🚀 go-pugleaf

Just a quick note...

Someone (I didn't catch the name--sorry...) recently inquired about a
math coprocessor for the ST.  I am THINKING of adding a MC68881 math
coprocessor to my ST as my senior design project for college.  I was
thinking of using the DMA port (and thus being able to use basically
the same controller for some other pet projects such as A/D, D/A,
and such).

The cheapest quote I got on the MC68881RC-12 (12 MHz) was $120, and
that's just the chip.  The cost of the materials for the project will
most likely approach $200-$300.  If it works out, I was thinking of
marketing it if there is a market.  So tell me:

	If a MC68881 coprocessor with software (DMA & Motorola
	 line-F emulator) were availible for approx. $250-$300,
	 would anybody buy it?  

Getting this thing rolling will cost me a lot of bread, but if there
are those (like me) who drool at the thought of a math coprocessor,
then it may be worth it (besides the 'A' I'll get for my lab ;-) ).

As for the interface for MWC and such, why not just modify the compiler
to generate in-line 68881 code?  Use line-F emulation routines to
emulate the coprocessor if it is non-existant, and use a line-F 
DMA driver to drive the coprocessor if it IS there.  Isn't that how
the IBM world does it?

Also, before the flames roll in, I am against using the cartridge port
because:
	1)  Only one such device can be easily used at one time
	2)  It may interfere with clock/calendar boards already in use
	3)  Some people may actually want to use a cartridge 

Feedback is appreciated.  E-mail is probably easiest.


Christopher D. Johnson
Penn State University

cdj@nadc.arpa		<== CURRENTLY ACTIVE ACCOUNT (until end of May)
cdj@psuecl.bitnet	<== Active account as of beginning of June