ColecoVision Super Expansion Module reservation list

[opcode]

Perhaps a few of you have been keeping track of the Super Expansion Module (aka Opgrade Module) for the ColecoVision, as well as its pack-in game, Donkey Kong Arcade.
Well, I have just started a reservation list for the module/Donkey Kong Arcade so I can get a better idea of how many units I would need to produce. As usual no money is required, I just ask you that you contact us only if I are really committed to purchase the module/game in the future. In case you have never heard about the Super Expansion Module, here are some videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARLCKRgRfwA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X46Hzs2NUYM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFxKEVaDwIE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvJN9_Gyjzw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBEszJZ5XCg


The only problem at this point is that I still don't have a final price to inform, but let’s assume for now that it should be in the $50~100 range for the module+game. If you very price sensitive, I please ask you to state that when you contact us, like "I will buy the module/game only if the price is no higher than $80".
Ok, so what is going to be included in the box you ask? Well, here is the list:

*** Expansion module to be plugged in the CV expansion port.
- 24kB of expanded RAM (allows for more advanced games)
- 32kB of Save RAM (non-volatile memory to save any game data, like high scores, save points, etc)
- 128kB of MegaRAM (allows even more advanced games, MSX MegaROM games)
- 128kB of flash BIOS (includes the old BIOS, new BIOS for supporting the new devices, GUI)
- General Instruments sound generator AY-3-8910 (3 extra sound channels, envelopes, no frequency limitations)
- Expansion Parallel interface (to connect new types of devices, special controllers, CV-2-CV, etc)
- 3 programmable push buttons (Pause, call GUI and a 3rd button not defined yet)
- Flash BIOS includes user interface for settings, save data management, and more. BIOS can be updated.
- Power LED indicator

**** Donkey Kong Arcade/XPanded game cartridge
- 128kB version of the arcade game
- Persistent High Score table
- Sound uses the GI AY-3-8910 sound chip, and possibly the Oki sound chip too, in case it is included

**** Donkey Kong Arcade/XPanded manual
**** Module manual

What isn't 100% decided/defined yet, though chances are pretty good:
- Oki ADPCM sound chip (voice and sampled sound during gameplay) (90%+ plus chance of being included)
- Module custom plastic case (matches the CV design)
Of course price will be adjusted to reflect the inclusion or not of those items.

What should follow shortly after the module release?
- The MSX ports Knightmare and Goonies, with several improvements over the originals, including use of save RAM.
- The arcade ports Arkanoid, Pengo and Rally-X.
- Re-releases of Space Invaders Collection and Sky Jaguar, both module-ready (SIC is going to get a complete sound makeover)

So if you are interested what should you do? Please contact Bia (bia at opcodegames.com, replace “ at “ with @).

**** IMPORT: Please, please, do NOT post requests here. It's hard for us to keep track of requests posted in forums. Again, please DO NOT post your request here, you will be ignored. *****

You can also help: please let people that don't have access to this forum to know that the module is coming and how to reserve one. The more names we get, the easier it will be to produce the module and the lower the price.

[opcode]

New video, now showing a very early build of Arkanoid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI4J28ZjIHc

[Jorpho]

Given that the Yie Ar Kung Fu port required no such expansion, why the change?

[opcode]

Given that the Yie Ar Kung Fu port required no such expansion, why the change?

Because YAKF required only 1KB, while those other games require more.

[betamax001]

Judging by these videos, it boosts the ColecoVision to the power of NES? If so thats really neat.

[bb_hood]

Nice, that goonies game looks better than the on for NES. I sent an email to reserve a super expansion module.

[Leo_A]

Will Arkanoid work with our 2600 paddles?

If not, any plans for a Opcode arcade stick that also includes a rotary dial for such games?

[opcode]

Will Arkanoid work with our 2600 paddles?

If not, any plans for a Opcode arcade stick that also includes a rotary dial for such games?

The SEM includes an 8-bit bi-directional parallel port (actually 13 bits) that can be used to interface a number of devices. So from a practical point of view what I plan to do is to create a small adaptor with a ADC on it to interface Atari paddles.

[swlovinist]

The SEM includes an 8-bit bi-directional parallel port (actually 13 bits) that can be used to interface a number of devices. So from a practical point of view what I plan to do is to create a small adaptor with a ADC on it to interface Atari paddles.

Sign me up for one of these. I would love to this for our next show :)

[chuckwalla]

Count me in!
E-mail sent

[opcode]

For those keeping track of the SEM project, here is a picture of the 2nd prototype.
http://www.opcodegames.com/download/IMG_1764.jpg

We will start working on the 3rd and final board. For the final board we will replace all the components with SMT parts (except for the AY-3-8910 which doesn't exist in SMD format), will add the Oki ADPCM playback chip and remove the 3 buttons you see in the 2nd board.

The 2nd important news is that I am pleased to announce that Opcode Games have partnered with Nurve Networks to finish the SEM. Nurve is going to not just take care of the whole manufacturing process but will also offer technical consulting during the rest of the design phase to make sure the final module is of the highest possible quality. I would say that this project has raised a few notches now…
The Nurve name doesn't ring a bell? Perhaps you are familiar with the name XGameStation or Andre' Lamothe then…
http://www.xgamestation.com/index.php

[thekeepr]

I tried the email address,I can't get the mail to go thru,could you advise when this cool expansion module is available. audiocollector@AOL.com Thanks...Rob