TurboMaster Version 3 is complete

[COREi64]

I'm happy to report that I have successfully reverse engineered and improved the TurboMaster CPU.

I reverse engineered all of the PALs including the super-rare U18MA (MasterAdapter version) of the U18 chip. Both of my original TurboMasters lost their lives in this pursuit. I'm happy to report they've been since resurrected. All of the work done on these chips are as a result of work that I did along with my team. This effort isn't connected to or using any assets from any other RE attempt previously done by anyone else. The board design has been further improved and is now compatible with both the original R65C02P4 as well as the new (still available) WDC 65C02S6TPG-14 cpu. Additional improvements include an alteration that now allows for modern SRAM to be used on the board, and the integration of the MA wiring directly into the PCB. CPU and MA use are jumper configurable on the PCB.

I have also completed two different case designs for the project. The first one I did was a 3D printable case. It was never the one that I wanted for the finished product, but instead I really only did it so that I could make myself a fully transparent TurboMaster v3 to celebrate my accomplishment. I've always wanted to do this and it was going to be a treat for myself if I ever managed to succeed. Well I did I'm so happy to say.

Once that was done, then I proceeded to complete the metal case. Improvements in the case include the use of press-fit hardware. Press-fit standoffs are now used to secure the PCB inside the case, and press-fit nuts are used to not only hold a printed foot to the underside of the case but also to attach the lid to the case. No more plastic standoffs or screws that twist directly into aluminum. The case is aluminum 1.5mm thick, and is anodized blue. (I'm having some red ones made for fun, I'll post some pictures of that when I receive them) The text on the face is factory silkscreened, so should be plenty durable.

The PCB is black/enig (gold) with a chamfered edge connector so that it's friendly to the 64's cartridge connector.

So that concludes this project as well. This is one that I never expected I'd be able to do. Goes to show you what a bit of perseverance does. As mentioned in the other post on the RCXLv2, next stop will be the RAMLink... or should I call it the RAMLink XL!

[intric8]

What an absolutely epic achievement, Thomas! This day has been a long time coming.

Thank you so much for all you have done, and are doing.

[celso]

Amazing!