----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Graf" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2013 3:41 PM
Subject: [Ql-Users] Q68
Malcolm Lear wrote:
I really like the idea of the Q68. Of all these options its the only
one I'd go out and buy. What sort of CPU speed are talking about and
will the FPGA design files be available to modify?
If I find the time to design suitable caches, I expect CPU core speed
between 32 and 40 MHz. At 20 MHz, the Dhrystone benchmark gave something
between SuperGoldCard and Q40.
For the general public, I might hold back some design files until
expenses for manufacturing have been covered. On a personal basis, I can
be asked for more.
I'm also considering to release the board schematics at some point. In
this case, a person with FPGA skills could use the board for general
purposes. For example, I have successfully tried two different RISC CPUs
on the Q68, but I did not design any memory or video controllers for
those.
Peter
Of all the options, the Q68 interests me most, subject to final price of
course. I am already considering 'retiring' my Q40 - a big ugly box which
makes a noise like a vacuum cleaner compared to modern hardware (especially
my silent Raspberry Pi), with no USB support and a dodgy image on an LCD
screen it's just become clutter.
My only worry is that by the time the Q68 becomes a product it will already
be obsolete, i.e. restricted to old type/speed/capacity of SD memory or
whatever removable media type is adopted. What about support for other
essential peripherals, i.e. keyboard, mouse, monitor - HDMI, DVI or just old
VGA? If it was right up to date when released I would be interested. 200
euros? Maybe if the exchange rate improved to make it a lot less in pounds.
Oh, and the filesystem would have to support any size of SD card the
hardware supports.
Ian.
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