SGC successor brainstorming

[Peter]

Hi folks,

it's been a long while since we discussed this, but it was not forgotten...

[*]I could completely live without microdrives, with the limited supply of cartridges, there's not much point in them. SD is a perfect replacement
[*]No need to have much on-board ROM other than a small loader - Load the OS from card
[*](at least) VGA output is a must. High-color and Hi-Res up to 800x600 (not much more) is a nice option.
[*]I'd like to see the network retained
[...]
[*]Allowing video double buffering in smaller resolutions would be nice (two screens, ideally movable)
[...]
[*]I don't see the need for a floppy interface once you have SD cards.

Implemented.

We need a reliable dedicated video connection to allow existing commonly available monitors to be used.

Implemented.

I would like the same functionality of the Q68 on the QL.
I think Ethernet can be disregarded, connection can be achieved via a fast serial port to a PC.
The main upgrade of the QL would be a HI-Colour VESA display, with similar display modes of the Q68.
The new board to run SMSQ/E.

Implemented.

Basically, if it had all that the SGC(clone) has but add DVI/HDMI video output and an SD card interface (hard disk) that would be ample.

Implemented.

What will be the name?
HyperGoldCard?
PlatinumCard?
DiamondCard?

Something with "Gold" in the name indeed...

This goes without saying, the 8301 ULA should be forgotten. Trying to build something around it is far more trouble than it's worth and for a 80s-of-previous-century result.

Agreed.

1. RAM
2. PS2 or USB Mouse port
3. Battery backed RTC
4. SD card for getting programs in from a PC that downloaded them (ie. it can read fat32 dos files)
5. EPROM slots or SD for loading ROMS

Implemented.

In other words, what I would like to see the most for a SGC replacement (and as I said I understand I might be alone here) is more speed and memory [...]

Implemented.

Personally, my "ideal solution" would be a Q68 that plugs into a BBQL, like the QIMSI's "mini-Q68"
[...]
I can dream

That was close. Sometimes dreams come true.

The result might be a small surprise... watch this forum

Peter

[FrancoisLanciault]

Starting to put money aside today! Whatever that small surprise is, I am sure it will be very cool.

François

[Sparrowhawk]

Wonderful news Peter. You have been busy!

Looking forward to the big reveal Or small reveal

[napsternds]

Waiting for more news with high expectations.

Thank you Peter

[Maskenlos]

Peter, this is creating needs at the forum members
I already receive Emails ...

Stephan

[afx]

Wow Peter!! Great as always!

Out of curiosity, two questions:
. Will it have a high speed rs-232 output (qimsi style "ser4")? (I believe I understood that yes).
- If it has video, memory, keyboard/mouse... Will it also be able to work autonomously (without the QL)?

It will definitely be a "must have" expansion for any QL enthusiast.

... this is creating needs at the forum members
I already receive Emails ...

... many of us are eager for an "ultra-super-gold-card".

By the way, I've been 'playing' with my QIMSI for the last few weeks, and I wanted to publicly express my gratitude to Peter and Stepah for this great development. I now have my QL-GC and my Q68 with a KVM switch sharing a good keyboard, mouse, VGA, QLNET, RS232, .WIN volumes, ... and everything flows wonderfully. This is awesome! But if we add what Peter is discussing about the successor of the SGC, I think our minds are going to be blown.

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi,

Great news, let know how I can support the project.

[Peter]

Out of curiosity, two questions:
. Will it have a high speed rs-232 output (qimsi style "ser4")? (I believe I understood that yes).

Yes. And it has higher throughput now, if used directly with Minerva or SMSQ/E on the accellerated CPU.

- If it has video, memory, keyboard/mouse... Will it also be able to work autonomously (without the QL)?

Yes. But my primary target is the QL.

By now, I have announced it: viewtopic.php?p=56909

By the way, I've been 'playing' with my QIMSI for the last few weeks, and I wanted to publicly express my gratitude to Peter and Stepah for this great development.

Many thanks. The new card is based on QIMSI, but with 32 MB SDRAM and highres/highcolor graphics, it is a different league...