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Mother X4 / Game Edge Adapter

Started by TotO, 17:39, 05 June 19

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TotO

Game Edge Adapter for Mother X4. A real cartridge slot for CPC ROM games.
It use one slot and the passthrough connector to add:
- 1x Game Cartridge Slot
- 1x Edge connector for expansions

Tha main advantages are:
- not plug/unplug directly on the CPC expansion connector to not damage it.
- you can kept your existing expansions connected to your CPC.
- compatible with Edge and Centronics computers.
- same price as an edge adapter alone.
- reduce the game PCB production cost.

The target price will be 4.90€ (kit) or 9.90€ (mounted) + shipping.
Gerber files for adapters and games PCB will be provided if you wish to build your own! (WIP)

Here some PCB previews!

Cheers,

  TotO.
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

ASiC


LambdaMikel

What does it make a "Game Edge" connector? Is this ordinary expansion port pass through as edge, or something game specific?

Audronic

@TotO


Do you have photos of the board fully populated with Connectors Please.


Thanks.  Ray
Procrastinators Unite,
If it Ain't Broke PLEASE Don't Fix it.
I keep telling you I am Not Pedantic.
As I Live " Down Under " I Take my Gravity Tablets and Wear my Magnetic Boots to Keep me from Falling off.

TotO

I have currently not received the parts to offer real pictures with a populated board.
I do not invent anything, it is a simple Edge adapter PCB with 3 connectors on it (MX4 male, MX4 female, 50-way edge slot).

The idea is to have a strong and versatile vertical slot base to plug game cartridges instead of destroying the expansion port with repeated plug/unplugs.
As 300+ (400+ dispatched) users already have a MotherX4, so it is a good way to allow that. It do not add extra hardware because the fail of the CTC-AY 6 years ago.
Users w/o MotheX4 can simply use a female ribbon cable to connect them to any CPC. The idea is to add a free and useful extra feature to the male Edge adapter.

Developpers never does games for a fixed hardware (extended CPC), because peoples should not play if they do not have it. Users prefer to chose their own configuration (like PC) and enough expansions already exist now using MX4 slots to take part of them first. (or adding custom hardware into the cartridge if required)

The adapter is really easy to build for everybody, inexpensive and more recommended for this usage.
A standard ROM cartridge PCB (flash memory + decoding logic) cost a few euros and peoples are free to "DIY". (gerber files provided)
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

LambdaMikel

I always welcome all edge connector adapters.  :)
Edge connector is important for many users of old-style hardware.

TotO

And the "old" new 2013 MotherX4 design...
"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

Audronic

@TotO


Seasons Greetings.
I like the change to a Switch for the power.
and the addition of the Female edge connector.
Keep up the good work


Ray
Procrastinators Unite,
If it Ain't Broke PLEASE Don't Fix it.
I keep telling you I am Not Pedantic.
As I Live " Down Under " I Take my Gravity Tablets and Wear my Magnetic Boots to Keep me from Falling off.

LambdaMikel

#8
Good idea with the switch.
Can you make the Gerbers available online please?

TotO

#9
I have updated the design to leave more space around the Edge Slot connector. In example, if peoples want to add 3D printed shell (1-inch depth max).
The design is UNTESTED with change... The online PCB gerber viewer not properly display it. I will not receive PCB before next year. Pinout is CPC expansion port standard.



"You make one mistake in your life and the internet will never let you live it down" (Keith Goodyer)

almasys

Quote from: TotO on 17:39, 05 June 19
Gerber files for adapters and games PCB will be provided if you wish to build your own! (WIP)
Yes, please, could you send me a PM or post the Gerber files of these small PCBs here?
Thank you,AlMaSys

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