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General Category => Amstrad CPC hardware => Topic started by: LambdaMikel on 23:44, 15 September 18

Title: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 23:44, 15 September 18
What options are there for a pocket CPC emulator.
I mean,

https://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G152875062626 (https://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G152875062626)
comes to mind, and I also have a PSP and an Android-based Game player that are able to emulate the CPC.
Even though the emulators are pretty good, I think the PSP is from a technology point of view pretty obsolete by now, and I don't like Android-based emulators (because of Android).

I see there is a recent "upvote" to bring a CPC emulator for Odroid GO:

https://forum.odroid.com/viewtopic.php?f=158&t=31642 (https://forum.odroid.com/viewtopic.php?f=158&t=31642)
I'd like that.

Wondering what other options are there? Raspberry Pi 3b + (needs all the battery and TFT and buttons and.... and PiZero is not powerful enough)

I should add - ideally, that device should also be able to emulate other home computers, C64, Atari 800, BBC Micro, and Amiga (MSX and Speccy - don't care  :P )

And then... there is https://www.instructables.com/id/Retro-Arcade-Gaming-on-PocketCHIP/ (https://www.instructables.com/id/Retro-Arcade-Gaming-on-PocketCHIP/)

Anybody any experiences / recommendations?
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 23:54, 15 September 18
https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/building-retroarch-and-cores-from-scratch-on-pocket-c-h-i-p/8412
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 07:27, 16 September 18
http://www.noodlepi.com/store
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 07:30, 16 September 18
https://pyra-handheld.com/boards/pages/pyra/
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: rpalmer on 12:32, 16 September 18
LambdaMikel,Most would probably try Raspberry Pi with WinAPE like emulator under linux installation.
This type of setup have been done for C64, ZX Spectrum, Gameboy, SNES and no doubt many others.
rpalmer
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: keith56 on 12:39, 16 September 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 07:30, 16 September 18
https://pyra-handheld.com/boards/pages/pyra/
That's by the openpandora team isn't it... be aware that the Pandora was vaporware for years, and when it finally came out, the pre-orders were not being delivered when new customers were (because they couldnt make the device for the money they thought they could)

If money is no object then what about:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GPD-Aluminum-X7-Z8750-Portable-Touchscreen/dp/B0761SV1PB/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1537097991&sr=8-7&keywords=gpd
or
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SEPTEMBER-Update-GPD-WIN-LPDDR3-1866RAM/dp/B07CJ2N8BC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1537097991&sr=8-5&keywords=gpd
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: dionisisg on 14:00, 16 September 18
i would go for an old netbook with the emulator of your choice. Hassle free + good portability, also these things sell for next to nothing these days.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: dionisisg on 15:02, 16 September 18
this would be great but are ridiculously expensive when you find one expect no less than 300$

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VZ5GDU?tag=httpwwwudonzo-20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VZ5GDU?tag=httpwwwudonzo-20)

there is also the older model oqo 01+ but also very pricey
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 16:42, 16 September 18
Quote from: keith56 on 12:39, 16 September 18
That's by the openpandora team isn't it... be aware that the Pandora was vaporware for years, and when it finally came out, the pre-orders were not being delivered when new customers were (because they couldnt make the device for the money they thought they could)

If money is no object then what about:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GPD-Aluminum-X7-Z8750-Portable-Touchscreen/dp/B0761SV1PB/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1537097991&sr=8-7&keywords=gpd (https://www.amazon.co.uk/GPD-Aluminum-X7-Z8750-Portable-Touchscreen/dp/B0761SV1PB/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1537097991&sr=8-7&keywords=gpd)
or
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SEPTEMBER-Update-GPD-WIN-LPDDR3-1866RAM/dp/B07CJ2N8BC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1537097991&sr=8-5&keywords=gpd (https://www.amazon.co.uk/SEPTEMBER-Update-GPD-WIN-LPDDR3-1866RAM/dp/B07CJ2N8BC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1537097991&sr=8-5&keywords=gpd)


These are very nice but indeed a bit too pricey. Same with the pyra.
thanks  for pointing out that the Pandora was vaporware.


I have an eeepc 900a and it is fine for most emulators but
Not fast enough for uae Amiga.





Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: pelrun on 01:39, 17 September 18
Pandora wasn't vapourware. It existed, but delivering hardware at scale is *hard* and they got screwed over massively a few times (for instance the company subcontracted to develop the joysticks took the money and ran.)


They did eventually deliver, although getting through the entire preorder list took years and they ended up funding a lot of it out of their own pocket. A friend of mine got one, but I had to drop out and get a refund eventually.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: keith56 on 02:18, 17 September 18
Quote from: pelrun on 01:39, 17 September 18
Pandora wasn't vapourware. It existed, but delivering hardware at scale is *hard* and they got screwed over massively a few times (for instance the company subcontracted to develop the joysticks took the money and ran.)

They did eventually deliver, although getting through the entire preorder list took years and they ended up funding a lot of it out of their own pocket. A friend of mine got one, but I had to drop out and get a refund eventually.

I'm not denying they eventually delivered, but it was years late based on their original shipping claims when they took pre-orders, by which time their hardware spec was below an average mobile phone... 
I actually ordered one before I came to Japan... at that time the website said 'In stock for immediate shipping' - as this was after the product was finished.
A week later I checked the forums... and guess what, their supplier had shipped faulty components, and they had no shippable stock... I cancelled the order a month later after they failed to deliver.

It's totally understandable that a small run project will be late or have problems, but if you've no stock to ship, don't pretend you have it... and don't claim your project will be complete in months when you're taking pre-orders, if you have no realistic chance of doing so.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 05:17, 17 September 18
I am wondering if one of these (MiST) FPGA computers could be used to implement a pocket CPC...

In the meantime, I am trying to run caprice32 on my Pocket CHIP (finally found a use case for it!)
Willl post the results.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: dionisisg on 12:25, 17 September 18
IMHO this is the best option for portable emulators but damn its expensive!


https://www.ebay.com/itm/GPD-WIN-5-5-4GB-64GB-Handheld-Windows-10-Gamepad-x7-Z8700-TouchScreen/113253771838?hash=item1a5e736a3e:g:jMQAAOSw4QdbnmpP (https://www.ebay.com/itm/GPD-WIN-5-5-4GB-64GB-Handheld-Windows-10-Gamepad-x7-Z8700-TouchScreen/113253771838?hash=item1a5e736a3e:g:jMQAAOSw4QdbnmpP)
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: Bryce on 12:41, 17 September 18
How about an Asus EEEEEEEEEPC? Would any emulator run decently on these? I have a 901 somewhere here with the original Linux installed, maybe I'll try installing an emulator when I have time.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: keith56 on 13:09, 17 September 18
Are we not counting the DS?
I have an original Nintendo DS, and it emulates a CPC just fine for most purposes
a few games won't run, but the speed is fine, and of course it has a touch keyboard!
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: dionisisg on 14:06, 17 September 18
Quote from: Bryce on 12:41, 17 September 18
How about an Asus EEEEEEEEEPC? Would any emulator run decently on these? I have a 901 somewhere here with the original Linux installed, maybe I'll try installing an emulator when I have time.

Bryce.


i believe any netbook is more than enough to emulate any 8 bit machine, some later amigas might be a bit heavy for them. The downside on the netbook format is the 7" inch display, it is just too big for real portability, that is why i suggested a UMPC (most are 5 - 6 inches with slidable keyboard) above but the price for a decent one is a bit  :o
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: genesis8 on 14:07, 17 September 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 05:17, 17 September 18
I am wondering if one of these (MiST) FPGA computers could be used to implement a pocket CPC...

In the meantime, I am trying to run caprice32 on my Pocket CHIP (finally found a use case for it!)
Willl post the results.
Waiting for an Amstrad CPC firmware for my Odroid Go !
Using Pocket CHIP keyboard doesnt seem to be easy to play CPC games without a joystick. And the company selling them isnt any more since march 2018.
PS Vita can use the PSP Amstrad CPC emulator too, and of course the Nintendo DS as stated by Keith56 but DS resolution is inferior to CPC, so a little bit compressed.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:09, 17 September 18
Quote from: genesis8 on 14:07, 17 September 18
Waiting for an Amstrad CPC firmware for my Odroid Go !
Using Pocket CHIP keyboard doesnt seem to be easy to play CPC games without a joystick. And the company selling them isnt any more since march 2018.
PS Vita can use the PSP Amstrad CPC emulator too, and of course the Nintendo DS as stated by Keith56 but DS resolution is inferior to CPC, so a little bit compressed.
Let us know when you have it and how it goes! Very curious about this one


I have PocketChip setup with caprice32 now... I will make a little video about it.
It works... even though playing is more fun with external keyboard and joystick of course.

I hava a Play Station Portable and the CPC Emulator is fine, but Amiga is too slow.

@Bryce (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=225), you forgot a couple of EEEEE's!!  >:( I guess it depends on the EEEPc... I have the 900a with Ubuntu, and caprice32 is doing fine. But UAE too slow as well. Some other 8bitters are also dropping frames there. But mostly ok.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 08:35, 18 September 18
Fruity Frank  :)
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 08:46, 18 September 18
EEEPc 900a + Ubuntu + Caprice32 - not really pocket....


Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: rpalmer on 11:29, 18 September 18
lambdamikel,
I too have an ASUS EEE901 PC with Win XP and WinAPE.
rpalmer
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: Bryce on 11:32, 18 September 18
I was hoping to change my EeePC901 to XP, but I can't find the proper image. Standard XP doesn't work and I need the French version as the device is french, so it's "stuck" with a very dated Linux until I can do something about it.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 14:18, 18 September 18
I use to have Win XP on the 900a, but I switched to Ubuntu 14.04 many years ago... and updated yesterday after a long time.
Captrice32 is running smootly and also joystick support works well.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: Bryce on 14:32, 18 September 18
I'll give that (Caprice 32) a go.

Bryce.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:03, 18 September 18
Caprice32 is perfect on the 900a.

However, I can't recommend it on the Pocket C.H.I.P.It is the sound emulation:

https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/sound-issue-alsa-underrun-error-message/5367 (https://bbs.nextthing.co/t/sound-issue-alsa-underrun-error-message/5367The)
The problem with these PCM buffer underuns. When a PCM underun occurs, the whole emulations stalls and stutters, making is a non-enjoyable experience.None of the "fixes" suggested online work, atually.
I still want to try Arnold, but currently can't get it to compile on CHIP.

So, Caprice is working on CHIP, but not smoothly enough. Seems CHIP is not fast enough. And you don't want to reduce the CPC speed to 75 %. (Even though that fixes the underruns)
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:08, 18 September 18
Btw, there are still some (new) PocketCHIPs available on Ebay (~ 60 $) It is a fun little full-fledged Linux computer. Even though Caprice32 has its issues with it.  I believe with a little bit of support the emu developers could turn it into a nice fully fledged pocket CPC! It is almost there. 
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: NaMcO on 15:53, 18 September 18
This model is much cheaper and probably better for the purpose than the one with Windows 10:


https://www.amazon.es/GPD-XD-Plus-Touchscreen-Quad-Core/dp/B01AZ64QCQ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537282390&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=GPD+XD&psc=1&smid=AEFNXE2MLQXYE


I selected amazon.es because it's the one nearer me, but it's widely available. I will probably get one for myself soon.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 17:07, 18 September 18
Don't like it - no keyboard...  :(
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 17:16, 18 September 18
Quote from: rpalmer on 12:32, 16 September 18
LambdaMikel,Most would probably try Raspberry Pi with WinAPE like emulator under linux installation.
This type of setup have been done for C64, ZX Spectrum, Gameboy, SNES and no doubt many others.
rpalmer


Right, RPI3 is more than fast enough, even for good Amiga emulation. I have RetroArch and EmulationStation setup that way.


However, I'd like solution which adds a screen and keyboard. So if there was a shell for the RPi like the Pocket CHIP (hopefully with better keyboard), that'll be perfect. Not sure about battery and power consumption of the RPi 3 though. Power has its energy price... Pocket CHIP runs 5 hours with one charge. RPi 3 will need a huge battery to come close to that I believe.


If somebody has built an RPi3 retro arch / emulation station setup with keyboard and TFT and battery I'd like to see it please. 
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 23:07, 18 September 18
https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-raspberry-pi-handheld-notebook-palmtop/overview (https://learn.adafruit.com/mini-raspberry-pi-handheld-notebook-palmtop/overview)

Quite ugly though.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 17:26, 19 September 18
Tested

https://github.com/KaosOverride/CapriceRPI (https://github.com/KaosOverride/CapriceRPI)

on Pocket C.H.I.P., and has much nicer GUI etc! Really nice and compiles without any problems on CHIP. ALSA PCM underun is much more rare, but still happening unfortunately.


Next, I tried


https://github.com/kletellier/cpc4rpi (https://github.com/kletellier/cpc4rpi)

(where has the original English version been moved to?)


but wouldn't compile.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 09:34, 20 September 18
The ALSA PCM lib buffer underrun problem causing laggy emulation has been fixed!
Here is a video showing the 60 $ Pocket CPC in action:

https://youtu.be/qdx9Gc06Cv4
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: genesis8 on 14:05, 20 September 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 17:16, 18 September 18

Right, RPI3 is more than fast enough, even for good Amiga emulation. I have RetroArch and EmulationStation setup that way.


However, I'd like solution which adds a screen and keyboard. So if there was a shell for the RPi like the Pocket CHIP (hopefully with better keyboard), that'll be perfect. Not sure about battery and power consumption of the RPi 3 though. Power has its energy price... Pocket CHIP runs 5 hours with one charge. RPi 3 will need a huge battery to come close to that I believe.


If somebody has built an RPi3 retro arch / emulation station setup with keyboard and TFT and battery I'd like to see it please.
Call me Santa Claus (well use a bluetooth keyboard though), check https://www.waveshare.com/game-hat.htm (seen at https://www.minimachines.net/actu/gamehat-raspberry-pi-69289).
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:18, 20 September 18
Thanks Santa - looks interesting indeed! Anybody using it? If so, please share your experiences.
Do they also have a shell / case for that?
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: scruss on 16:55, 23 September 18
There's also the PINEBOOK (https://www.pine64.org/?page_id=3707). I played with one last year at World of Commodore. Surprisingly okay for the money, but company support isn't great. Better than Pocket CHIP, tho  :D
The Raspberry Pi doesn't really do external power very well. There have been a few attempts at laptops, but they all end up bigger and more expensive than a refurb ThinkPad X-series
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 23:55, 23 September 18
Quote from: scruss on 16:55, 23 September 18
There's also the PINEBOOK (https://www.pine64.org/?page_id=3707). I played with one last year at World of Commodore. Surprisingly okay for the money, but company support isn't great. Better than Pocket CHIP, tho  :D
Hmm, just another Chrombook kind of thing. If I wanted that, I'd stick with the EEEPc or my Asus Chromebook and CPCBox in JavaScript.Better - for what, depends on your usecase, right?? The Pocket CHIP is a perfect CPC emulation plattform if you spend some time to configure it correctly. It is exactly what I was looking for. And has a built-in keyboard. So, thumbs up for Pocket CHIP - get one while there are still a couple available on Ebay (new), for about 80 $.  ;)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: scruss on 02:33, 24 September 18
I have a Pocket CHIP. It's pretty dire. The keyboard is useless. The screen is too low-resolution (480 x 272) to display the CPC's MODE 2. I had to hack in an amplifier and speakers, which barely fit in the case. When NTC were trading, they were pretty shady. Now it's just another abandoned machine running an old version of Debian Jessie on an obsolete single-core SoC (Allwinner R8), with a firmware you can't update because the nextthing.co repos are dead.
Or you could spend $80 on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Kit (https://chicagodist.com/collections/raspberry-pi-systems-and-accessories/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-kits?variant=12422988529743) + HDMI cable and still have change.
(disclosure: I used to work for the Canadian side of Chicago Distribution, linked above. We sold a lot of Raspberry Pis. Don't think we sold a single other ARM SBC the whole time I was there.)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 03:33, 24 September 18
Quote from: scruss on 02:33, 24 September 18
I have a Pocket CHIP. It's pretty dire. The keyboard is useless. The screen is too low-resolution (480 x 272) to display the CPC's MODE 2. I had to hack in an amplifier and speakers, which barely fit in the case. When NTC were trading, they were pretty shady. Now it's just another abandoned machine running an old version of Debian Jessie on an obsolete single-core SoC (Allwinner R8), with a firmware you can't update because the nextthing.co repos are dead.
Or you could spend $80 on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Kit (https://chicagodist.com/collections/raspberry-pi-systems-and-accessories/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-kits?variant=12422988529743) + HDMI cable and still have change.
(disclosure: I used to work for the Canadian side of Chicago Distribution, linked above. We sold a lot of Raspberry Pis. Don't think we sold a single other ARM SBC the whole time I was there.)
Coudln't disagree more. The firmware is fine by now, no need for further updates. Debian ist getting updated. So what? Doesn't matter if the company is no longer around.

No offense of course.  ;)
The keyboard is not good enough for programming session, but better than a touch screen Android screen keyboard on a phone for sure. Good enough to play basic games and enter basic commands for cat, run, etc. That's all a pocket CPC needs.

Screen resolution MODE 2 is hard too read, agreed, but who needs MODE 2 on a pocket CPC? Again, it depends on the use case. This is not a replacement for a "real" CPC, but a CPC which fits in your pocket. Hence the title  :) So, I consider all of your points irrelevant  ;D I am not doing word processing or CP/M or other applications. This is for games and a "fun CPC to go" mainly. Not a replacement for my physical CPCs for sure (but no emulator could replace them anyway).

In general I would agree with the "no firmware update" is bad statement, in case it was security related or the like. But I guess I won't even update the Pocket CHIP anymore, in order to prevent it from breaking. It does everything it needs to do and I'll just keep it the way it is.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 04:00, 24 September 18
Quote from: scruss on 02:33, 24 September 18
Or you could spend $80 on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ Kit (https://chicagodist.com/collections/raspberry-pi-systems-and-accessories/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b-kits?variant=12422988529743) + HDMI cable and still have change.
(disclosure: I used to work for the Canadian side of Chicago Distribution, linked above. We sold a lot of Raspberry Pis. Don't think we sold a single other ARM SBC the whole time I was there.)
Btw, I have a couple of RPi's, from the beginning.... my homepage is hosted on a RPi 3b.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: zhulien on 14:14, 24 September 18
not sure if you have looked, unless you have used blackberries or are a blackberry fan, you might have missed the awesome CPC emulator for blackberry that works like dream on the blackberry passport with full physical keyboard - it is really like having a cpc in your pocket.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: scruss on 14:36, 24 September 18
Whoa, I didn't know there were any Blackberry fans outside Canada. I know a few folks who are rabid about them still.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:55, 24 September 18
First time I heard about the blackberry CPC emulator!
What's its name? Screenshots? If blackberry also has
C64 and Atari 800 emulators, I might be in  :D
How about Amiga.... does it run fast enough? This is
where I believe the Pocket CHIP reaches its limit.
Haven't tried uae yet and the CHIP.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: zhulien on 19:15, 24 September 18
If you can get a blackberry passport cheap, i would say it is pretty cool.  If it wasn't the fact blackberry suddenly dropped support for it, i'd say it is one of the best phones I've had.  Now just good for certain things, like CPC on the go.


I can't find the author of it, or even the proper name - it's called EMU-CPC on here.


I think it might be bb-cpc, but i cannot verify as it appears no longer on the bb store.


https://n4bb.com/bb-cpc-app-released-blackberry-10-playbook/

Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 07:33, 25 September 18
Cool... not sure about the keyboard though. Seems a couple of keys are missing? Is that a screen keyboard?
And how about other emulators (Atari 800, C64, ...)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:48, 25 September 18
Quote from: scruss on 02:33, 24 September 18I had to hack in an amplifier and speakers, which barely fit in the case.
Really? What kind of speaker did you use? I haven't applied the mod yet, but the suggested speaker and amp is this one. It should even be possible to fit 2 speakers without any problems for stereo:

Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 15:56, 25 September 18
Btw, RPi doesn't have a speaker either  ;)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: scruss on 04:37, 26 September 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 15:48, 25 September 18
Really? What kind of speaker did you use?
Two of those, plus a stereo amp. It's pretty quiet from its default gain. I should really rewire it.
If you do it, make sure you put in a power isolation switch. These amps, though very low power, will drain the CHIP's battery when it's turned off.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: zhulien on 13:16, 26 September 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 07:33, 25 September 18
Cool... not sure about the keyboard though. Seems a couple of keys are missing? Is that a screen keyboard?
And how about other emulators (Atari 800, C64, ...)


on bb passport, it is half physical and half on screen, the top row on screen changes, and pops up to be more than 1 row as required.  not a lot of variety in emulators, the CPC was the only one i found.  But there is a SID player for it (which is somewhat an emulator)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 14:21, 26 September 18
Quote from: scruss on 04:37, 26 September 18
Two of those, plus a stereo amp. It's pretty quiet from its default gain. I should really rewire it.
If you do it, make sure you put in a power isolation switch. These amps, though very low power, will drain the CHIP's battery when it's turned off.
Good hint, thanks! Will put in a little switch and drill a hole in the clear case for it.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 19:07, 28 September 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 16:42, 16 September 18
I have an eeepc 900a and it is fine for most emulators but
Not fast enough for uae Amiga.
Actually, I have to revise my opinion / judgement. With the right settings the 900a is perfect for uae.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Docent on 19:34, 28 September 18
Quote from: zhulien on 19:15, 24 September 18
If you can get a blackberry passport cheap, i would say it is pretty cool.  If it wasn't the fact blackberry suddenly dropped support for it, i'd say it is one of the best phones I've had.  Now just good for certain things, like CPC on the go.


I can't find the author of it, or even the proper name - it's called EMU-CPC on here.


I think it might be bb-cpc, but i cannot verify as it appears no longer on the bb store.


https://n4bb.com/bb-cpc-app-released-blackberry-10-playbook/

Unfortunately, it is no longer available in blackberry appstore :(
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 05:51, 29 September 18
Quote from: scruss on 02:33, 24 September 18I had to hack in an amplifier and speakers, which barely fit in the case.
To make it fit well indeed takes more than 20 minutes. In my case, the main problem that prevented the case from snapping / closing neatly again were the wire that had to be soldered to the side of the header pins. These wires (and the solder) are thick enough to prevent the case from flushing cleanly to the PCB. I use an exacto knife to cut away some of the clear plastic such that the cables would find enough space. After that, everything just snapped into place neatly. The speaker and amplifier is loud and clear. Not complaints so far.

I have it mono only.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 17:13, 15 October 18
Quote from: scruss on 04:37, 26 September 18
Two of those, plus a stereo amp. It's pretty quiet from its default gain. I should really rewire it.
If you do it, make sure you put in a power isolation switch. These amps, though very low power, will drain the CHIP's battery when it's turned off.


Can't confirm any of these issues - it is rather too loud, and there is no power draining at all (checked with a multimeter). Did you wire the right pins?
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Bryce on 07:49, 16 October 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 05:51, 29 September 18
To make it fit well indeed takes more than 20 minutes. In my case, the main problem that prevented the case from snapping / closing neatly again were the wire that had to be soldered to the side of the header pins. These wires (and the solder) are thick enough to prevent the case from flushing cleanly to the PCB. I use an exacto knife to cut away some of the clear plastic such that the cables would find enough space. After that, everything just snapped into place neatly. The speaker and amplifier is loud and clear. Not complaints so far.

I have it mono only.

What pencil grade did you go for? I prefer HB, but I have a 2B here aswell in case that doesn't work. :D

Bryce.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 08:03, 16 October 18
Quote from: Bryce on 07:49, 16 October 18
What pencil grade did you go for? I prefer HB, but I have a 2B here aswell in case that doesn't work. :D

Bryce.
Grade doesn't matter as much as the brand, of course - Only Faber Castell.  8) (I should add that these are quite difficult to get in the US - I am importing counterfeits from China)

Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Bryce on 08:05, 16 October 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 08:03, 16 October 18
Grade doesn't matter as much as the brand, of course - Only Faber Castell.  8)

Wouldn't even think of using anything else either!

Bryce.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 17:43, 16 October 18
I am going to sell my EeePC 900a, black, with maximal 2 GB RAM and large 32 GBs SSD. 
Includes pouch and charger. Mouse buttons can be a little bit delicate from time to times, but most people would want to use an external wireless mouse anyways.
Otherwise, in great condition. US keyboard. Perfect for emulators (caprice32) with Ubuntu.
LMK / PM if you are interrested. Asking for 50 $ + Shipping.


Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 05:56, 17 October 18
For sale:


http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/classifieds-38/eeepc-900a-black-for-sale-perfect-for-emulators-with-ubuntu-(not-installed)/msg166092/#msg166092
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 06:12, 17 October 18
For illustration - Fruity Frank on my other EeePC (I am keeping this one, but the one for sale is identical to this one). Can't demonstrate the one for sale, as I have already erased nuked the SSD - but I used Ubuntu 16.04 LTS.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Gryzor on 12:35, 19 October 18
Doesn't check all the boxes (no mode 2 for instance due to screen resolution) and is not commercially available (got it through KS myself), but the Clowork Pi is really excellent and can run tons of machines or single games!

(https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pocket-games-console.jpg)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 02:57, 21 October 18
Quote from: Gryzor on 12:35, 19 October 18
Doesn't check all the boxes (no mode 2 for instance due to screen resolution) and is not commercially available (got it through KS myself), but the Clowork Pi is really excellent and can run tons of machines or single games!

(https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Pocket-games-console.jpg)
Cool stuff! Amiga emulation fast enough (I guess so since it is a RPi) ? And no keyboard....
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Gryzor on 10:21, 21 October 18
I've read some threads in the forums from people saying it does run, with a few problems - but it does, and they're fixing it all the time. Of course no keyboard is always a major hurdle, but...
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: genesis8 on 16:21, 26 December 18
The Odroid Go has now a keyboard, still no Amstrad CPC emulator though.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Widukind on 16:57, 26 December 18
Merry Christmas to you all!
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: mr_lou on 19:20, 26 December 18
Quote from: Widukind on 16:57, 26 December 18MAME's CPC module doesn't run very fast on smaller machines, i.e. there's some frame skips for several CPC games on the Pi, but it works well enough.

So the Pi3 isn't quite fast enough? That means that the old Rasberry Pi I have (I think it's the first one) definitely isn't fast enough either.

And the Pi3 is the latest model, right?

I actually also use MAME and MESS... Installed Lincade on a Linux boks inside an arcade cabinet. Using it mostly for MAME, but there's also an Amstrad emulator on it. The PC is an old 700 Mhz something, which seems to be fast enough.
However, I have to manually type to load games. The C64 mini allows me to just select a D64 image, and then it loads.
Probably not as easy to do with the CPC....
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: Widukind on 21:05, 26 December 18
Quote from: mr_lou on 19:20, 26 December 18
So the Pi3 isn't quite fast enough? That means that the old Rasberry Pi I have (I think it's the first one) definitely isn't fast enough either.

And the Pi3 is the latest model, right?
Yes.
The Pi1 has a  700 MHz 32bit ARMv6 Singlecore.
The Pi2 has a  900 MHz 32bit ARMv7 Quadcore.
The Pi3 has a 1200 MHz 64bit ARMv8 Quadcore.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: mr_lou on 07:45, 27 December 18
Yea, it is the need to type RUN"game that is a bit of a deal breaker...

But I just realized.... we kind of already have a CPC mini actually: The GX4000 + C4CPC

Sure, it's a bit bigger than those other mini models, but it's still somewhat small compared to other consoles, and it offers the important parts: A menu to start games from, no need to type anything, thanks to all the patched games we have for the C4CPC.
The only downside is there's no HDMI, so you need a TV with SCART, and then the framerates doesn't match. The 50 hz signal will be shown on your 60 hz TV... which is somewhat annoying.
Unless of course you also hook up a Framemeister, but then we definitely can't call it a mini anymore...

The image quality on the C64 mini is absolutely stunning.

But apart from that, I actually think the GX4000 kinda qualifies... which kinda makes Amstrad the first to make a mini model.  :P

So... to avoid typing on an emulator, we'll just need one that runs cartridge files.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 19:42, 31 December 18
Quote from: mr_lou on 07:45, 27 December 18
Yea, it is the need to type RUN"game that is a bit of a deal breaker...

But I just realized.... we kind of already have a CPC mini actually: The GX4000 + C4CPC

Sure, it's a bit bigger than those other mini models, but it's still somewhat small compared to other consoles, and it offers the important parts: A menu to start games from, no need to type anything, thanks to all the patched games we have for the C4CPC.
The only downside is there's no HDMI, so you need a TV with SCART, and then the framerates doesn't match. The 50 hz signal will be shown on your 60 hz TV... which is somewhat annoying.
Unless of course you also hook up a Framemeister, but then we definitely can't call it a mini anymore...

The image quality on the C64 mini is absolutely stunning.

But apart from that, I actually think the GX4000 kinda qualifies... which kinda makes Amstrad the first to make a mini model.  :P

So... to avoid typing on an emulator, we'll just need one that runs cartridge files.
Right, I just sold my C64 mini... and my CDTV (FPGA C64) as well. I guess I was really looking for something battery powered that is "all in one". The Pocket CHIP fits my needs perfectly now.

Besides that, you only need to type run"  once, and then you can use the snapshot function.

Btw, after a longer time of no use, I could indeed witness the battery draining effect of the add-on amplifier and loudspeaker. So I put in a switch to cut off the battery.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 19:43, 31 December 18
Maybe Bryce could try fitting an LCD and keyboard and battery into a GX400?  ;)
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: mr_lou on 20:05, 31 December 18
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 19:42, 31 December 18Besides that, you only need to type run"  once, and then you can use the snapshot function.

...once for every game I want to play.  ;) That's still too much.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 20:08, 31 December 18
Quote from: mr_lou on 20:05, 31 December 18
...once for every game I want to play.  ;) That's still too much.
It really depends on whether you want a "full" CPC with keyboard, or not. For that reason, since I was never so big on games on the CPC, I never really got enthusiastic about the GX400. I actually don't even have one... but it would be good to complete the Amstrad collection, maybe I'll get myself one next year.
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: mr_lou on 09:51, 01 January 19
Well, I realize that this thread is actually about a "pocket CPC", rather than a "mini CPC". I.e. you want a CPC with screen and keyboard, while I was after more something like the C64 mini, i.e. a small version of the machine without screen and keyboard, but with USB and HDMI instead.

Although a pocket CPC could also be nice, for working on that BASIC game while on the go. That would almost certainly be an emulator though. Why hasn't anyone mentioned the Gemini PDA in this regard? https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/gemini-pda-android-linux-keyboard-mobile-device--2#/
Title: Re: Pocket (C.H.I.P.) CPC
Post by: zhulien on 17:57, 04 January 19
Quote from: LambdaMikel on 05:56, 17 October 18
For sale:


http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/classifieds-38/eeepc-900a-black-for-sale-perfect-for-emulators-with-ubuntu-(not-installed)/msg166092/#msg166092 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/classifieds-38/eeepc-900a-black-for-sale-perfect-for-emulators-with-ubuntu-(not-installed)/msg166092/#msg166092)


Actually i didn't think of using my msi wind for a cpc portable, might give it a go.  I know in the past that WinAPE was pretty taxing on the hardware and I used to use Maro Veith's EmuCPC because it was so much faster.
Title: Re: Pocket CPC
Post by: LambdaMikel on 18:09, 05 January 19
Quote from: genesis8 on 14:05, 20 September 18
Call me Santa Claus (well use a bluetooth keyboard though), check https://www.waveshare.com/game-hat.htm (https://www.waveshare.com/game-hat.htm) (seen at https://www.minimachines.net/actu/gamehat-raspberry-pi-69289 (https://www.minimachines.net/actu/gamehat-raspberry-pi-69289)).
Tried that too by now. Not bad, especially since the RPi 3B+is almost fast enough for smooth Amiga gameplay as well. Still, some (little bluetooth) keyboard IS required for most emulators unfortunately, which takes a bit the fun out of it. I can post pictures or a video if there is any interest.

The PSP CPC emulators and such have a built-in virtual keyboard that pops up. Which is extremely helpful if you just want to type run".

For that reason, in terms of handling, the PocketChip is superior to the Waveshare RetroPi combo. And the PSP CPC emu is really the most fun in terms of handling I must say. But PSP is too slow for Amiga emulation, even with latest emulators and firmware updates.

So far, the PocketCHIP is still my preferred "Pocket CPC" I must say.
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