The Tandy Color Computer SuperSite

CoCo-PC mailing list

CoCo3.com is now hosting the CoCo-PC mailing list. This is a group you can join for discussing CoCo-related issues that may otherwise be considered off-topic in the maltedmedia CoCo mailing list.

For example, if you're trying to get a Linux, Mac, PC, or some other system running, or software/hardware on that system, that will play some part in CoCo emulation or connecting to a CoCo, etc. you can talk about these other systems here so long as your interests are to interact with a CoCo somehow.

To sign up, please visit this page:

http://www.coco3.com/mailman/listinfo/coco-pcmailinglist_coco3.com

New CoCo 3 arcade game for 2008

After years of putting numerous CoCo games on the back burner for other projects, I decided to take my own CoCo compatible IDE and cross assembler and demonstrate how quick a 6809 coder can produce a fun CoCo game. The result was Mary and the Butterflies.

Compaq IA-1 Internet Appliance CoCo

I'm now enjoying the luxury of having a small IA-1 PC running as a CoCo emulator. This little flatpanel jewel with a wireless remote keyboard is booting off of a 2-gig CompactFlash card containing MS-DOS, several CoCo emulators, and tons of software images (floppies, tapes, ROM Paks, etc.).

If the CF card isn't inserted, the unit boots off of the internal 16mb Flash memory which I've stocked with a small version of Linux called Midori, with GUI and Opera web browser. Nice, but limited system at this time.

Auto-switch for Speech Cartridge high-speed mod

Mods to allow the hi-speed poke with Speech/Sound cartridge have been around for a while but required a manual switch to allow operation at both speeds. Building on the existing hacks and combining with the Turbo LED project, I designed this automatic switch.

Rainbow IDE 2.0

Fellow coders and Rainbow IDE users,

Get your assemblers, compilers, and linkers ready for Rainbow IDE 2.0... I'm working hard on the IDE every day and things are coming together as expected.

I'm still on the lookout for a good 6809 C compiler for Windows to do some nice testing in that area, but since Rainbow caters to the entire vintage/8/16-bit spectrum, some of you 6809 coders who also dabble with other CPUs will probably get to experience the compile/link features before the CoCo gang, if we can't find a decent compiler.

Actually, it doesn't have to be C, and also, up to 128 (just a default I set) assemblers, compilers, and linkers can be added to the IDE in any mix you like. You'll choose from a menu of these available "builders" and the IDE fills in the command options automatically.

I'll be adding some free assemblers/compilers/linkers to the stock set of builders that comes with the IDE, even if as a separate installer package to save on download time. I'm also working on adding debuggers, code steppers, and more requested features.

Rainbow is getting nicer and nicer, and to those who registered earlier at the lower prices, or at the insane deals I ran, you'll be able to upgrade to version 2.0 at no cost.

This is one reason, besides covering more cyber-ground, why I stress that if you're a programmer wanting to get back in the arena all from one program running under Windows, that you should consider registering now at my current deal of only $19.95.

www.rainbowide.com

Agent C update

The to-be Agent C adventure game is in the framework stage as of 4/17/2007.

Since my Projector-3 software is a modular operating system for graphics, I decided to use the same framework for the base of the game...

I have permission to host St. John's Gallery CoCo software

I have recently been given permission to host St. John Gallery's CoCo software on www.cocodownunder.com. At the moment I have the game called City Bomber for the coco 1/2 for download. But hopefully soon I'll have more of Tom Babich's software for download. To those who dont know what City bomber is based on. It is based on the C-64 and Atari game called Blitz. It involves you controlling a plane and dropping bombs on buildings to make a clear path way to land your plane. I have to admit the graphics used for the buildings is better then some other games based on Blitz. So if you like a game that is simple in concept but addictive then this is the game for you. laters Briza

CoCo Bitbanger Does 115,200 Bits Per Second?

Can the CoCo's bitbanger port handle 115200 bits per second? Sure, it can. This article talks a little about a protocol I designed that pushes the bitbanger port to the limits.

Speech/Sound Pak 2mhz Hack

In this article you'll learn how to modify your Tandy Speech/Sound Cartridge to work under the double-speed mode (1.78mhz / ~2mhz) of your CoCo.

Building Paul Barton's 512k Upgrade

In this illustrated article you'll learn how one CoCo user built a nice 512k RAM upgrade board using Paul Barton's schematics.

Repacking your CoCo in a PC Case

In this article you'll learn how other CoCo users repackaged their CoCo computers in various types of PC cases.

I have more CoCo downloads up on the website

Hi Fellow Coconuts. I have added more CoCo Goodness Downloads to: http://cocodownunder.com/blog/. I know at least 1 Zip file will cause a bit of a stir in the CoCo Community. But I wont say what it is. So you'll have to drop in and see for yourself. Have fun. plenty of games and what not up and ready for your attention. laters Briza

The "CoCoTower" Project

Hello gang,

Before 2007 is over, I shall build the first 8-CoCo array of motherboards networked together into one system. My plans are to use them somehow in parallel form, giving each one a 1-bit (or more) serial connection into the main CPU by way of a 6821 or another PIA interface. ...more later...

CoCo 3 Adventure

Remember "The Interbank Incident" graphics adventure game?

It was nice being able to point and click your way through the game using your mouse or joystick. I spent many hours trying to solve that game, and actually developed a feeling that I was in the game world traveling around and interacting with the characters.

If you remember IBI in a similar way and would like to relive that experience but from a completely new adventure game... I've got some good news for you:

The project has begun under the codename "Agent C" which describes the main character, you, of my new game in development. This new adventure game for 512k CoCo 3's is in the meat-and-potatoes stage right now, and I'm creating the screens which will make up the virtual world you'll be part of.

The theme of Agent C is: You, the agent representing the entire CoCo community, the hero, the last CoCoNut on Earth with the guts to do this, will walk right in the front door of the "Microsloth" Campus / Headquarters, posing as an employee of some sort, and procede to use your imagination to locate an object that was confiscated by Bill Gates back in the mid 80's that belongs to the CoCo world. This object may or may not be fully diclosed during the development of the game, and any objects mentioned may change to protect the overall mystery of the final game.

The agent can roam the campus, inside and out, offices, elevators, walkways, boardrooms, serve rooms, libraries, and many more facilities, and also fly to other locations in the "world" as part of his mission. He'll encounter people and objects and have pretty much the same functions that are in the Interbank Incident game.

This game may contain background music to keep you entertained more during those long hours I'm sure you'll have to spend to solve it. Other sound effects and possibly some speech may be worked in later in the game stage.

Big Thanks to Roy Justus

CoCo3.com owes a lot to Roy Justus for his donations towards the site.

There were times when this site was up for renewal and the funds just weren't there when the the online powers that be wanted it. We all know how bad timing can cause good sites to vanish for a few days while we wait for the payment processing to go through. "Sure, they'll cut the lights off quick, but they don't get in a hurry to turn them back on!"

He came to the rescue and helped CoCo3.com stay online and uninterrupted, not once, but twice.

Roy Justus owns us! :) Thanks, Roy, and I hope you enjoy all of the new features being added in the coming weeks.

10 New Sierra Games for the CoCo !!

Who is Guillaume Major? This guy has just pulled off the "impossible" by magically reproducing some previously unplayable (on the CoCo) Sierra games!

Is there enough time in the world to explore all these adventure games? You decide. Check them out H E R E.

King's Quest 1,2,4
Police Quest 1
Space Quest 1,2
Manhunter 1,2
Gold Rush
The Black Cauldron!

They're in .DSK format, so you can play them on an emulator such as M.E.S.S., Jeff Vavasour's emulator, or David Keil's emulator.

HAVE FUN

THE Donkey Kong Comes to the CoCo 3!

Sock Master (John Kowalski) gave the CoCo world another miracle today when he released a surprise game, Donkey Kong.

Over the years the CoCo has seen different attempts at Donkey Kong, but Sock went the extra mile to actually CLONE the original arcade game in it's entirety by translating and emulating the Z80 CPU source code into 6809 code for the CoCo.

When you play this version, you're pretty much stepping back in time to the 80's!

John spent over two months creating this "impossible" game, so we really owe him a huge Thanks. After all, it's free!

Download it here Requirements: 512k CoCo 3.