Hi Pascal,
The idea is to develop a
totally new and modern system that handles the existing console hardware. This new system
will replace 100% the old computer and
interconnect directly with the console through the already existent cables. So no circuit customization on the console side will be needed. We've been discussing the old computer because it will be much easier to build the new system if we understand and know before hand how the old computer interacted with the console (bus lines, input/output format, scan modes, frequency, logic safe/guard times, etc.). If we can understand this be looking into service manuals and some disassembled code it would be less painful than spending long hours reverse engineering the system through trial and error. It's not the idea to reverse the implementation of the features provided by the old computer software, rather only understand how basic communication was implemented so we can access, retrieve and write at every possible data from the console hardware.
It's important to clarify that the "SSLMixed Computer", that's the codename for the project, will be a community project and owned by all of us. It is the idea that we all can contribute to the project with what we are capable and know best, greatly easing the task of 1-man project. Also the project will stay open to the community, this meaning that all schematics, firmware and software will be developed as an opensource project and licensed with a community license (we will eventually choose from an already available license or draft one customized to our needs to protect intellectual property). Anyone which is a member of the community will have access to all documentation and can build by himself the system (once the system is designed we can also provide bulk manufacturing programs so we can have access to cheaper prices for the hardware manufacturing). One also can contribute for the system development throughout its future. The idea for this computer is to be an evolving project that will surpass the need of just a new computer, and offer modern features that meet today's workflow requirements. The beauty of this is since we own the project and we base it on a modern platform we aren't limited by start and can do it as we please regarding its development.
This will be clarified on its appropriate section that will be created soon so we can start organizing all this information in one place.
Please refer to this post I did earlier on a different thread regarding this hole idea:
http://forum.sslmixed.com/index.php?topic=426.msg2428#msg2428Hope I've helped clarifying the project and that we agree! Comments and suggestions are welcome anytime!
Cheers,
Artur
