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Make my own "Hydra" ??? — Parallax Forums

Make my own "Hydra" ???

WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
edited 2010-03-28 08:35 in Propeller 1
I am thinking of making a pocket version of the Hydra that fits in a small box kind of like those joysticks that have video out and are loaded with some retro games like frogger. Are there any issues with doing this? I know that some of the Hydra support files are only available on the Hydra CD when you buy the kit, but since I have that, I can use them on something other than a Hydra, correct? I won't be making it as a setup to sell, but if I did, what concerns should I have over issues with Hydra copyright/trademark/etc? I guess what I am asking is what is stopping anyone from selling a Propeller game setup that is basically the same as the Hydra and plays games designed for the Hydra?

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Andrew Williams
WBA Consulting
WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010

Comments

  • Oldbitcollector (Jeff)Oldbitcollector (Jeff) Posts: 8,091
    edited 2010-03-08 14:20
    The issue might be centered more around the distribution of the games themselves in a commercial package than in creating a clone. While the Game Stacker and El Jugadorare not identical clones to the Hydra, but contain the Propeller as the core and hence are compatible with the games.

    OBC

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  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2010-03-09 01:20
    Sounds reasonable. I don't plan on distributing any games, just making a smaller, more basic, more durable, "hydra style" system for my daughter while publishing the details for other do-it-yourselfer's. Others would have to download the games themselves as I would only be setting it up with an SD "game list" bootloader.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
  • Rob7Rob7 Posts: 275
    edited 2010-03-22 14:09
    Hi Andrew,
    I was thinking around the same lines however I have not come up with a great idea for it.
    I wanted it to be portable and I was thinking on building it somewhat compact like the new
    EL Jugador: www.gadgetgangster.com/find-a-project/56?projectnum=265

    Post Edited (Rob7) : 3/22/2010 2:14:39 PM GMT
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2010-03-22 16:08
    I was looking to make mine portable as well. I am planning on putting a Gadget Gangster Propeller Platform board in a case and use a small protoboard for the video out and controller circuits for my prototype. It will use the 2.5" display from NiteMax Mark and an energizer 12 volt Li-ION pack. The controller will be scratch built and will probably just use small tact switches.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
  • Rob7Rob7 Posts: 275
    edited 2010-03-22 18:09
    Very interesting !
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,935
    edited 2010-03-28 08:35
    Just an update and a few thoughts since I know a few people are following my progress (I have received several PMs on this project). I have everything I need now to finish off my setup for my portable propeller gamer. I am not calling it a portable Hydra, because it will lack many things that are found on the Hydra. It will simply be a handheld device that is pinned for games designed for the Hydra. I finished my notes for all of the connections tonight and will begin wiring things up tomorrow. A few thoughts:

    1) Anyone have experience making their own NES controller circuit? I picked up 4 of the CD4021 chips today at HFE and will be connecting one with the Parallax 5 position switch and a few pushbuttons. Anything I should look out for is it as simple as it looks?

    2) Phase 2 will involve adding an SD card with bootloader to pick a game. I'll be picking apart some game code to determine how to use the joystick to navigate through a menu since I will be without a keyboard. Comments?

    3) I am using the 2.5" display from NiteMax Mark, but I would really like to change to a larger one when I find one that doesn't have an enormous driver board. Brilldea's 3" display looks nice, but is out of stock. I have a 5" display from a PSOne LCD pack, but the driver board is about an inch too wide to fit in the case I am using. I am locked on the case because it is large enough for all the required hardware yet small enough for handheld comfort. I just wish I could find a larger composite video screen that would fit in it.....

    I didn't realize how simple and clean the Hydra layout is until I spent all this time digesting the schematic. I will definitely be giving Andre' some praise in my completed projects post when I complete this. I have had a lot of questions about the Hydra from time to time, but with all the time I have recently spent with Hydra book and schematic, I know it well. I just need to get my SPIN down better so I can take advantage of this new understanding.

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    Andrew Williams
    WBA Consulting
    WBA-TH1M Sensirion SHT11 Module
    Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, Mar 20, 2010
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