GR8BIT

GR8BIT is an educational 8-bit computer hardware and software platform, upon which users can experiment with computer electronics in a simpler computer architecture compared to modern mainstream electronics. It was created by Eugeny Brychkov and licensed by the MSX Licensing Corporation.

History

AGE Labs announced[1] in 2011 the launch of a MSX kit called GR8BIT[2] - the do-it-yourself computer for learning purposes, which was licensed by the MSX Licensing Corporation. The kit is priced at $499 and includes all necessary components to assemble a working MSX2 compatible computer, except for an ATX chassis, power supply, floppy drive, hard disk, PS/2 keyboard and monitor. It also comes with assembly and operational manuals and a supplement compiled from vendor and community support.

Technical specifications
CPUZilog Z80 (4-20 MHz), compatible or emulation board (3.3V)
RAM1 MB
VRAM128KiB (V9938)
KeyboardPS/2 keyboard interface (requires keyboard controller installed)
Displaytext: 80×24 rows; graphics: 512×212 pixels, (16 colours out of 512) and 256×212 (256 colours), 32 sprites
SoundGeneral Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG), 3 voices, white noise, Additional 5 programmable channels when using SCC
PortsSeven (7) GR8BUS internal slots, Two (2) expandable external slots (1 and 2), Two (2) GR8BUS adaptor boards for internal cartridge connection, Advanced printer port / parallel datacomm port, Two (2) compatible joystick ports / general I/O ports
StorageFDD: up to two; Formats: «Standard 1.44» (9 FAT sectors), «Compatible 1.44» (3 FAT sectors) and «Legacy 720» (3 FAT sectors), HDD: up to two ATA (IDE) storage devices, with max 8 logical volumes (LVOLs), 2 active at a time; built-in GR8STORM™ utility, Micro-SD card interface (using GR8BUS master board, read only)

References
  1. "The birth of a GR8BIT - The do it yourself MSX 2". MSX Resource Center. 2012-01-18. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  2. "GR8BIT Platform: The Real Engineering Experience". AGE Labs. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
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