I would like to introduce new set of devices which is called AtarINO. At this moment the set contains two modules: DIAGariXE and DIAGariXE.V003. The main purpose of these modules is to make it easier to design extensions for Atari XE computer using direct access to data and address busses via special cartridge. Both devices have equipped with headers with all signals available on CART/ECI sockets. Additional signals, like decoded address window, /WR and RD Intel’s signals are generated by additional logic circuits – it’s good base to connect to Atari any kind of memory or other Intel’s based IC. The DIAGari were developed for more common tasks. The DIAGariXE.V003 has equipped with special headers for nanoCH32V003 development board which contains cheap, powerfully, 5V tolerant RISC-V CPU – this module may be use as high speed co-processor or for general purpose input/output device. Only your imagine is a limit :-).
Until today, I was able to connect ch32v003 to the bus and read its state while sending data to the serial port on the PC (every byte read from the bus!), Handling the OLED display and serial port has never been so easy in Atari :-). Both devices has installed CART/ECI pass-thru sockets for cartridge or other devices.
I hope it will be good and easy point of entry to hardware development world for many Atari users!.
DIAGariXE/V003 is equipped with usable housing to avoid Atari’s socket damage during experiments...
Project is in "work in progress" stage until PCB will not assembled...
A few photos from working area:
Prototype and first issue of DIAGariV003: