+Yurkie Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 (edited) Since there has been talk about replacement motherboards and new consoles I am going to put out my idea for a replacement. This idea is based my opinion that once you no longer use the old original chips it is no longer a real ColecoVision and as such I would recommend the following as a solution. Make an add on board to connect with the Raspberry Pi. This add-on board would have a cartridge slot with whatever additional electronics required. The Pi along with add-on board would read carts and run a ColecoVision emulator. You already have HDMI output with the Pi....if you want to get extra fancy add another board for digital to analog conversion so you can have composite, or s-video, component or RGB If you want to go all out, make a cute little case to house it in. You now have your modular new ColecoVision. If you don't care about the cartridge slot load roms on an SD card and stick it in your $35 Pi. There are many cases available that house the Pi, so with no add-on board(s) you don't even need a custom case. Edited February 21, 2017 by Yurkie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenixdownita Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 .....if you want to get extra fancy add another board for digital to analog conversion so you can have composite,.... No need, all RPis (B+, 2B, 3B, Zero) support composite (the Zero need soldering the connector): https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=165943 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chart45 Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 Since there has been talk about replacement motherboards and new consoles I am going to put out my idea for a replacement. This idea is based my opinion that once you no longer use the old original chips it is no longer a real ColecoVision and as such I would recommend the following as a solution. Make an add on board to connect with the Raspberry Pi. This add-on board would have a cartridge slot with whatever additional electronics required. The Pi along with add-on board would read carts and run a ColecoVision emulator. You already have HDMI output with the Pi....if you want to get extra fancy add another board for digital to analog conversion so you can have composite, or s-video, component or RGB If you want to go all out, make a cute little case to house it in. You now have your modular new ColecoVision. If you don't care about the cartridge slot load roms on an SD card and stick it in your $35 Pi. There are many cases available that house the Pi, so with no add-on board(s) you don't even need a custom case. the add on for cart just use the atarimax flash programmer ... coolcv could load the game from it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinks Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 There is 4 now 5 cv consoles talked about. opcode, Two guys in the main forum making boards, and two other guys making a retron type and another one that does just cv. No one ever gets worried about selling with too many products becoming available? Or are these all to be made for just for themselves to use? People usually get all huffy when joysticks are being made at the same time as them or a multicart. I hope there is enough market. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenixdownita Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I think Yurkie was being provocative. His approach to a new CV console is ... don't do it or that is how I interpreted it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Yurkie Posted February 21, 2017 Author Share Posted February 21, 2017 You nailed it phoenixdownita ! It is mostly sillyness to make a fake CV which is an emulator at the end of the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ValkerieSilk Posted February 21, 2017 Share Posted February 21, 2017 I'd prefer enhancments to the orginal CV via the expansion module port and packaged in retro style as was the case with Opcodes SGM. A desirable CV2 to me is what Coleco might have followed up with back in the day had Colecovision had a longer life. Opcode made far more then some upgrade for Colecovision, they made a time machine that brought folks back to happier times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiLic0ne t0aD Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 Well, your mileage may very but the bottom line for me anymore is that my CVs are old and are becoming unreliable. I get tired of fixing shit all the time, even every couple years. I want reliability, longevity, and the option to have it work on a modern flat panel TV, in HD and cheaply. Don't get me wrong, I've always been a purist when it comes to using nothing but original hardware, I still am, but these new emulators and FPGA consoles are really starting to look more appealing in the long run. Nothing silly about that, I'm trying to be realistic and be open minded. Like it or not, this is the future.. Our original CVs won't last for ever and it never hurts to plan ahead. To each his own though. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vectorman Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 I don't get what is so hard about making a new board that uses the original chips. They are not hard to find or expensive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+lawdawg710 Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 I can't lie, I love what Opcode does for the Colecovision and the SGM was such an enhancement that I really fell more in love with my Coleco and the newer games coming out. But a new system that also plays Coleco games I just am not excited for nor can I justify paying for another system that may be under $300. I know the Coleco is old hardware but thanks to individuals here we have a way to keep it running. I dunno maybe I'm alone and I don't want this to seem negative but I'm much happier playing games on my original or A/V modded Coleco than wanting to shell out a ton for a new system. I just hope there will still be Opcode support for the Colecovision once their system is revealed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mortari Posted February 22, 2017 Share Posted February 22, 2017 I know Yurkie is having fun, but good topic. Just learned about some peoples attempts to bring retro consoles to market...... Quality VS Quantity it would seem. If you like old consoles, nothing beats the real deal. Modded or Not, the authentic hardware just works. Most retro consoles look better on a CRT than an HDTV in my experience. If one wants the authentic experience, they will own one or more CRT's and be committed to owning original hardware and software... for everything else, there's RetroPie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.