CPCWiki forum

I saw on Ebay some cheap 8256 mainboards or keyboards too. Is it a good idea if one have a 5V psu and CPC 3" drive / floppy emulator and a GT-64 or 65. I saw a pic on the web of a PCW connected to a CTM (by "fano" I think)
I mean (if it works), do you think it's doable with a little hack or you have to solder tiny chips and stuffs ?

There's two things to consider:

- The power connector will need a bit of tweaking, plus you need 5v, 12v and 24v (IIRC) for it to make the PCW run properly. 12v is for the floppies but are also connected to the expansion port at the back, so expansions might need them as well. 24v is used for the printer only.

- I'd really like to see the CTM-solution you mentioned. There's also this link (tip by Bryce): http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcwrfout.php (http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcwrfout.php)
The schematics allow you to connect the PCW to a TV.

So, I'm afraid there are things to solder, but these are standard sized parts, not tiny SMDs.

Thank you.
I don't have the link anymore, but I saved the pic.

It isn't a lot of help but it works. The author also wrote something like the mainboard died because of dirty hack, probably no soldering, I don't know.
I'm thinking to use a floppy emulator, so I should only need 5V for the mainboard and emu, no printer. The keyboard should directly connect to the mainboard.
(http://s21.postimg.org/decwmbref/221694_205941376094157_3510526_n.jpg)

a nice ideea would be to insert a PCW mobo into a cpc6128 case :)

Nice idea, and I have a case ;) it really looks like it can fit inside. Even the keyboard should be possible.
I have a GT-65 that is alone since years now, would love to use it as a PCW. My dad had it. I was so amazed that there were games on it when I had the internet in 98...



I just clicked on Ebay for the 8512 mobo (there's a last one...) and 8256 keyboard. =]
[Evil idea] maybe inside the GT-65, oh noes! [/evil idea]

The PCW keyboard must be very close to the 6128, they looked very similar. Are the dimensions the same?

Bryce.

Nice pic, Token! That's proof enough that it works. :)

@Bryce: Would it suffice to just connect the correct PCW video signals to the GT65?

Unfortunately the PCW keyboard does not fit into a 6128 case. It sports an additional column of keys, since the function keys are separate from the numeric pad. Otherwise the dimension would have been the same (though the special keys are of different sizes).

why not keeping the 6128 keyboard ? can this be connected to the pcw mobo ?

Quote from: Token on 00:51, 14 February 14
I saw on Ebay some cheap 8256 mainboards or keyboards too. Is it a good idea if one have a 5V psu and CPC 3" drive / floppy emulator and a GT-64 or 65. I saw a pic on the web of a PCW connected to a CTM (by "fano" I think)
I mean (if it works), do you think it's doable with a little hack or you have to solder tiny chips and stuffs ?

Sadly i am a pig and i made dirty stuff there =(
All was straight connected and i think that was not a good idea.I'll try something cleaner next time with a regulated power supply.For display, i think i'll use this (http://www.octoate.de/wp/articles/connect-cpc-to-vga-display/) to get image on a VGA monitor too.About drive, the guy who modded cheap floppy emulator said he will do a mod for CPC so i think i'll use this (http://cortexamigafloppydrive.wordpress.com/).That will remove the need of 12V, just need to make an 3"->3"5 adaptator.

Quote from: radu14m on 17:09, 14 February 14
a nice ideea would be to insert a PCW mobo into a cpc6128 case

I'd be temped to do that but if my memory is good PCW pcb is too big for 6128 case.Keyboard are not the same size too and are differents.I'll check in my magic box with spare parts to check.

Cool! I might experiment it soon, it should be a matter of a week. I wonder if it works with hxc without a small different setting than CPC since the soft. But if it works 100% the same, I'll try with the Gotek when the firmware will be released. (a lot of if)
I might post photos and ask for help... ;)

Quote from: radu14m on 08:18, 15 February 14
why not keeping the 6128 keyboard ? can this be connected to the pcw mobo ?

No, it can't easily. And I wouldn't try a mod.

I wouldn't try too, maybe by redoing/modify the membrane then, don't want ;)

I have seen videos of a PCW in a box on youtube: Consolised Amstrad PCW & Sega Controller (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaN6JsspqT8#)


The guy is pretty friendly, I'm sure he has more info if you ask.


Hmm, looks like his died too. I wonder what the cause of this is. I'd be hesitant to try converting one without being sure it wouldn't kill it.


ATM I really want joystick/audio and serial/centronics modules for my PCW.

I now got the 8512 mainboard and keyboard.
I opened and cleaned only the case. No screws inside, easy and fast. I will remove keys and membrane later. It's similar to 6128, the same thing, just larger and with controller (tall but on the right...)

It's possible to put the mainboard inside the 6128 case. Keyboard require to remove some plastic on the sides then. Not sure the case is tall enough but I think it is. Of course it needs to redo and cut some plastic inside the case for the screws. I shouldn't do it, I like the external PCW keyboard case more...


The mainboard doesn't have a DIN connector for the keyboard. Only pins. Same for the power supply and video. Jumpers in the middle are setted for 512k. All the RAM chips are there, I didn't knew it wasn't soldered. So if you have a 8256 there should be 8 free sockets.


I did a small test with 5V, see if the leds of my USB floppy emulator are red. Not sure it's enough. I mainly need infos now.
I grabbed some.


Correct/help me is more than welcome. My last soldering was kind of laughable (inverted pins) =]


some links
http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_monitor.gif (http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_monitor.gif)
http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_keyboard.gif (http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_keyboard.gif)
http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_cpu.gif (http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_cpu.gif)


Edit: this works.

__________________________ PSU


I think the PSU is like this:


°   ° ° ° °
1  2 3 4 5
      AMSTRAD
         1985
1:DV
2:DV << GND on the 5V PSU
3:5V  << 5V
4:12V
5:24V


I use a HXC floppy emulator with it's own psu, no printer
So for 5V only:
5V on "3" and GND on "2"


__________________________ KEYBOARD

4 pins DIN jack:

              v
        4         1
         3       2

then on the mainboard:
=========
|1  2  3  4 |


1:5V
2:GND (ground)
3:DATA
4:CLOCK




__________________________ VIDEO (with a GT65 2)


On the mainboard:
=========
|1  2  3  4 |


1:NSYNC (VSYNC maybe, hard to read)
2:GND (ground)
3:VIDEO
4:GND


GT65 2:

         3
    4   6   2
   5          1
         ^

1:RED     <<< no
2:GREEN <<< no
3:BLUE   <<< no
4:SYNC  to "1"
5:GND (ground) to "2"
6:LUM to "3"

Only use SYNC, GND and LUM, "4", "5" and "6" for green monitor.
But almost all for color monitor (not 6)
CTM:
1:RED     <<< all colors connected to "3" PCW video
2:GREEN <<< ...
3:BLUE   <<< ..
4:SYNC to "1"
5:GND (ground) to "5"
6:LUM  <<< no


______________________________________

Shopping on Ebay :D


- 4 Pin Electrical DIN Chassis Socket Pk5
(keyboard)


- DIN Chassis Socket Connector 6 Way (Pack of 2) 6 Pin
(video for Amstrad Monitor)


- Lot 2 Connecteur DC Jack Fiche Alimentation Embase Femelle Châssis 5,5mm 2,1mm
(Amstrad PSU)


- Fil de liaison 40 fils Femelle/femelle 1P 1P - 20 cm pas 2.54 mm
(Dupont cable)
(to connect the pins on the mainboard)


- Amstrad / Schneider CPC 664 6128 / Spectrum +3 internal ribbon cable adaptor

I couldn't resist, I see something on the monitor, it really looks like what I remember. Does the PCW makes 3 beeps after a minute when there's no disk?
I need to add the keyboard too, then test with the hxc , but I wonder how it can boot, from the setting...

Congratulations! :)

Yes, the three beeps occur after a time, if you do not insert a boot disk. That means that the RAM chips are ok and therefore the Z80 and the ASIC as well, otherwise you would not get this far.

Now go to this thread and fetch the boot disks and convert them to HFE-format for the HxC:
Syst Disk Amstrad PCW 8256 (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/nc100-nc200-pcw-pda600/syst-disk-amstrad-pcw-8256/)

breiztiger offers even the French CP/M disks. :)

BTW, the schematics and your descriptions look good, but Bryce should glance over them as well (he's the hardware guy here).

Great news =] The beeps were very harsh and loud ;)
Thanks MaV!  :D

post some pictures and info with the results :)

I ordered some 26 pins to 34 ribbon cable. I hope it will work =]
I saw some games yesterday on CP/M box emulator, I'm amazed. I never knew that the beeper could tune some notes. Played Livingstone and some other, I really not expected that, very very nice.

Still waiting, please wait... !! But then I can find PCW stuffs, there's more than I thought!


Nice info here...


/!\I did it, but you have to remember to connect and power on peripheral first (monitor as well), power on the mainboard the last when everything is ready.


From the above links, for the fun, great!
(http://www.retrowiki.es/rw10/e107_files/public/1313842866_263_FT2589_pict0101_comp_.jpg)

Great! Let us know how you get on (specifically, if it lasts).


That PCW in a 6128 case is awesome! Was wondering if the keyboard would fit in there. Looks as though the keys must be a teeny bit smaller than the 6128 ones, as it has an extra column of keys on the right.


EDIT: aha, just noticed that hey's cut the keyboard hole bigger, so they probably are the same size keys.

I didn't add the keyboard yet, but I have the 4 pins DIN connector now. I tested the 26/34 ribbons on my 6128, works nice with hxc.


On the PCW it try to read then after a time there's 3 beeps...
It must be a problem with the software setting.


I own a slim version, since 3 weeks, so it's pretty new. Maybe there's a new firwmare yet.


I read you need to set "Double Step" on, but when I save and reload the config file (HXCSDFE.CFG) it's still off.
I wonder if I need another version of AUTOBOOT.HFE, I read stuffs that bugged me :) like one could write HFE file with Double step?? arrrg


Well, I tried a lot of things...


Edit:
I tried to put some PCW DSK's from the CPC, tricky but now it does load but nothing happened on screen (lines were expected...), and it end to an infinite beep.
2: mmm I see you can load HFE and save it again, I tried with double step... Now it also save the config. I don't get it. I'll try again later, I've C64 stuffs too on it :D :o

I don't think the autoboot.hfe works with PCWs. It's probably best just to load one converted CPM-Boot disk for the PCW to the sd card. Then start the PCW and press the next button one time to jump to this image and wait a bit.

I myself have an HxC with LCD and it works well with the CPC (without autoload.hfe). I don't know about the double step, but I can't imagine that it is needed, as the PCW format is the same as the CPC.

(and a last question: do you convert the dsk files to hfe files with Del Nero's Windows software? Sorry for the question, but you never mentioned this. I just want to make sure we can rule out the simple mistakes.)

That PCW in a 6128 case is awesome !!!
Big Brother of the 6128 :) anyway, there is no mobo and no buttom case, only the upper part with keyboard is shown...

I can't found my battery charger, I hope I can make new one soon, this is old photos I took the day I got the mainboard  ;)


(http://s29.postimg.org/64xe2nxer/cpcw.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/64xe2nxer/)


(http://s29.postimg.org/b4uuam31f/mb_in_case_with_keyb.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/b4uuam31f/)

Quote from: MaV on 18:22, 27 February 14
I don't think the autoboot.hfe works with PCWs. It's probably best just to load one converted CPM-Boot disk for the PCW to the sd card. Then start the PCW and press the next button one time to jump to this image and wait a bit.

I myself have an HxC with LCD and it works well with the CPC (without autoload.hfe). I don't know about the double step, but I can't imagine that it is needed, as the PCW format is the same as the CPC.

(and a last question: do you convert the dsk files to hfe files with Del Nero's Windows software? Sorry for the question, but you never mentioned this. I just want to make sure we can rule out the simple mistakes.)

Thanks again MaV! I'm very new with the hxc, I was happy that I managed to make it work on my CPC ;)


I use HxCFloppyEmulator 2.0.20.1 (http://2.0.20.1) / Del Nero's Windows software

Quote from: MaV on 18:22, 27 February 14
I don't think the autoboot.hfe works with PCWs. It's probably best just to load one converted CPM-Boot disk for the PCW to the sd card. Then start the PCW and press the next button one time to jump to this image and wait a bit.

There's only one button on the slim version on the hxc floppy emulator. I did format the SDcard again, just put the HLE version of CP/M plus (converted from a DSK that work in the CP/M Box emulator)
So I know it should boot. But there's no beep when I press the hxc button then. I added HXCSDFE.CFG, the same. I have a beep when I put AUTOBOOT.HFE.
So I'll try what you do on the CPC first. ;)

Quote from: Token on 19:14, 27 February 14
So I know it should boot. But there's no beep when I press the hxc button then. I added HXCSDFE.CFG, the same. I have a beep when I put AUTOBOOT.HFE.
So I'll try what you do on the CPC first. ;)

There's a misunderstanding. The HXCSDFE.CFG file should always be copied first after formatting, then follow the other files.

Thank you. I forgot that. So first HLE file that is copied on the sdcard is slot 0, then second is slot 1 etc
I did the test without autoboot.hle. As it is CPC tool anyway. That's also why I was wondering how you loaded a file since PCW.


I'll try again later. It didn't work on PCW and CPC this way since my slim hxc. But I had a beep. But always only one when I pressed the button :) (even with more HLE files) like there's only 1 slot.
I formatted 2 times, CPC then PCW.


CPC with just 0:HXCSDFE.CFG 1:CPCGAME.HLE
PCW with just 0: HXCSDFE.CFG 1:CPM.HLE
(SDcard FAT32)

I think you need to either:


Edit HXCSDFE.CFG so that it chooses CPM.HLE at startup. But that doesn't look simple (you need to use a hex editor). And you will lose the setting as soon as you change disk images (unless you change back to CPM.HLE before you reboot).


Or you could configure the HXC to autoboot (using the windows tool... I guess you already have it configured like that though), and rename CPM.HLE to AUTOBOOT.HFE on the SD card so that it gets booted instead of the normal autoboot selector image. Looks like this can be problematic too though, Jeff says here (http://torlus.com/floppy/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=305&start=30) that he is going to make a new bootup mode to support this, but I don't know if he ever did.


BTW, if you want to use the HxC without the autoboot.hfe on the CPC I think you might have to disable autoboot using the windows tool and copy the new HXCSDFE.CFG onto the SD card.

Nice tricks, thank you :)


I have to test a 3" to see if that mainboard really works, if the monitor is well connected... I might solder the keyboard soon.


Rename cpm.hle to autoboot.hle indeed worked (of course I also tried to not use autoboot in the config) but while it read, nothing happen on the monitor, no black lines on the background. I still see a sort of border, much smaller than CPC, almost fullscreen on the GT65-2.


HXCSDFE.CFG is full of 00, it's only few bytes, like 8 that save all the parameters. (since total commander) It's seem's that every bits saved something here ;)


Without the autoboot setted on the cfg, the CPC doesn't see any disk.

Would it be possible to use a normal cpc6128 ROM in joyce ?
Im thinking of getting a super cpc with 512kb, from a pcw8512 :)

So what's a Joyce? Well compared to the CPC it has no sound and no color. So it's a step back. CPUs in CPC and PCW word at the same speed and my 4 MB RAM expansion inside my 6128 keyboard already outnumbers the PCW. Sorry, I like the PCW, but it can't be a CPC replacement imho.

A PCW's but a computing shadow, a poor player
That beeps and prints at office hours upon the desk
And then is seen no more. It's a device
bought by an idiot, bereft of sound and colour,
Signifying nothing.

Shakespeare might hate me for this gush of words (pardon the pun).

If criticising, at least do it in style.

Hmm....didn"t know that it has no sound and color.
cause i saw some youtube videos with games on it, and they had also sound....


Amstrad PCW 8256 Computer, Games & Batman Footage - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftG0fQs2uM)


Or you mean that the quality is bad, and cant be called "sound" :) ?

Quote from: radu14m on 07:09, 01 March 14Or you mean that the quality is bad, and cant be called "sound" :) ?

Yes, that's the typical PCW sound. I was quoting TFM.
There also was a prototype AY-soundcard (DK'sound) which is supported by Head over Heels:
Head Over Heels (Amstrad PCW) with DK'Sound - CP/M Box Emulator (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7HsI460U2U#)
The game's sounds and effects in this case are exactly like the CPC version.

Quote from: radu14m on 19:49, 28 February 14
Would it be possible to use a normal cpc6128 ROM in joyce ?
Im thinking of getting a super cpc with 512kb, from a pcw8512 :)

Uh, no. The PCW is an entirely different computer.

For a unknow reason I got something that worked. Must be a bad contact with the monitor. But I got a weird rendering, an "emboss" effect. I run Batman. And after a time it play music. Cool!


Most of the time I got the intro pic of Batman. Sometime nothing happen on screen.
The game really worked only 1 time. Without the need of the keyboard, I got the Batman menu with the tune and selector. Maybe it's the psu... (hard disk, USB) I should test with 2 psu.


So I must find how to fix the display, I don't use the 4 pins on the mainboard, but 3...






Also, does the keyboard use the led when you power ON the PCW?
At least, does the led is ON if Shift lock key is pressed? (even without disk)

I did a test with a 5V led, it's seems that what I drew on page one
isn't correct. I grab it here http://www.retroisle.com/amstrad/pcw/Technical/Hardware/pcw_keyboard.gif
Edit: it was right..


========
| 1 2 3 4 |


1:5V
2:GND
3:DATA
4:CLOCK


My led for test is ON with 2: as 5V and 1: as ground.

As expected the psu was not good enough, it works with two.
Now, i see that Batman menu again, without keyboard the selector go up to down and cycle.
I need to fix keyboard and have a better picture on the screen, maybe the GT65 isn't compatible. I got the same emboss effect I had when trying to connect Atari ST on it. (I posted a photo on the forum with Goldrunner ;) )


Edit, there's a problem with my psu on the mainboard, it's better now with 2 psu, so hxc is alone, but the game doesn't run everytime.
Do you know what psu is required?

I did a mistake with the monitor  ;D  So now the image is sharp and clear! But there's a problem with the sync, display is oblique.  :-X


Edit: it's a french GT65-2, same problem on my english GT-64 (the cutest  :D  monitor ever)
Now I didn't soldered anything. Dirty/pig (c)fano job!

It works with the GT65!  :D
I did so much mistakes on this, shame!!  :P
Also it seems it doesn't need pin 4 on the mainboard (GND 2)



It is possible that my psu is strong enough (1,5A : 2 peak), I've many random results but I believe it will works nice when soldered.


I'll try the keyboard soon.
Edit: Now it's less the blind test, I see why I had a lot of beeps before with CP/M, without keyboard it's writing random stuff, probably after 256 chars it's beeping :)

Quote from: radu14m on 07:09, 01 March 14
Hmm....didn"t know that it has no sound and color.
cause i saw some youtube videos with games on it, and they had also sound....


Amstrad PCW 8256 Computer, Games & Batman Footage - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pftG0fQs2uM)


Or you mean that the quality is bad, and cant be called "sound" :) ?

Well, just checked out the video. It shows the green screen and the sound is from the beeper. Check out the wiki page for tech specs.  :)

I think the mainboard is faulty, with or without keyboard, chars are wrote on screen on CP/M until the beeps. Also my keyboard cable isn't the original, with the bent connector. (but i tried to bypass it, connecting straight from the small PCB controller inside the case)
I might buy another one tonight. Also I'll use the 5V from the GT65...


As with the Atari ST on the CTM, I had to reduce a lot the light on the green.


Edit: Keyboard works. I'll add shema etc later. For now I just enjoy some games ;)  I'll put this in a small case, and make a second one in the CPC6128 case.


GT65/64 (I've an English and French version) = some games doesn't display every lines, there's no gfx on the low border in "last mission", it's even worse with "Sky war".


CTM = display everything, it's fun too connect R,G or B and combinations.

I cleaned the keyboard (8256), there were some deleted keys. (office PCW) I could replace them by some 6128 keys. (french, new logo) I changed the cable as well (it wasn't the original) from an extremely yellow 8512 keyboard.
Cases are a bit expensive, so I had to think of it. I found an old external CD-ROM from a 486 laptop, very dirty too. I took it from my dad several years ago ;) but very nice in the end.


(http://s27.postimg.org/owext1ls3/image.png)




(http://s27.postimg.org/xfybqsu4j/image.png)

awesome! so how did you get the HxC to work in the end?

Oh wow, this is really great; never realised the 6128 keycaps are the same...

Quote from: Munchausen on 07:16, 19 March 14
awesome! so how did you get the HxC to work in the end?

It doesn't seem to work well with the "slim" version. MaV can select slots since his HxC. I don't know what's his version. The only thing that worked is your own solution ;) So I have to rename game.hle to autoboot.hle. The alone button on the slim is useless here. Maybe in the future me or others will found a better way to do it since the slim version. I also want to try the Gotek...  :)

Quote from: Gryzor on 13:00, 19 March 14
Oh wow, this is really great; never realised the 6128 keycaps are the same...

There's a very light difference, you can't even notice. The letters are a little bit different. But "Q" is italic on the PCW. Luckily I only changed letters, A,E,R,T,S,N and left SHIFT.

I could play to Starglider (thanks MaV)  8)
It require you load CP/M first. I decided to read the ... RTFM <3


Ok, it's very simple to use HxC slim with the PCW.


Of course it require HXCSDFE.CFG to be the older file on the SDcard.
Easy to set with Total commander...
Now just get rid off the autoboot.hle


Then enable the "Indexed mode" in the setting.
The first slot must be a file called "DSKA0000.HFE", simply rename that CP/M disc...
Then slot 2, 3 are "DSKA0001.HFE","DSKA0002.HFE"
So rename the games in this format.


Press the button more than a sec to go back to the first slot, et voilà :)

I added a ON/OFF switch.  I think that PCW could die like the others on the web, the RAM and chipset are warm.
The RAM really makes a mess inside the box. I only put 2 old 486 heat sink on it. I should fix it later with a bit of thermal compound. It's a little better now. I've still the 4cm fan from the CD-ROM box. Later I should see how it works with the 12V from the monitor.
Edit: the box isn't hot anymore with just the 2 small heat sink on the RAM..  :) 


I made this, for fast test. Just format the SDcard and unzip the file into it.


http://www.speedyshare.com/d6sC4/PCW.ZIP (http://www.speedyshare.com/d6sC4/PCW.ZIP)


files:




... page 1 edited

I've been talking to Pulkomandy about his setup. He gave me some important information - you can blow the video circuitry if you don't buffer it - he blew one motherboard this way already!


Apparently putting the video through any 74HC gate is enough to fix it. He has information here: http://pulko.mandy.pagesperso-orange.fr/shinra/pcw.shtml (http://pulko.mandy.pagesperso-orange.fr/shinra/pcw.shtml)


Also on that page is a hint that he has a PS/2 keyboard interface working, but needs to get it to go a bit faster.


Finally, there are some pictures of his 5.25" drive enclosure (with the PCW in it) available here: PulkoMandy's home on the web (http://pulkomandy.tk/_photos/_PCW/_/)

Nice  :)
I was busy with a 664, and now back with the PCW!


I haven't really understood it, but will try to figure how it works. I think I see what are the "2 jumpers". I wonder about the next chip, also a photo with the 74HC00 in place would be welcome.

(http://s30.postimg.org/7b0klhqkx/8256mb.png)




Also I tried to cool every chips but the one in the middle. The Amstrad 40028, the main ASIC. Luckily it's still alive.
I bought a pack of small coolers from China on Ebay a week ago.

Hi,
The idea is:
- You solder pin 7 and 14 of your 74HC00 to pins 7 and 14 of this IC you highlighted. This gets you power and ground
- You bend the other pins so they don't touch the IC below
- You cut the two jumper wires, and redirect the signals through the new chip as shown on my webpage.


If you don't want to modify your motherboard, it's possible to build an adapter that plugs on the video port. you still need to get the +5V somewhere for it. This is what I did, so I don't have picture of the motherboard mod.


I may do a picture of my adapter, but it's a mess, as I tried various solutions to try to get it working on a TV. If I open my PCW box again (it's a bit annoying to do with all those wires in a so small box), I'll make some pictures of the inside.

I might do it soon. I'm waiting for the chips for my 2 mobos.
It looks like a clean little mod (I mean, it's not destroying the PCW. Like cutting a track.) so I'll cut the 2 lines.
I might ask for help as well if I do it wrong. But it must be done.

The chips I found on Ebay are very very small  ::)  I just saw a bigger one with the large pins... It should takes another month for shipping  ;D

The 74HC14 is a Hex inverter with Schmitt triggers. Half of this IC is used to buffer the data and clock signals coming from the keyboard, but the other inverters in this IC are used for completely different things (at least one gate is used to invert the sync signal going to the data seperator).

Bryce.

I'm about to buy the 74HC00 there
http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160987717813&var=460158284946&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://cgi.ebay.fr/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160987717813&var=460158284946&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)





Bryce, do you meant it won't work well if I use it with the 74HC14? It must only takes ground and power, just to be clear ;)

No, it will work fine with the 74HC14, I just thought you wanted to know what it does.

Bryce.

Gesendet von meinem Motorola DynaTEC 8000X mit Tapatalk 2.

Thank you Bryce, it's nice to know what it does of course! Now I read me again, it was a dumb question sorry, I was about to buy it, I had doubts, that's only why. Remember my soldering on the CT-1  :o 

Thank you PulkoMandy. Simple mod that works very nice, it was a bit hard for me, I'm a beginner and I don't have all the tools, especially for cutting the 2 bridges. But I'll buy some in the future. Also my soldering sucks royal ass, but who cares, it works, it works!!  :D 



(http://s28.postimg.org/irft8h8ot/pcwpulko.jpg)

edit:  :picard: :D

Well I redid the soldering... It's now almost finished. I'll add 2 Gotek (the actual floppy emulator is a HxC slim)

I founded out that the picture can be in fullscreen on a GT64 or GT65 monitor. It's a lot better than the CTM644. The pixels are so sharp and accurate!  :-*

How? I added a 100 Ohm resistor on the Vsync (and also on the Lum/RGB, but I think it's not necessary) So the picture is not cropped anymore on top and bottom.

(http://s8.postimg.org/ubdl5lxic/gt65_pcw_console.jpg)

I've seen soldering that was much worse, from people who claimed they could solder!

Congrats on sorting it out. Nice job.

Bryce.

Now with the I2C screen!
I updated the GOTEK firmware and I read more about to read floppies
without the need of a boot manager.
In fact "normal mode" should works with most computers.

So there are now 999 slots instead 15. (I removed the broken 3 digit, so I can't verify)
I added a (red) button which is connected to JA connector on the GOTEK PCB.
This PCW have the HxC buzzer yet, but I might remove it and use the JB connector instead the old hack. I did few tests, I think it require a transistor.

Here a link with some games and HXCSDFE.CFG (cfg should be compatible with CPC) ready to play.
https://ufile.io/ipuf8 (https://ufile.io/ipuf8)

If you don't have the I2C you can test with a jumper or screwdriver, it read any files names now. (not just DSKA0000.HFE, DSKA0001.HFE, DSKA0002.HFE,... the indexed mode) on Atari ST it should read the .ST format. Perhaps it is even possible to "force" something, so there's no need to add a button..
Don't be fooled with the screenshot, it's .HFE not DSK :) (soooooon..)

Normally you just power up the PCW, select a game with + and - button, then you load with the "JB" button.

(https://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/310492pcwhxc.jpg)



(https://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/656837file.jpg)

Hey very nice im planning to do the same to a 8512 i have in a shelf, you should get the IDE kit from JonB to ultracharge your PCW  :P

I'm curious, does it require the 12V?

Finally Habi did it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3X9B2NEZUM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3X9B2NEZUM)

file:
https://files.fm/u/vree4ggd (https://files.fm/u/vree4ggd)
Should work also with FlashFloppy. https://github.com/keirf/FlashFloppy (https://github.com/keirf/FlashFloppy)
(you'll need HXCSDFE.CFG for the autoboot mode)

@Token (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1077) , you may want to take a look at the wonderful PCW-IO board by Habi (http://habisoft.com/pcwwiki/doku.php?id=en:hardware:perifericos:pcw-io).

Nice, I like it can reset the PCW, I tried many things by just the mainboard, nothing worked. Keymouse emulation is great, the best for me is the joystick support. Too bad I can't build this hardware myself. Hoping it is possible to buy one some day. Otherwise really cool with the keyboard!

It's really easy to solder the board, I've done a couple myself.


You can ask @Habi (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1314) if he still has some boards and components, as specially the PS/2 connectors seem to be in short supply lately.