My Retro 8-Bit Journey & CreatiVision re-Creation & Console Add-ons

[GregZone]

Just watched the video, it is absolutely stunning!!!!

Thanks. I'm really glad you enjoyed it!

Now I can get on with just enjoying using my CreatiVision, and exploring the available software even more.

[MADrigal]

What would be the total cost for a person that wishes to build the MECB?

[GregZone]

What would be the total cost for a person that wishes to build the MECB?

That's actually a very good question, that I haven't worked out yet.

This is because the MECB modular design was primarily intended for general retro 8-bit experimentation, therefore I'd approached my CreatiVision re-creation project thinking more along the lines of someone who had already put together their own MECB modular system.

To start from scratch, you'd need:
- MECB Backplane - which is $36.90 for a complete kitset
- MECB 6502 CPU Card - $13.90 for partial kitset
- MECB TMS Dispaly Card - $20.90 for partial kitset
- MECB Motorola I/O Card - $13.90 for partial kitset
- MECB 1MB ROM Expansion Card - $36.90 for partial kitset

Note that the partial kitsets require additonal components / IC's, in order to complete the BOM.

So that's $122.50 (plus the needed additional components /IC's), to build your flexible & configurable 6502 MECB based system.

Then, for CreatiVision use, you'd add:
- CreatiVision Controller interface - $45.90 for a complete kitset
- CreatiVision Mechanical Keyboard - $69.50 for a complete kitset

So, another $115.40 for these two items.
Or, just these two items needed, if you were using them to enhance the controllers on an exisiting CreatiVision console.

To go the MECB CreatiVision re-Creation route, you'd just need to cost out the remaining components to complete the BOM (and shipping to your location), from the likes of AliExpress (or eBay).

Hope this summary helps put the cost into more perspective.

[MADrigal]

Thanks for the info. I assumed the cost would be a little lower, maybe in the range of AU$150 total. However, still this is less than most untested/faulty CreatiVisions you would find on sale on Ebay. And more robust and reliable!

[GregZone]

Thanks for the info. I assumed the cost would be a little lower, maybe in the range of AU$150 total. However, still this is less than most untested/faulty CreatiVisions you would find on sale on Ebay. And more robust and reliable!

Yes, there is certainly more cost to a new & flexible multi-card system, than there would be with a single board dedicated CreatiVision re-creation.

I have considered if I might (someday) design-up a single board version of my CreatiVision re-Creation. But, for now, my focus was as an addition to an existing MECB owner's 6502 system.

Of course, as my Controller ended-up also being an option for upgrading an existing CreatiVision console, this was a great bonus.

In terms of the costs, I do tend to price my Tindie Store items at the lower end, just to cover my costs and pay for parts. My motive is to share what I'm doing with others and help those who'd prefer a kitset, as opposed to selling to make a profit. This is why I also share the PCB gerbers etc on the DigicoolThings Github.
Funnily enough, I also don't actually want too many orders, as it takes me away from doing my next project.

For existing console owners, it's also worth noting that most of the cost in the Mechanical Keyboard is in the cost of the MX key switches, and the larger size PCB. Fortunately, my experience with 3D printing actually keeps the Mechanical Keyboard cost much lower than it would otherwise be. Also, for the Keyboard kitset I'm subsidising the shipping, as the larger / heavier box is costing me about 30% - 40% more to ship than I'm actually charging with my default Tindie shipping charges.

But, hopefully others get to enjoy this project as much as I have, either by self-buiding (via my github shared resources), or by taking the Tindie kitset route.

[Mobsie]

Not forget that there is still a cool Creativision Only Clone.

https://www.madrigaldesign.it/forum/vie ... f=10&t=424

[GregZone]

Not forget that there is still a cool Creativision Only Clone.

That is a good point! I will park my thought of creating a single board version of my CreatiVision re-Creation, on the basis it has already been done.

My projects are therefore differentiated as providing MECB users a CreatiVision experience to play with, as well as for existing original Console owners wanting to upgrade their controller options.

I imagine the standalone Controller and Keyboard would also support the existing CreatiVision Only Clone, just like an original Console.