Tecnobytes Shockwave-II and Slot Expander-II

MSX hardware company Tecnobytes announced new production batches of their populair products OPL4 Shockwave sound cartridge and MSX Slot Expander. Both fine products for the MSX system, which are again in stock and available for purchase.

As a manufacturer of new hardware for classic computer, like the MSX standard, the Brazilian company Tecnobytes carries a good portfolio of MSX add-on products. Extension cartridges for audio, graphics, and other hardware ups the game of our beloved 8-bit system. For example, the Shockwave cartridge gives you OPL4 audio capabilities, while the Powergraph adds extended graphics possibilities using the V9990. To have all such extensions working on one computer, the MSX Slot Expander solution adds more extension slots as a good solution.

Acquiring such a device may be a difficult task, as most of the these are all out of stock. However, Tecnobytes is shipping new batches of their products once in a while, and are currently offering new Shockwave and Slot expander peripherals. Good news if you're in need for one of those.

The original Shockwave cartridge offers OPL4 audio capabilities, their new batch is an iteration of that and called Shockwave II. It features a smaller housing than the original, new stereo output connectors including the option to mix the original MSX PSG sound, and has 2MB of memory on board.

Just like Shockwave, the MSX Slot Expander has iterated to version 2 and also features improvements like added volume control per slot. The expander offers four (4) MSX cartridge slots with enough space to facilitate even the larger MSX cartridges, with the option to enable or disable each individual slot with a dedicated switch. It comes with an external power supply and flat cable attached to the host cartridge. All housed in a shiny blue casing.

Getting your hands on one of the quality products is as easy as visiting their web site, select your product of choice and click the buy button. The Shockwave II will cost you $150, while the MSX slot Expander II goes for $141. All ex shipping. These things sell like hot buns, so put in your order fast.

relevant link: Tecnobytes web site