Perhaps the best dedicated chess computer is...

[sje]

Perhaps the best dedicated chess computer is one that you could build yourself.

Here's an idea: let's produce a set of plans for a dedicated chess computer including a list of parts and parts suppliers.

I suggest using a piece sensory approach that's free of patent entanglements with a chessboard that uses modern multicolor LED technology. The LEDs would be used to illuminate the either an entire square or all four of its edges. The playing surface could be a decal placed on a plexiglass frame. The unit would have a dedicated microcontroller board that would manage the sensory work, the LED control, sound output, and the wireless ethernet link. A bluetooth interface could be added to communicate with a bluetooth clock, and maybe a bluetooth robotic arm for those with an extra big budget.

The microcontroller would also provide an interface to an optional single board computer that would handle move selection. The computer, running some flavor of embedded Linux, would rely on flash memory for its program and data storage and could also have USB ports for internal and external thumb drives.

The entire unit could be configured via the wireless link and this would include the option of connecting to an ICS directly or though a separate machine that would also serve as a display.

The appearance of the board could be customized according to the desire of the builder. Likewise, there would be instructions for the piece sensory conversion of a conventional chess set of the builder's choice.

[Steve B]

In addition to hardware considerations..the choice of the on board engine is most important
we would need one main engine hardwired on board..with of course PC blue tooth access to any PC engine
now..of all of the great programmers of the past and present..there is only one legendary Programmer..still programming today.. that has never had his work memorialized in a dedicated computer

for the Engine ..we MUST have

Hiarcs Regards
Steve

[jockos1]

I have built by own chess computer.

I bought (from Digikey) Zilogs EZ8F6420100 development board ($39) which includes the development board, serial cable to program the board, along with a C compiler, 64k flash and 4k of RAM. I was going to download a chess program that I wrote to the board but instead I modified a chess program that runs on the Lego's Mindstorm programming Brick. I modified this chess program to run with this board. Biggest restriction was the 4k of RAM. (makes it tough to store the 512 Mbyte hash tables ).

So now I have a small (4" x 4") circuit board programmed to play chess.
The only requirement is that I have to connect it to a PC to input moves and to display the chess board.

My final goal to to download a stronger chess program to this board.

Bill

[fern]

There is one more simpler way to get what exactly you want: to view the commercial catalogues and then get one, ready for use.
If that fails I simply tell steven Blincoe and he kindly get one for me.
This is all faster than taking a hammer...

A lazy man without remedy regards
Fern

[Steve B]

There is one more simpler way to get what exactly you want: to view the commercial catalogues and then get one, ready for use.
If that fails I simply tell steven Blincoe and he kindly get one for me.
This is all faster than taking a hammer...

A lazy man without remedy regards
Fern

yes this is true
i am always happy to help fellow CCC members in their quest for new ..old ..chess computers
of course i also add in a modest aggravation charge of
65% Regards
Steve

[fern]

BTW, did you recover from the ugly strike in your pocket?
Mine was harmed, but I am still, if not rich, at least what you call in US an affluent bastard.
My money already in a vault. Soberane papers, etc.

But I am worried for you because...

I still have a long list of demands to make to you regards
fern

[Steve B]

things are far worse since i last mentioned my financial situation
since Obama has been elected the market has lost another 1000 pts..this on top of the loss in October of 2000 Pts..added to the loss from last Oct of another 3500 Pts and i am almost near total financial ruin
if not for the fact that i now must hold down three jobs(normal day job and 2 night jobs) i would be bankrupt
have a nice day regards
Steve

[Dr.Wael Deeb]

things are far worse since i last mentioned my financial situation
since Obama has been elected the market has lost another 1000 pts..this on top of the loss in October of 2000 Pts..added to the loss from last Oct of another 3500 Pts and i am almost near total financial ruin
if not for the fact that i now must hold down three jobs(normal day job and 2 night jobs) i would be bankrupt
have a nice day regards
Steve

Hold on Steve,it can't rain all the time

[Steve B]

Hold on Steve,it can't rain all the time

Thanks Dr.D

doing the back stroke regards
Steve

[fern]

Night jobs?
I have been on that, also. Currently I manage three ladies. They are not anymore in her prime, some of them even somewhat obsolescent, but still they can work and pay my protection.

Wearing a velvet purple hat regards
Fern