I know this list has talked about this internet appliance before given
it's similar form factor to the model T.
I pick mine back up once in a while with the disappointment that it
isn't living up to it's potential. I did the hack to load custom code
already. Played around with a few apps.
Had the idea to convert it into an interactive fiction console. Hacked a
few tests around that idea, but nothing completed. However, I always
feel like a full firmware replacement modeled after the Model 100 should
be possible.
Software is not my strong suit, but I do know enough assembly for
multiple processors that I can bang out some ugly code when I sit down
and focus on it. I can reverse engineer firmware. I can modify/hack
firmware. AI has been bridging that "formal" gap a bit for me lately as
I am getting more and more familiar with prompting it properly. And
thankfully with what I do know, I have the ability to check its work and
debug its errors.
So I asked ChatGPT to evaluate the feasibility and it seemed to think it
would be possible.
My current thoughts are to begin with a failsafe bootlader. Then a
kernel with the hardware drivers. Then the OS built on top of that. Same
style as the Model 100, but of course adding in any improvements for the
frustration points like a proper DOS. Obviously Z80 version of Basic.
Duplication of all built in apps.
The hardware has a bidirectional parallel port and a modem. No tap for
serial off that modem chip, but I already have a hardware mod in the
works to replace the modem chip with an 16C550 UART. It really just
requires an interposer board to replace the modem chip. The modem chip
has a 16C450 inside, so all the signaling is already there. Big 68 pin
PLCC. TQFP 16C550 is tiny in comparison and allows the crystal
replacement and even the TTL to RS232 converter to be placed on board.
We could probably even bodge in a BCR port if we wanted it.
12MHZ clock (Z80 based)
It has plenty of code flash, but some form of mass storage (maybe just a
CH376S?) would be nice.
128KB of RAM
1MB of flash
512KB of data flash
Power could be upgraded to lithium instead of the 3 AA batteries.
The screen has more resolution and it flips up. More readable than the
Model 100.
320x128 resolution (2.67x the resolution of the Model 100)
Since I know many of you had thought about this before, I wanted to
collect some of your ideas.
Scott
