My new 464 is too large for my available desk space :picard: So I'll need to downsize/upgrade to a Plus model... But I'm worried that given the fact it's a niche system, and quite different hardware wise, I'm going to loose out on a lot of cool community hardware projects.
Is there a comparability table somewhere (I've only found a list on the wiki and unless it's a quirk of rendering on phone I can't see, at a glance what works on what)
Most work on a CPC Plus, but memory expansions may have problems, when using them and the ASIC of the Plus at the same time. This can be solved on software side, but there is even a memory expansion called "Gemini" by PulkoMandy, which is solving this on hardware side.
There is a 4 MB expansion which has problems on CPC, but not on 6128plus.
So here, the Plus is a plus. :)
I just imagined an interface on a USB-C cable with edge-mounted CPCs supported by emulators. :o 8)
Quote from: Clueless on 09:42, 05 March 25So I'll need to downsize/upgrade to a Plus model.
Make sure to get a 6128 PLUS. The 464 PLUS lacks the floppy controller and afaik there is no compatible external controller available. (The DDI1 probably works but needs an adapter - and it will look messy again). The 6128 PLUS lacks a cassette port but it's (imho) way easier to add a tape input to the 6128 PLUS than a floppy to the 464 PLUS.
Or consider a CPC 6128. It's much smaller than the 464 and much easier/cheaper to get a decent CPC 6128 than a PLUS model.
Quote from: eto on 22:12, 05 March 25Quote from: Clueless on 09:42, 05 March 25So I'll need to downsize/upgrade to a Plus model.
Make sure to get a 6128 PLUS. The 464 PLUS lacks the floppy controller and afaik there is no compatible external controller available. (The DDI1 probably works but needs an adapter - and it will look messy again). The 6128 PLUS lacks a cassette port but it's (imho) way easier to add a tape input to the 6128 PLUS than a floppy to the 464 PLUS.
Or consider a CPC 6128. It's much smaller than the 464 and much easier/cheaper to get a decent CPC 6128 than a PLUS model.
In fairness, the points are on the board for a floppy controller, you could actually solder one on. I've a floppy controller on mine. The problem was where to put a floppy drive. I didn't want to cut open my 464plus so I put a ribbon cable through the top of the printer port to attach an external floppy drive. It took a little work but it's definitely doable. :)
I've also got an additional 64k of RAM in it too. I call it a 4128plus. ;)
Quote from: Shaun M. Neary on 09:14, 06 March 25In fairness, the points are on the board for a floppy controller, you could actually solder one on
Sure. I didn't say it's impossible. It's just easier to add a cassette port to the Plus 6128 than a floppy controller to the Plus 464. For the cassette port you need a transistor, a relay and the connector. For the 4128 mod you need 7 ICs and about 20 caps/resistors.
Imho there are only 2 reasons to get a 464 PLUS:
- it's the only PLUS you can get (availability and/or price)
- you prefer real tapes over disks/images
Quote from: eto on 10:15, 06 March 25Quote from: Shaun M. Neary on 09:14, 06 March 25In fairness, the points are on the board for a floppy controller, you could actually solder one on
Sure. I didn't say it's impossible. It's just easier to add a cassette port to the Plus 6128 than a floppy controller to the Plus 464. For the cassette port you need a transistor, a relay and the connector. For the 4128 mod you need 7 ICs and about 20 caps/resistors.
Imho there are only 2 reasons to get a 464 PLUS:
- it's the only PLUS you can get (availability and/or price)
- you prefer real tapes over disks/images
Also, good luck getting a reasonably priced 464plus with a tape deck that still has a cover on it!