Re: TI-H: new lcd (possibility of color?)
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Re: TI-H: new lcd (possibility of color?)
> >also, it would be really cool to recode the rom to support color. this
> >probably isn't possible, but if anyone is willing to take a stab at it, i'm
> >here, and i have a broken 85 we can do it with =D
>
> 1) This is hard to do
>
> 2) Color LCDs cost more
Put it this way, it is possible to do, but I for one wouldn't want to carry
the burden! (:
There are a few ways. You could completely rewrite the ROM with color graphics
routines compatible with standard data output for a purchased color LCD (TI
most likely uses a proprietary data format for transmitting video data to the
LCD).
Or you could have a decoder type of chip and do page flipping, like grayscale
is done. I have no clue how this could be done either.
The easiest option would probably be to build a whole new calculator!!! The
processor could do color, but it'd slow it down. I'd recomend a MINIMUM of 16
bit, and have plenty of RAM, maybe a megabyte.
It would be possible to design a whole new calc (it's been brought up before),
but it'd take a lot of effort, and there is also the task of programmnig the
ROM (you'd most likely need to work from scratch).
I'd love to see the 68020 or 68030 used, since they are cheap, and can run a
good 33MHz for sure (3D graphics anyone???). A strong arm processor would be
nice too, but the problems are countless. It takes MUCH effort to design
something like this. Anyone up to programming a BASIC interpereter in ASM?
that's not half of what needs to be done for the ROM!
You'd still have the job of reprogramming the ROM for just a color screen
upgrade. OUCH!!!
I'm content to wait for TI to possibly come out with one someday.
Richard Piotter
richfile@prairie.lakes.com
The Richfiles TI Hardware and BASIC web page:
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/5081/Richfiles.html
References: