Date   : Mon, 25 Jul 2005 15:21:08 +0000
From   : Jules Richardson <julesrichardsonuk@...>
Subject: Re: ARM copros, speech cartridges, real time clocks,

On Mon, 2005-07-25 at 16:42 +0200, Eelco Huininga wrote:
> > 2.ARM7 coprocessor board
> >  * 75MHz 32 bit ARM7 with 256k RAM, 256k ROM (expandable)
> >  * Runs BASIC V unmodified
> >  * Simple supervisor prompt skeleton Tube OS
> >  * PCB can be fitted into cheese wedge box, or Master internal sockets
> >  * Cheese wedge plastic cases not available
> >  * Probable cost about £70 each
> >  * Development time about 6 months
> 
> I'd definitely be interested in one of these.
> 
> Another thing: It seems that more people on this mailinglist are interest
ed
> in developing new hardware and software for the 8-bit Acorn computer seri
es,
> but like me, they don't have the time to spare to develop and test it, an
d
> write software for it, in the near future. Perhaps we can create 'sign-up
> lists' for some projects so that more people can work on one single proje
ct?
> Some time ago I've been working on an Econet-Ethernet bridge (also mentio
ned
> in another thread). If anyone is thinking about picking this up, please l
et
> me know. Maybe I can be of help :-)

... or at least some kind of dump for project ideas, half-thought-out
schematics (or complete ones!) etc. 

I think a few of the people in this list have some of their own designs
on their own websites, but a collection in a single place might be nice
(assuming the designers grant permission). 

Not BBC-related, but I've been working on a SASI disk controller lately.
It's the first project I've done in ages that goes from design to actual
reality, and I'd forgotten how long these things take even for
reasonably simple circuits (10 ICs and a handful of passives in this
case). So some sort of cooperation for beeb projects certainly seems
like a good idea! Doesn't even matter if it means there might be several
designs for the same task, providing it results in working hardware that
people can make.

Note that I do come at these things from the point of view of not using
costly components or making any kind of profit on these things; I prefer
freely-available schematics and using bits from the junk bin rather than
spending a lot of money on something. That might not work with some of
our hackers (who are perfectly entitled to do with their own designs
what they see fit of course!)

cheers

Jules