Ultimate 64 announced!!

[Amiga1992]

Jens announced the Reloaded Mk2, no FPGA, so same thing as before pretty much.
https://icomp.de/shop-icomp/en/shop/...oaded-mk2.html

The difference with the previous version seems to be auto-detecting of chips for a jumperless design.

In my view, U64 is the clear winner because of future-proofing. When all C64s go to heaven and all chips are unavailable, there's only once option remaining: FPGA

(Thanks Jope for the news!)

[demolition]

The new Reloaded board has a few nice extra features compared to the old one such as flashable ROMs, support for stereo SID and a few other things but it is not really enough for me to want one since I already have the old Reloaded board (which I like and also use as my main C64). The U64 on the other hand is different enough for me to want one. Whether it can take the space of my C64 Reloaded will have to be seen, but if compatibility is ~100% then it might since a good quality HDMI output would be very convenient.

Reloaded MkII still only has S-Video output and while the quality can be good with a proper monitor, it won't allow usage with most modern monitors and TVs which is a pity. I know that converting the output from a real VIC-II into a high quality HDMI signal is not simple so an FPGA implementation has a clear benefit here.

[idrougge]

Originally Posted by Akira

In my view, U64 is the clear winner because of future-proofing. When all C64s go to heaven and all chips are unavailable, there's only once option remaining: FPGA

C64s don't go to heaven, they are killed by synth nerds and Spectrum Reloaded owners.

It's a bit funny that Jens didn't opt to integrate a Chameleon like he did with the A1200 Reloaded boards.

[demolition]

Originally Posted by idrougge

C64s don't go to heaven, they are killed by synth nerds and Spectrum Reloaded owners.

It's a bit funny that Jens didn't opt to integrate a Chameleon like he did with the A1200 Reloaded boards.

He'd have to add an FPGA for that to be possible. For Gideon, adding a U2+ is 'free' since he has an FPGA anyway (obviously it takes up space in the FPGA so not really free).

[Amiga1992]

Originally Posted by idrougge

It's a bit funny that Jens didn't opt to integrate a Chameleon like he did with the A1200 Reloaded boards.

What do you know that I missed?
The A1200 reloaded exists and has a chameleon in it?

[demolition]

I never heard that either and it also doesn't make much sense, but I assumed it must have been some other product and not the A1200 Reloaded.

[idrougge]

I mean, the A1200 reloaded is intended for use with an Indivision. The Chameleon can be used as an Indivision of sorts for the C64, but at the cost of your cartridge slot. Some of its features could have been integrated on the 64 motherboard or with an internal expansion header.

[Retro-Nerd]

The C64 reloaded MK3 (FPGA) will have the Chameleon integrated on the board. Jens confirmed that on Forum64.

[dirkies]

Did not see anything on using standard usb keyboard instead of original c64 keyboard... Would be a downer if that's not possible.

[Amiga1992]

Originally Posted by Retro-Nerd

The C64 reloaded MK3 (FPGA) will have the Chameleon integrated on the board. Jens confirmed that on Forum64.

Well we'll have to wait and see, being that he just announced the Mk2, an Mk3 will probably be a while to surface.

Gideon's U64 will come out this year.

Originally Posted by dirkies

Did not see anything on using standard usb keyboard instead of original c64 keyboard... Would be a downer if that's not possible.

It could happen. Remember the firmware is open, so someone could add the functionality.
1541U-II firmware already accepts a USB keyboard for input on the 1541U-II interface.

[Retro-Nerd]

Gideon's U64 will come out this year.

I've learned to wait. Even if the board is years in development, there is always something that will delay first announced release dates. We'll see. btw: the board got a second SID socket. And from what i've read a 6502 turbomode with 31MHz.

[Amiga1992]

Oh I can wait too, I just think, and this is just my ASSUMPTION from what these two fellas have actually ANNOUNCED, that Gideon will release before the Reloaded Mk3. Mainly because Jens has not officially announced it a s a product and Gideon has.
Also as the original source post says, prototypes are already in production, so this seems a little bit more ahead, again, from what developers have actually announced, cannot and would not guess what is going on "behind the scenes".

But as you said, "wait and see" is the right attitude.

[edit] OH I just saw the updates for teh second SID socket and "possibility" (not assured) for turbo 6502. Great news!

[brett71]

If this had a selectable PAL/NTSC mode, I'd definitely be interested.

[demolition]

Originally Posted by dirkies

Did not see anything on using standard usb keyboard instead of original c64 keyboard... Would be a downer if that's not possible.

That is what I understand from this quote:

Using a USB keyboard, I managed to type on this "thing" and load some demos from the 'Ultimate' drive.

On the prototype board, he could use a USB keyboard so I assume this feature will carry over into the real product.

[wiz12]

Got an update email today regarding this and he has 100 boards for the first batch in Februrary and a further 400 in another batch for April, though it seems he still has a few components to yet source but it's looking very promising.