User Guide

Aquarius⁺ User Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Aquarius⁺ User Guide. In this documentation, you'll be shown all the great and interesting things that an Aquarius⁺ can do. We developed the Aquarius⁺ because we love playing with and working on 8-bit retro computers. Since the Aquarius platform was abandoned by Mattel in 1984, and then by Radofin in 1990, it is an open environment for both hardware and software, just waiting to be explored.

Some people who are new to retro computers assume that one has to spend a lot of money on ebay or at a computer fair to purchase these 40-year-old systems. While collecting a 'complete' Aquarius system from 1983 can cost you as much as US$600 for the computer, Mini Expander, data recorder, hand controllers, printer, and ROM cartridges, there is no need to rush out and buy one if all you want is to try out the system. The Aquarius emulator, AquaLite offers virtual versions of these features at no cost.

The same is true for the Aquarius⁺ platform, which has been completely redesigned as open-source hardware. While you can purchase one online for less than US$300, we encourage you to first download the current release of the Aquarius⁺ Emulator, and try out the features for free. We'll cover this option below, but first, a bit more explanation of the Aquarius⁺.

Specifications

In 1983, the original Aquarius computer was modestly appointed, particularly when compared to more popular systems released a year or two earlier, such as the Commodore 64 and Atari 1200XL. The more underwhelming features included a chicklet keyboard, only 1.7k of available stock RAM, character-based color graphics, and the need to add an expansion module (at extra cost) for expanded sound and controller functionality.

By contrast, the Aquarius⁺ was designed in 2022 to overcome the limitations of the original platform:

• Modern, flexible video solution that supports bitmapped graphics, sprites, and tiles, delivered through clean VGA output
• Dual AY sound chips (virtual) for six sound voices
• 512kb of paged RAM in four 16k banks
• Reworked SYSROM and programmable CHARROM
• Integrated SD card and commands (remove dependency on cassette loading)
• WiFi connectivity
• Bluetooth connectivity for modern game controllers
• Backward compatibility with existing Aquarius hardware and software

Acquiring an Aquarius⁺

If the content above sounds interesting, there are a two environments in which you can begin working on an Aquarius⁺:

• Virtually, using the Aquarius⁺ Emulator
  • The Aquarius⁺ Emulator works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • The Aquarius⁺ Emulator is always FREE to download and use.
  • The Aquarius⁺ Emulator is actively in development, and new features are added regularly, so check back frequently to ensure that you have the most current version.
• Physically, using actual Aquarius⁺ Hardware
  • The Aquarius⁺ is an open-source project. Anyone can buy, sell, adapt, or modify one as they see fit.
  • The Aquarius⁺ Signature Edition is currently available on eBay.
  • The Aquarius⁺ Mini Edition is currently available on eBay.
  • Additional resellers of the Aquarius⁺ typically make their offers available either on eBay or the Facebook Aquarius+ Users Group.
  • Enterprising Aquarius⁺ Makers are encouraged to make and sell their own units.

Interacting with the Aquarius⁺

While getting your hands on an Aquarius⁺ is the first order of business, the next question to consider is "How will I be using and interacting with the Aquarius⁺ now that I have an environment in which to work with it?"

There are four pathways to explore:

• User - Continue on to the Aquarius⁺ Quick Start guide to the hardware, as well as how to program and save applications in BASIC, and try out new titles that are specifically designed for the platform.
• Developer - Level up your Aquarius⁺ skills by delving into the Aquarius⁺ Developer Guide, which goes into the details of BASIC programming, but also expands into the high-performance tools such as the C and Assembly languages for optimum performance and flexibility.
• Maker - Put your own mark on the Aquarius⁺ by reading the Aquarius⁺ Maker Guide, a step-by-step set of instructions on how to make (and sell!) your own Aquarius⁺ systems.
• Designer - Peek behind the curtains of how the Aquarius⁺ works under the hood by reviewing the Aquarius⁺ Designer Guide, offering insight as to where the platform is headed, and how you can be a part of the ever-evolving story behind the platform.

Conclusion

You've started down a path that we hope will inevitably put you in front of the soon-to-be-familiar Aquarius⁺ startup screen, trying to figure out what to do first. If you're intrigued thus far, we recommend the Aquarius⁺ Quick Start Guide as the next step on your journey.