Steve Howell (AppleLogic) has posted an update on comp.sys.apple2 regarding the highly anticipated Carte Blanche project. I’m posting the announcement here as well (with minor edits). I think I can safely predict the first batch of cards will go lightning fast.

Hi folks,

For those of you interested in Carte Blanche’s progress, here’s an update.

Assembly

CB has been scheduled to go into production on the 29th of May. To ensure we will be shipping, orders can take place on the 30th after the boards have gone to assembly. The run comprised 30 boards. Shipping is expected to start on the 5th of June. If all boards sell, that’s great – however – first in, first served. The results of the first run will determine if we can do any more. We are currently preparing how ordering, receipts and payment will take place.

Changes between the development version and the shipped item…

The Coloured Apple logo on CB will not be present in the shipped version. Although I was very fond (a world first might I add) of the coloured soldermask logo, it does go against Apple’s guidelines for using their Apple image. See http://www.apple.com/legal/trademark/guidelinesfor3rdparties.html

RGB Connector — sourcing the Apple miniVGA RGB connector has been a real headache. If anyone can help solve this sourcing problem, I’d be very appreciative.

http://groups.google.com.au/group/sci.electronics.design/browse_thread/thread/02daa4abcaf57ba1#

As a result, the shipped version of CB will be supplied with an 8 Pin gold plated IDC style Right Angled header with a SVGA connector board to suit the IIe cutouts. See http://www.applelogic.org/AL/CBSVGAIO.png

Functionally, it is exactly the same as the Apple miniVGA, including I2S DDC functionality.

Cost

Carte Blanche will be US$200 plus registered shipping.

What’s in the box

1x Carte Blanche with XC3S250E FPGA and 256K 15ns SRAM
1x Video IO Board with HD15 VGA connector
1x hardware kit (hex nuts and bolts) for the video connector to be mounted in the IIe
1x CB to Video board cable
1x JTAG flying lead cable
2x 256MB SD Cards
1x Antistatic bag

Carte Blanche comes pre-loaded and will plug and go straight out of the box when used in a II or IIe. The III and IIgs are still yet to be confirmed. Carte Blanche has been designed by the apple2 community for the apple2 community, and we are open to any suggestions or questions.

best regards,
steve