CPU #1

The CoCo 5 was imagined to be controlled by 4 - 6309 CPU's and a GPU , If it ever gets implemented it will most likely be via FPGA.
The CPU#1 refers to a 6309 core which may operate in one of two modes.  

When runing as the System Hardware Coordinator  CPU#1provides Hardware Assignment and Coordination functions for the entire system this allows CPU's #2 and 3 to effectively share the available hardware with no special software each "thinking" unless programed otherwise that it is the only CoCo on the system.
This CPU may run at any multiple of 0.894 MHz up to 7.152 MHz and will switch speed as appropriate to the process it is runing. In this mode CPU #1 will address memory beyond 64K by one of two methods STANDARD or HWAM mode.

The main functions of CPU#1 in System Hardware Coordinator mode are to:

      1. Runs user interface programs to let the user choose how to setup the Hardware.
      2. Divide the actual physical hardware allocating each piece of hardware as either for CoCoGREEN, CoCoRED, Shared or Unavilable.
      3. Runs the interface programs necessary for when CoCoGREEN or CoCoRED cannot directly access hardware.
      4. Runs the Chameleon program that allows some hardware to mimic a different hardware.
For more Details see:

In CoCo Blue mode CPU #1 simply acts as a 512K CoCo at 0.894 MHz up to 7.152 MHz using 8 banks of 8K to access up to 2 MB of memory.


The following table outlines the hardware assignments in Tri CoCo mode.

CoCo Blue
  Notes

CoCo 4 Mode Allows native access to the uDisks

512K Memory Keeps it simple no unwanted interference from CoCo's #2 or #3.

Coco Joystick Ports    TR & TL
(Shared following keyboard focus.)


Coco Joystick Ports    BL
(Joy Stick #3 or 8 bit Analogue Input)


3 1/2 mm Jack

(Controlled by Mixer Hardware)

Bluetooth Ch#1 as Bit Banger
Speeds to 460 kbs

vTAPE in 8Trk Mode  8, 32K blocks of RAM emulating a Cassette Tape.
UDISK-8 SS 35trk RSDOS

( Shared follows Focus if No Files Opened
requires CoCo Basic4 or OS9 driver. )
UD group A
  • Map[0:0,1:1,2:2 as Std. 9,9 as vHDP]**

This is the system that can optionally boot from "ROM".
Internal Cartridge Slot You need to open the case to install a cartridge for CoCo Blue unless you have a special cable the GAME EXTENDER TOP LOAD SYSTEM.