Who knows the Backbit Pro Cartridge ?

[poulette73]

Hello,

I came across this product : store.backbit.io/product/backbit-pro/


This interface can be used on several computers : Amstrad Plus/GX4000, Apple II, Atari 2600/5200/7800, Commodore 64/128/VIC 20, Colecovision, Epoch, MSX, SEGA Master System, Sinclair ZX81, TI-99, ZX Spectrum , etc.
Just take the adapter compatible with the computer: store.backbit.io/product/backbit-pro-adapter/

From what I understand, it's roughly equivalent to a C4CPC cartridge from Gerald.

On the other hand, I find that the price is still very high at $129...

A video presentation on how it works:

[Gryzor]

Huh, that's pretty interesting. Yes it's expensive but then again if you have a collection of a certain size, having a single solution becomes pretty economical in all terms... 

[poulette73]

More informations (concerning the Amstrad Plus/GX 4000) :

• Amstrad Plus/GX4000 has a chip for ACID protection bypass.

• The following adapters include a solderless jumper (one jumper is included, and extra jumpers can be purchased): Amstrad Plus/GX4000 (required for ACID bypass).
• 3.5mm jack allows connecting a BackButton or GenAssister, allowing easy navigation back to menu interface (some systems, such as ColecoVision/Amstrad/Atari, require an included solderless jumper).
• Supports cartridge images (BIN/CPR) up to 1MB in size.
• Real-time-clock remembers date & time even after shutoff. Useful when creating new files or versions.
• One-button diagnostic mode helps you identify system faults (on most systems).
• Upgradeable via MicroSD card.

[eto]

Clever and simple design where a simple adapter makes it work with different systems. In the end, it's probably just a (Teensy?) microcontroller that behaves as ROM and can react on specific actions to load images from SF card into its RAM. 

I guess we could use a similar approach with e.g. a Teensy, a few level shifters and a NoAcid IC to come up with a community / Public Domain successor to the C4CPC. As it would not require a FPGA it would be easy to replicate for many - and some will offer it on Ebay for a few bucks more. 

[roudoudou]

clever design for people owning many different architecture

else...

very expensive!

geraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaald come baaaaaaaaaaaaaack

[lordheavy]

clever design for people owning many different architecture

else...

very expensive!

geraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaald come baaaaaaaaaaaaaack

Better, release your design under an open license - see c64's kung fu flash, an open design for the hardware and the software.

c4cpc is "just" the a cpc's kung fu flash but not freed. So now it's nearly dead, because you can't easily reproduce it without specs.

voilà !

[tzibu]

clever design for people owning many different architecture

else...

very expensive!

geraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaald come baaaaaaaaaaaaaack

Better, release your design under an open license - see c64's kung fu flash, an open design for the hardware and the software.

c4cpc is "just" the a cpc's kung fu flash but not freed. So now it's nearly dead, because you can't easily reproduce it without specs.

voilà !

I would really like that. 
I could make my own c4cpc after that.

[Yonivansan]

Hola! Si, es la única alternativa al C4Cpc, pero para que funciona en la consola Amstrad Gx4000 hay que hacer un puente en la placa de la máquina alguién puede explicarlo eso que esta cómo se hace exactamente? He encontrado información pero no lo dejan muy claro hay que soldar o qué hay que hacer para que funcione el Back Bit Pro y saltarse la protección del ACIDO?

Ayuda por favor. 

[dragon]

https://amsnews.fr/2023/10/04/tuto-utilisation-backbit-pro-sur-gx4000/