Tides-Rider book PCB pre-order

A real hardware Tides-Rider computer in a laptop shell. Proven Tides-Rider board design with all the add-ons to drive the laptops screen and keyboard and matching form-factor for easy installation replacing the original PCB:

• True Zilog Z-80 running at turbo speed
• True Yamaha V9958 with full-digital output
• Native rgb (in 15 pin VGA), scandoubled rgb (for internal lcd) and hdmi outputs
• Built-in true Yamaha OPLL on-board
• Modern i2s dac with built-in mixer for maximum audio quality
• Charger and power with USB-C, PD-enabled for 3 Amp. capable chargers  

NOTE: THIS IS A LIMITED PRE-ORDER TO FUND FIRST PRODUCTION BATCH

We have already a working prototype that is being shown in user meetings which is fully functional, all rework needed will be fixed in this production batch. 

 NOTE: YOU NEED TO OWN THE EXISTING LAPTOP SHELL

Our board fits inside the known OneChipBook (AKA OneChipMsx) by 8086YES!

https://www.tindie.com/products/cycle/onechipbook-12-a-fpga-development-platform/

You need to own the thing to replace the original main-bord which is an Altera-based FPGA-only board. All original parts that remain can be connected in the new board headers:

• The internal lcd screen and speakers
• The internal keyboard 
• The internal joystick ports

NOTE: THE PRE-ORDER WILL FUND THE PRODUCTION 

You will have to wait for production. Shipping is estimated for the end of November, but may be longer. If you don't want to wait, don't buy the pre-order now. We may offer ready-to-buy units some time later after the pre-order units have shipped (the price may change)

NOTE: YOU HAVE TO ASSEMBLY THE NEW BOARD YOURSELF

You need to rely on your skills to disassemble the OneChipBook yourself, remove the main board and install the new one. If you already own one, you can have a look inside to try. It's not a difficult procedure, but if you are not confident on your own skill please don't buy the pre-order.

WHAT IS THE SAME AND WHAT DIFFERS FROM THE ORIGINAL TIDES-RIDER

The main board is the same tides-rider design with turbo and dma-slot capability. You still get the high quality of the analog outputs and the built-in OPLL. Even though, some additions and changes have been made to integrate with the laptop features:

• Support for the battery power and USB-C charger. A custom PD-enabled firmware allows the use of high power (15W or more) chargers
• A small fpga replaces the PSG and provides scandoubled digital output directly from the VDP color-bus. The PSG is implemented with the PSG yamanooto core with high quality i2s output. The VDP digital output provides scandoubled rgb for the internal lcd and hdmi output  
• Built-in sd-card with full turbo support

Limitations of the laptop form factor version:

• Only one cartridge slot (internal second slot is not ready for std cartridges)
• No RTC. You need to use patched BIOS with RTC removed
• scandoubler can’t get full color data from VDP in YJK special modes due to V9958 limitation 
• You still need to provide your own V9958 to populate board socket

Thank you for considering this exciting new design, which makes finally possible to feel a real portable laptop with the computer we love from our childhood