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Aquarius+: Worth a First Look!

1stage

1stage

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Here are some pics (rendered and actual) of the upcoming Aquarius+ platform...

case v17 crop.png PCB_rev2_WIP.jpg aqplus_open_rev1.jpg

Hardware works! Emulator works!

Here are the system features, at a glance:
  • 512kb of banked RAM
  • Color sprites
  • Color tile maps
  • Fully editable character set
  • Bitmapped mode with "cell-based" color changes between foreground and background
  • 6 voices of sound (2 virtual AY-3-8910 chips supported), sent out through 3mm stereo jack.
  • SD card storage
  • Wifi and Bluetooth capable through ESP32 module
  • Dual DB9 ports to support legacy Aquarius Control Pads, Atari joysticks and paddles, Amiga mouse, Intellivision II controllers, and others (switchable via IO)
  • Full legacy Expansion port to support ROM cartridges
  • Backwards compatible with all original Aquarius software
  • Software updates via SD card
  • VGA output
  • USB keyboard input
  • Legacy cassette and printers supported through modern 3mm audio jacks (no more scrambling for outdated DIN cables, just grab a standard one from your junk drawer!)
  • Real Z80 processor
  • Hardware core completely rewritable and open source
 

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seat safety switch said:
This is super impressive! How long have you been working at this?
Click to expand...

For about a year and a half. Credit has to go to Frank van den Hoef, the architect of the system. Frank also worked on the VERA video adapter for the Commander X16, and that is what prompted me to reach out to him to see if something like the VERA could be adapted for the Aquarius. He asked why we couldn't just make a whole new Aquarius and fix all the "problems" with it while still maintaining backwards compatibility, and I was sold.

Chip shortages for the FPGA core were a major source of delays. We have had a working prototype for over a year now, and the emulator for more than that, but we couldn't get the parts needed to scale up.
 
PCB Update

Our first two rev2 boards are finishing up manufacturing. Three of the parts couldn't be sourced in time for production, so I'll be soldering those components in place myself. These first two unit will go to the dev team to make sure the FPGA and ESP32 images/cores work correctly with the hardware, including the Expansion Port and cartridges, which was something we didn't get exactly right on rev1. We'll test fit it with the 3D printed case (updated from rev1 to remove some unused ports, etc.), and make sure our files are good to print at the factory as well.

We're HOPING that tests will go well, and we can continue with the next set of five rev2 boards, this time COMPLETELY manufactured without us. We plan on bringing at least ONE Aquarius+ unit with us to VCF West, but we're not sure about where we'll exhibit it.
 
It's open source, so we're planning on providing instructions for local distributors and enthusiasts to order their own through site like JLCPCB and PCBWay. Others may opt to sell via eBay.

Depending on how quickly it takes to ramp up production, I may make some quantities available from my prototype units to help recover R&D costs, also probably through eBay.

And the emulators for both Windows and MacOS are already available to play with.
 
rittwage said:
Truly destined to be an uappreciated labor of love... :)
Click to expand...
Well, it's not only an Aquarius, seems to have way cooler features than the original machine is based on. If the price is fair enough could be an interesting purchase...
Depending on how quickly it takes to ramp up production, I may make some quantities available from my prototype units to help recover R&D costs, also probably through eBay.
Click to expand...
May I suggest an alternate kit with only the FPGA soldered?
 
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So JLPCB or PCBWay can source the FPGA, solder and program it?; if so, this would be great indeed...

Anyway I was specially thinking in your eBay comment and a way to lower costs selling a kit with only the FPGA soldered (and programmed).
 
jltursan said:
So JLPCB or PCBWay can source the FPGA, solder and program it?; if so, this would be great indeed...

Anyway I was specially thinking in your eBay comment and a way to lower costs selling a kit with only the FPGA soldered (and programmed).
Click to expand...

JLCPCB cannot currently program the FPGA (or, more specifically, the ESP32 which programs the FPGA). Not sure about PCBWay.
 
Is there a place to buy these? Is there a Facebook or Discord group for those who want to follow the project? What's the Github link?
 
Would you build more? I'm an owner of a classic aquarius, it was my first computer, and I'll love to have an Aquarius+
 
Thank you @ajacocks but thats aquarius+ mini, so don't have the cartridge port. Ordering part its the other way, but I prefer to have a prebuild one.
 
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