Introducing: New Dragon multi-cartridge VERSION 1.5 for roms

[Rolo]

Hi,
I wanted to show you the new version of my Dragon Multi-cartridge (version 1.5).

Dragon multi-cartridge version 1.5

DragonMC1_5_top.jpg (80.12 KiB) Viewed 7427 times

What's new?
* I doubled memory. It now holds 64 program slots (8k).
* I reduced component costs. I had the feeling, version 1.0 of the multi cartridge was a bit too expensive, due to the many components. So, less money for double the capacity, now .
* I repositioned the switches. Now they are easy to access.
* I added a second rotary switch for selecting all the slots from 00 to 63 ($00 ... $3F).
* I added a switch for activating/deactivating the autostart feature. For the games autostart is fine, but for some development tools memory must be cleared manually before launching.
* I added another switch, which makes it possible to combine two adjacent 8k-slots to a 16k-slot. So, 16k-roms can be used now.
* I reduced the physical dimensions. The new cart is a little bit smaller than version 1.0

switches easy to access

DragonMC1_5_01.jpg (45.64 KiB) Viewed 7427 times

plugged-in

DragonMC1_5_02.jpg (33.93 KiB) Viewed 7427 times

side view

DragonMC1_5_03.jpg (27.2 KiB) Viewed 7427 times

A lot of information about the cartridge can be found in this section, thread about my first multi-cartridge, including a list of roms and modified CoCo-roms.
Dragon-modified CoCo roms can be found in the Uploads-section.

Again, my plan is to make ten of those cartridges.
I hope, you'll like it.

-Regards,
Rolo

[robcfg]

Awesome work!

I found the previous version quite good, and now it's improved!

I think it would be nice to add your cartridges to the hardware/peripherals section, with pictures and link to rom games and programs that can be used with it (looking through the uploads section will be a bit difficult, you know).

If you are ok with it, I can start the page and put the scans of the v1 board.

[Rolo]

Both cartridges are already described in the DIY-section .
You can move them to a better place, if you like or edit the pages, no problem.
I've already asked before, if there could be an additional folder in the rom download section for Dragon-modified CoCo-roms. But it never happened, so I simply stayed with the forum-uploads-section.

[tormod]

Nice! It looks very clean and elegant. And kudos for Dragonifying all those CoCo ROMs!

[Rolo]

Multi-Cartridge v1.5 in the assembly line.

assembly line

DragonMCV1_5assyline.jpg (93.54 KiB) Viewed 7376 times

[msch]

Hi Rolo,

I am interested but I am a new registered user, so I can not post private messages...

Please contact me.

Thank You and best regards

Mathias

[Rolo]

I updated the list of cartridge-compatible roms:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3922&start=10#p9517

[CaptainNemo]

Hi, I just wanted to share my thoughts and experience about the Dragon Multi-Cartridge.

I used to have an Alldream cartridge, but lost it somewhere, somehow, over the years . I've looked online and contacted a few retro stores, but wasn't able to find one for sale. Sure, I could have loaded stuff directly from my PC, but the Dream copy I found last year wasn't able to load my saved files, so I ended up writing my programs in a notebook and retyping them again and again... sounds familiar? Anyway, all the fun comes from working with the original hardware!

I must say I am very satisfied with the cartridge, it is simple to operate, reasonably priced (in my opinion, of course), and came well packaged via registered mail. Rolo's attention to details and the overall quality of the product are excellent and I'm very happy with it.

I'd like to thank Rolo for all his efforts in making this cartridge, he's a very nice person and deserves all my compliments.


Remember that you'll have to use an EPROM programmer and eraser with it...

[ravard]

Rolo, I am also interested in the cartridge. I am a new user here and a new Dragon 64 owner and this would help me get started. Please PM me if you could so I can order one.

Thanks,

ravard

[Rolo]

Sure,
just look into your inbox...