he wanted to wait until the Autumn, but would like to work with us as we had experienced SCPU users in our ranks.

Anyway, the Commodore Computer Club (UK) is working with Gideon and providing him with a SuperCPU initially, and will further provide him with a C128 + MMU so that he may observe how the MMU works, and how it allows the SCPU 128 to access the 128's modes. The first thing though is to get his implementation working in 64 mode. After he is satisfied, and we have something basically does the same job, he can then look at further improvements to the hardware.

He seemed reluctant at the idea of our offer of funding, as our club is not for profit. So, on that basis, we will simply pre-order these devices for our club shop. Some of these will be offered to programmers on the agreement that they actually create something useful, be it a game or application.

Further more, we will be seeking agreement with the Ultimate New Comer team and Protovision to bundle authorised copies of UNC, Metal Dust and Virtual Assembler 16 with this device, which will make a nice bundle. UNC is being developed to take advantage of the SuperCPU by putting all of the game data into RAM, meaning no more disk swapping - It should also be just a little bit faster.

As this device will be available through our shop, member prices will be 10% less than non-member prices, in accordance with our club rules.

Yes, we are aware that a SCPU implementation will not suit everyone out there.

Yes, we are aware that many people are happy with the 1541U+ in its current state, and will not want to upgrade that.

Yes, we know that many programmers prefer 6502 over 65816.

And finally, we know that most C64 fans/users don't want a SuperCPU.

But we are still backing this device because we know that many people would like to get hold of a SuperCPU without taking a chance on an auction.

More details will soon be available at www.supercpu.co.uk. For now, that domain points to the CCC (UK) homepage."

Regards,

Shaun.

[RobertB]

From Gideon (http://www.1541ultimate.net/content/index.php): "There are indeed plans to create a SCPU image for the 1541U Hardware.

Best wishes to Gideon in this endeavor!

                           Truly,
                           Robert Bernardo
                           Fresno Commodore User Group
                           http://videocam.net.au/fcug
                           The Other Group of Amigoids
                           http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/

[Shaun_CCC(UK)]

Hi Robert,

Thanks for that!

For anyone who is interested in this device, there are two threads on our club forums.

This one:

http://www.commodorecomputerclub.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8

is basically being used to gather information about the SuperCPU, so if there is anything that you think we've missed, please feel free to add it - this will of course be helpful to Gideon in his quest to create a working SuperCPU-compatible device.

And, last but least, this one:

http://www.commodorecomputerclub.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=88

will harbour announcements as we get them, and will be a good place to ask questions, or make suggestions, or just generally chat about the project.

Of course, you may talk about it here too ;-)

Regards,

Shaun.

[naI]

Is this still in the works?  I haven't heard anything for a couple of years now...

[RobertB]

I haven't heard anything for a couple of years now...

From information obtained from the C= grapevine, I hear that Gideon Z. is supposedly concentrating on the 1541 Ultimate right now.  If I see him at the June Commodore Netherlands Show, I can ask him directly.

          FCUG celebrating 30 years,
          Robert Bernardo
          Fresno Commodore User Group
          http://videocam.net.au/fcug
          The Other Group of Amigoids
          http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
          Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
          http://www.sccaners.org

[naI]

If I see him at the June Commodore Netherlands Show, I can ask him directly.

Thanks, I appreciate it!