[News] Announcement: Technical data of the new Catweasel MK4 | ANN.lu |
Posted on 18-Jul-2004 12:20 GMT by Jens Schönfeld | 469 comments View flat View list |
During the first months of this year, we were totally surprised by the overwhelming demand for Catweasel MK3. All stock has been sold, and even our retail partners do not have anything left in stock. The demand was so high that one controller even went for more than 150,- EUR on eBay!
Unfortunately, it turned out that a new production run of the existing MK3-design cannot be done for reasonable prices, so a re-design became necessary. The new controller is now in the first stage before mass production, so we're confident to be able to show the first controllers at the Amiwest show on july 24th and 25th in Sacramento, Califoria.
Many improvements have been made compared to the Catweasel MK3 that can be summarized under the headline "bigger, better, faster".
The changes in detail
The most obvious change is the size of the card: With only 2.5 inch (63.5mm) height, it complies with the low-profile PCI standard that not only fits into any normal computer case, but also in flat models that are so famous among so-called "case-modders". The Flipper-interface will not be continued. Those who need a Catweasel for their classic Amiga can use the Catweasel Z-II S-Class, which is still availble.
Improvements on the floppy controller
Kylwalda built in
While the old Catweasel models always had their own floppy drives that were installed in addition to the existing controller and drives, the MK4 has the option of using the existing diskdrives. After the machine has started, th drives can be used just like before, and after the drivers have been loaded, the Catweasel can take control of these drives when necessary. This is especially useful for smaller cases with fewer drive bays.
We already addressed this problem earlier with an additional product called 'Kylwalda'.
Suppot for auto-eject drives
These drives without eject-button are well-known from Macintosh computers, and they're now fully supported by the Catweasel. You can also mix floppy types, one with an eject-button, and another from the Macintosh world on the same cable.
Hard-sectored disks supported
This kind of 5.25 and 8 inch disks were already readable with the previous Catweasel models, but writing was only possible with a high software effort, and it required a realtime operating system. This effort is not necessary any more with the new controller, because new options allow complete support of these disk types in hardware.
dual-ported memory
Contrary to it's predecessors, the new Catweasel MK4 can pass the data that it is currently reading from a disk to the computer while the read access is running. This allows realtime emulation, and errorfree function of copy-protected software on emulators.
more flexible read- and write operations
In addition to working on whole tracks, which made all previous Catweasel models so flexible, tracks can now also be accesed in part very precisely. Should this become necessary for compatibility or speed reasons, the Catweasel MK4 is perfectly prepared.
extensive timer-functions
Although most operating systems already offer timer-functions in software, you cannot always rely on them. The most recent example are the timing-problems that occur with Hyperthreading-processors and Windows operating systems. Since all timers are running independantly in the hardware of the Catweasel MK4, nothing can go wrong in this regard.
all events can trigger an interrupt (IRQ)
Together with the hardware-timer functions, this is the best solution for multitasking operating systems. The driver software does not have to check regularly if the controller needs attention, which reduces the processor load.
Improvements on the keyboard interface
In addition to Amiga-keyboards, PS/2 devices can now also be connected. Not only keyboards, but also PS/2 mice are supported. The keyboard controller can now trigger IRQs, and for those customers who want to continue using their favourite combination of PS/2 mouse and keyboard on USB-only computers, the Catweasel MK4 has two connectors of this kind.
Improvements on the joystick ports
Amiga mice supported in hardware
Amiga mice only have minimal electronics that always pass the movements of the device to the computer in realtime. Classic Amiga computers have hardware-support for interpretation of these signals in the chipset, and this support has now been added to the Catweasel. Theoretically, using Amiga mice was already possible with the Catweasel MK3, but this required a software effort that was not justifiable. With the new hardware, the software effort is reduced to a minimum.
every signal can be programmed as output
The digital joystick ports of the 8-bit computers of the 80s were mostly usable in two directions, they were not only inputs, but also programmable as data outputs. We're following this tradition, and also present this possibility for the Catweasel MK4.
compatible with CD32 pads
The game controllers of the Amiga CD32 can now also be used on the Catweasel. A special capability of the classic Amigas (and therefore also of the CD32) made these pads exclusive for this computer, if connected to other computers, not all buttons of the pad could be used. Technically speaking: Even the potentiometer-pins of the digital joystick ports can be programmed as outputs on the Catweasel MK4.
Improvements on the SID audio part
DC-DC converter eliminates noise
On the Catweasel MK3, it was possible that noises from 3D-graphics cards or high-speed harddrives were coupled into the 12V-power supply of the SID audio part. This cannot happen any more on the Catweasel MK4, because a DC-DC converter is an insuperable obstacle for such noises.
cycle-exact control
In addition to the known programming that's compatible with the Catweasel MK3, the MK4 has a sophisticated script-language for SID control. This lets the programmer define the exact time for data that's being written into the SID chips. To make sample playback sound exactly like on a real C64, the data rate to the SID chip must be kept at a constant rate. This is accomplished with Fifo memory that's big enough to maintain the datarate even under high processor load conditions.
Digiboost for new SID versions
As opposed to the 'classic SID' 6581, the newer SID-chips 8580 and 6582 cannot playback samples any more. This option, which is also called 'the fourth voice', is replaced by two sigma-delta converters on the Catweasel MK4, so the fourth channel is also audible with the newer SID versions. Since the filter properties and the sound of mixed waveforms of all SID versions have their supporters, this should make the decision for the right chip a little easier.
Filter capacitors selectable
Commodore has defined three different capacitor values for the filters of the SIDs during the years that this chip has been produced. The result was that the same chip sounded differently if used in different computers. To bring the sound as close as possible to what you are used to, the filter capacitors can be chosen with a few jumpers.
precise clocking
The Catweasel MK3 used the commodore-chip 8701 to recreate the exact same clock. Since our stock of this chip is empty with the Catweasel MK3 being sold out, we have cloned it on the main logic chip of the Catweasel MK4: The exact base frequency is generated with crystals that have been made especially for us. By division and multiplication according to the specifications of the C64 schematics from 1982, we managed to replace the 8701, which is not made any more. Even the slight difference between PAL and NTSC computers is software-selectable!
two SIDs for stereo sound
You'll have twice the SID pleaseure after installing a second SID chip. Every SID has it's own selection of filter capacitors, and SIDs of all versions can be mixed.
Technology improvements
compatible with 3.3V and 5V PCI slots
Even though PC boards with 3.3V PCI slots are not yet widely available, the Catweasel is prepared for it. The roadmap of the PCI special interst group plans to abandon 5V PCI slots within forseeable time, and the Catweasel is perfectly suited for that date. Local generation of the 3.3V power also ensures proper function on early PCI motherboards that do not comply with the ATX standard.
two DMA interfaces
In addition to processor-based data transfer, the Catweasel MK4 can excahnge data with the main system through two low-speed DMA channels: The first goes throught he PCI slot, and it has a capacity of about 8K per second and direction. The second uses the direct connection to the onboard-floppy controller, and the speed is up to 100K per second.
low power consumption
The Catweasel MK4 makes use of the latest FPGA technology with 2.5V core voltage. This reduces the power consumption of the new controller to a fraction of what the Catweasel MK3 used. This also reduces heat generation a lot.
re-configurable logic
The FPGA on the Catweasel MK4 is completely re-configurable by the drivers. This means that a hardware update can be done through the internet! Should we find a disk format that cannot be handled with the current hardware, the core of the Catweasel can be 're-wired' to address the problem. The controller doesn't even have to be taken out of the computer for ths update!
drivers for many operating systems
The Catweasel MK4 is delivered with drivers for Windows 98(se)/ME/XP/2000, Amiga OS4, and for Mac OS X at a later date. MorphOS drivers are available for a surcharge.
The Catweasel MK4 will be available starting october 2004.
The target retail price is 99,- EUR.
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Announcement: Technical data of the new Catweasel MK4 : Comment 324 of 469 | ANN.lu |
Posted by Johan Rönnblom on 20-Jul-2004 12:40 GMT | In reply to Comment 203 (Stefan Burström): Stefan Burström wrote:
> Well, I was refering to Pegasos 1 since that is the only board I have
> made any homework on, so don't put any words in my mouth I didn't speak.
Ok, sorry about that, but then I don't understand you here. If you don't
know anything about the Pegasos 2, which is the only Pegasos product
available, then why did you bring this up at all?
However, I do know that the Pegasos 2 is quite similar to the Pegasos 1
(with the exception of the expensive April add-on, of course), so let's
continue the discussion anyway.
> [...] you are so stuck up defeinding Genesi that you havn't had time to
> actially do some research before you voice your opinion.
What does Genesi have to do with this? How did I defend Genesi here? Now
please *you* don't put words in *my* mouth.
> But really, we are splitting hair here. Even if the boards did break even
> as such they are still subsidised since someone else is paying all Genesis
> other costs.
Ah, how convenient - so even if you're wrong, you're right. But I still
don't understand what Genesi has to do with this. They don't design or
manufacture the Pegasos. As a consumer, you can buy your board from a
reseller who get their boards directly from bPlan. Now if we were
discussing the production costs of say, a Nokia telephone, would you bring
up the costs involved for running, say, RadioShack?
> Johan Rönnblom wrote
>> Let's compare it to the A1 for example, which is a very similar product
>> technically and with regards to volumes.
> Well, as I said before, I don't care about the A1. Why do you insist on
> doing this?
How about reading before you reply? Because it is a very similar product
technically and with regards to volumes. Unless you want to make the claim
that the AmigaOne too is subsidised, any reasoning explaining why the
Pegasos can be much cheaper than the A1 will seriously undermine your
claim.
> Right but it is still a ~100 sq inch PCB.
Well, 63.
> 6 or 8 layers I'd guess.
Six, I think it has been stated, at least not more.
> Microvias between layer 1-2 and 7-8 to be able to route the BGA's.
There's no layer 7-8..
> A small scale production run of such a PCB easily reaches 100 USD per
> board.
Less than that I'd say, seeing how you overestimated even the simplest
factors by a wide margin.
> And that is before the startup costs for the PCB fab is
> distributed on the boards.
Yes, and here you really seem to be missing something. The equipment used
for this production was bought in 1997 or 1998 (my guess) for production of
phase5:s CyberStormPPC and subsequent products. Yes, it was quite expensive
at the time, but that's some years ago now. I would expect that the
equipment has already been amortised.
Now of course people can complain that they don't have access to equipment
under such favourable terms. But that's just life. DCE wins, bPlan wins,
everybody wins from this arrangement. There's nothing unsustainable or
fishy about it. It just happens to be efficient.
And before someone starts yelling about the so-called "convenient"
bankruptcy of phase5 all those years ago, we all know this bankruptcy
happened because phase5 failed with their plans for new products. The
liquidator decided to sell the stuff to DCE. Admittedly the market for such
high-tech stuff is probably not that big (and cost of transportation is
likely to reduce it even further), but again that's life. But in the end,
the people who made the biggest loss in that mess are certain to be the
owners of Phase5 who lost not only this expensive equipment but all of
phase5. Somehow I'd think it would have been more "convenient" to just keep
the stuff.
> Well, this isn't part of the BOM either but since you brought it up. PADS
> power logic will cost you around 5kUSD and PowerPCB incl BlazeRouter at
> least another 20kUSD. Quite 'moderate' cost, isn't it???
Yeah, in 1998. Well, maybe they upgraded - but maybe not, the CyberStormPPC
is technically more advanced (and thus more expensive to make) than the
Pegasos. So they may well use exactly the same equipment they got back
then.
> Right. Did some reasearch here too. GGSData sold Pegasos boards for around
> 5760 SEK inc VAT. That's 4320 SEK wo VAT. Remove a moderate 30% dealer margin
> covering shipping etc. brings it down to around 3000 SEK or 330 USD (at that
> time)
Sounds reasonable.
> Now, try to calculate the BOM given those figures. Do you still wonder why I
> think that the boards were sold at loss?
Yes, indeed I do.
> Calling me a BAF? Just wondering because doing my homework wouldn't be
> that easy beeing blind...
As seen above, you didn't do it all that well. Certainly not well enough to
merit stating your rather bad guesswork as if it was facts.
I really think you come off sounding like those American car makers who
were complaining that the Japanese couldn't possibly make their cars that
cheap, that they must be government funded or something, some big fishy
plot to destroy the American auto industry. Well, it turned out the
Japanese were simply better at it. Just because *you* can't do something
doesn't mean no one else can.
>> But I wouldn't run around telling people that production and sales of the
>> A1 is not commercially viable, as I really don't have any knowledge about
>> the matter.
> Yes, but at the same time you still claim to have the knowledge to claim
> the Pegasos is?
When did I make such a claim? I'm saying that it seems very likely to me
that the Pegasos 2 boards are profitable, even though the current volume is
not enough to fund R&D. I'm saying that your unconditioned statement of the
reverse doesn't seem to be more than heavily biased guesswork.
>> Fortunately for him, Genesi agreed to pay a considerable part of the
>> costs. The disagreement is, as far as I've understood it, over the cost of
>> an additional
> Oh yeah? Jens should be 'fortunate' that Genesi only screwed him over for
> some of the money they owe him?
Of course Genesi should fulfil their obligations. But compared to an
alternative scenario where there was no Genesi involved in the fair at all,
I think any reasonable observer would conclude that Jens was better off the
way it happened. Note that I'm not saying he should be happy with Genesi or
willing to work with them again, I'm just looking at it euro for euro here.
> Well, you are not really inclined to buy any story that puts Genesi in a
> bad light but that has been rather obvious for quite some time...
That's a pretty hilarious statement considering how I'm the *author* of
several stories that put Genesi in a bad light. |
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