GR8BIT

GR8BIT is an educational 8-bit computer hardware and software platform, upon which users can experiment with computer electronics in a simpler computer architecture compared to modern mainstream electronics. It was created by Eugeny Brychkov and licensed by the MSX Licensing Corporation.

History

AGE Labs announced^[1] in 2011 the launch of a MSX kit called GR8BIT^[2] - the do-it-yourself computer for learning purposes, which was licensed by the MSX Licensing Corporation. The kit is priced at $499 and includes all necessary components to assemble a working MSX2 compatible computer, except for an ATX chassis, power supply, floppy drive, hard disk, PS/2 keyboard and monitor. It also comes with assembly and operational manuals and a supplement compiled from vendor and community support.

Technical specifications

CPU	Zilog Z80 (4-20 MHz), compatible or emulation board (3.3V)
RAM	1 MB
VRAM	128KiB (V9938)
Keyboard	PS/2 keyboard interface (requires keyboard controller installed)
Display	text: 80×24 rows; graphics: 512×212 pixels, (16 colours out of 512) and 256×212 (256 colours), 32 sprites
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG), 3 voices, white noise, Additional 5 programmable channels when using SCC
Ports	Seven (7) GR8BUS internal slots, Two (2) expandable external slots (1 and 2), Two (2) GR8BUS adaptor boards for internal cartridge connection, Advanced printer port / parallel datacomm port, Two (2) compatible joystick ports / general I/O ports
Storage	FDD: up to two; Formats: «Standard 1.44» (9 FAT sectors), «Compatible 1.44» (3 FAT sectors) and «Legacy 720» (3 FAT sectors), HDD: up to two ATA (IDE) storage devices, with max 8 logical volumes (LVOLs), 2 active at a time; built-in GR8STORM™ utility, Micro-SD card interface (using GR8BUS master board, read only)

References

1. ↑ "The birth of a GR8BIT - The do it yourself MSX 2". MSX Resource Center. 2012-01-18. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
2. ↑ "GR8BIT Platform: The Real Engineering Experience". AGE Labs. Retrieved 18 April 2014.