Mega-Cart

ral-clan · Post by **ral-clan** » Fri Nov 14, 2008 6:23 am

gklinger wrote:I appreciate the time and effort that have gone into the aesthetics (box, label etc.) but I have to be honest and say that the only part I care about is the cartridge itself. I'm in it for the functionality. Everything else is superfluous.

The wonderful thing about this new packaging method is that it barely adds to the cost of the MegaCart at all (just a few dollars). So, it satisfies those that want professional packaging and also those who weren't thrilled about excessive cost hikes for packaging they don't want.

carlsson wrote:Thorn EMI distributed their cartridges in what appears to be "Betamax" boxes, with a custom insert though. Given how large a VHS tape is, will there be some kind of cheaper insert for the cartridge inside the box?

Yes, we're probably going to use a foam insert.

6502dude · Post by **6502dude** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 2:27 pm

Working MegaCart Prototype PCB#6 in case (so long "Garden Wars"

)

- with an attractive label:

Note, final labels will be UV resistant and done by a printing shop.

gklinger · Post by **gklinger** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:05 pm

Will the MegaCart come with Crazy Glue so that it can be permanently connected to our VIC-20s or do we have to provide that ourselves?

6502dude · Post by **6502dude** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 3:41 pm

Crazy Glue is not included.

That would prevent someone periodically removing cart to admire the label artwork.

Ral-Clan has an exceptional job with label, + case liner, + instructions + keyboard overlay.

If not already announced, we also have Vic-20 based demo saved in cart to present at WOC 2008.

Obs1234 · Post by **Obs1234** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:49 pm

WOOHOO!!

Shipping in Feb!!

I have mine ordered!!!!

nbla000 · Post by **nbla000** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 8:09 am

Obs1234 wrote:WOOHOO!!

Shipping in Feb!!

I have mine ordered!!!!

Thank you, please check this thread for order information.

Mayhem · Post by **Mayhem** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 9:43 am

Btw is there any chance of receiving mine by the time this event takes place? We'd like to have one plugged into a Vic20 for people to play on

orion70 · Post by **orion70** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:47 am

gklinger wrote:Will the MegaCart come with Crazy Glue so that it can be permanently connected to our VIC-20s or do we have to provide that ourselves?

I respectfully disagree on this matter.
Currently, I have no space at home. As soon as I will, I'll display a complete setup including the VIC-20, a late-70s TV or something even better, a single drive floppy disk, the datassette, and a bookshelf of carts, cassettes, books, and manuals. I'll keep loading long programs from cassette or disk, and plugging/unplugging those huge cartridges as long as my hardware lasts.

I think that long waits and even some load error are part of the pleasure when using a VIC.

gklinger · Post by **gklinger** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 1:38 pm

Sounds masochistic. A VIC-20 with a MegaCart and a uIEC is all I need to run every piece of VIC-20 software ever written. For me, that spells happy.

Pedro Lambrini · Post by **Pedro Lambrini** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 1:44 pm

^
So, will that be the end of use for your 1541 Ultimate on your VIC then?

I know that when I finally get my uIEC and that will be attached to my VIC (if I ever find one!) with the Mega-Cart and the 1541 U will pretty much be used exclusively on my C64.

No more dodgy old drives, no more cart switching and no more 10 minute tape loading!

PS: Disclaimer: Actually I might still use the occasional tape just to travel down memory lane...

orion70 · Post by **orion70** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 2:43 pm

Pedro Lambrini wrote:PS: Disclaimer: Actually I might still use the occasional tape just to travel down memory lane...

That's precisely why I like using the old devices.
You can compare this to reading. It's like reading an e-book on your monitor, or alternatively flip through the rough pages of an old book, sitting in your armchair, feeling the smell of the paper, and listening to its whispering sound...
I like using the hardware as much as enjoying the games. Call me a VICophile

.

I ordered a Mega-Cart though

Pedro Lambrini · Post by **Pedro Lambrini** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 3:44 pm

^
VICophile.

Badders · Post by **Badders** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 5:57 pm

orion70 wrote:feeling the smell of the paper

So, how does the smell of paper feel?

Pete.

ral-clan · Post by **ral-clan** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 7:55 pm

orion70 wrote: That's precisely why I like using the old devices.
I like using the hardware as much as enjoying the games.

I ordered a Mega-Cart though

I actually understand Orion70's sentiment exactly. I thought about getting a uIEC, but then I realized that it's defeating one of the reasons why I collect the original hardware - to actually use it and revive those tangible things that the emulators cannot - the click of the drive latch, pressing play on tape, etc. etc.

But I will use the Mega-Cart too, I admit!

I might order an uIEC eventually if I ever get the room to set up my C64 - I regard that as more of a gaming system and less of a nostalgic exercise.

gklinger · Post by **gklinger** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:08 pm

Pedro Lambrini wrote:So, will that be the end of use for your 1541 Ultimate on your VIC then?

Having my 64 and VIC-20 connected to my 1541U works nicely but I like the idea of my VIC being autonomous. Makes it handy for moving it about.