A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
Functional prototype in 3D printed case. Final will have an injection mold case.
Product Description:
The CollectorVision Phoenix™ is an FPGA ColecoVision™ compatible system that plays ALL ColecoVision™ games. The CollectorVision Phoenix™ is the first true ColecoVision™ FPGA console, and includes over $350 worth of extra value.
What is an FPGA?
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a programmable chip that can recreate digital circuits in hardware. An FPGA will let us recreate the components used in the actual ColecoVision so the system will be just as accurate as the original system.
Dimensions
– 7.50″ x 4.75" x 7.50″ x 1.8" (L x W x H)
CollectorVision Phoenix next to Original ColecoVision(Cartridge doors will be silver like the power and reset buttons)
Compatibility
– Compatible with ALL ColecoVision™ game cartridges!
Original-style SNES/SFC Controller Port (For even more controller compatibility!) (NTT Data compatible)
SD card firmware updating [via SD card slot]*
PS2 Keyboard input
The SEX7264 “COURTNEY” Wavetable Sound Generator (WSG) is a new custom sound chip which can produce a rich plurality of sounds with minimal intervention of the CPU.
Includes
CollectorVision Phoenix Video Game System™
Sydney Hunter & the Caverns of Death (Exclusive pack-in Game cartridge with a $50 value)
10 Built-in digital Homebrew games included! (a $150 value)
Instruction Manual
HDMI Cable
Worldwide Power Supply [100-240v, 50/60hz, USA/JPN plug-type]
Expansion Module Port
A variety of expansion modules will be released after console launch. More information on these will be provided later.
Expandability
The CollectorVision Phoenix is an Open Source system, so it will be able to be upgraded and expanded in the future using open source FPGA cores. It will be possible to expand the capabilities of the Phoenix to work as other systems, like the Atari 2600, once the core has been ported to the Phoenix.
Syndney Hunter and the Cavern's of Death CIB game $65
Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death game for the ColecoVision. This comes complete-in-box. This includes game cartridge, manual, and box.
CollectorVision Phoenix System $199
This reward level is for 1 CollectorVision System with a loose copy of Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death Pack in game.
CollectorVision Phoenix System w/ Generic SNES controller $209
This reward includes the CollectorVision Phoenix System reward tier with the addition of a SNES compatible controller to be used with the system.
Phoenix system & CIB Caverns of Death $225
This reward is for 1 CollectorVision Phoenix Console with a Complete-In-Box Sydney Hunter and the Caverns of Death game as a pack in game.
Limited Color Edition (ADAM) $250
This includes the same rewards as the CollectorVision Phoenix plus adds a limited edition ADAM Computer colored case and stickers.
Early Access System $300
This reward level provides the CollectorVision Phoenix system with early access. Your name will also be listed as a supporter in the system instruction manual.
You will also gain access to purchase new expansions and adapters before the non-early access reward levels
Ultimate CollectorVision Phoenix $1000
This reward level will provide one of the first 10 systems off the production line signed by the CollectorVision team.
Your name will be included in the settings for the system and in the manual.
You will get 2x VIP passes and have a meet and greet with the CollectorVision team at Game On Expo 2019. (Travel and lodging not included)
You will also get the same Early access benefits.
Publicly Tested
We've publicly tested the CollectorVision Phoenix™ including at the Game On Expo where attendees had the opportunity to see the system (inside and out), and play it hands on.
Testing the system publicly (Aug 2017).
Functional Prototype Shown at Game On Expo 2018
Project Evolution:
The initial goal of this project was to create a new board that would replace the ColecoVision™ main board and allow for a reliable replacement that would work on modern TVs.
The first version of the board was a direct PCB replacement using original chips, but with the added F18a video output replacement. We ultimately realized this wasn't the best option as the original chips for the board, like the sound chip, would not be available in higher numbers or would have questionable quality.
Early prototype of ColecoVision replacement board with F18a Functionality
At this point we realized that moving to an FPGA board was the way to go. The FPGA chip would allow us to recreate the actual hardware from the original ColecoVision™, while allowing us to add extra features like HDMI output and extra controller options.
After this second development board, we decided to make a board that could be used in the original ColecoVision™ case. We added both HDMI and VGA output to this version.
Although this was a nice board, it didn't turn out to be practical as there would be a lot of people who wouldn't have an original ColecoVision™ shell to use. The cost to make a custom case for this board would have made this not feasible. There would also need to be lots of modification of the original shell anyways to get all the connections out.
At this point we decided to move to a the final design which would have the custom case that was modeled after the original ColecoVision™ in a smaller form factor.
Functional Prototype
Money Breakdown:
About CollectorVision Games:
CollectorVision Games was started by a small group of gaming enthusiast back in 2008. We have released and published over 100 individual games for a variety of consoles, but primarily for the ColecoVision™ console. We understand the process it takes to create new projects, and we are passionate about the ColecoVision™ console. It's our goal to keep this great console alive for generations to come.
CollectorVision Phoenix Development Team:
Brian Burney:
Brian is an Electrical Engineer that has been working in several fields for the past 13 years. He has worked on wall climbing robots, autonomous underwater robotics, and pharmacy automation robotics. He has worked in several aspects of product development from printed circuit board design, 3D modeling and printing, and embedded controller programming.
Matthew Hagerty:
Matthew is an autodidactic electronics and retro-computer enthusiast, engineer, and maker. Having grown up in the "golden era" of home computers and video arcades, he enjoys mixing retro computers with new technology to breath some new life into classic systems. He is the creator of the F18A video enhancement board that is a drop-in replacement for the TMS9918A VDP used in many retro computer and gaming systems. When not working on an FPGA SoC or a new board design, he can be found playing with his three children and two dogs, reading, and spending time with his wife.
Madonna Mark III:
Madonna Mark III is a programmer, composer and chip/type designer with over 34 years experience in the 8-bit world. Co-founder of Matra Computer Automations (Sex Bomb Bunny, Moskow 2024, Ark-a-Noah, Don’t Cock It Up!) and Video Hazard (Retaliot —with Jonathan “Joffa” Smith—, Litter Chaos). Partnerships with Kralizec (MajiKazo), True Video (Alien 99) and a few secret affairs. Founder of Guzuta (Sink-King, Seleniak). Now serving in Silicon Sex (Junkwall, Lilith, Messiax, Sex Machine, Courtney) as purveyor of technology perversions.
Erik Piehl:
Erik has worked high-tech startups throughout his career - 25 years by now, starting from software development to business development to CTO and CEO roles, managing companies in Finland, USA and Japan. As counterpart to daily management and business tasks he enjoys sports - and building electronics and FPGA projects in his spare time - and feels privileged to be part of teams that get things done. He has five patents and holds a M.Sc.EE degree from Helsinki University of Technology.
William Brantingham:
William is a machinist, industrial designer, and the owner/operator of Sabine Speed and Specialty Co. He has designed products from automotive accessories to commercial displays and is always dreaming up something new to create. In his spare time he enjoys vintage automobiles, electronics, and listening to punk.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is your target price?
Answer: $200
Isn’t it expensive for a ColecoVision™ console? Answer: While we understand it may not be for everyone out there, we also think there’s more than enough ColecoVision™ fans out there willing to make a project like this to happen. Being in the community for more than 10 years now, CollectorVision knows the potential and need for a console like this to happen! Not to mention how poor and unreliable the original ColecoVision™ console is! It would most likely cost you about $300 to get similar results to our console, and that doesn’t even make your system 100% reliable and doesn’t include all the features we’re including. So no contest here!
Will it come with any new ColecoVision™ controller(s)?Answer: No, we prefer to focus first and foremost on the console itself and make it completely right. Although the console is already compatible with original ColecoVision™ controllers and any DB-9 Controllers out there. It can also support SNES controllers, including the NTT Data controller!
We are offering a reward level that includes a generic SNES controller for those who don't have a compatible controller.
Are you ever going to make a new controller available? Answer: Definitely! We are going to start designing a brand new comfortable & reliable controller as soon as the console is available.
Why the ColecoVision™?The ColecoVision™ when it originally came out sold over 2 million systems, and was very popular, and still is in the retro gaming circles. Unfortunately the ColecoVision™ systems today can be unreliable, and with the original RF connections are not ideal for today's gamer. The CollectorVision Phoenix™ offers a reliable option to play all the classics and new homebrew games on modern TVs.
Is the CollectorVision Phoenix Video Game System™ compatible with < insert any game name here > ?Answer: Yes, our system will play ANY ColecoVision compatible games, in other words: 100% compatibility!
Is the CollectorVision Phoenix Video Game System™ open source?
Answer: Yes, anyone can add ANY features/enhancements to it!
Is the CollectorVision Phoenix Video Game System™ in ANY way affiliated and/or authorized by Coleco Holdings?Answer: No, The CollectorVision Phoenix Video Game System is NOT affiliated and/or licensed by Coleco Holdings. It has been COMPLETELY designed & manufactured by CollectorVision Games Inc.
What is the F18A Video Enhancement?Answer: A video enhancement functionality. This provides an improved video output as well as several extra features like eliminating sprite flicker, improved color palettes, and hardware scrolling capabilities.
What is the SGM (Super Game Module™)?
Answer: This provides the extra ram to 32KB, and doubles the ColecoVision™ sound capabilities with four additional sound channels
What is the SEX7264 “COURTNEY” Wavetable Sound Generator (WSG)?Answer: SEX7264 “COURTNEY” is an expanded Wave Sound Generator module to provide even more sound capability that can be added to new games.
Do you have any experience at all with injection mold tooling?
Answer: Yes, in fact, we do own an injection mold tooling for ColecoVision™ cartridge shell and are also dealing with the very same company for about 10 years. We have also been providing brand new cartridge shells to other homebrewers for years.
Some of our injection molded cartridge shells.
* Loading rom file off the SD card is available for homebrew developers to test out their creations (i.e. homebrew games). CollectorVision Games Inc. does not condone or promote piracy, please purchase original games to support the game developers and companies when possible.
Risks and challenges
The CollectorVision Phoenix™ project is a complex endeavor, including the tooling of molds for the case, production of the PCB, quality assurance, assembly, etc. We will use our skills and experience across our team to ensure risk is low in this area.
We have been working on the CollectorVision Phoenix™ for the past two years, and have created a working and reliable prototype. We are at the point where we need to order the injection molding and work on production which all costs money. We’ll use our best efforts and experience to keep the production on track, hoping to ship the machines as fast as we can and within schedule.
This reward level will be for just the CollectorVision Phoenix PCB without any of the accessories, like the case or pack in game. This is a reward level geared to those who want to make their own case or install the Phoneix in an actual ColecoVision shell(lots of modification to make this work).
This reward level provides the CollectorVision Phoenix system with early access. Your name will also be listed as a supporter in the system instruction manual.
You will also gain access to purchase new expansions and adapters before the non-early access reward levels
Includes:
Get access early access to the system
Your name will be displayed in the System Manual as a supporter
Early access to purchase future expansions and adapters.
