THE ULTIMATE ASTROCADE - UPGRADED

[AstroHRman]

Runs in low or high resolution graphic modes.
Includes USER ROM and RAM plus custom graphic boards.

 

Check out the YouTube promo infomercial entitled "The Ultimate Astrocade" at
MCM Design's YouTube channel
MCMs Astrocades
@mcmsastrocades9336
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSNIrZW723s

 

This infomercial video lists all the main features of an Astrocade gamer/computer that is being modified and upgraded by MCM Design to operate in the low (160 x 102 pixels) or high (320 x 204 pixels) resolution graphic modes.

 

Nine soundtracks from low-res cartridge games are included to show off the awesome sound/music capability of the Astrocade, which was sold over 40 years ago.

 

Subscribe to or visit the MCMs Astrocades channel to view the latest videos informing you of MCMs progress in building The Ultimate Astrocade.

 

Progress report documentation, photos or video links will be attached below when they are available.

 

MCM Design
May 2024

[ballyalley]

On 5/25/2024 at 2:57 PM, AstroHRman said:

Runs in low or high resolution graphic modes.[...] Includes USER ROM and RAM plus custom graphic boards.

 

I didn't notice that this message needed to be approved before it was posted in this Astrocade sub-forum.  Maybe it is because it is his first post here on AtariAge.  I just approved it.  It's nice to see ya around here, Michael.

 

I always look forward to hearing about and from MCM Design.

 

Adam

[Jess Ragan]

So is this like a Wii thing? You know, two Astrocades duct-taped together? My understanding is that GORF and possibly Wizard of Wor used two Astrocades in concert for better graphics.

[ballyalley]

On 5/28/2024 at 6:25 PM, Jess Ragan said:

My understanding is that GORF and possibly Wizard of Wor used two Astrocades in concert for better graphics.

 

The original intention of the custom chips created in 1976/1977 and used in the Bally Arcade was to have two modes. One was low-resolution, which required less RAM. The higher resolution would require 16K of RAM. Michael has modified his Astrocade to have additional RAM and also the extra hardware that is required to access it and use high-resolution.

 

The first arcade game to use this custom chipset, "Seawolf II," came out in 1978.  It had 16K of RAM, so it could use high-resolution. It also happens to be the very first color arcade game.  "GORF" and "Wizard of Wor" also do use these chips, but have extra hardware.

 

Adam

[AstroHRman]

The following is a listing of MCM Design's 2024 agenda relating to the Ultimate Astrocade (UA) build project.

Record video "The UA – Progress Report 1" providing a brief overview of the UA upper assembly, which consists of the:
Astrocade console modified for low/hi-res operation,
Quick–connect audio/composite video drivers board, which replaces the Aztec RF modulator,
Temporary auto low/hi-res select scheme, which will end up on the add-under Board 2,
Low/hi-res static screen RAM (SRAM) Board 1 and
Bread boarded star/sparkles scheme.

*************************************************************************************

Wire wrap (WW), then test all the User SRAM/ROM (EEPROM)/flash memory schemes plus the auto low/hi-res select scheme on the add–under Board 2.

Mount also the WW sockets for the 8 page hi-res multipager (MP) scheme (8 x 16KB = 128KB). Do not wire the scheme at this time.

Can you tweak the MP scheme to provide an optional 8 page low-res MP (8 x 4KB = 32KB)?

*************************************************************************************

Post photo of the add-under Board 2

*************************************************************************************

Build add-under console with 3 tier horizontal rack and a housing for the full size 24 key remote keyboard.

Mount the hinged UA upper assembly on top of the add-under console.

Finish with the necessary drill holes, etc. for any additional console or keyboard components to be wired up.

Stain the wooden console and keyboard housing.

Wire up unconnected components.

Test for perfect operation, the completed assembly of:
Upper UA assembly
Add-under console with Board 2 in rack, +5Vdc power supply, Bally power xfmr, power on LED, etc.
Remote keyboard.

************************************************************************************

Record video "The UA - Progress Report 2".
Briefly tour the UA build in progress.
Execute some low and hi-res graphic programs.
Demonstrate the hi-res ROM (EEPROM) powering on the Astrocade in hi-res automatically disabling the Astrocade low-res ROM.
Play around with the User RAM and User flash memory using Bit Fiddler's MLM or MCMs upgraded hi-res MLM software and using the remote keyboard.

 

 

End of Posting
June 3,2024
MCM Design

[AstroHRman]

MCM Design has recently published a YouTube video relating to the Ultimate Astrocade build project.

"The Ultimate Astrocade - Progress Report 1" is available for viewing on the MCMs Astrocades channel.
@mcmsastrocades9366
youtube.com/watch?v=abekLjUFxvE

 

MCM Design has recently come up with a new designation label to distinguish its modified low/hi-res Astrocades.

The original first-generation (1G) low/hi-res Astrocade, which rested on top of a Viper cabinet, utilized 32 dynamic RAM (DRAM) chips for hi-res operation.
The 2G low/hi-res Astrocade is designated as such because it utilizes only 4 static RAM (SRAM) chips for hi-res operation.

 

At this time, MCM Design has 2 low/hi-res Astrocades.

 

The original low/hi-res Astrocade was revised (updated). It's original screen RAM board was replaced with a board utilizing the 2nd generation of 4 SRAM chips, so it is now considered a 2G low/hi-res Astrocade. This new board is also compatible with the screen RAM Board 1 on the Ultimate Astrocade.

 

The Ultimate Astrocade, even though it has a lot of extras, is still considered a 2G low/hi-res Astrocade.

 

MCM Design has plans to eventually build a 3G low/hi-res Astrocade prototype. This very exciting vision is significantly innovative. When the prototype is unveiled, it should be obvious why MCM Design is attaching the 3G label to it.

 

MCM Design
June 2024

[ballyalley]

Thanks for these updates.  A Third Generation Hi-Res Astrocade?  Wow!

 

Adam

[AstroHRman]

Attached is a photo of the Ultimate Astrocade's screen SRAM Board 1 with the Star/Sparkle Colors graphic breadboard removed.

You can see the 4 wide-body static RAM chips. Each of the 4 SRAM chips represents one hi-res screen RAM bank.

The top SRAM chip is also used for low-res graphics.

The Bally custom 40 pin Address and Data chips were originally designed to be interfaced with four 4KB screen RAM banks using 8 DRAM chips per bank, totaling 32 DRAM chips for hi-res operation.

MCM Design created a second generation screen RAM scheme using only 4 SRAM chips, meeting the hi-res hardware requirements for the 2 custom Bally chips.

Note that four SEPARATE hi-res banks must be present when the 2 Bally chips decide to scan (read) the hi-res screen RAM for the TV display. That's why you see four 74LS166 "8 bit shift register" chips to the right of the 4 wide-body SRAM chips.

The Bally Address/Data chips scan (read) 16 pixels (32 bits) at a time, that is, 4 pixels (1 byte) from each of the four hi-res banks, simultaneously. The 16 pixels are then shifted into the Data chip's Serial 0 and Serial 1 inputs. Shifting occurs quickly using a 7Mhz clock at the four 74LS166 chips. The Z80 CPU on the Astrocade motherboard operates using a slower 1.78Mhz clock. So, the hi-res TV scan operates faster and independently of the Z80 CPU.

Each of the SRAM chips on the Ultimate Astrocade (UA) screen SRAM Board 1 can store 32KB of data. The UA will also utilize a hi-res multipager, which will be located on the UA add-under Board 2. Three select lines plus a gnd line will be wired to Board 1 from Board 2 via a short ribbon cable. These 3 select lines will select via software 1 of 8 hi-res pages to display on the TV or will be used to write/read a byte at the selected page.

As indicated above, the multipager will provide the option via software to display 1 of 8 possible hi-res 16KB graphic pages. It will provide access to 128KB total of screen RAM. The multipager will not only be able to store/select graphics, it will also allow storage or execution of machine language programs within a selected page. The UA multipager scheme is a variation taken from the DataMax UV-1R multipager. The MCMs Astrocades channel includes a hi-res multipager test demo video.

Having a multipager allows a programmer to create multiple graphic scenes, all of which are accessible using a simple Z80 output port instruction. There is no time delay waiting for graphics to be written (filled in) to screen RAM by the slower Z80.

Imagine a hi-res game utilizing up to 8 separate graphic scenes, having a program capacity up to 256KB utilizing one 32 pin flash memory chip that can be easily inserted into a 32 pin ZIF socket plus having the awesome sound/music capability of the Bally 40 pin I/O chip. That's the potential that MCM Design's Ultimate Astrocade will have. WOW!

End of Posting
MCM Design
June 2024

[ballyalley]

11 minutes ago, AstroHRman said:

Attached is a photo of the Ultimate Astrocade's screen SRAM Board 1 with the Star/Sparkle Colors graphic breadboard removed.

 

I just happened to read this post immediately after it was added to this thread.  I absolutely love your work and descriptions, Michael.  Keep it up, my friend.  I hope you mention these new posts to the Astrocade group on groups.io.  You don't have to repost what you wrote again there; maybe you can provide a link to new posts.

 

There is a thread an Astroade thread from 2016 on AtariAge that may interest you called "Astrocade development."  It is here:

 

https://forums.atariage.com/topic/252830-astrocade-development/

 

You mentioned 8 full-size, hi-res screens.  Have you seen this low-res Pokémon animation of Pikachu created from an animated GIF display on an Astrocade:

 

 

The source code for that demo is here:

 

https://www.ballyalley.com/documentation/bally128k-com/maxflash/maxflash.htm

 

You can see more about this here:

 

https://msdconsulting.wixsite.com/128kgames

 

Keep in mind that this site is archived and that it isn't active anymore.  It's too bad that it didn't come to fruitition.

 

Adam

[AstroHRman]

The Ultimate Astrocade - Progress Report 2

Hi guys. Work is progressing for the UA add-under Board 2 (BD 2). Attached below is a top view photo showing the preliminary layout of the BD 2 components.

The modified for hi-res Astrocade console will be mounted onto the top panel of the add-under console. The screen SRAM Board 1 and the Stars/Sparkle Colors Board will be stacked upside down and mounted on the bottom of the top panel.

The back of the top panel will be flanged downward and hinged to the upper back of the add-under's bottom panel.

The hinged feature will allow the entire Astrocade upper assembly to be easily flipped up and backward exposing the add-under console's interior.

The flip up and back will reveal BD 2, which will be slid into the top tier of the 3 tier horizontal rack, center mounted within the add-under console.

The easy BD 2 access allows the user to select/utilize any of the BD 2 multiple options.

The top of BD 2 is packed with user options.

On the left side of BD 2 will be the screen SRAM multipager. The multipager scheme has recently been tweaked so it will also include a low-res multipager, providing up to 8 low-res graphic pages for the TV display, totaling 8 x 4KB = 32KB of low-res screen SRAM. The hi-res multipager provides up to 8 hi-res graphic pages, totaling 8 x 16KB = 128KB of hi-res screen SRAM.

A manual mini-toggle switch on top of BD 2 will select either the low or the hi-res multipager.

The UA includes a custom output port 08H to select 1 of 4 hardware graphics modes using just a simple Z80 output port instruction.

 

The 4 output hex codes for port 08H will be:
00  low-res graphic map - no multipager
80  low-res graphic map - with multipager

 

01  hi-res graphic map - no multipager
81  hi-res graphic map - with multipager

The UA custom output ports 74H and 75H will define how the multipager will be utilized by the user when creating/displaying a graphic program. Two simple Z80 output port instructions will set up the multipager parameters.

The multipager can also be used to store Z80 machine code giving the user the option to instruct the Z80 CPU to simply access the code or execute the code as a machine language program.

In the center of BD 2, there is the 3 chip low/hi-res graphics mode select scheme, which automatically maps the appropriate low or hi-res screen SRAM to the TV display.

A bunch of the chips in the center of BD 2 decode all the hi-res ROM, User RAM/EEPROM and User Flash Memory sockets on the right side of BD 2.

Four multipager lines, 1 auto select line plus 2 gnd lines are routed from BD 2 to the screen SRAM BD 1 via a short quick-connect ribbon cable.

There are multiple options on BD 2 relating to hi-res ROM, User RAM/EEPROM and User Flash Memory. Most of these options have already been described in MCM Design's - The Ultimate Astrocade YouTube video.

The 3 ZIF sockets are intended for quick-connect insertion of already programmed EEPROM or flash memory chips. Static discharge is not an issue for me. My Astrocades dwell within my hobby room. I never enter that room with my shoes on.

At this time, BD 2 has 2 diagnostic test jumper provisions and an optional active low CE/OE lines swap jumper provision, if needed.

The next step is to permanently mount all the desired components. Fortunately, I can utilize a building block approach when wiring/testing the BD 2 schemes.

I am hoping to have BD 2 up and running perfect by the end of this coming August. I'm not expecting to experience any scheme design issues because nearly all of the schemes have already been wired and tested some time ago.

The multipager scheme will be wired at a later time, so I can create specific hi-res graphics software sooner.

End of The Utimate Astrocade - Progress Report 2
July 2024
MCM Design

[ballyalley]

On 7/15/2024 at 9:49 PM, AstroHRman said:

The Ultimate Astrocade - Progress Report 2 [...] Work is progressing for the UA add-under Board 2 (BD 2). 

 

Thanks for the update, Michael.  It's looking great!

 

Adam

[AstroHRman]

Okay, I finished mounting the components onto the add-under Board 2. See the attached photo. I double checked the electronic schematics applicable to this board to see if I missed any components. This board is ready to be wired up.

Note that ZIF sockets are normally designed to be soldered onto a PC board. I came up with a cool idea to custom mount my 3 ZIF sockets onto the wire wrapped Board 2.

First I drilled out every other Vector board hole where the ZIF socket solder pins would protrude through. Then I filed out a long rectangular slot within the protrusion area. See the attached photo.

 

Fortunately, I have a small hobby file set I purchased from Lowes Home Improvement, some time ago. It's a 6pc, 5 1/2" long, small width file set sold by Kobalt #0489615. These small files made the task of cutting out 2 long rectangular pin slots for each ZIF socket, relatively issue free.

The top plastic piece of each ZIF socket was fastened to its bottom base with a small screw on both socket ends. I used a small "C" clamp to fasten down a ZIF socket onto Board 2. I removed one screw, drilled through the screw hole and Vector board, then inserted a 2-56 x 3/4" long pan head screw. A 2-56 hex nut fastened down the ZIF socket to the Vector board. I replaced the second screw on the other end of the ZIF socket similarly.

 

I also cut out a rectangular slot for the 50 pin expand PC header. See same attached photo.

These custom ZIF socket and header installations will allow me to normally wire wrap to these components, instead of manually wrapping a #30 wire around a tiny pin, a few times, using a solder probe and then soldering each connected wire, so the wires won't loosen up.

It's time to begin wiring each of the Board 2 schemes, one at a time. Then connect Board 2 beneath the Ultimate Astrocade upper assembly to test each scheme.

The next progress report update will just be an indication that Board 2 is completely wired and tested perfect. This report will likely be posted at the end of this coming August?

Ultimate Astrocade Project
MCM Design
7/21/2024

[AstroHRman]

Hi guys. The add-under User SRAM/ROM(EEPROM) Board 2 is now wire wrapped, with the exception of the multi-pager scheme, which will be wired later. I'll post photos of this wired board soon.

I've been playing around with this board connected to the upper low/hi-res Astrocade assembly, which was posted above.

This is a very cool user board. The most exciting part of this board to me is the application, actually the introduction to the 256KB 32 pin 70 nsec flash memory chip type SST39SF020A.

This SST chip behaves like an EPROM but can be digitally erased. The entire 256KB within the chip can be erased in 100 msec max. That is really fast. I can now see why the design engineers refer to this technology as "flash".

This chip also gives you the option to erase any single 4KB sector within the chip. That is a really nice option.

I created the necessary chip/sector erase and byte write machine language (ML) subroutines. The ML subs are short in length. Short enough to easily use Bit Fiddler's MLM to erase sectors or for example, copy a ML program from an EEPROM residing at 6000H.

Since the Z80 CPU can address a max of 64KB, indirect addressing is necessary for the SST chip. Board 2 interfaces the 256KB SST chip so it is software accessible in eight 32KB banks, with all 8 banks residing at 8000 - FFFFH.

This SST chip can be utilized in the low or hi-res graphic modes.

Programs within the SST chip can be called (selected) using the low-res menu with a supporting Astrocade cartridge in the cartridge slot to provide the necessary Menu text and program linked lists OR called directly using Bit Fiddler's MLM.

The Ultimate Astrocade's hi-res ROM will have an upgraded Menu so the necessary Menu text and program linked lists will be included within the SST chip programming.

I've begun work creating a graphic test demo for my SST chip application. I will create and copy to the SST chip, 5 simplistic hi-res graphic programs, 1 for each of the SST chip's 32KB banks 0 thru 4.

A low-res Menu will be utilized to select the 5 hi-res programs. So, on the low-res Menu, you will see the normal 4 built-in game selections plus the additional 5 hi-res graphic program selections. That's assuming you can actually list 9 selections on the low-res Menu. I think you can.

That will be so much fun creating these new Menu selectable hi-res graphic programs. You will see this demonstrated on my upcoming YouTube channel video playing around with this add-under board. You will also see the add-under console and remote full-size MLM keyboard. That video will be released in say 2 months?

MCM Design
August 20, 2024

[AstroHRman]

Attached are 4 photos of the now wire wrapped and tested add-under User RAM/ROM Board 2.

The top view of the board shows the components labeled. Single or 2 digit numbers indicate the chip number on the MCM Design schematics.

Note on the upper right corner of the board, when viewing Board 2 from its front side, is a short ribbon cable connect. This connection is for specific multi-page and auto low/hi-res select lines connected from Board 2 to Board 1.

Three LEDs were added later to visually indicate in binary, which of the flash memory SST chip eight Banks 0 to 7 (000 to 111) is currently selected for accessing. Fortunately, there was ample room next to the two SST chip sockets for the LEDs and series resistors.

The 6 empty sockets belong to the multi-pager scheme, which will be wired later.

There is a 2nd 50 pin expand header to connect to the pattern transfer board or MCM Design's remote BalcheckHR diagnostic/graphic demos board.

The wire wrapped bottom of the board shows a lot of stacked wiring for the RAM/ROM sockets. That's because the four ZIF socket pins had only enough room for 1 level of wire wrapping, which forced me to stack the address, data and control line wiring. There is no extra soldering of the ZIF socket pins. Wire wrapping only was sufficient.

The other 2 photos show how Board 2 was connected to the low/hi-res Astrocade upper assembly and positioned temporarily to run tests on Board 2. I lucked out and used two Electronix Express WW kit boxes to elevate the upper assembly just enough to connect and test Board 2. How about that for luck? Nearly a perfect fit.

MCM Design
August 21, 2024

[AstroHRman]

That was fun and exciting, creating and viewing 8 new machine language (ML) graphic demos. Five of them are hi-res graphics. They are new visually. Most of them were tweaked or extensively revised from existing ML programs written previously. They are short, but sweet to look at. After all, the demos purpose was to see if they can be executed from a low-res menu.

My 256KB SST flash memory chip scheme works great. As stated previously, the SST chip is broken down into eight 32KB banks. Every bank is addressed at 8000 - FFFFH. Each of the 8 graphic demos was copied to a specific 32KB bank beginning at 8000H. Every demo was programmed to execute at 8000H within the SST chip's specified banks 0 thru 7.

Each of the 8 demos can be executed in 2 ways:

1. Use Bit Fiddler's low-res MLM or upgraded hi-res MLM to point to the correct bank within the SST chip, then call address 8000H.

2. Select the graphic demo from a low-res menu.

The low-res menu can only list up to 9 selections, so I used 2 menus to list the 8 demos plus the 4 built-in Astrocade programs. The second menu has a new look, just to deviate from the standard low-res menu.

This 2 menu set up will be demonstrated in my next MCMs Astrocades channel YouTube video.

This Ultimate Astrocade (UA) is now interfaced to execute an up to 256KB low or hi-res graphic program. That's a lot of User RAM. Likely more User RAM than I'll ever need.

By the way, Mouser Electronics sells this SST chip, part# 804-39SF020A7CPHE for under $4.00. That's pretty cheap.

The next step in my UA build project is to construct the add-under console and remote keyboard housing. The keyboard itself will need to be internally rewired to be compatible with the standard 24 button keypad on the Astrocade. I'm going to slow down some with this part of the UA build project. Can I get the UA up and running on top of its add-under console in 1 months time? Maybe. The remote 24 key full size keyboard will be a sweet upgrade for programming using the low or hi-res MLMs.

MCM Design
August 27, 2024

[ballyalley]

12 hours ago, AstroHRman said:

That was fun and exciting, creating and viewing 8 new machine language (ML) graphic demos. [...]

I'm going to slow down some with this part of the UA build project. Can I get the UA up and running on top of its add-under console in 1 months time? Maybe. The remote 24 key full size keyboard will be a sweet upgrade for programming using the low or hi-res MLMs.

 

As always, it's great to see you working on your Astrocade project, Michael.  You've got such dedication.

 

Adam

[ballyalley]

On 8/27/2024 at 10:08 PM, AstroHRman said:

This 2 menu set up will be demonstrated in my next MCMs Astrocades channel YouTube video.

 

I can't wait to see you showing off new demos in a video, Michael.

 

Adam