Re: Mark Twain / ROM4

[Drew <goggledrew@gmail.com>]

On Sep 4, 6:09 pm, "AMart79...@gmail.com" <amart79...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> On Sep 4, 6:29 am, Drew <goggled...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > It is a real shame that the ROM04 never came out :(. It was very
> > interesting to read that people are working on a ROM05 via the kfest
> > updates, but when it gets completed does anyone know if its planned to
> > be available to buy in a kind of kit/prebuilt kit form ? and If you
> > will need an existing motherboard? Would be kool if the case lid can
> > be molded out of plastic and same colour as the existing GS lid so it
> > looks all official :-)
>
> > Drew
>
> Ah yes, The ROM05 project is actually a pretty neat little project
> (not little...actually lots of things to do to make it happen).  As
> Tony stated, the ROM chip is the same as the 03, but my ROM05 is
> actually going to have a upgraded ROM.  At this point, a small hack
> only edits the ROM number displayed, but, we will be looking to adding
> system tools to it as well.
>
> The project was unveiled during Kfest for input from the community as
> I wanted to get the feel of what it should have inside.
> My original plans which were present and were displayed at Kfest:
> 1.  new cover to hold (superdrive, CD-Rom, and CF mass media slot
> 2.  SCSI internal cable to run the CF slot, CD-ROM, and end at a BACK
> port for further expansion
> 3.  memory card upgrade (this is the 8meg card) which would be
> included in the kit
> 4.  the superdrive card included in the kit (yes, we have them for
> sale on a limited number as chips are no longer avail --still working
> on a fix once chips run out---and very close to the fix)
> 5.  Little power adapter and 200watt power supply in order to REMOVE
> the old brick long power supply to make room for all of the new
> goodies
> 6.  Updated ROM chip to include tool set and updated ROM number
> display
> 7.  oh yes, forgot to mention that we demoed a SATA card running on
> the SCSI chain through our adapter setup.  The SATA connection could
> virtually run anything from todays available mass media storage
> devices.
>
> So, thats what he had working AT kfest2009
>
> Now, after the display and the great input from the BEST in the
> business (special thanks to Tony D and Sean F) I am deciding to get
> away from the old technology of SCSI.  It was proved that SCSI is just
> not as fast as the IDE options out there.  This sparked the start of a
> new project which we hope can be done after we have the VGA cards
> finished.  We basically are working on a TURBO DMA IDE card which will
> run anything IDE with the ability to run a IDE CD-ROM as well in the
> GS.
>
> For those SCSI buffs out there, dont worry too much, SCSI cards are
> still available to be bought.
>
> As for the case cover, yes, it would be cool to have it in plastic,
> but then we would need to have LOTS of money (like 10K to setup a
> plastic thermo-filling blah blah blah).  The next BEST option for the
> project was to try it out in a metal aluminum.  We have access to a
> very special metal fabrication company who has been helping in the
> prototyping stages.  Some ADVANTAGES of using aluminum instead of
> plastic is: COST, RF SHIELDING, AND STRENGTH!
>
> OK, well back to work for now..

All sounds like kool work :-). So from what your saying anyone who
will want the kit will need to have an existing ROM03 board? Will be
cool to have everything in one case :-), really liking the idea of a
CF slot. I am assuming people (when its up for sale) will be able to
chose what cards to add as i am sure lots of people will have CFFA,
little Power adapter etc.

Drew