[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 450 of 469 | ANN.lu |
Posted by Johan Rönnblom on 22-Jul-2004 18:39 GMT | In reply to Comment 446 (Stefan Burström): Stefan Burström wrote:
> Why should I need to chicken out?
Presumably because you can't find any arguments to support your
theory. You thought you could get away with it unchallenged, but you
didn't.
> So let's say we were able to show a 10 USD profit on each Pegasos 2
> board sold today, would that say anything about the profit of the
> Pegasos 1, 1.5 year ago???
Yes, it would say infinitely more about that price than what you have
presented thus far. A cost estimate of the Pegasos 2 within 95%
accuracy would be an *extremely* good starting point, compared to your
wild guesses.
> We were talking about the Pegasos 1 wern't we? Dunno, but afaik,
> that board wasn't produced or shipped at all during late fall 2003.
> So there goes your 'Pegasoes were shipping after the bankruptcy'
> theory.
They weren't shipped because instead, they shipped Pegasos 2 boards,
duh. Come on, you really think the Pegasos 2 is that much cheaper to
make, *at the same point in time*?
> And just because Pegasos boards were shipped before Thendic France
> possibly could start finance bPlan
They were not.
> I have never seen or heard of him so I found it hard to believe he
> would be selling Amiga Incs products. Genesi otoh has been doing
> that quite frequently, here among other places. Hence the word
> 'symbiosis'.
Ok, I just didn't find the entry "Symbiosis: n. The relationship
between an entity selling a product, and the maker of said product."
in my dictionary, so I got the impression that you rather meant
something different. But thanks for clearing that up, then.
> You said 2 estimates were wrong, and I assumed that you meant the
> board size and # of layers.
Indeed I did.
> My main assumption??? I said 6-8 layers and said 'Let say 6 then'
> when you gave me the correct number.
Well, mr PCB expert, that's precisely the problem here. It wouldn't be
a problem if you were willing to give an estimate of enough parts that
it exceeded those $300, because then we could just look at that
analysis for what it was and disregard where it comes from, but it is
a problem as long as you're trying to support your theory by referring
to your authority, and bash my counterarguments with things like
"lol", "hilarious", "clueless junk", etc.
> Yep, I am just guessing, but contrary to you I am doing my guessing
> based on calculations rather than ideological convictions.
Oh really. Show us those calculations then, please. I take the rest of
that statement to mean that since I'm not agreeing with you, I must be
wrong, and my guesses must be unreliable, unlike your guesses which
are reliable because, of course, you are right.
[additional PCBs in the Pegasos]
> Well, if you did know it, how come you were so quick to refer to
> only 63 sq inch, when in fact you'd know you were lying
Because we were discussing the main PCB and not any other parts. The
other PCBs are different btw, at least the one under the Articia.
Can't be bothered to examine the CPU card now.
> Besides, what is your main motivation here? Pointing out flaws in my
> reasoning or defending bPlan at all cost?
Pointing out flaws in your reasoning, obviously. It's called a
critical discussion. If you can give me arguments which I can't find
flaws in, I'll agree that you're right.
> then wouldn't it be alot more constructive to try to reach the truth
> as closely as possible?
Sure. The issue at hand is whether the Peg 1 was subsidised or not.
You're claiming that it was. I find that claim doubtful. You're trying
to prove it by calculating the production cost. I explain that in
order for that to prove anything, you have to calculate a minimum
cost, rather than use the first price for each component that you can
come up with. Is that something you want to question?
> Seriously, that is quite a grave accusation you are making. Care to
> back it up?
Sure. The part of the quote you made in comment 435, that starts with
">> Duh! You don't understand" and ends with "layer 7-8, period."
never occurs in this thread. You admit yourself that you deliberately
created it by cutting and pasting different post together. Well,
that's the definition of forgery.
> How come posting 2 messages after each other is forging,
You didn't just post them after each other, you spliced them together.
> but leaving out relevant parts is not???
Because leaving out relevant parts is called underquoting, not
forgery. What is relevant or not is highly subjective, and since we're
all leaving out things, it's inevitable that we'll sometimes remove
something someone else finds important. I didn't even understand that
it was the "Ok, say 6 then" part you were referring to, as I never
answered to that statement. That is also why I never quoted it. After
all, I've never questioned that you conceeded that the Peg 1 PCB
has six layers.
> No, I never assumed anything about 8 expensive layers,
So you say, I'd say that's up to each reader to read comment 203
and judge for themselves.
> I was just pointing out that in the outermost layers (layer 1-2 and
> 7-8 of an 8 layer PCB and layer 1-2 and 5-6 of an 6 layer PCB) would
> likely contain microvias. How come you removed the "Ok, say 6 then"
> Line? The expensive part is the micro via layer, not the actual # of
> the layer it goes through.
Likely contain? So there may be no such expensive microvias at all,
you now say? And, let me ask, have you found out whether the Pegasos 1
has them, or not? Or are you just assuming that they do, because you
want to arrive at a higher cost for the PCB?
> How many times do I have to say that the prices I did check was for
> a 6 layer board???????
Right. And next you'll tell me that you checked the prices for a 6
layer board without expensive microvias, too. Right?
> For every thing I have brought up you will find a way to say I am
> wrong without checking any facts.
Well, if you can't stand it when people disagree, I'm sure you have
forums where you can express yourself without being questioned.
> Seriously. Correcting spelling errors like that isn't likely to make
> you more credible.
No, but it might make you a better speller. I just noticed you used
the same spelling twice, so I guessed it wasn't just a slip of the
fingers. Yes, I'm a pedant. And yes, you can still find typos in my
posts if you look hard, and grammar errors too.
[looking for connector prices at Digi-key]
> It gave me a starting point as good as any. But sure, I am always
> looking at the wrong place, making the wrong assumption etc.
> according to you since it is in your nature to brush off anything
> that can be even remotely critical to your rather emotional point of
> view!
Oh I'm sure, as opposed to your cool, factual point of view. Maybe if
you didn't use multiple question marks in every other paragraph..
> To source parts cheaply, it requires you to order large quantities
> and accept long lead times.
Long lead times sounds rather like what we've been experiencing with
both the Peg 1 and Peg 2 production. Large quantities can to some
extent be substituted by good bargaining skills and business contacts.
I happen to know a couple of good bargainers who are related..
> Neither of that is something you do during a prototype run. There is
> a tradeoff between getting the parts cheap and getting the result in
> time (result == getting to know if the board works or not)
Right. But I thought we were talking about those units that were sold,
according to our mutual guess, at $300 a piece to various dealers? It
doesn't seem unlikely at all that some prototype used parts from
Digi-key. But in order to be able to sell them for $300, I think they
would rather use a different source.
> Well whatever I come up with is wrong in your eyes so why do I even
> care arguing with you?
Maybe it's because your original theory was erroneous. The result of
that is often that your supporting arguments turn out to be bad. Trust
me, it's happened to me too.
[buying expensive but easily available parts]
> Yup, which is what you do when you do prototype runs. Otherwise you
> spend far too much time and money looking for components that you
> wont be able to buy anyway.
If you intend to do volume production, why not make the first few
thousand units cheap too, if you can? Besides, as bPlan have been in
this business for quite some time, I bet they already had some
connector connections.
[cost of different PCBs of the Peg 1]
> Roughly according to their relative sizes. Their complexity and
> buildup are most likely similar.
Nope, doesn't need a PCB expert to see that this is wrong.
> I never intended the discussion to go this far. I expected people to
> use my numbers as a starting point if they wanted to dig further.
Ok, so you're not going to back up your claim that the Peg 1 was
subsidised? Good, then we have that settled.
> Sorry, I misunderstood what he meant by that. I thought he meant
> stod up for genesi and arguing in their favor. Sorry, I was tired
> when I wrote it.
Ok, accepted. And reading back, it seems you were more critical to his
claims than I thought before, so sorry for saying that you lied about
my person. Indeed I read mainly the first paragraph, where you agreed
with him, and didn't adjust my impression enough from the second
paragraph, making me miss the possibility of a misunderstanding.
As for the forging, well, that's what you did. As you actually told me
that you were putting two messages together, and since you still claim
that you don't understand that this would be forgery, I guess you
didn't really have evil intentions but.. still, I can't accept that
you cut and paste my posts to make it seem like I'm answering to a
different statement than I really did. |
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List of all comments to this article (continued) |
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