Guru
Joined: 09/06/2011
Location: AustraliaPosts: 512
| Posted: 08:37am 24 Jun 2011 |
While I'm running hot with new ideas (Last one the Programmable Character Set command), I have another idea! (Hit the deck Geoff!)
COLOUR GRAPHICS ADD-ON!!
Ok, here's the plan. A plug in board attaching to the I/O port with a fast switcher circuit (Sorry, don't know all the right tech terms) controlled by the maximite. The RGB output attaches to this board and another VGA leads to the monitor.
The Maximite generates it's monochrome signal as normal but this time, instead of merging the one signal into all the RGB connections to the monitor, the signal can be routed with this switching circuit.
Only Red to create, Only Blue to create Blue. Red and Blue to create violet etc.
A seperate area of memory can be used to store a colour map that the MM's video software looks at to set the switch at different points of the video generation.
This method won't give you pixel addressable colour but you will be able to define at least bands of colour on the screen (A Color and Black).
From BASIC, a command could be added to define a table that defines these colour bands.
It is limited to 8 colours in it's most simple form.
The big advantage is that it doesn't chew up 3 times the memory and still retains the MM's fast display.
Oh yeah and cheap, meaning you don't need a more expensive Colour MM version 2.
What do you all think? Is it do'able?