ENIO - NES Ethernet & USB KB Adapter

[im-pulze]

I want it all! I wrote you some weeks ago, but I didn't get an answer.
I'm not a developer or anything, but I want to be the first who can test new releases based upon this nifty thing

[zzo38]

Could you allow the USB keyboard connection to be translated signals to Famicom keyboard signals?

Also, I don't really like SD and think CompactFlash is better. Could there be a version with CompactFlash?

With internet connection, perhaps we can even try to make a gopher client and other stuff. The documentation doesn't seems to work with IPv6 so could they be added (in addition to the IPv4 it has)?

[thefox]

Also, I don't really like SD and think CompactFlash is better. Could there be a version with CompactFlash?

You really expect him to make a CompactFlash version just because you "don't like" SD?

[chykn]

Could you allow the USB keyboard connection to be translated signals to Famicom keyboard signals?

Also, I don't really like SD and think CompactFlash is better. Could there be a version with CompactFlash?

With internet connection, perhaps we can even try to make a gopher client and other stuff. The documentation doesn't seems to work with IPv6 so could they be added (in addition to the IPv4 it has)?

Emulating the Famicom keyboard would be possible, but a bit tricky. The problem is that it behaves similar to a controller - send a signal to latch the status of all keyboard keys at once. On the other hand, the USB keyboard reading routine outputs data in ASCII. That output would need to be mapped to a 9 byte array in the CPLD that would mimic the Famicom keyboard input. Also, implementing this would prevent the use of compatibility mode reads. You would have to have a cart capable of sending R/W and /CE signals down EXP7 and EXP8 in order to talk to the ethernet adapter. Then again, it may be better off going that route anyway. Good news is that the CPLD can be updated by the user.

No, unfortunately a CF card will not physically fit in the design. The CPU board is designed to fit in a Hammond 1593K enclosure, available at Mouser for ~$3. Plus the SD card is cheaper. The CPU board will not cost more than $60, so I have to keep costs down where possible.

If someone wants to add a gopher client, implement IPv6 support or use it to attach their NES to a potato gun, more power to them. I'm a network architect during the day and my wife and I have 5 kids, a dog and a guinea pig to take care of in the evening. What little time I do have is spent on implementing the necessary functions to make this thing work. The release version of the firmware will support IPv4 and include the functions necessary for the NES to interact with IP hosts as well as the USB keyboard and SD card. Not trying to sound like a jerk or anything; I just have to stay focused on the requirements to get it finished in a timely manner. Otherwise it will never get done.

That being said, yes, I do plan on releasing the PIC32 and CPLD source code when it's ready. I imagine there are a number of people with the time and development skills necessary to turn this into something better. Also, I think it would be very poor form to keep it closed. I may be the one who took the time to design and build it, but I certainly could not have done it without the technical knowledge and ideas provided by the Nesdev community.

[zzo38]

Emulating the Famicom keyboard would be possible, but a bit tricky. The problem is that it behaves similar to a controller - send a signal to latch the status of all keyboard keys at once. On the other hand, the USB keyboard reading routine outputs data in ASCII. That output would need to be mapped to a 9 byte array in the CPLD that would mimic the Famicom keyboard input. Also, implementing this would prevent the use of compatibility mode reads. You would have to have a cart capable of sending R/W and /CE signals down EXP7 and EXP8 in order to talk to the ethernet adapter. Then again, it may be better off going that route anyway. Good news is that the CPLD can be updated by the user.

There could also be a physical switch to select the mode if that would help.

No, unfortunately a CF card will not physically fit in the design. The CPU board is designed to fit in a Hammond 1593K enclosure, available at Mouser for ~$3. Plus the SD card is cheaper. The CPU board will not cost more than $60, so I have to keep costs down where possible.

I just think microSD card is too small and CompactFlash is a far superior design, but OK use SD if you want to and if you have to.

If someone wants to add a gopher client, implement IPv6 support or use it to attach their NES to a potato gun, more power to them. I'm a network architect during the day and my wife and I have 5 kids, a dog and a guinea pig to take care of in the evening. What little time I do have is spent on implementing the necessary functions to make this thing work. The release version of the firmware will support IPv4 and include the functions necessary for the NES to interact with IP hosts as well as the USB keyboard and SD card. Not trying to sound like a jerk or anything; I just have to stay focused on the requirements to get it finished in a timely manner. Otherwise it will never get done.

That being said, yes, I do plan on releasing the PIC32 and CPLD source code when it's ready. I imagine there are a number of people with the time and development skills necessary to turn this into something better. Also, I think it would be very poor form to keep it closed. I may be the one who took the time to design and build it, but I certainly could not have done it without the technical knowledge and ideas provided by the Nesdev community.

Well, yes if I buy it I can implement some things myself.

[tepples]

I just think microSD card is too small and CompactFlash is a far superior design, but OK use SD if you want to and if you have to.

"You got your peanut butter in my chocolate!"
"You got your chocolate in my peanut butter!"

Well, you got your SD in my CF. Consider this a microSD card carrying case that doubles as an adapter to let you use the CF writer you already have.

[enlacerock]

woowww.... i dream with this project!!!

imagine all the new famiclones with this hardware..... a new world to the nes/famicom!!!

[B00daW]

I think ENIO could potentially also be the answer to running the JF + D7756C carts ( viewtopic.php?f=9&t=9323 ) without storing the ADPCM samples in RAM or ROM. Currently there are no hardware flash carts that fully support any of these games.

[zzo38]

Can it be used with 60-pins cartridges as well as 72-pins cartridges? Also, if it is simpler to do so, disable the ethernet when Famicom keyboard mode is selected (so that the ethernet can only be used with ASCII keyboard mode). It could be selected by keys on the keyboard (such as scroll lock key and light, since they have nothing to do with ASCII), by a physical switch, by protocol detection, by using some command which the NES/Famicom must send to enable ASCII mode (so that Famicom mode is the default), or if it is possible to support both protocols simultaneously, whichever work better. Ensure that if Famicom keyboard emulation is used, all of the Famicom's keys are mapped whether or not you have Japanese keyboard layout on the USB keyboard.

[Nes Kid]

Could you tell me what all the capabilities of this are? P.S. great idia.

[Nes Kid]

what does this do other than allow you to use famicom expansion items?

[infiniteneslives]

what does this do other than allow you to use famicom expansion items?

It allows you to connect your NES to the Internet.

[tokumaru]

It allows you to connect your NES to the Internet.

PRON?!

[tepples]

You don't need the Internet for NES pr0nz.

[Nes Kid]

Yes but what can you do? can you surf the web in 8 electrical paths in binary (8-bit)