What is the Commander X8?

[CreativityTheEmotion]

On Github, you can find this group: (redacted) There's not really much to it, other than a logo looking in line with the X16 line, a description reading "The X16's little brother.", a non-functional github.io link and only one member of the group: Frank van den Hoef, the VERA designer. Based on this, I think it's fair to conclude that this is, to some degree, official and coordinated with the rest of the X16 team, but unfortunately, there is not much else to conclude. If anyone on the team can clarify anything, it'd be interesting to hear. Even a simple "no further comment", as disappointing as it is, would probably satisfy my curiosity for now. (And yes, apparently I'm the first on these forums to bring it up.)

[rje]

Frank created the page, so I'll take a random guess: it's VERA with 6502 emulation and an embedded open KERNAL.

So, a 128K RAM 6502 system with integrated video, PSG, and KERNAL.

 

OK OK, actually I think it's a gag for April Fools' Day.

 

[Elektron72]

Performing a Google search using the following search phrase 

Quote

"commander x8" site:github.com

reveals several repositories, most of which are private. These include an emulator and documentation. However, there are two public repositories containing PCB designs and FPGA source code that appear to support your theory of a system implemented entirely in FPGA.

[Michael Parson]

Maybe it's a minimal 6502 + VERA implemented in FPGA that he used when originally designing the VERA before there were real X-16 dev boards?

[Elektron72]

I don't think that's likely; the most recent commits in the public repositories I found were from the end of last year. Whatever this system is is likely still relevant. Besides, I don't think it would have a separate name if it was just a prototype board for the X16.

[StephenHorn]

My guess is that Frank made a mistake and accidentally made those repos public without meaning to, only fixing the error upon seeing they were forked.

In addition, I would venture to guess that those projects are all stripped-down, minimalist implementations of the X16 features that Frank would have needed to develop the VERA and write test software that could be easily created in his minimalist environment and run directly on the prototype boards when and as they arrived.

It's unfortunate to me that these are being publicized, doubtlessly against the wishes of the rest of the team, who do not want to see the X16 cloned or FPGA'd until they've had a first bite at sales and production. And if that's the case, then this is the kind of leak that could be quite damaging, depending on what, in all, is included in all the leaked materials.

[Sean]

50 minutes ago, StephenHorn said:

My guess is that Frank made a mistake and accidentally made those repos public without meaning to, only fixing the error upon seeing they were forked.



In addition, I would venture to guess that those projects are all stripped-down, minimalist implementations of the X16 features that Frank would have needed to develop the VERA and write test software that could be easily created in his minimalist environment and run directly on the prototype boards when and as they arrived.



It's unfortunate to me that these are being publicized, doubtlessly against the wishes of the rest of the team, who do not want to see the X16 cloned or FPGA'd until they've had a first bite at sales and production. And if that's the case, then this is the kind of leak that could be quite damaging, depending on what, in all, is included in all the leaked materials.

On that front they should be able to relax somewhat.  The repositories are visible in Google search results, but following the links gives a 404 error.  Except for the PCB repository.

[SlithyMatt]

2 hours ago, StephenHorn said:

My guess is that Frank made a mistake and accidentally made those repos public without meaning to, only fixing the error upon seeing they were forked.

This is exactly what happened.

[The 8-Bit Guy]

The X8 is a somewhat cut-down X16 that exists entirely in FPGA.  It has much less RAM.  It does use the VERA, albeit with reduced VRAM.  I have one of the few prototypes in existence on my desk.  It is a concept we have toyed with and may or may not release at some point after the X16 launches.  The core team is somewhat divided over whether or not it is a good idea as it does somewhat compete with "stage 3" of the X16.  

[Terrel Shumway]

25 minutes ago, The 8-Bit Guy said:

 it does somewhat compete with "stage 3" of the X16.  

I hope that this doesn't mean that "stage 3" will be a cut down spec. :0(