ASCII Solutions has decided NOT to produce the One Chip MSX computer

Paladin (1012)

03-09-2005, 17:43

Well the one chip msx is exactly the MSX ESE project , it has just been renamed .
The pcb looks exactly the same.
I believe the ocm chip msx was initially not an fpga+ board but a dedicated IC
that contains all the MSX for, potentially, 20$ in high volume.

Ehh hey if you dont believe the 1chmsx wasnt FPGA what do you think it is then????

Par Leo

Paragon (1236)

04-09-2005, 15:43

I said it , a dedicated IC...

The first time I heard about ocm it sounded to me rather a dedicated IC and not an FPGA.
On a dedicated IC(=asic) u can have DACs for video/audio which are not in the fpga (so fpga is not really one chip although all digital part are much more integrated than old pcb's) and the die size is smaller then it is
cheaper. But it is justifyied only for high volumes.

Par djh1697

Paragon (1736)

10-09-2005, 09:52

I got this email from ESE. It is nice that they recognise MRC! does anyone know a company??

Hello David,

ESE Artists' Factory is developping one chip MSX system.
ASCII gave up mass-production of the one chip MSX (as you know).
Some MSX freaks and MSX association are seeking a company for production.
(If you know a good company, write a mail to MSX association !!)

Keep checking the MSX association homepage.
(Or "MSX resourse center" is good alternative.)

regards,
-------------------------
Kazuhiro TSUJIKAWA

----- Original Message -----
From: "david haslett"
To: <>
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 2:07 AM
Subject: ESE One chip MSX

>> Hello
>>
>> I am not sure if you understand English, will ESE be producing a one
>> chip MSX ? at what cost ?
>>
>> I know that ASCII have decided not too.
>>
>> Thank You
>>
>> David

Par Edwin

Paragon (1182)

10-09-2005, 11:58

Personally, I think the effort should be directed in changing the OCM into an OC*. While adding a few more MSX systems may increase the market a bit, I don't see it suddenly go sky high. The way to go with this type of device is probably modularity. Create a base module with only the basic FPGA needs and a few connectors. Then create some extension boards to add outputs and inputs. This means that adding a different input board could open up a whole new market (like the NES option that was discussed here already, but I assume there are a few more out there). I think that the added number of potential buyers would outweigh the bit of extra complexity by far. Plus everybody would get a more versatile toy as well.

Par POISONIC

Paladin (1012)

10-09-2005, 15:36

An FOSC Fpga Open Source Computer

Par [D-Tail]

Ascended (8263)

11-09-2005, 00:46

Well, I don't think OC* will actually work... There are some really machine specific connectors required: what about the MSX Cartridge ports, for instance? They don't make sense when making a OCAmiga system or something alike... The hardware design is system specific, if you ask me...

Par Edwin

Paragon (1182)

11-09-2005, 01:34

Well, I don't think OC* will actually work... There are some really machine specific connectors required: what about the MSX Cartridge ports, for instance? They don't make sense when making a OCAmiga system or something alike... The hardware design is system specific, if you ask me...

I think you missed my point. The hardware difference is exactly what it addresses by being modular.

Par POISONIC

Paladin (1012)

11-09-2005, 01:59

well if it has flat cable connectors on the pcb you can make your own special adapters...

Par [D-Tail]

Ascended (8263)

11-09-2005, 12:10

OK, that's fair enough, I can live with that

As long as a new MSX will be made!

Par Tanni

Hero (556)

12-09-2005, 12:36

The way to go with this type of device is probably modularity. Create a base module with only the basic FPGA needs and a few connectors. Then create some extension boards to add outputs and inputs. This means that adding a different input board could open up a whole new market (like the NES option that was discussed here already, but I assume there are a few more out there). I think that the added number of potential buyers would outweigh the bit of extra complexity by far. Plus everybody would get a more versatile toy as well.

Remember the pictures about the MSX fair in Tokyo on May 8th. There also was a picture showing a version of the OCM consisting of two modules, one with the FPGA and the other with some connectors, if I remember correctly.