New Version 1.5!

After 18 months of feedback from customers all over the world, the OtterX design has been updated to reduce build errors and improve functionality. Read below for a list of the design updates.

OtterX

For those looking for a DIY 8-bit computer with huge capabilities and a large community supporting it, the OtterX is an all-through hole, Commander X16-compatible, ITX form factor, 8-bit retro computer kit with an adorable Otter mascot for the industrious retro enthusiast!

OSHW Certified!

OtterX is now certified by the Open Source Hardware Association. OSHW #US002763

The kit

This kit contains all through-hole components and ports for mounting to the PCB. All boards with surface mount components come pre-assembled and tested, including: "VERA" video board; OPM2151 "chiplet" drop-in replacement for the Yamaha YM2151; and I2S DAC replacement for Yamaha YM3012.

Key features:

• 8MHz W65C02
• W65C816 drop-in ready
• Compact, Mini-ITX form factor
• 40K low RAM
• 512K banked high RAM
• 512K ROM
• Silkscreen labeling designed to ease assembly
• Informative/Educational PCB design with detailed silkscreen
• "Commander X16" Compatible
• 2x SNES-compatible controller ports
• Header for legacy IEC-compatible serial/disk port
• Stable overclock to 10MHz with 20MHz user-supplied oscillator
• YM2151 clock stretch disable jumper
• Real-time clock with battery backup
• I2C Grove Connector

Assembly time: approximately 5 hours, depending on experience and soldering equipment.

Version 1.5 improvements

The board for sale here is the new OtterX 1.5 design which has the following changes:

• No more "bodge board". Cartridges work flawlessly on this board design without needing a special board and bodge wires.
• IEC port removed. The IEC port was used by less than 5% of customers and its location put it in conflict with the upcoming digital video output board. A 6 pin IDC-style box header is provided to allow a passive connection to an IEC "dongle" to add this functionality back in.
• TO-92 transistor footprints changed to new footprint with wider spacing. Microscopic solder bridges between transistor pins was the #1 cause of build issues with the original OtterX. This change should remove this issue entirely.
• NES 3&4 ports have moved to a 6-pin IDC-style box header. A "dongle" to make these easily available is coming soon.
• TVS diode footprints have been corrected so that bidirectional or unidirectional ESD protection diodes will work.
• Cartridges with a shell now fit the card edge connector without conflicting with the memory expansion module.
• Memory expansion module has been redesigned to provide space for cartridges and a standoff to ensure that the memory expansion doesn't short contacts against the battery clip below it.

Not included:

NOT INCLUDED: PS/2 keyboard, VGA monitor, ATX power supply, and PS/2 mouse (optional).

ATX power supply options are available as an order option.