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The New SGM.
ColecoVision Super Game Module.
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By: World of OpCode & Nurve Networks.
In Fall 2010, will
there be produced a little prototype module for ColecoVision by World of OpCode and
Nurve Networks.
The idea for the Module is to make more complexed games for ColecoVision.
It will upgrade ColecoVision from the standard 1K RAM with
extra 32K RAM).
Eduardo has already released several game conversions from former
MSX titles, and some of these are already available for ColecoVision.
Sky Jaguar, Magical Tree, Space Invaders Collection, Yie Ar Kung Fu,
Road Fighter
and Pac-Man Collection.
World of
OpCode plans to launch the following extended
games to the new Memory Module and the forthcoming ColecoVision 2.
Yie Ar Kung Fu II,
Knightmare,
Goonies, Zanac, Kings Valley,
Donkey Kong
Arcade, Castlevania Redux, Rally X, Arkanoid, Pengo and Gradius.
All from the former MSX Computer, and many from the
Company Konami.
When ColecoVision was launched was it an early unfinished MSX based machine,
namely close to MSX1.
That will do so that practically all these MSX games can be translated back
to the ColecoVision.
But the Soundchip and RAM is not the same, and here comes the new Super
Game Module.
The new Module can handle several graphic modes, with different
palettes, and top sound from the more advanced sound chip: AY-3-8910.
The new SG module must be mounted in the expansions port on the front of
ColecoVision.
The new SG Module is 100% backward compatible, so
almost all the existing games and
forthcoming games would work without any problems.
You will not be able to use the Atari Expansion Module, nor the connected Adam Memory Console
1st. version.
Moreover, you won't be able to use Expansion Modules when the SG Module
is plugged in.
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Here are pictures from World of OpCode's earlier
work with the OpGrade Module. |
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In the early beginning of the OpGrade Module was it OpCode's plan for a CD rom, but that would only work for 8 to 10 years.
With CD's, you also have to be care about scratches, grease, stains and so.
Problems you probably know from the Playstation, X-box and Wii.
But it was in the beginning also meant that The OpGrade Module should have
been very close to a new CV2.
But at the last minute it was decided to divide the project up, so the
OpGrade Module was given a new name: Super Expansion Module.
Just a simple RAM module with optional audio, and the final name is
now ColecoVision Super Game Module.
But should not be compared with the previous Super Game Module from Coleco
Inc.
The name was jointly selected between Coleco and Opcode mainly due to the
similarities between the never released Coleco device from the 80s and the
new module.
It is also a way to pay homage to the Coleco legacy.
But let us meet in the middle so far.
Eduardo at OpCode Games joined Nurve Networks with his new idea, and
they redesigned this unit from the buttom.
The idea behind the new Super Game Module is
to extend the functionality you already have with your ColecoVision.
But at the same time, the new Super Game Module also open the doors for new,
more advanced games.
- MegaCart 2.
- PSG and I/O.
Here is what each sub-system is responsible
for:
- MegaCart 2:
Up to
32 kB of Save RAM. to save any game data, like
high score, save points, etc.
And 128 kB of MegaRAM. Allows even more advanced games, like MSX MegaROM
games.
It is to find in the cartridge, not the Memory Module.
The name is MegaCart 2 a cartridge PCB that provides very advanced
bank switching and save game functionality, each cartridge will save its
own data.
All new games from World of OpCode Games will in future have built in these
features.
- PSG and I/O:
It’s an
AY-3-8910 PSG, the same used with
almost all MSX computers and many other
computers and arcade machines from the 80s.
The main reason is to allow more faithful ports of MSX and the most Z 80
based arcade games.
The people who created the CV made a bad mistake with the CV PSG. The CV
PSG isn’t bad at all, but they clocked it too high.
Because of that we are limited to frequencies above 110Hz, which means
that deep bass sounds can not be produced by the CV.
So that is why the Space Invaders Collection marching sound in SIC isn’t
as deep as you remembered it,
or some music stuff sounds so “high” in the frequency range.
The new PSG corrects that, and goes beyond what the Texas CV PSG can do,
with volume envelope and better noise generator.
The AY helps by offering a wider frequency range and by increasing the
total number of channels available.
Additionally both PSGs can be used simultaneously, and all sound is routed
to the RF output.
(A/V mods can still work if the sound source is taken from the output of
the sound mix, just before the RF input).
The I/O part is a bidirectional 16 bits port.
The parallel port has many possible uses, especially considering it is
bi-directional.
And OpCode Games even took special care to add VCC and GND to the port, so
it can have chips and stuff connected to the port without the need to
external power supply.
For example it can have an arcade stick with such features as programable
auto-fire.
One of the things is plan to eventually do is to create games that can be
played using a kind of ColecoVision network, several CV connected locally
thru the parallel port.
Remote connection (using a PC as a proxy) should also be possible.
Other convenience features include spinners disable, real paddles,
keyboards, storage, NMI disable and more.
An here come the new devices World of OpCode will test i near future.
OpCode has planned to create a set of simple "devices" to properly
test the SGM's parallel port.
The first device would be the paddle adapter, and for that will
World of
OpCode use a simple ADC converter and connect an Atari paddle to it.
From the parallel port should it be able to command the ADC to sample the
paddle then read the resulting 8 bit value.
Paddle games should be very easy to implement that way.
The second device is: creating a cable to hookup two ColecoVisions
together thru the parallel port.
The parallel port can implement full duplex 8-bit communication.
OpCode want to implement a simple game where two ColecoVisions can
exchange information about player position, etc. A simple racing test game
would be nice.
If possible will World of OpCode try a 4 ColecoVisions configuration too.
Finally 3rd device should be a simple computer module. It should
implement PS2 keyboard reading, and if possible access to a SD card.
Eduardo at World of OpCode just want to make sure that it can do that stuff
if wanted. Both PS2 keyboard and SD cards are serial devices.
Eduardo had originally planned to use the
OKI MSM 9842 PCM chip with
synthesized speech and sound.
Donkey Kong Arcade should have use it for
the walking and jumping sound for example.
So for the best sound have Eduardo decided to
study 6502 assembly and by consequence he was able to analyze the Famicom/NES
version of DonkeyKong.
With that he have the routines he need to be able to reproduce the few
analog sounds found in the arcade game.
So he don't need the Oki chip for the new SGM, and sounds such as voices
can still be reproduced.
And to be honest, do Eduardo not need the Oki chip for any of the planned
short term SGM games anyway.
Instead it is decided not to use digital voice on the new expansion module.
It will be found on the CV 2 which will be produced in 2012/13.
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The 1st. newer empty prototype PCB
of the future Super Game Module. |
The same
1st. newer prototype pcb,
but now with components. |
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This is the 2nd. newer empty protype PCB. |
And now
fully mounted PCB, very very nice work. |
None of the above prototypes are with the
planned OKI chip.
It will instead be mounted in the CV 2. |
World of OpCode have partnered with Nurve
Networks from X-GameStation to finish the new ColecoVision Super Game Module.
Nurve Networks is going to not just take care of the whole manufacturing
process.
Nurve Networks will also offer technical consulting during the rest of the
design phase to make sure the final module is of the highest possible
quality.
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The 3rd. newest Prototype out of several.
Not the final one. |
Beta testing starts late november 2010 until beginning of 2011.
Manufacturing of the hardware starts in China in spring 2011, and around
a month later is the final hardware received and ready for packaging.
The New Super Game Module will then be for sale around april 2011.
Eduardo's wife Bia is a master with Auto CAD, and she will
maybe be the one that
design the case for the new ColecoVision Super Game Module.
What will be included. ?
- Super Game Module to be
plugged in the CV expansion port.
- 24~32 KB expanded RAM. for more advanced games.
- ADAM compatible.
- Spinner IRQ control.
- Parallel port offers IRQ input.
- New Sound generator AY-3-8910.
- Bi-directional DB 29 parallel port.
- Power LED indicator.
- ColecoVision Super Game Module manual. |
All in all, the new SG Module is more in line with Coleco’s own planned
Super Game Module.
When the new SG Module is finished with software,
hardware, case etc, will World of OpCode start promoting through Gaming Magazines, Youtube, Retro Gaming Websites,
Merchandise etc.
And
like Eduardo says to ColecoNation for a few years ago:
"For us collectors and classic gaming fans alike, increasing lifespan
is very important,
because we are already witnessing our beloved machines slowly dying.
That
is a concern when creating new devices".
A full support and technical documentation of
the new Super Game Module and MegaCart 2 Cartridge will be available for everyone who works with
ColecoVision
homebrews.
Now you have as an homebrewer the ability to make games for Colecovision
with a little less limitations.
So now you can publish more advanced games, now you have some
more kilobytes to do with.
And what sound and synthetic power is concerned, possibilities here also improved.
Now, -there are no more excuses.
Just remember that, ColecoVision is: "The Arcade Video Game Quality System",
and the arcade games from the 80's appeals to it.
If you already now want to resevere a new Super Game Module, (like 70
others already do), please take contact with Eduardo's wife
Bia
Mello.
The price will probably land on around $ 50, and that includes the new
Super Game Module, and a related manual.
The deal with
River West Brands and Coleco Holding LLC leads to no longer offer Donkey Kong Arcade
or any other as a pack-in game.
As opportunities are now you will have a
combined system consisting of an existing ColecoVision, as well as an
expansion module.
The second option is to wait until late 2012/13 to buy a whole new absolute top
class Colecovision System
called: CV 2.
It's totally independent of your existing Colecovision Video Game System.
Here are all the possibilities really great, and the games will truely come to
terms at this machine.
Better Graphics, more colors, Synth speech, AV Out and avanced "close to" MSX Stereo Sound.
Will subsequently be updated.
Please note that World of OpCode continuous change in the data above.
This is
not the final work. |
Last updated: August. 14.
2010. |
