Half-Byte Computer 'console'-ATMega 328 based 'computer' and gaming console

Hello!
Ever since I discovered that the UNO could support both video out and a PS/2 style keyboard, I was enthralled by the notion of a retro computer/console. So, I set out to roll my own. I found a Tiny Basic-one I am sure you are familiar-written by Mike Field. I took his code, rewrote a big chunk of it and got it to work with the TVOut and PS/2 libraries. Next, I designed my own board, using the 328p, with audio, video and PS/2 support. In addition, I have also included Wii Nunchuck support. It does not support shields, but all of the I/O pins are broken out. It is a minimal design, so it is easy to put together. I achieved my goal of a 'retro' style computer/game console. It isn't perfect, but it works well and, I think, it is a good, fun little project for a parent to do with a kid who is interested in both electronics and learning to program.


Since the 328 only has 2k of SRAM, and I am using the TVOut for video, there is only one thousand bytes of SRAM available to the Half-Byte Tiny Basic interpreter. That may not sound like a lot, but you'd be amazed at what you can do with that. Half-Byte Tiny Basic has a full set of graphics statements and functions, sound via the TONE statement, hardware access, Serial I/O support and more. You can read more here-->Half-Byte Tiny Basic-Commands, Statements and Functions – ye old Half Byte blog
I have made the Tiny Basic available on my blog for anyone to download. It is tailored for my board, but it also works just fine on a UNO, provided you use the standard TVOut pin connections. Go here -->Half-Byte Tiny Basic is now available! – ye old Half Byte blog to grab your copy.

I currently have several kits available as well as a complete, assembled unit, with a brand new keyboard. Go here -->Half-Byte Console, now available – ye old Half Byte blog for more.

Finally, I am need of a storage solution for Tiny Basic. Since only a thousand bytes are left for TB program space, I cannot use the SD card library, which requires 512 bytes for a buffer. I don't want this board to have to be tethered to a computer, so I need something simple and very cheap. Anyone who can offer up a solution will get a free kit and full credit. I cannot currently pay you, in monetary means, anyway, but you will get a kit and full credit at the very least.

geogray:
Finally, I am need of a storage solution for Tiny Basic. Since only a thousand bytes are left for TB program space, I cannot use the SD card library, which requires 512 bytes for a buffer. I don't want this board to have to be tethered to a computer, so I need something simple and very cheap.

The simplest and cheapest solution is to redesign the stuff with atmega1284p (or better) and a microsd socket..

pito:

geogray:
Finally, I am need of a storage solution for Tiny Basic. Since only a thousand bytes are left for TB program space, I cannot use the SD card library, which requires 512 bytes for a buffer. I don't want this board to have to be tethered to a computer, so I need something simple and very cheap.

The simplest and cheapest solution is to redesign the stuff with atmega1284p (or better) and a microsd socket..

Well, not for me. I have a bunch of these boards made. Though, my next board may be something like that.
Thanks.

Here's a short video clip of the board and Half-Byte Tiny Basic in action.

could you build a daughter board with the sd card and the 1284p chip on it? make it plug onto the place the 328p is.

Use a EEPROM chip.

Arduino library: