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MegaFlash Progress

Started by Bryce, 20:25, 03 March 11

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Bryce

Hi All,
      I haven't said much about the MegaFlash (writable version of the MegaROM) lately, because I hadn't made any real progress in the last few weeks, mainly due to lack of time, but yesterday and today I had a few hours spare and managed to at least produce a first prototype PCB. I've broken my own rules however (Rule 1: Don't make a PCB until all functional tests have been successfully completed) because if I hadn't made the PCB this time, it could be weeks before I get this much spare time in one lump again, so I went for it, even though it may still have mistakes. Anyway, here's what it looks like at the moment, it's a single sided PCB with waaay too many bridges for my liking (the final layout will have to be a double-sided PCB). It's about 82mm x 70mm, so around the same size as the MegaROM. If I get time at the weekend I'll solder on the components and start doing the first tests.

Bryce.

Oh, and just for MacDeath: Tonights music (while developing the PCB) was JM Jarre - Equinoxe Parts 1 to 8 and (while drilling the 255 holes in the PCB) I chose The Pixies - Surfer Rosa followed by Rage Against The Machine and some Nirvana (it needs to be something loud while the drill is running).

TFM

Great news! Wonderful news! Can't wait to read your progress report ;)
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

Gryzor

The thing I like most is the CPC etched on the corner :D

Bryce

#3
I drew that CPC6128 around 1992 when I was sent on an AutoCAD course (version 10 as far as I can remember) by the first company I worked for. I found it again on a 3.5" disk a few years back and decided it would look cool on CPC PCBs, but it takes up quite a bit of space, so I only put it on larger PCBs (no point in doubling the size of the PCB just for a Logo. It's actually quite detailed, when zoomed you can see all the individual keys and even the text on the monitor is readable, but obviously that level of detail isn't possible in copper at that size.

Bryce.

Gryzor

What can I say - it's really cute :)

TFM

Quote from: Bryce on 09:18, 04 March 11
I drew that CPC6128 around 1992 when I was sent on an AutoCAD course (version 10 as far as I can remember) by the first company I worked for. I found it again on a 3.5" disk a few years back and decided it would look cool on CPC PCBs, but it takes up quite a bit of space, so I only put it on larger PCBs (no point in doubling the size of the PCB just for a Logo. It's actually quite detailed, when zoomed you can see all the individual keys and even the text on the monitor is readable, but obviously that level of detail isn't possible in copper at that size.

Bryce.

That's a good reason for using only very high quality equippment for PCB production, so everyone can see all details ;D
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

Bryce

#6
Even professional PCB production methods and equipment wouldn't show all the detail at that size.

Bryce.

Btw, This is why the PCB really needs to be doubled sided. That many bridges is not only silly, but also a serious pain in the arse to have to solder:

Gryzor

This reminded me of the Amiga prototype pics I had seen, everything wired by hand and all that... :D

Bryce

Ah that's nothing for an early prototype, they're always an indecipherable tangled mess of wires. This is what the first working MegaROM looked like. I still have this one here, and it still works!!! if you insert the ICs :D

Bryce.


Gryzor

Good grace, the patience...

Bryce

As I said above, never break your own rules, because several changes did have to be made and there are quite a few optimisations yet to come before it's completely finished and ready for release. Ignore the "floating" IC you can see in the picture it's a temporary addition required for debugging. This is however the first working MegaFlash :) and it's passed all of it's tests :) Hopefully I will get some time next week to optimise it and build the final version.

For those who don't know, this is a DIY 16 slot ROMBoard which is programmable directly from the CPC (Thanks to TFMs Software) and it doesn't require a battery for backup :)

More news as it happens,
Bryce.

Gryzor

But I like the floating IC!

Other than that: oooh!

Bryce

Well then I'll make a special "floating IC" version especially for you :) Where you can attach you Logic Analyser and Frequency Counter.

Bryce.

Gryzor

Oh yes, please, I have a few of them lying idly about... a shame not to use them.

TFM

We're getting forward. After an overwork of the MegaFlashROManager Bryce is currently testing the new software. After the weekend we may made a step forward to the final solution.
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

Bryce

From the first Prototype I've made several improvements / optimisations to the hardware and even squeezed some new features in. I'll be building the latest version at the weekend, parts arrived today :) More news when it's built and tested. BTW, I'm in discussions with a PCB producer to have a batch professionally produced, more info later on that too.

Bryce.

Gryzor

Any cost estimates? :)

Bryce

I'll let you know as soon as I can. My first plan was to let an external company produce the entire board including components, but the price is too high, so I will have the PCBs produced professionally and solder the components myself, that brings the price down a bit. As soon as I have price for the PCB I will start a new thread with the "Who wants one" question. Obviously the quantity made plays a big role in the price too, so the more that order, the lower I can get the price.

Bryce.

TFM

Great! Thanks for the update and ... Happy weekend!  ;D
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

TFM

We have the beta prototype software running now...
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

Gryzor

Great! Can't wait :) Any screenshots?

TFM

Quote from: Gryzor on 10:17, 26 March 11
Great! Can't wait :) Any screenshots?

Well, yes. But it looks like always, since I see no need to invent a new interface. No big deal at all.

Take a look here:

http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/MegaFlashROManager

However, before April 6th I will have no time to work on it. Please be patient.
In addition Bryce had some good ideas and I will try to integrate at least some of them.

The take home message is just... we're still working on it  ;)
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

SyX

Any news Bryce or TFM? I LOVE THIS PROJECT!!!  :)

TFM

 ;D  I hope soon!  ;D
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

TFM

The ROManager Software has been updated, download it at www.FutureOS.de in the download section. You can already use it to check out how it will work. There is a version for BASIC (99.9% running) and a version for FutureOS (will run a bit later with real hardware, but can be checked out to see advanced file-menue).

Questions? Comments? Please here! Wonders? Not before 2012 ;)
TFM of FutureSoft
Also visit the CPC and Plus users favorite OS: FutureOS - The Revolution on CPC6128 and 6128Plus

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