QMTech's cheap MiSTer "clones"

[akeley]

Seems the first 99USD MiSTer "clones" have already appeared (and promptly disappeared).

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/1005007150032433.html

They have one with baked in 128 RAM too though, at 129 USD

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007370471764.html

Not compatible with official daughter boards, but they say they will produce their own.

It'd be interesting to hear if anybody has tested it yet.

[JakubH]

I have been testing the Qmtech board for a few days and it works very well. (Version with sdram soldered on the board) I have not noted any problems with any core so far. The sdram runs stably at 160MHz.

It comes with a 5V/4A psu, a 32gb SanDisk micro sd card, a mini usb cable and a heatsink.

[akeley]

Great stuff, thank you. Good to hear from a real world user. Seems that the era of cheap-o MiSTers is really upon us.

Tempted to get one even though I don't really need it...but having additional separate TATE & 31kHz core units is now entirely possible

[lordoftime79]

I am using the one without the onboard ram and it is working very well indeed. i have installed one of the 128 ram modules and a standard no powered 4 port usb hub.

[C-R-T]

Am I seeing wrong or is the fpga chip all dirty? Do they use old pulls for this?

[rhester72]

Am I seeing wrong or is the fpga chip all dirty? Do they use old pulls for this?

They do indeed, one of the things that's driving costs down.

[lordoftime79]

i think i have come accross my first issue tonight - direct video just will not work. same sd card in my actually mister works fine :/

[akeley]

i think i have come accross my first issue tonight - direct video just will not work. same sd card in my actually mister works fine :/

That's a big deal breaker for me. Maybe can ask the producer on Twitter what's up with that.

[lordoftime79]

can anybody who has a qmtech confirm?

[dickhardpill]

Lu’s retro source shows a video of his qmtech playing on a CRT via direct video. Sounds like a powered adapter is required.

https://youtu.be/CBG4yg7kzLQ?t=6m21s

[aberu]

Seems like they failed to clone it adequately.

[lordoftime79]

honestly this has been my only issue and with the very low price still think its a great device.

[kubbie]

honestly this has been my only issue and with the very low price still think its a great device.

I think with proprietary addons that are not compatible with the MisterFPGA that things will add up quickly.

[akeley]

I think with proprietary addons that are not compatible with the MisterFPGA that things will add up quickly.

The only really important thing is whether software is 100% compatible. Some hardware snags are to be expected, and they said they will make their own add ons anyway (even so, I think I've already seen somebody manage to use analog IO with this board).

At this price point some trade offs are acceptable. For me DV matters a lot, because I'm a strictly-CRT user, but I can imagine for most people it's not so important.

[kubbie]

I think with proprietary addons that are not compatible with the MisterFPGA that things will add up quickly.

The only really important thing is whether software is 100% compatible. Some hardware snags are to be expected, and they said they will make their own add ons anyway (even so, I think I've already seen somebody manage to use analog IO with this board).

At this price point some trade offs are acceptable. For me DV matters a lot, because I'm a strictly-CRT user, but I can imagine for most people it's not so important.

For me I want a simple solution that is just plug and play as the GPIO headers are also incompatible so there will be some soldering or adding a ribbon of some sort making it looking cluttered.

[akeley]

For me I want a simple solution that is just plug and play as the GPIO headers are also incompatible so there will be some soldering or adding a ribbon of some sort making it looking cluttered.

That's fine but I'm pretty sure there will be plenty of people interested in saving ₃₀₀ USD and having pretty much the same functionality.

[KennyL]

The $130 one with solder on sdram does work with io boards.

https://x.com/GOGamerUK/status/1816935719971270765

[dickhardpill]

The $130 one with solder on sdram does work with io boards.

https://x.com/GOGamerUK/status/1816935719971270765

aside from the user port

[Armakuni]

The USB/IO/RTC AIO board for these QMtech boards will be released in a few weeks and for less than $30

[eightbit]

And if the integrated SDRAM fails? I don't personally like SDRAM being integrated on the FPGA board itself personally.

True anything could fail (and especially fail if using reclaimed parts) but ehh...I don't like it one bit.

[akeley]

And if the integrated SDRAM fails?

Sorry, but this really is scraping the barrel Especially given how fragile DE10 boards themselves are, and how many snafus there were with non-integrated SDRAMs.

[lordoftime79]

And if the integrated SDRAM fails?

Sorry, but this really is scraping the barrel Especially given how fragile DE10 boards themselves are, and how many snafus there were with non-integrated SDRAMs.

yea i cant see the ram being an issue? i mean you dont worry about the ddr onboard failing so why should it be any different? the weak point of the original de10 are the sd slot and power jack in my own experieance

[Zombar]

When will the VGA board and case be released?

[Missus]

When will the VGA board and case be released?

The USB/IO/RTC AIO board for these QMtech boards will be released in a few weeks and for less than $30

Just got a VGA board! -- edit: maybe not! this board doesnt fit!!!

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=8341

No case yet, but now that these are shipping I think STLs are imminent!

Will be interested to see more addon boards. Where can I find more info about the AIO?

[amano]

Is it known if the QMTech IO board features a RTC clock?
Or has it to be added separately.

[jfml1974]

Am I seeing wrong or is the fpga chip all dirty? Do they use old pulls for this?

Dirty? I have one and it is spotlessly clean, it is not reused.

[Armakuni]

Is it known if the QMTech IO board features a RTC clock?
Or has it to be added separately.

Yes it does, there is a place for a battery on the bottom of the board

My QMtech USB/IO board and case arrived a week ago and for less than $30 its a bargain and works as it should

Due to the QMtech board having a USB header there is no bridges either, its a very neat solution

[akeley]

My QMtech USB/IO board and case arrived a week ago and for less than $30 its a bargain and works as it should

Where did you find the I/O board for that price? I've seen some on Ali before, but they were rather pricey, and now can't see any at all. Also, is it the old design or new one?

Taki's IO is new design and cheap too. I'd prefer that, but I suspect that even his next batch will sell out in a nanosecond. And I keep seeing QMtech boards in stock occasionally (there are 8 now) so it's kinda tempting....