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KS: BS2 not big enough? — Parallax Forums

KS: BS2 not big enough?

GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
edited 2014-02-04 09:26 in General Discussion
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/818225433/maximite-bbx-the-modern-day-basic-language-compute?ref=recently_launched

32bit machine with 128KB RAM, GW-BASIC clone and SD-card slot

May be interesting for some...

Comments

  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-02-04 05:57
    Doesn't exactly help the learner move up from Basic though. A Propeller ProtoBoard includes the video (VGA), keyboard, and mouse.. including color. And a second Propeller loading with Forth and an SDcard with handle as much or more.

    Dave Hein has even created SpinX for a Linux like file system and shell scripts.

    Arduino headers? Well, those tend to give me a headache. One of these days we will just have to make a Propeller board that includes a set of ADC ports and the other services that are pin specific for Arduino, AND an i/o library in GCC that will make the Propeller run any old Arduino shield that clutters up one's life.

    I guess that something can be done to address audio. I wonder if this has a sound effect chip or really does .wav files.

    i guess it is a must for those that want something new and odd.

    \\\ I must admit they did a nice job of developing the features they offer into a cohesive package.,, very tidy
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2014-02-04 06:01
    "even Gramdpa knows some BASIC!" :lol:

    Well done campaign! I hope it hooks some kids (and Grandpas) but I'll stick with PropellerPowered's PMC when I want to play with a retro BASIC machine.
  • GadgetmanGadgetman Posts: 2,436
    edited 2014-02-04 06:34
    Well, it IS a pretty nice build.

    They need to list which type of Arduino shields work on it, but that's a minor detail.
    (My GameDuino2 shield fits Arduino Uno types, and not the Mega 2560 )

    I may back it. Haven't decided, yet.
    (May work as a gift to my brother. not his 10year old son, though... He's only into World of Tanks... )
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2014-02-04 06:55
    I guess I could get one for my daughter(12) and give it to her when she asks about having a computer in her room. "But, dad........"

    It is so much fun to be able to say, "we didn't even HAVE home computers much less phones and tablets when I was your age!" or, "I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 36!" Of course then there was the time she pointed at a Model A Ford and asked if that's what cars were like when I was her age. :frown:
  • rod1963rod1963 Posts: 752
    edited 2014-02-04 08:45
    I think the kickstarter is redundant among other things. The only thing the guy is adding to Geoff's work is a cheap case and then gouging the buyers. Really a $109 for a DIY board? Olimex and Sparkfun already make low cost PIC32 boards that work with Maximite Basic starting at $25.

    Geoff is now also beta testing Maximite basic for the 28pdip version of the PIC32. At $3.64 in single quantities, it's going to be a nifty and very low cost single chip micro for hobbyists to play with.
  • mindrobotsmindrobots Posts: 6,506
    edited 2014-02-04 08:57
    rod1963 wrote: »
    I think the kickstarter is redundant among other things. The only thing the guy is adding to Geoff's work is a cheap case and then gouging the buyers. Really a $109 for a DIY board? Olimex and Sparkfun already make low cost PIC32 boards that work with Maximite Basic starting at $25.

    Geoff is now also beta testing Maximite basic for the 28pdip version of the PIC32. At $3.64 in single quantities, it's going to be a nifty and very low cost single chip micro for hobbyists to play with.

    Actually , because of what you mention and what we saw with the robot controller board failing to get funding a week or so ago, it will be interesting to see how this one does. You've pretty much established it isn't a great value or a technical marvel but it has a well done launch video and a nice looking case.

    Will Kickstarter backers fall for the sizzle or will the want the steak??
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2014-02-04 09:26
    I didn't get my first cell phone unti I was 50!

    Here is the real solution to a BS2 not being big enough..
    the ZX-24u. http://www.zbasic.net/Microcontrollers/ZX-24u-Microcontroller/p-98.html

    I tend to agree that the crowd sourcing is getting a bit stale as it gets harder and harder to come up with items that really need such an approach. Also, some of the best ones don't seem to get the glory they deserve (like my Cubieboard www.cubieboard.org)
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