Commodore Free 14/Commodore_Free_Issue_14_2007_Commodore_Computer_Club.d64/t.iv fotios

Text File | 2023-02-26 | 10KB | 347 lines

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Interview with Fotios
Commodore 64 Hardware creator
 http://c64net.com/fotios/

Q - Can you please introduce yourself
to our reader?

A - My name is Fotios & I'm based in
Melbourne Australia. During my spare
time I enjoy collecting & repairing
various C= computers & accessories
(mainly for the C128). A couple of
months ago I started assembling a
simple hardware project (EPROM
cartridge) for my C128. It's now become
a bit of a hobby & hope to make a
number of various hardware accessories.
My handle on most C= forums & user
groups is Mangelore (taken from a
character in the movie The 5th
Element)I'm currently employed at HP as
a network consultant.

Q - What was your first computing
experience?

A - My first computer was a C128 which
was given to me as a gift by my father
when I was about 14. He'd spent a few
months working overseas at the time &
returned with a C= 128 in his luggage &
some IBM PC Junior brochures. I then
found out that the sales person was
trying to sell him an IBM PC Junior but
it was too bulky to take on a plane
with him back home.... lucky me!

Q - How did you learn about C=?

A - It was the period when personal
computers started invading homes.
Friends of mine had C64's, Spectrums &
Ataris. I got hooked onto a few C64
classics like Bruce Lee & Monty On The
Run.

Q - Can you tell our reader about the
Current products, what they do & the
benefits they would give to a user?

A - Sure! The FB-512 is a C= 64/128
cartridge designed to store up to
eight 8KB cartridge images onto one
27C512 EPROM chip. The idea is to use
an EPROM burner to store (burn) eight
of your favourite 8KB cartridges onto
the FB-512 EPROM chip.Toggle switches
are then used to select the desired
cartridge without having to unplug the
FB-512 from the expansion port. I
recently started including a pre-burnt
EPROM chip with 8 of my favourite
utilities,

The FBU_RS-232 converts the C64/128
User Port into an RS-232 interface.
Users can then use a modem & terminal
program like Novaterm or Desterm to
dial-up a BBS (not many around these
days), or transfer files using a null
modem cable between their C64/128 &
other computers.

It offers similar functionality to the
VIC-1011A with the addition of a DIP
switch that enables/disables certain
lines like CTS/RTS. The FBU_RS-232 is
also compatible with the UP9600 driver
in Novaterm 9.6 which achieves 9600
baud through the User Port! I mainly
use it with Desterm & my C128.

The FB-MIDI is a simple multi-standard
MIDI interface for the C64/128
Expansion Port.

I came across a program on the Internet
called MIDISlave. So, I decided to
build this interface so I could connect
my Yamaha MIDI keyboard to my C128. I
also use it with another program called
Instant Music.

Q - the FB-MIDI can this be used with
any music software, how is the device
multi standard?

A - The FB-MIDI can only be used with
C64/128 music programs that include
MIDI support. When MIDI interfaces were
being developed for the C64/128

in the 80's, there were a number of
different standards (Passport,
Sequential Circuits, Datel, JMS/SIEL,
etc). The main difference is the memory
address locations used to access the
interface. The JMS/Siel standard also
uses a different clock divider for the
UART.

Q - Some people may ask "why bother" so
what prompted you to design these items

A - For the same reason we all use C=
computers. It's fun! For me it's also a
creative hobby. It gives me an
opportunity to enhance my electronics
knowledge while generating interest in
the C64/128 platform with new hardware
(as simple as it may be).

Q - What problems did you encounter
designing the hardware?

A - The most challenging aspect is
sourcing certain components like the
User Port & Expansion Slot connectors.
I've had no luck in locating Australian
suppliers for these but eBay has come
to the rescue at times. The other
problem is "spare time" which is hard
to come by these days due to work &
family commitments.

Q - Did you find enough documentation
about the machines to design the
hardware or did you need to enlist the
use of other?

A - Absolutely. The Internet is a great
reference library for projects like
these. I've also found C= user forums
to be very helpful on a number of
occasions.

Q - Can you walk our reader through the
design processfrom concept to finished
product?

A - When I first come up with an idea
for a product, I'll create a list of
desired features. These are split into
two groups: "must have" & "nice to
have" features. For example, let's take
a quick look at the Stereo SID
cartridge I'm working on.

Some of the desired features
include:

-9V & 12V SID chip support
-configurable memory address mapping
-Prophet64 compatibility

I then break down the product into
various stages using a block diagram
which includes items like:

-DExx/DFxx memory mapping
-9V/12V power supply circuit
-Audio Out stage

At this point I'll attempt to draw a
schematic diagram using all available
resources (C= motherboard schematics,
reference guides, SID datasheets etc).
If it's a simple circuit I'll wire up a
prototype & pray to God that I don't
blow up a C= computer during initial
testing.

For more complex projects I create a
PCB layout & have a small number of
boards manufactured. For testing, I
normally use my Gold Edition C128.
Unlike the 1 millionth Gold Edition C=
64, this 128 has an all year round
golden tan thanks to spending too much
time in Solariums. Once all major bugs
are worked out, I'll then optimise the
PCB layout & order a few PCB boards to
start assembling the final product.

Q - How would a potential purchaser go
about obtaining one or all of these
items?

A - Currently, I can only accept orders
via e-mail & payment via paypal. I'm
also thinking of listing some of these
items on eBay from time to time as my
web page is very basic at the moment.
Let's not forget that these are
projects I mainly create for my own
use. I'm making them available for sale
just in case others are interested in
using them. With only a handful of
products at this stage, I don't see
the benefit of creating a web store or
eBay store. However, the interest to
date has been fantastic. Many thanks to
all of you who have ordered products.
You're support is much appreciated.

Q - you have a Coming soon item list,
can you give our reader some more info
on what they may expect Stereo SID
cartridge (Prophet64 compatible!)
Cartridge expander plus more

A - Well, I've always wanted a Stereo
SID cartridge. I've seen instructions
on the Internet on how to add a 2nd SID
chip in a C64 but the idea of piggy-
backing SID chips inside a 64 does not
appeal to me. I spent some time trying
to win one on eBay but was always
outbid as high postage costs to
Australia limit my chances of winning.
So, after doing a bit of research I
decided to make one.

The cartridge expander is a different
story all together. I already own a few
but they either lack a few features I
need or seem poorly made. So, the one
I've designed includes configurable
memory addressing for two slots which
in theory will allow concurrent use of
multiple cartridges.

Other features are enable/disable
options for many lines like EXROM,
GAME, ROMH, ROML etc..., a RESET
button, protection fuse, status LEDs
etc, optional vertical/horizontal
mounting for one cartridge slot, etc...
If anyone has any idea ideas for the
ultimate cartridge expander, please
e-mail them to me!

Q - Have you thought about something
like an accelerator cartridge something
like the SCPU from Maurice?

A - I actually own a SuperCPU128 & it's
a fantastic product. Unfortunately, I
don't think I'm up for the challenge to
make a similar product. Hopefully,
Maurice will be able to start
production again of certain CMD
products like the SCPU. The price these
items fetch on eBay is scary...

Q - Stereo SID cartridge - this is a
physical cartridge as opposed to
opening up the machine and fitting it
in place of the SID chip?

A - Yes, that's correct. It's a
cartridge that adds a second SID chip
to a C= 64/.128. It's been done before
so there's not too much to get excited
about. However, the cartridge pass-
through slot will be a handy feature
for Prophet64 users as they won't need
to spend hours soldering SID2SID boards
& wires inside their C64 to get stereo
sound.

Please note that I will not be
including a SID chip with this product.
There will be an IC socket where users
can install their own SID chips. By the
way, I'm currently trying to think of
a cool name for the Stereo SID
cartridge. The reader that e-mails me a
name that I end up using for this
product will receive one for free!

Q - Stereo SID cartridge will this work
with any other software apart from
Prophet 64

A - Of course! It should support any
Stereo SID software out there as I plan
to include a DIP switch that will
reconfigure the second SID chip address
into various DExx or DFxx memory
locations.

Q - Do you have an estimated time the
devices will be available?

A - I expect these to be available
within a month or so. The hold up has
been the expansion port connector.

Q - Have you thought about other dist-
ribution channels, maybe protovision?

A - Not at this point in time. Maybe
down the track it might make sense to
investigate further.

Q - How long does each piece of hard-
ware take to create?

A - It depends how much free time I get
& how complicated the product is. On
average it tales me a month or so as I
have a demanding full time job.

Q - Are the items readily available,
that is when I place a purchase for an
item how long will it take for
delivery lets assume within the U.K.

A - Yes, these products are available &
usually ship within 48 hours of
payment. Shipping (airmail postage)
from Australia to the rest of the world
takes no more than 2 weeks.

To give an idea of the shipping costs,
airmail postage for an order that
includes one or two products is:

-US $9.50 to Europe
-US $8.20 to U.S./Canada
Insurance (signed delivery) is optional
 & costs another US $6.50 worldwide
 (but not available to all countries).