Choosing an Aq+
In which we determine which type of Aquarius+ is best for your needs
Abstract:
The Aquarius+ system comes in a variety of form factors and price-points, ranging from the completely assembled Aquarius+ Signature Edition down to the PCB-only version of the Aquarius+ Mini. Below are the current options, along with pros and cons for each.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE!
Aquarius+ Standard Signature Edition
Pros
Includes an actual Zilog Z80 CPU!
Fully assembled & tested
Includes legacy Aquarius Ports: cartridge, controllers, printer, cassette
Includes SD Card & USB Micro cable
Aquarius+ Mini Signature Edition
Pros
Includes an actual Zilog Z80 CPU!
Fully assembled & tested
Includes SD Card & USB Micro cable
Smaller footprint / easier to store and transport
Aquarius+ Emulator
Pros
FREE!
Works on Windows, macOS, & Linux
Frequently updated
Portable: take it with you on your laptop!
IN DEVELOPMENT
Aquarius+ Standard vZ
Populated PCB
Pros
Fully tested
Slot for optional PLCC-44 Z80 CPU
(minimum 8Mhz)*Includes legacy Aquarius Ports: cartridge, controllers, printer, cassette
In Development
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable
*The Zilog Z80 CPU is no longer in production. It must be acquired separately. System runs without it using a virtual CPU core (T80/TV80) in the FPGA.
Aquarius+ Mini vZ
Populated PCB
Pros
Highly cost-effective
Fully tested
In Development
Cons
System does not have a Z80 CPU*
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not support legacy Aquarius peripherals
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable
*The Zilog Z80 CPU is no longer in production. It must be acquired separately. System runs without it using a virtual CPU core (T80/TV80) in the FPGA.
Discontinued
Aquarius+ Standard
Populated PCB
Pros
More cost-effective
Fully tested
Includes legacy Aquarius Ports: cartridge, controllers, printer, cassette
Discontinued
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable
Aquarius+ Mini
Populated PCB
Pros
Very Cost-effective
Fully tested
Discontinued
Cons
Enclosure not included (system SHOULD be operated within an enclosure)
Does not support legacy Aquarius peripherals
Does not include SD card or USB Micro cable