VOGONS

DOS Cartridge Port

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First post, by Hamby

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So, some time ago, when I was thinking of a DOS-based game console, for some reason I thought about the unit accepting games/software on cartridge.

I thought of ways an ISA card could be implemented to accept cartridges. Then I realized that CF and SD cards made the idea moot (except you can write to CF/SD).

But today for some reason the IBM PCjr popped into my head. Now, I've never had one, but I know it took cartridges.

I wondered if the cartridge slots could be used to implement CF/SD card readers / modern ram expansion?

Reply 1 of 1, by Jo22

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Hi, I think that's generally possible. Though I have little experience with the Jr., sorry. 😅
However, if I think about it, there were other things like that.

PCMCIA was intended as an 16-Bit ISA card replacement.
In the early 90s, the PC market hoped these cards would catch on, even on desktop PCs,
so there would be little reason to open the case for end users.
I guess PC manufacturers hoped this woud help themselves in case of warranty and service etc.

Both AT-Bus (later IDE/ATA) and Compact Flash supported generic 16-Bit devices, not just storage media.
For example, in the 80s/90s, some EPROM writers were connected to the internal AT-Bus port.
And in case of CompactFlash, some Wireless LAN cards were sold for Pocket PCs (I had one for my HP Jornada).

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In what to one race is no time at all, another race can rise and fall..." - The Minstrel

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