Hi all,
Already posted to some threads but thought I would introduce myself formally. I'm Yogi, (pick this nick years ago based on the tee shirt I had on; that the kids got me 'cause I do a decent 'Hay Hay Hay, Bo Bo').
First computer: Super Elf kit, a RCA Cosmac 1802 based single board with 256B, AlphaNum LED displays and Hex key pad. Added a 2K ram expansion kit, think it had 16-2kx4b SRAMs.
First console: Atari 2600 VCS.
First HOME computer: Atari 800, 48K and two 810 drives.
Used/hack on the A800 till I discovered Win 3 on 486 PCs. Never did much programming on my PCs (every one I've had since the mid '90 was self built though). Never felt comfortable; too far removed from the hardware level of the machine.
So after I mothballed the A8, started getting my 8bit kicks playing with MCS 8052 uCs. Then switched to PIC 16F84 flash devices. Form time to time tried out Z8s and AVRs but the PICs are too much fun.
In 2000, while searching the web for info on repairing the cr@p DVD of the kids' shinny new Xbox, I found a page about coding for the A2600 VCS. *LIGHTBULB* Then discovered chiptunes, which was the perfect blend of HW and programming for me.
From there I've been doing Midibox and chiptune related projects along with some circuit bending on 'sound' toys in search of 'interesting noise'. Along the way I have 'collected' (more like horded if you talk to my wife) '80s and '90s game consoles and computers. Can't seem to say 'no' to old tech finds at thrift stores/flea markets/yard sales/helping a friend clean out a basement. It's a sickness, I tell you.
Current projects:
Active dev- Midibox STM32F4 based YM2612 FM synth.
In alpha testing- NES music sync controller.
Awaiting parts/time- MBSeq V4lite and MB6582 SID Synth; Shruthi synth; A800XL U1MB/duel Pokey/Covox upgrade; A couple of Littlescale's Teensey based midi interfaces; ......
Todo list- well lets not go there, like I said 'It's a sickness'
Glad to have found this list, I very much under estimated the VIC but I'm growing to love this little machine.
Side note: Way back, '81 I think ( before I got my A800), I had wrangled a pass to the winter CES (grew up in Las Vegas). At the show was THE brand new VIC 20; oh I did everything I could think of to try and get them to sell me a 'show special deal'. But alas, went home empty handed and determined to get a 'Home' computer!
Hmmm, think I've overdone it a bit.
Yogi