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NEMESIS Igo Dojo Handheld PC Computer
Client: Toyogo, Inc.
In the summer of 1987, Bruce Wilcox, president of Toyogo, needed a hand-held, IBM-PC compatible computer that could be programmed with his Go game playing software. None existed, so he contracted with Elsyn to develop, what may have been the first, hand-held, battery operated computer to execute a software application that was created for a desktop PC.
A small team (3 people) undertook the reasonable tasks of:
- developing the electronic hardware, including a custom keypad, custom LCD screen, ROM upgrade cartridge, and RAM upgrade cartridge;
- designing the case, including all mechanical and aesthetic details of the computer, the ROM upgrade cartridge, and RAM upgrade cartridge;
- developing a simple BIOS for the computer to replace MS-DOS;
- assembling and testing the hardware; and
- building and testing five, full-functioning, cosmetically correct computers in the challenging time period of 3-1/2 months!
The project was started in late July, 1987 and by the first week in November, 1987, Bruce was on his way to Taiwan, with his five working computers, to compete in an annual, international computer Go tournament!
Elsyn developed NEC V25 based hardware and firmware for the computer and worked closely with an industrial designer to package the hardware. Elsyn did the artwork for the custom LCD that was manufactured by an off-shore vendor. Elsyn followed the design through testing, and approval, for compliance with FCC regulations. Elsyn provided production documentation that was transferred to an off-shore vendor for manufacture near Japan, the intended market for the product.
Elsyn's ability to respond quickly to a customer's needs, focus on essential tasks, and work effectively with outside designers helped make this project a success.
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