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= C256 FOENIX WIKI =  
 
= C256 FOENIX WIKI =  
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----
 
−
=== Hardware Overview ===
 
−
''' All Foenix systems include a WDC 65C816 CPU @ 14.318Mhz and the following base features:'''
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
| || '''Graphics'''            || '''Layers'''                || '''Sound'''                || '''Ports'''            ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| || 320x240x60fps            || 16x16 mouse pointer        || 2x Gideon FPGASID          || SD Card slot            ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| || 400x300x60fps            || 8x8 character plane        || 16-bit stereo CODEC        || 2x PS/2 (kbd/mouse)    || 
 
−
|-
 
−
| || 640x480x60fps            || 64 16x16x256 sprites        || TI SN76489 (Sega, Cabinets) || Stereo 1/8" headphone  ||               
 
−
|-
 
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| || 800x600x60fps            || 4x 16x16x256 tile planes    || Yamaha OPL3 (Sound Blaster) || Stereo RCA Line In/Out  ||
 
−
|-
 
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| || 24-bit RGB color space    || 2x 256-color bitmap planes  || 3KHz piezo beeper          || 2.5" internal IDE HDD  ||
 
−
|}
 
  
 +
Welcome to the C256 Foenix Project! The C256 Foenix is a series of brand new computers lovingly made by Stefany Allaire in the style of the early 16 and 32 bit machines of lore!  This is your chance to be a participant in the development of a new platform -- to start with a brand new machine akin to a high-end Atari or Amiga, write its very first programs, see what it can do, push its limits, and experience something new!
  
−
'''Different models within the Foenix range have additional features:'''
+
Explore the different [[models]],
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
| || Model || CPUs || System RAM || Video || HDMI || Ethernet  || SID sockets || RS232      || ATARI || S/NES || C64 || OPM      || OPN      || MIDI  || Floppy    || Parallel ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| || U    || 1    || 2MB        || 2MB  || 1*  || Optional* || Optional*  || 1 (3-wire)  || 2    || 2*    ||    ||          ||          ||        ||          ||          ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| || U+    || 1    || 4MB        || 2MB  || 1*  || Optional* || Optional*  || 1 (3-wire)  || 2    || 2*    ||    ||          ||          ||        ||          ||          ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| || FMX  || 1    || 4MB        || 4MB  || 1*  || Optional* || Optional*  || 2 (9-wire)* || 2    || 2*    || 2  || YM2151  || YM6212  || in+out || 3.5" 1.44 || 25 pin  ||
 
−
|-
 
−
| || GEN-X || 2*  || 8MB + 16MB || 8MB  || 2    || Included  || 2 sockets  || 2 (9-wire)  || 2    || 4    || 2  || JT2151SA || JT2612SA || in+out || 3.5" 1.44 || 25 pin  ||
 
−
|}
 
−
* ∗ The GEN-X supports an additional 1024x768 text and graphics mode.
 
−
* ∗ The GEN-X can have a second CPU: 68000, 68EC030, 486dx2-66, and more to come.
 
−
* ∗ Each additional CPU in the GEN-X has its own private 4MB of SYSTEM RAM and 4MB of flash.
 
−
* ∗ The EXP-C100-ESID expansion card adds 10/100 Ethernet and two SID sockets to a U, U+, or FMX.
 
−
* ∗ The SNES/NES Joystick Adapter Box for the C256 Foenix FMX converts the two ATARI ports to 2x NES or SNES ports.
 
−
* ∗ The SNES/NES Joystick Adapter Box for the C256 Foenix U/U+ converts the two ATARI ports to 4x NES or SNES ports.
 
−
* ∗ The EXP-C200-EVID expansion card adds 10/100 Ethernet and a second DVI port (text-modes only) to a U, U+, or FMX.
 
−
* ∗ The 8MB of system RAM on the GEN-X is local to the 65816; the additional 16MB of DRAM is available to all CPUs.
 
−
* ∗ The 2nd 9-pin RS232 port on the FMX is available on an internal Intel compatible header.
 
  
−
== Getting Started ==
+
Explore the [[documentation]],
  
−
[[Hardware Setup]]
+
Join the [https://discord.gg/WqtwuEtN3a Discord],
  
−
[[Ports and Connectors]]
+
Order your computer at https://c256foenix.com, and
  
−
[[Formatting a Hard Drive]]
+
Join in the fun!
  
−
[[Using Foenix BASIC816]]
+
= Games =
  
−
[[Using Forth]]
+
Many developers are working on games for the Foenix; some projects in the works include:
  
−
[[FMX Errata]]
+
* A 2D Half-Life
 +
* A Bomberman clone
 +
* A classic graphical RPG
 +
* A classic variation on Hamurabi
 +
* Necromancer and Joust style games
 +
 +
To get you started, Daniel Tremblay has published two open-source games:
  
−
== Advanced Programming ==
+
* https://github.com/dtremblay/fraggy
 +
* https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-tetris
  
−
[[Monitors]]
+
Finally, developers often post .hex files of "unpublished" games on the discord.
  
−
[[Emulators]]
+
= Languages =
  
−
[[Assemblers]]
+
* C: The [https://www.westerndesigncenter.com/wdc/tools.php WDC C compiler] is available for the 65816, and a modern compiler for the '816 is in the works. For the additional CPUs available on the Gen-X (68k, 486, RISC-V, etc) a variety of modern and "classic" compilers are available.  More on our [[C Compilers]] page.
 +
* FORTH: OF816 and RetroForth are both available for the '816. See our [[Using Forth]] page for details.
 +
* BASIC: all platforms include a brand new, clean-room BASIC for the 65816 [[Using Foenix BASIC816]].  Additionally, MMBASIC is being considered for the additional CPUs available to the Gen-X.
 +
* PASCAL: A Pascal compiler for all CPUs is being explored!  Stay tuned!
 +
* Smalltalk: A full-blown Smalltalk-like environment is in development for the 65816. You can follow the work on the Discord.
 +
* Assembler: all platforms include at least a 65816 CPU, and folks are using a variety of assemblers, tho 64tass appears to be the most popular.
 +
* LISP/Scheme: Yep, you might soon be able to boot to LISP just as easily as booting to BASIC!
  
−
[[C Compilers]]
+
= Operating Systems =
  
−
[[Memory Map]]
+
For the more adventurous, several operating systems and desktop environments are in the works:
  
−
[[Using the Debug Interface]]
+
* FX/OS -- A Clean-Room GUI for the Foenix, written in C and presently compiling for the 65816.
 +
* EmuTOS -- A port of the Atari-ST OS of the same name! (For the Gen-X/68k)
 +
* TinyCore -- A distributed Smalltalk-like environment being ported to the 65816.
  
−
[[Foenix Kernel Documentation]]
+
= Music =
  
−
== Technical Documentation ==
+
The Foenix machines are an 8-bit musician's dream! All models include a TI SN76489, a Yamaha OPL3 (Sound Blaster), two Gidion FPGA SIDs, and a 16-bit CODEC.  The Gen-X and FMX models further include MIDI ports, a Yamaha OPM, and a Yamaha OPN. You can also add two additional SIDs to any model. Turn your Foenix into the ultimate chip-tune machine, use it as a sound-module containing every FM-synth you every wanted, or directly implement your own MIDI transformations without having to wade through 30 years of operating system baggage!
  
−
{|
+
Once again, Daniel Tremblay is here to get you started: https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-vgm-player
−
| [[65816]]    || || CPU
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[bq4802ly]]  || || RTC
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[GABE]]      || || System / IO / Timers / Sound Chip Controller / Math Co-Processor
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[LPC47M10x]] || || SuperIO - Analog inputs, MIDI, EPP, PS2, Serial, Floppy (FMX)
 
−
|-
 
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| [[SN76489]]  || || PSG Audio
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[YM2151]]    || || Yamaha OPM1 - FM Operator Type I (FMX)
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[YM2612]]    || || Yamaha OPN2 - FM Operator Type II (FMX)
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[YMF262]]    || || Yamaha OPL3 - FM Operator Type III
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[WM8776]]    || || 24-bit 192kHz Stereo CODEC
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[VICKY II]]  || || Graphics Engine
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Unity]]    || || IDE Hard-disk control
 
−
|-
 
−
| [[Trinity]]  || || Joystick and DIP switches
 
−
|-
 
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| [[LAN9221]]  || || 10/100 Ethernet
 
−
|}
 
  
−
== Early Software ==
+
= FAQ =
  
−
You will need to reset (or even power cycle) the Foenix between uploads to clear the memory and restore the default configuration.  These are early days!
+
Is this another FPGA based Retro like the Mister?
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
* No! These machines are the real thing. You'll be running on a real 65816, 68000, 68030, i486dx2, etc. :).
−
| '''Program'''      || '''Notes'''      || '''Author'''    || '''Sources'''
+
 
−
|-
+
Are these machines compatible with the C64? C128? Amiga? Atari-ST? IBM-PC?
−
| BASIC816          || Bundled          || PJW            || https://github.com/pweingar/BASIC816
+
 
−
|-
+
* No! This is not a C65, a Vampire, or an Ultimate64.  We already have those platforms. This is something new and different!
−
| MONITOR            || Bundled          || PJW            || https://github.com/pweingar/BASIC816
+
 
−
|-
+
Is there an emulator?
−
| [[matrix.hex]]     || Matrix demo      || Piotr Meyer    ||
+
 
−
|-
+
* Yes!  See the [[Emulators]] page!
−
| [[Tracker_2.hex]] || Music player      || Daniel Tremblay || https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-tracker
+
 
−
|-
+
Is the hardware "Open Source"?
−
| [[Tracker_3.hex]]  || Music player      || Daniel Tremblay || https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-tracker
+
 
−
|-
+
* The board schematics are available for download from the Wiki.  The FPGA code is presently closed-source to keep the platform from becoming fragmented.
−
| [[fraggy.hex]]    || Frogger like game || Daniel Tremblay || https://github.com/dtremblay/fraggy
+
 
−
|-
+
Are there any programming tutorials for the Foenix?
−
| [[jumpman_sr.hex]] || Splash screen    || Stefany Allaire || Too busy working on the system!
+
 
−
|-
+
* Stefany Allaire's videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNX2L8_enbRUAb8zKaR2KzQ
−
| C256 Tetris        || Full Tetris Game  || Daniel Tremblay || https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-tetris
+
* Tail Recursive's videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNLxfepc0xAZodcvOlVenQ
−
|-
+
* You can also follow along with the development of the Gen-X on Stefany's [https://www.patreon.com/c256foenix?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=creatorshare Patreon] page.
−
| VGM Player        || Video Game Music Player || Daniel Tremblay || https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-vgm-player
 
−
|}
 

Revision as of 17:58, 28 June 2021

C256 FOENIX WIKI

Welcome to the C256 Foenix Project! The C256 Foenix is a series of brand new computers lovingly made by Stefany Allaire in the style of the early 16 and 32 bit machines of lore! This is your chance to be a participant in the development of a new platform -- to start with a brand new machine akin to a high-end Atari or Amiga, write its very first programs, see what it can do, push its limits, and experience something new!

Explore the different models,

Explore the documentation,

Join the Discord,

Order your computer at https://c256foenix.com, and

Join in the fun!

Games

Many developers are working on games for the Foenix; some projects in the works include:

  • A 2D Half-Life
  • A Bomberman clone
  • A classic graphical RPG
  • A classic variation on Hamurabi
  • Necromancer and Joust style games

To get you started, Daniel Tremblay has published two open-source games:

Finally, developers often post .hex files of "unpublished" games on the discord.

Languages

  • C: The WDC C compiler is available for the 65816, and a modern compiler for the '816 is in the works. For the additional CPUs available on the Gen-X (68k, 486, RISC-V, etc) a variety of modern and "classic" compilers are available. More on our C Compilers page.
  • FORTH: OF816 and RetroForth are both available for the '816. See our Using Forth page for details.
  • BASIC: all platforms include a brand new, clean-room BASIC for the 65816 Using Foenix BASIC816. Additionally, MMBASIC is being considered for the additional CPUs available to the Gen-X.
  • PASCAL: A Pascal compiler for all CPUs is being explored! Stay tuned!
  • Smalltalk: A full-blown Smalltalk-like environment is in development for the 65816. You can follow the work on the Discord.
  • Assembler: all platforms include at least a 65816 CPU, and folks are using a variety of assemblers, tho 64tass appears to be the most popular.
  • LISP/Scheme: Yep, you might soon be able to boot to LISP just as easily as booting to BASIC!

Operating Systems

For the more adventurous, several operating systems and desktop environments are in the works:

  • FX/OS -- A Clean-Room GUI for the Foenix, written in C and presently compiling for the 65816.
  • EmuTOS -- A port of the Atari-ST OS of the same name! (For the Gen-X/68k)
  • TinyCore -- A distributed Smalltalk-like environment being ported to the 65816.

Music

The Foenix machines are an 8-bit musician's dream! All models include a TI SN76489, a Yamaha OPL3 (Sound Blaster), two Gidion FPGA SIDs, and a 16-bit CODEC. The Gen-X and FMX models further include MIDI ports, a Yamaha OPM, and a Yamaha OPN. You can also add two additional SIDs to any model. Turn your Foenix into the ultimate chip-tune machine, use it as a sound-module containing every FM-synth you every wanted, or directly implement your own MIDI transformations without having to wade through 30 years of operating system baggage!

Once again, Daniel Tremblay is here to get you started: https://github.com/dtremblay/c256-vgm-player

FAQ

Is this another FPGA based Retro like the Mister?

  • No! These machines are the real thing. You'll be running on a real 65816, 68000, 68030, i486dx2, etc. :).

Are these machines compatible with the C64? C128? Amiga? Atari-ST? IBM-PC?

  • No! This is not a C65, a Vampire, or an Ultimate64. We already have those platforms. This is something new and different!

Is there an emulator?

Is the hardware "Open Source"?

  • The board schematics are available for download from the Wiki. The FPGA code is presently closed-source to keep the platform from becoming fragmented.

Are there any programming tutorials for the Foenix?

Retrieved from "https://wiki.c256foenix.com/index.php?title=Main_Page&oldid=640"