Hello Oli,

> I have just started designing the card (First the
> A2000 as it doesnt
> need a connector of any type and its a cheap
> computer (Even if its an
> early one), The first card will just have a
> Coldfire, SDRam interface
> (Chances are that wont work first time around,
> People really have
> trouble with that), Expansion/diagnostic connector
> and a rom socket
> (For the 68K emulator and other bits)

Just wondering, is there much glue logic involved? I
guess I should go read the datasheets for myself, but
how much hassle is it to interface the A2000/SDRAM to
the coldfire? Are you needing a RAM controller (3rd
party/your own) of some kind (for the SDRAM)?

Hmmm I guess I should read the datasheet for this baby
instead of wasting your time ;)

I'll also have to find out exactly /what/ beasts this
CLinux you speak of runs on. Can't imagine you'd run
linux on a printer or switch of some kind ;)

I wish I was less busy, I'd really like to get in to
this. I'm afraid I'll probably have to just be content
with lurking and seeing what happens. I wonder if
there's a decent coldfire emulator I could easily
write some ASM for...

- Paul

__________________________________________________
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-----Original Message-----
From: Patrick Wesseling [mailto:p_wesseling@...]
Sent: 21 April 2002 13:51
To: Amigacoldfire@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Amigacoldfire] Re: Aros

Hi,

 

You would not be using the GUI from Aros? How you mean and what would you use?

 

But (correct me if I am wrong) the main idea was to get the Amiga OS software running on it. There is for sure some need for some kind of a patch to make it work?

 

Patrick

 

Not really, The C programing language is portable so the actuall
conversion would be easy, Aros isnt complete but most of the CLI is
finished, As is the Exec, Basically everything stored in the
Kickstart is almost finished, The stuff on the Workbench disk isnt
(Mainly the GUI) but we wouldnt be using the GUI.
We are aiming to put a rom on the CPU card with the 68K emulator but
if the Kickstart still wont work then we will have to rewrite it for
the Coldfire CPU and then add a coldfire.library (As used on the
68060 and 68040 CPU`s)so any program loaded after that will work.
The 68060 has the same problem, Try loading the install disk on a
Cyberstorm 060 and it wont work.
Aros will need recompiling but thats about it, It "should" be easy.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

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-----Original Message-----
From: ti_dak [mailto:ti_dak@...]
Sent: 21 April 2002 13:32
To: Amigacoldfire@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Amigacoldfire] Re: AMIGA DE on Coldfire V4?

> Linux for the Coldfire

Hi
Thank's for the reply. Perhaps you should contact TAO Group directly, because one of TAO Group shareholder is MOTOROLA. If AMIGA ColdFire project is succesful, it will increase the revenue of MOTOROLA Inc.

If the machine is 100% finished, are you sure that the new machine will support "Linux for ColdFire"?

There are several applications already ported to "Linux ColdFire":

http://www.secureedge.net/coldfire/linux-coldfire.html

http://www.uclinux.org/ports/coldfire/

http://www.wildrice.com/ColdFire/

[Phillip-John Matthews] 

This is possible yes with enoughth work, but also don't forget because your AMIGA will have a speed boost it would now be practable to move alot more Open source applications across which is relatively simple to do but thats mostly down to you guys.

 
>From AMIGA ONE project, MOTOROLA does not get any revenue, because they buy the G3 CPU from IBM Microelectronics, not MOTOROLA.[Phillip-John Matthews]  - Not true, IBM pulled out of the PPC, its all Motorolas now 
If AMIGA Coldfire project is succesful, is it possible to get direct financial support from MOTOROLA?
[Phillip-John Matthews]  Doubt it, this isn't their thing and they have other problems right now anyway. Financial backing would most probably come from within the AMIGA community.

[Phillip-John Matthews]  
T.I.A.

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-----Original Message-----
From: Oli_HD [mailto:club@...]
Sent: 21 April 2002 10:55
To: Amigacoldfire@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Amigacoldfire] Re: Dev stuff

Hi,
[Phillip-John Matthews] 

 

> Just curious as to how you guys are prototyping this.
Thats fine, Any answers you have we will answer.

> 1. Are you playing with a Coldfire evaluation/demo kit first?
No, Simply its to much money, It costs $650 and we can buy a lot of
Coldfires and make a card for less so we decided to go for that.
The developers board would have done just fine for the project but
PCB adapters would have to be made and other such time waisting
things.

> 2. Do you have much experience using Coldfire CPUs?
No, Only 68K CPU`s and then I havent made a modern one, I did do a
68000 upgrade once, Its a big jump but I have been reading every doc
around, I have been chatting to other developers on the Coldfire
forum and I have purchaced service manuals for a few Amiga CPU
upgrades to see how they do things.

[Phillip-John Matthews] 

I myself have experience with the 68k in terms of programing to and interfacing to it as well as a ton of logic tables from a project for it. 
> 3. Have you done any other systems using a CPU of this calibre (eg.
> I've only ever played with 8 bit MCUs :)?
Well the 68000 is 16 Bit but it was just a replacement for my A500
and fell apart within a year. (I didnt lacker it)

[Phillip-John Matthews] 

Yep I had a small microcomputer based around the 68k that was self built for another project, it didn't do much, it was ust an experiement to control the 68k.
> 4. Are you going off a reference design?
Yes, The A2000 design will be based on the A2630 card as much as I
can to start with, The others 16Bit ones will be adapted from that
(A500, A600 CDTV), A seperate 32 Bit version will be made and then
adapted for the others (A1200, CD32, A4000, A3000)
[Phillip-John Matthews] 

I will probably work on the A1200 card at the same time, theres alot of demand for this and I know my way around the A1200 hardware wise pretty well. When Olivers done with the A2000 card he can help me with the A1200 version or move onto one for another machine. Other guys involved can take our reference designs are move them to each machine, but this will purley be on the basis of demand for each Machine. I see demand for:

 

A1200 - Most of the demand will be for this.

A4000/3000 - Second most

A2000/A1500

 

CDTV - No doubt Oliver would produce one for the CDTV even if there was just one CDTV in the whole world as hes a CDTV nut.

 

A600 has its own design problems when interfacing with the A600 due to the piggy back method used. Anyone with a viper will know this isn't a great soloution but probably the only one.

> 5. What has actually been done/what decisions have been made?
Well everythings in place, I have just upgraded my PCB software, I
have basic prototyping ability (Home kits arnt really any good but I
do know lots of companys who will prototype a card for me anyway) but
thats it on the prduction/design side, We have been waiting for a
Coldfire.
As for the design, Well as I was reading the posts from the Coldfire
developers forum the Firewire, Ethernet, PCI and other upgrades were
discussed and anything that would suit the Amiga I read up abouts
design and price.
I have just started designing the card (First the A2000 as it doesnt
need a connector of any type and its a cheap computer (Even if its an
early one), The first card will just have a Coldfire, SDRam interface
(Chances are that wont work first time around, People really have
trouble with that), Expansion/diagnostic connector and a rom socket
(For the 68K emulator and other bits)

> 6. What dev software are you using (for PCB layouts/coldfire
> simul/compile)? I'm curious about what other people use! I use EAGLE
> for PCBs/Schematics myslef, even if the board houses prefer Protel..
> god I can't stand protel..
Its Aries, Its a nice program that is easy to use and can support
everything I need (It has a very large library of connectors which
really helps), I am happy with it.
[Phillip-John Matthews] Mine was software used by my course but can't remember its name right now.

> 7. Do you guys have any experience with A1200/A4000 expansion
boards?
No, I dont, Except I own a few (A4000 cards, 68030, 68040 and 68060
with PPC).

> 8. Is the initial aim to get as much 68k compatibility as possible
or
> just plain have a coldfire Amiga, in which case AROS would be an
> interesting path?
The first prototype will just see how well the Coldfire works, What
it needs to get going and so on, 68K compatibility is important for a
while as we are entering into a 68K market with no software but
latter versions wont need to be as 68K comatible so we will see then,
If its faster without then 68K compatability will be taken out (When
we have the software)
Firstly though lets see if it will work.

> Just extraordinarily curious ;) I'd like to look into/play with a
> microprocessor that isn't a 8 bit MCU..
Then you are welcome to help us, Anyone who wants to take a shot are
welcome to, Together it will be easyer, If anyone did want a Coldfire
E-Mail us and we will talk about it.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project manager (1 of 2)
[Phillip-John Matthews]  2 of 2 - yeah very small borg collective - lol

 

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Not really, The C programing language is portable so the actuall
conversion would be easy, Aros isnt complete but most of the CLI is
finished, As is the Exec, Basically everything stored in the
Kickstart is almost finished, The stuff on the Workbench disk isnt
(Mainly the GUI) but we wouldnt be using the GUI.
We are aiming to put a rom on the CPU card with the 68K emulator but
if the Kickstart still wont work then we will have to rewrite it for
the Coldfire CPU and then add a coldfire.library (As used on the
68060 and 68040 CPU`s)so any program loaded after that will work.
The 68060 has the same problem, Try loading the install disk on a
Cyberstorm 060 and it wont work.
Aros will need recompiling but thats about it, It "should" be easy.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,
> It looks to me that Aros would need some modification to run on
>Coldfire, right?

Not really, The C programing language is portable so the actuall
conversion would be easy, Aros isnt complete but most of the CLI is
finished, As is the Exec, Basically everything stored in the
Kickstart is almost finished, The stuff on the Workbench disk isnt
(Mainly the GUI) but we wouldnt be using the GUI.
We are aiming to put a rom on the CPU card with the 68K emulator but
if the Kickstart still wont work then we will have to rewrite it for
the Coldfire CPU and then add a coldfire.library (As used on the
68060 and 68040 CPU`s)so any program loaded after that will work.
The 68060 has the same problem, Try loading the install disk on a
Cyberstorm 060 and it wont work.
Aros will need recompiling but thats about it, It "should" be easy.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,
> My name is Patrick Wesseling and I am new to this group.
>I allready decided to take 1 processor.
>I am really glad that this list is here now.
>I am really excited about this project.
>I want to help out in any way I can.
Well at the moment Merlancia are off trying to get a price for 6-10
V4 Coldfires for the prototypes, They also have all the connectors we
need (They only have a few A4000/A3000 connectors though), If they
come back saying they can get just a few Coldfires we will be fine
and prototypes weill follow, If they cant we need to fund raise about
£450 as the minimum Coldfires we can buy are 24 and thats £600 worth
and we just dont have that much cash for the first step of the
project, So if Merlancia cant help then we may do a "buy a V4
Coldfire" sort of thing as we really dont need 24 and then when a
production model is ready you could order one without a CPU on and
send us the CPU, We will stick it on for you (We can`t socket the V4)
and send it back and we would give you a big discount for helping.
So untill Merlancia get back to us there is nothing you can do except
keep visiting and talking to us, We will keep working on the PCB
designs while we wait so the project wont be on hold.

Thanks for your support.
Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,

> In 1999, there is a vaporware project called IMPULSE (from IAT
Manufacturing) that try to create AMIGA accelerator based on ColdFire
CPU. Unfortunately the project failed and the product is NEVER
finished.
>
> http://www.snowcrash.u-net.com/amiga/nga_cold.html
>
> http://iatmanufacturing.freeyellow.com/Impulsemain.html
>
> Is the present AMIGA CF project another vaporware / failed project?
>
> What is the commercial prospect / market for the present project?
> Thank you.
I have read about  this project over and over, They were using a V3
and it just wasnt fast enough so they tried to make a twin CPU
system, At that stage the project died, There was no other option,
They say they were re-writing the OS for multi-CPU support but I
really doubt that would have been possiable.

As for the prospect, If the first prototype shows any signs of
working with the Amiga then I will develop it to the end and unless
no one wants to make / sell it we will launch it.
We can make the card into lots of things, A very cheap basic CPU
upgrade for Amiga`s that dont have PPC or a super system to try and
match the PPC, We can adapt to any market so have a great chance of
sucess plus the support has been great which will keep us going I am
sure.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,

> Ok, let me see if I got this straight in my head how
> this is gonna work... Input requested from those who
> know...
>
> MCF5407 initializes itself, then reads ROM.
> ROM says initialze hardware, blah blah...
> ROM loads and executes microkernel with CF68kLib
> instructions, setting up 680x0 VM.
> Microkernel then reads and executes AmigaOS kernel
> from Kickstart, and then AmigaOS & Workbench load.
>
> Sound about right?
Yes, Correct, Well thats the plan anyway.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

> In question 8, I guess I was asking whether the first attempt at
>running an OS would patching AmigaOS3.x or porting AROS...
>I'm just curious.
Patch, We want to use the original Kickstart if possiable, It will be
easyer on the user and the Kickstart can be patched by the CPU card
so there shouldnt be any problem, Aros is a backup plan if there is a
problem as the entire kickstart could be writen for the Coldfire v4
and then there wont be any problems what so ever.
Even if we used Aros we will still aim to use the original Workbench
disks.

Thanks
Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,

> The idea of Phase 1 is to create a 68k compatible
> accelerator card for the Amiga, to run AmigaOS & its
> apps.
Correct.

> Phase 2 would be to use the success of Phase 1 to
> create a ColdFire based classic Amiga clone with all
> the modern bells and whistles. Not as a competitor to
> AmigaOne, but as a more modern system for those of us
> who want to perpetuate the classic platform a little
> longer.
Well first we will finish the CPU upgrades and then move on to a new
computer, And yes it wont be a competitor to the Amiga one although
there is a chance it will run Amiga DE.

> Obviously Phase 2 has quite a few obstacles, the
> biggest of which is the blessing of Amiga Inc. when
> the time comes, since licensing Kickstart is a major
> factor.
Blessing? Hopefully we wont need to licence anything and as far as I
know Amiga hasnt found the Aros program to be breaking any laws so if
we used Aros source we would be fine.
Chances are we wont have an Amiga logo on it though as they seem to
be wanting to vet everything but we will see latter.

> (Note: I'm not officially part of the development
> team, just one of the many helping them. My reply
> should be accurate tho. :o) )
It is, and thanks for helping :)

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,

> Just curious as to how you guys are prototyping this.
Thats fine, Any answers you have we will answer.

> 1. Are you playing with a Coldfire evaluation/demo kit first?
No, Simply its to much money, It costs $650 and we can buy a lot of
Coldfires and make a card for less so we decided to go for that.
The developers board would have done just fine for the project but
PCB adapters would have to be made and other such time waisting
things.

> 2. Do you have much experience using Coldfire CPUs?
No, Only 68K CPU`s and then I havent made a modern one, I did do a
68000 upgrade once, Its a big jump but I have been reading every doc
around, I have been chatting to other developers on the Coldfire
forum and I have purchaced service manuals for a few Amiga CPU
upgrades to see how they do things.

> 3. Have you done any other systems using a CPU of this calibre (eg.
> I've only ever played with 8 bit MCUs :)?
Well the 68000 is 16 Bit but it was just a replacement for my A500
and fell apart within a year. (I didnt lacker it)

> 4. Are you going off a reference design?
Yes, The A2000 design will be based on the A2630 card as much as I
can to start with, The others 16Bit ones will be adapted from that
(A500, A600 CDTV), A seperate 32 Bit version will be made and then
adapted for the others (A1200, CD32, A4000, A3000)

> 5. What has actually been done/what decisions have been made?
Well everythings in place, I have just upgraded my PCB software, I
have basic prototyping ability (Home kits arnt really any good but I
do know lots of companys who will prototype a card for me anyway) but
thats it on the prduction/design side, We have been waiting for a
Coldfire.
As for the design, Well as I was reading the posts from the Coldfire
developers forum the Firewire, Ethernet, PCI and other upgrades were
discussed and anything that would suit the Amiga I read up abouts
design and price.
I have just started designing the card (First the A2000 as it doesnt
need a connector of any type and its a cheap computer (Even if its an
early one), The first card will just have a Coldfire, SDRam interface
(Chances are that wont work first time around, People really have
trouble with that), Expansion/diagnostic connector and a rom socket
(For the 68K emulator and other bits)

> 6. What dev software are you using (for PCB layouts/coldfire
> simul/compile)? I'm curious about what other people use! I use EAGLE
> for PCBs/Schematics myslef, even if the board houses prefer Protel..
> god I can't stand protel..
Its Aries, Its a nice program that is easy to use and can support
everything I need (It has a very large library of connectors which
really helps), I am happy with it.

> 7. Do you guys have any experience with A1200/A4000 expansion
boards?
No, I dont, Except I own a few (A4000 cards, 68030, 68040 and 68060
with PPC).

> 8. Is the initial aim to get as much 68k compatibility as possible
or
> just plain have a coldfire Amiga, in which case AROS would be an
> interesting path?
The first prototype will just see how well the Coldfire works, What
it needs to get going and so on, 68K compatibility is important for a
while as we are entering into a 68K market with no software but
latter versions wont need to be as 68K comatible so we will see then,
If its faster without then 68K compatability will be taken out (When
we have the software)
Firstly though lets see if it will work.

> Just extraordinarily curious ;) I'd like to look into/play with a
> microprocessor that isn't a 8 bit MCU..
Then you are welcome to help us, Anyone who wants to take a shot are
welcome to, Together it will be easyer, If anyone did want a Coldfire
E-Mail us and we will talk about it.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project manager (1 of 2)

Hi,
>I'm so jazzed about this latest development of Amiga technology
>that I just had to join in to keep a tab on the action.
Thats great to hear, I think its a great project and I intend to
finish it, EVerything that happens will be posted here so keep
visiting.

>I took a peek
> at the PCB layout on Files. I always find it amusing when the part
> count goes down as the quality of the finished product goes up! And
> the polls I know will be helpful.
I will say that there will be more chips and a few connectors too but
the less components does meen a simpler device that normally works
just as well.
The poll`s will be very helpfull (So everyone please go and fill them
out) as it will affect which one (Which Amiga version) we work on the
most, Theres no point us working on the A2000 version if no one will
buy it because it will hurt us and may stop other ones being made,
The name isnt really important but the Amiga Coldfire V4 project is a
long title dont you think? The upgrades will be added very late on in
the project (Maybe after the basic card is made) but it will be nice
to see what people would like, All the chips to do those things are
available (The AGP slot has only been prototyped by the Atari V4
project and I really dont think they have got very far as they dont
own a CPU yet).

Anyway thanks for your support.
Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project Manager (1 of 2)

Hi,

> On AMIGA SDK for Linux manual book (v. 1.00), there is a list of
>supported CPU. One of the cpu on the list is ColdFire V2 (CF52XX).
> Perhaps this VP translator will also run on top of ColdFire V4
>CF54XX), therefore it is possible to run AMIGA DE / AA program on
>top of CF V4 CPU. Any confirmation?

The V4 can run V2 programs so yes it should run just fine, Chances
are though by the time the Amiga DE is out the V4 will be supported,
It is a very popular CPU.
Even if the Coldfire version doesnt there is Linux for the Coldfire
(Clinux) which the Amiga DE will probably run off (May need to be
messed with first as not many people got the SDK to work on an Amiga
running Linux but still it shold run)
I will have a visit to Tato`s web site and see if they have any info.

Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project manager (1 of 2)

Hi,

> Despite the naysayers you are not on an impossible mission.
> Difficult... yes! but I do not believe tha it can't be done with
> todays technology.
Lots of people are still remembering the early Coldfire V3 projects
and that was to hard, The speed just wasnt available from a 90Mhz V3
so a twin CPU system would have been needed and the Amiga just was
not designed for that so every project failed, The V4 is twice as
fast as the 68060 and faster ones are on the way so no twin CPU card
is needed and that makes the project possiable and we feel up to it.

> The project just needs a few talented and committed individuals and
> the help of some experts in the Amiga community. Obviously you will
> also need the time (a commodity that is becoming rarer by the day
Dohh, I dont have talent :( I am comitted though, We have had a lot
of support from everyone, From Dave Haynie to Merlacia to all you
guys, What a responce.

> Who said old technology cannot be put to new uses. Heck! My old
> Nokia communicator (9000i) used a 386 CPU and my current one (9110)
> uses a 486. These are very usable products utilising "Defunct"
> technology.
Hey snap, I have a Nokia 9000I, Its a great little device and yes,
That uses a 386 CPU but I will say the Coldfire isnt old tech, Its
just not designed for desktops, Its for intergrated appliances and
has been used in internet routers, MP3 players and such, Its still in
developmet, V5 and V6 Coldfires are planned to be launched by
Motorola.

> If you produced a Nokia 9210 type micro laptop computer that was a
> souped up (But miniturised) Amiga 1200 that could run the vast
> majority of (legitimate) ADF files out there. you could even
>attract
> people outside the hardcore amiga fan base.
Yep, We would love to do that and the Coldfire can, After we do the
Coldfire upgrades we will look at new/replacement motherboards and
maybe a laptop, A palmtop would be great but requires a lot of work
so would take longer but it would be very cool and even if it was
just the speed of an A500 there would be a lot of programs already
available for it.

> Now If you ever manage to produce something like this I will
> definately buy it... even if a Pentium 7 100GHz CPU was out by that
> time! Honestly!
Good, Hopefully it wont take that long though and if a 200Mhz Colfire
comes out before we finish the design could easly be altered to use
it.

> Again good luck and thank you for setting up this newsgroup to keep
> us all informed on your progress. By the way, why not just call the
> project AMIGACOLDFIRE just like the newsgroup.
Yep, a little plain but it tells you everything you need, I wonder if
I can add things to an open poll? If so I will add it and see what
people think.

> Just a note... To remain respectable and to maitain a professional
> image please dont get into any flame wars or don't ever slag off
any
> other products/ technology. Otherwise you will just be like many
> others in this split Amiga community. Just my 2 cents worth.
I havent but I know who your talking about, Sometimes it is a little
hard, Specially on ANN as people really do like putting you down but
you are right.

Anyway off to answer some questions,
Oliver Hannaford-Day
Project manager (1 of 2)

--- In Amigacoldfire@y..., "Dr. Righteous" <drright71@y...> wrote:
> The idea of Phase 1 is to create a 68k compatible
> accelerator card for the Amiga, to run AmigaOS & its
> apps.
>
> Phase 2 would be to use the success of Phase 1 to
> create a ColdFire based classic Amiga clone with all
> the modern bells and whistles. Not as a competitor to
> AmigaOne, but as a more modern system for those of us
> who want to perpetuate the classic platform a little
> longer.
>
> Obviously Phase 2 has quite a few obstacles, the
> biggest of which is the blessing of Amiga Inc. when
> the time comes, since licensing Kickstart is a major
> factor.
>
> (Note: I'm not officially part of the development
> team, just one of the many helping them. My reply
> should be accurate tho. :o) )

Thanks, but I am mainly interested in *now* in what they are going to use to
test it in the immediate future as soon as there's a coldfire hanging out the
side of an A1200/4000 :)

In question 8, I guess I was asking whether the first attempt at running an OS
would patching AmigaOS3.x or porting AROS... I'm just curious.

- Paul

>
>
> --- Glortzp <glortzp@y...> wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > Just curious as to how you guys are prototyping
> > this.
> >
> > 1. Are you playing with a Coldfire evaluation/demo
> > kit first?
> > 2. Do you have much experience using Coldfire CPUs?
> > 3. Have you done any other systems using a CPU of
> > this calibre (eg.
> > I've only ever played with 8 bit MCUs :)?
> > 4. Are you going off a reference design?
> > 5. What has actually been done/what decisions have
> > been made?
> > 6. What dev software are you using (for PCB
> > layouts/coldfire
> > simul/compile)? I'm curious about what other people
> > use! I use EAGLE
> > for PCBs/Schematics myslef, even if the board houses
> > prefer Protel..
> > god I can't stand protel..
> > 7. Do you guys have any experience with A1200/A4000
> > expansion boards?
> > 8. Is the initial aim to get as much 68k
> > compatibility as possible or
> > just plain have a coldfire Amiga, in which case AROS
> > would be an
> > interesting path?
> >
> > Just extraordinarily curious ;) I'd like to look
> > into/play with a
> > microprocessor that isn't a 8 bit MCU..
> >
> > - Paul
> >
> >
>
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The idea of Phase 1 is to create a 68k compatible
accelerator card for the Amiga, to run AmigaOS & its
apps.

Phase 2 would be to use the success of Phase 1 to
create a ColdFire based classic Amiga clone with all
the modern bells and whistles. Not as a competitor to
AmigaOne, but as a more modern system for those of us
who want to perpetuate the classic platform a little
longer.

Obviously Phase 2 has quite a few obstacles, the
biggest of which is the blessing of Amiga Inc. when
the time comes, since licensing Kickstart is a major
factor.

(Note: I'm not officially part of the development
team, just one of the many helping them. My reply
should be accurate tho. :o) )


--- Glortzp <glortzp@...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> Just curious as to how you guys are prototyping
> this.
>
> 1. Are you playing with a Coldfire evaluation/demo
> kit first?
> 2. Do you have much experience using Coldfire CPUs?
> 3. Have you done any other systems using a CPU of
> this calibre (eg.
> I've only ever played with 8 bit MCUs :)?
> 4. Are you going off a reference design?
> 5. What has actually been done/what decisions have
> been made?
> 6. What dev software are you using (for PCB
> layouts/coldfire
> simul/compile)? I'm curious about what other people
> use! I use EAGLE
> for PCBs/Schematics myslef, even if the board houses
> prefer Protel..
> god I can't stand protel..
> 7. Do you guys have any experience with A1200/A4000
> expansion boards?
> 8. Is the initial aim to get as much 68k
> compatibility as possible or
> just plain have a coldfire Amiga, in which case AROS
> would be an
> interesting path?
>
> Just extraordinarily curious ;) I'd like to look
> into/play with a
> microprocessor that isn't a 8 bit MCU..
>
> - Paul
>
>


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Ok, let me see if I got this straight in my head how
this is gonna work... Input requested from those who
know...

MCF5407 initializes itself, then reads ROM.
ROM says initialze hardware, blah blah...
ROM loads and executes microkernel with CF68kLib
instructions, setting up 680x0 VM.
Microkernel then reads and executes AmigaOS kernel
from Kickstart, and then AmigaOS & Workbench load.

Sound about right?

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Games - play chess, backgammon, pool and more
http://games.yahoo.com/

Hi,

Just curious as to how you guys are prototyping this.

1. Are you playing with a Coldfire evaluation/demo kit first?
2. Do you have much experience using Coldfire CPUs?
3. Have you done any other systems using a CPU of this calibre (eg.
I've only ever played with 8 bit MCUs :)?
4. Are you going off a reference design?
5. What has actually been done/what decisions have been made?
6. What dev software are you using (for PCB layouts/coldfire
simul/compile)? I'm curious about what other people use! I use EAGLE
for PCBs/Schematics myslef, even if the board houses prefer Protel..
god I can't stand protel..
7. Do you guys have any experience with A1200/A4000 expansion boards?
8. Is the initial aim to get as much 68k compatibility as possible or
just plain have a coldfire Amiga, in which case AROS would be an
interesting path?

Just extraordinarily curious ;) I'd like to look into/play with a
microprocessor that isn't a 8 bit MCU..

- Paul

Hello!

   I'm so jazzed about this latest development of Amiga technology
that I just had to join in to keep a tab on the action. I took a peek
at the PCB layout on Files. I always find it amusing when the part
count goes down as the quality of the finished product goes up! And
the polls I know will be helpful.

Mark Elzinga

I've just been calling it AmiCF.

Dr. Righteous

Despite the naysayers you are not on an impossible mission.
Difficult... yes! but I do not believe tha it can't be done with
todays technology.

The project just needs a few talented and committed individuals and
the help of some experts in the Amiga community. Obviously you will
also need the time (a commodity that is becoming rarer by the day

Who said old technology cannot be put to new uses. Heck! My old
Nokia communicator (9000i) used a 386 CPU and my current one (9110)
uses a 486. These are very usable products utilising "Defunct"
technology.

If you produced a Nokia 9210 type micro laptop computer that was a
souped up (But miniturised) Amiga 1200 that could run the vast
majority of (legitimate) ADF files out there. you could even attract
people outside the hardcore amiga fan base. What you would have is a
unique palmtop. One that does not have to wait for software to be
written for it. You could bundle 2000 pieces of software with it for
free!!! :) with the option of downloading thousands more.

Now If you ever manage to produce something like this I will
definately buy it... even if a Pentium 7 100GHz CPU was out by that
time! Honestly!

Again good luck and thank you for setting up this newsgroup to keep
us all informed on your progress. By the way, why not just call the
project AMIGACOLDFIRE just like the newsgroup.

P.S.

Just a note... To remain respectable and to maitain a professional
image please dont get into any flame wars or don't ever slag off any
other products/ technology. Otherwise you will just be like many
others in this split Amiga community. Just my 2 cents worth.

I joined the group (as it is now obvious I have). I've also posted
this as a news story on AMIGA.org and if they accept it you'll see a
few more people joining. Can I suggest we sign all e-mails when
communicating with people who have questions etc, with the URL for
this group?

PJ

Hello,
Thanks for visiting, This site is to keep everyone informed about
whats going on with the projet to bring the V4 Coldfire to the Amiga
and to get your responce on any posts.
Polls have already been set up and a scematic that took a few hours
have been put up on the Files section (Which is missing a large
amount of address, Data and other tracks).
If anyone has any questions on the project post it here and we can go
into as much detail as is needed/wanted.
News updates will be posted when ever things happen so please join
and enjoy (If your already joined then just enjoy).
If anyone wishes on-line chats can be held in the (Java) chat room,
If you want us to set up a time and date just post on the message
board and we will arrange it all.
Thanks
Oliver Hannaford-Day

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Amigacoldfire group:

What things would you like on your CPU
upgrade. (Click as many as you wish)
But please remember each will up the
price, Clicking everything will cost
the earth.

   o Just the basic card
   o With 72 pin sim slots
   o With SDRam connectors
   o With PCI slots
   o With USB
   o With Firewire
   o With Bluetooth
   o With IRDA (Infra Red)
   o With a PCMCIA slot
   o With SCSI 2
   o With SCSI 3
   o With IDE
   o With an AGP slot (Please dont click this, Its really to much work)
   o With a custom expansion connector. (Same connector in every version)
   o With compact flash, Sony memory stick or/and smart media slots.


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amigacoldfire/polls

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Amigacoldfire group:

What Amiga would you buy this upgrade
for? (Pick as many as you would like)

   o A1000
   o A500
   o A2000
   o A3000
   o CDTV
   o A600
   o A1200
   o A4000
   o CD32


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amigacoldfire/polls

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Amigacoldfire group:

How much would you be willing to pay
for a basic upgrade with a V4 162Mhz
Coldfire, a SDRam connector and
expansion connector.

   o £0-£100 (Cheap skates)
   o £100-£175 (Hmmm)
   o £176-£225 (nice)
   o Or more (Maybe I will add some upgrades for you guys)


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amigacoldfire/polls

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!

Enter your vote today!  A new poll has been created for the
Amigacoldfire group:

Please help us and pick a name for the
project.
If you have any names please post them
on the message board.

   o Coldfusion
   o Igloo
   o Coldfire V4
   o Or something else...


To vote, please visit the following web page:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amigacoldfire/polls

Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are
not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups
web site listed above.

Thanks!