Hello all,
I have finally managed to create a double sided PCB of the IDE/8255 interface based on my original one.
I have not yet tested the PCB interface, but I am confident that all is okay.
I will soon get the costs to make a batch of them say 10-20 and then take it to the next step. I will also post a breakdown of the costs for each bit.
The original tested ok with FAT16/32 and I am also looking at patching AMSDOS/ParaDOS to allow for a virtual floppy drive on the Harddisk, so that the programs already on the net can be used via the virtual drive. It would be cool to boot CP/M, Symbos, FutureOS, etc from the Harddisk.
regards
rpalmer
Am liking the project!!
Stick me in the queue for a pre-built board from the first batch (PM the cost and I'll pay you upfront if it's easier for you)
Neat, looks good.
Bryce.
Ooh nice... more hardware to buy, dammit :D
Do write something about what it can do and what it can be used for... :)
Thanks for the update! Great to see this project going on!
hello all,
Well i have to say that the PCB version of the IDE interface works, however the 8255 chip in my previous post of the interface appears to be cactus, so i changed it with the prototype board and voila all worked. I also had a two track corrections which is no big deal, but the eagle files have been updated to reflect the corrections.
I have done a draft look at getting a board built using current AUS and US prices and it would seem that the cost to build one would be about $40 to $50 AUS.
So it would seem that if anyone wants to buy it i will bulk buy all the stuff and built the whole lot in batches. The first batch of about 10 will be built first before i can make them available as I would need to know how long it takes to build it so i know how many i can do in a week when i have all the parts.
The costs of delivery will be by normal post via Australia Post (unless the buyer wishes to use other postal services). I will check with the post office for more detailed cost breakdown.
The drivers ROM is expected to be about $10 - $15 AUS .
Regards
rpalmer
Quote
I have done a draft look at getting a board built using current AUS and US prices and it would seem that the cost to build one would be about $40 to $50 AUS.
mmm,I Think is more expensive.
Because if you send it from australia to europe. You have to pass aduane europe.
I don't know the case of rest of europe,but in spain:
If Send is a particular (the case I think). >45e= price+iva(18%) >150 iva +tariffs
If send is trading company >22e= price+iva(18%).
>150= price+iva+tariffs.
It compute all cost,price packet+price send packet. So.
If stop in aduane,it can cost more 60e in spain case easy.
hello dragon,
I hope that the costs for EU people are not a barrier, as I cannot make the interface any cheaper then what i shown in the parts list.
The building of the interface is being done as my home hobby and not as a company.
I checked the postal charges for the delivery of the interface and it would seem to be about $20 AUS for me to send the item outside of AUS direct to the purchaser.
regards
rpalmer
Hi,
Maybe Lotharek or somebody else in Europe would like to produce them in lizence.
Further, if you send a pack of f.e. 10 boards at once, then they can be delivered inside Europe more cheap.
So you're planning to register a company and sell these as normal products? Because if not there's no need to mess with VATs and custom duties...
hi gryzor,
I plan do this from home as a hobby only and not as a "Company".
rpalmer
Then no VAT applies and neither do customs...
That depends on the country you are in! I'm not 100% sure, but in Germany you can earn up to ~1700€ per year with your "hobby" but then you have to pay tax on it after that. Customs always applies, whether it's for hobby or not. I've had to pay customs on componments from China in the past. But that's not rpalmers problem, the reciever pays this, not the sender.
Bryce.
Ok, I'll try it myself.
Bryce, could you please tell my which connector I need for my cpc6128?
In German it's called "6PIN DIN-Rundstecker": I remember someone here in the forum had the same problem. He couldn't find the correct one. There're too many variants available at Conrad.
Please have a look at the picture, if you don't know what I mean.
I think it's this one: http://www.conrad.de/ce/de/product/737453/STECKER-DIN-6-POLIG-MAS-60-GRAU/0223121&ref=list
If it's a classic (non-plus) 6128 you have, then you need Type 6. In the Reichelt catalogue it's called MAS 60.
Bryce.
Edit: Oooh, the picture suddenly changed. Yes, that's the right one.
2nd Edit: Oops, we're on the wrong thread? How did that happen?
I've posted the 6Pin Din Stecker question in your S-Video Modulator thread, Bryce.
Gryzor, what's going wrong here?
Wait... what? Hmmmm, db FUBAR. Can't look into it right now, will try later :(
I'm interested!
xesrjb
Quote from: rpalmer on 12:04, 21 April 11
Hello all,
I have finally managed to create a double sided PCB of the IDE/8255 interface based on my original one.
I have not yet tested the PCB interface, but I am confident that all is okay.
I will soon get the costs to make a batch of them say 10-20 and then take it to the next step. I will also post a breakdown of the costs for each bit.
The original tested ok with FAT16/32 and I am also looking at patching AMSDOS/ParaDOS to allow for a virtual floppy drive on the Harddisk, so that the programs already on the net can be used via the virtual drive. It would be cool to boot CP/M, Symbos, FutureOS, etc from the Harddisk.
regards
rpalmer
hello all,
I should state that i live in Australia, so i dont know why my forum id does not show the aus flag to indicate this.
Regards
rpalmer
hello all again,
I fixed the flag identifier for the forums.
regards
rpalmer
Quote from: rpalmer on 21:26, 27 April 11
hello all again,
I fixed the flag identifier for the forums.
regards
rpalmer
It works now ;)
Hello.
I am interested, too.
It you will make it, tell me.
I like all the CPC Hardware things.
Quote from: rpalmer on 21:26, 27 April 11
hello all again,
I fixed the flag identifier for the forums.
regards
rpalmer
Hum... you did what? How? :)
hello gryzor,
1. Goto Profile -> Forum Profile -> "Please select your country"
2. Select country to get flag displayed.
I did not select it when i registered.
regardsrpalmer
Ah... I read it somewhat differently :D
Quote from: rpalmer on 11:44, 24 April 11I have done a draft look at getting a board built using current AUS and US prices and it would seem that the cost to build one would be about $40 to $50 AUS.
So it would seem that if anyone wants to buy it i will bulk buy all the stuff and built the whole lot in batches. The first batch of about 10 will be built first before i can make them available as I would need to know how long it takes to build it so i know how many i can do in a week when i have all the parts.
The drivers ROM is expected to be about $10 - $15 AUS .
I missed this thread !! Ok, rpalmer you can count on me too if you decide continue the project. It would be nice another HDD for my CPC+ :) (does it work with Pkus models, I presume...)
...I'm interested too. Do you still work on your HDOS/HD-DOS extensions/Rom to use this ide/8255 interface?
hi hal6128,
Yes indeed i am still working on the HDOS ROM as it is ready to be purchased for the IDE/8255 interface, however as it also allows for network access as well the ROM is still under development for this aspect, but so far all is going ok.
The drivers ROM for the hardware interfaces (such as IDE/8255 and ethernet) is available for free so that when people wish to write programs to drive the hardware they can do so. The current version has already started to be developed for the forth coming ethernet card and has a variety of devices developed.
Bryce, also mentioned that the IDE/8255 interface should also include an adaptor for Compact Flash cards. This is currently underway as well as I too have a few CF cards and would see a benefit in it being available for the masses.
I have produced a short 14 Mbyte video of the first PCB version of the interface in action and if people wish to see it in action I can email it to them.
regards
rpalmer
Could be a good idea to put that video on youtube.
Quote from: TFM/FS on 22:54, 02 May 11
Could be a good idea to put that video on youtube.
I second that.
Video now uploaded to youtube.
url
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwK2NgaDy7E
rpalmer
I am liking that very much!
I'd also second the request for a CFCard interface (mainly as I have a stack of 2Gb and 4Gb CF Cards in a drawer not doing much)
I have already made a change to the PCB version of the interface which should allow for a CF card to be used.
The CF card interface will simply be attached to the IDE cable and a pin header set to enable CF card power to be supplied.
Once this is as well i will also post a youtube video showing it in action.
rpalmer
Really interesting piece of hardware....hope to see it avalaible soon ;)
Quote from: rpalmer on 11:08, 03 May 11
Video now uploaded to youtube.
That's really cool :)
Quote from: rpalmer on 11:08, 03 May 11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwK2NgaDy7E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwK2NgaDy7E)
Thanks a lot! Great!
hello all,
I have finally build an IDE/8255 board which will hopefully accept CF cards in place of a hard drive.
I built an IDE to CF adaptor and damn those pins are really really close to solder. You can see from the attached pictures that the solder was not the best, but it was my very first time trying. The way this adaptor works is simple to connect it to the IDE cable as if it were a hard disk.
Again, when I have tested this version of the interface I will aloo post another youtube video of it working with a CF card.
regards
rpalmer
Would this thing do the same job as your PCB?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/40-Pin-IDE-CF-Compact-Flash-Adapter-bootable-Card-/320565083709?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item4aa32afe3d (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/40-Pin-IDE-CF-Compact-Flash-Adapter-bootable-Card-/320565083709?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item4aa32afe3d)
Hello Steve,
I don't think the ebay card would work as the IDE/8255 interface is not using all pins and so if this interface does use one I am not even connecting then the card would be useless.
regards
rpalmer
here are the first 6 IDE/8255 interfaces to be built. I have ecthed these myself, so that the serial numbers are unique to each board, however I may look at making the serial number just a sticker in future boards when i get them made by a company.
The boards I have etched myself have had to be "fixed" up during the print process as the method sometimes does not work 100% of the time (some of the tracks did not stick to the PCB so a PCB pen and magnifying glass were used to make corrections). Also some tracks were showing a few issues which required wire to be soldered to ensure proper connections.
However before any board is made available i will make sure that they work 100% and if at any time they fail they will end up in the bin.
I have looked at the cost of a CPC Euro Connector and find that they cost a lot, so for now If users want them I am afraid they will need a converter adaptor for the classic connector.
The partially built interface is one which i have made a through-connector to allow for other devices to be attached (this is for testing by myself to make sure the through connector is ok).
I have 4 more double sided boards which will become interfaces.
When I have built all six, I will then post "who wants one" (i know 4 members already have shown interest).
regards
rpalmer
excellent work!! thanks for posting the pictures
I'd be interested in one too when they're ready
I don't have a use for it, but... I must have one! I don't know - it's the little voices inside my head!
hello everyone,
I have built 6 IDE/8255 interfaces, of which 1 board refused to work, and 1 which had to aborted due to bad soldering/etching.
One of the boards (the first one built is the one i am using to complete further tests for the CF interface).
Some of the boards were to have a through connector, but these failed to work so i had to remove them. This has meant that they look a bit amateurish in build (and yes these are my first items to build).
My tests show they all read data from the IDE hard disk i attached, so that means that the interface can read and write to the IDE device.
Find attached the first 3 builds that will soon be available to be acquired.
I am currently working on the costs to build them, the postal costs will be as per where i need to post them.
I have more parts on order to build more.
I am also currently checking the device drivers are all ok to work on the interface.
The HDOS system is also being checked for completeness and includes a check of the documentation to be ready for inclusion with the ROM.
There will also be a document describing how to setup a Hard disk.
regards
rpalmer
looking good! ;D
very good news.
hello everyone,
Well I have completed doing the initial checks on the three boards i posted earlier and have built 2 more boards making the total now 5 available to sell.
Each of the available boards work in regards to tests via the test board that shows which IDE pins are controlled from the CPC.
Before I sell any board I will verify that the it does work as expected and produce a video to prove that it works (showing the serial Number).
Should the customer wish to get it to show its setup and operation I can email it to them.
There is currently no through connector on the boards as the attempts to put one on failed. There is scope to have one attached and i am looking at how this can be done.
I have also produced a MS Excel spreadsheet showing the build costs and other cost information showing what the interface took to create.
Included in the spreadsheet is the cost for HDOS Release 1. This ROM may be required to access the Hard disk from within AMSDOS system calls.
Each customer can sell select from the spreadsheet what they want to buy and how many of each.
The spreadhseet can then be returned to me via email and then we setup payment via paypal.
I have been looking into the use of a CF on the IDE interface and have not yet been successful, however the use of an IDE hard disc works as expected.
(the CF card may not work in PIO Mode 0, but i have not seen anywhere that it does not so will continue along :) ).
I have order more parts for IDE interfaces, so more will be built as soon as possible.
regards
rpalmer
I send you an e-mail, to buy 1.
Thanks.
Hello all,
The pricelist supplier in the previous post seems to have confused people about what is required to get.
The system configuration at a minimum is:
1. The Interface itself, and
2. The Drivers ROM to provide the low-level interface routines.
This setup would give the user the required minimum items for them to create there own file system suchas AMSDOS/ParaDOS.
Should the user wish to purchase such a system (namely HDOS), then they can select that item in the spreadsheet and then return the spreadsheet to me.
In order to get the spreadsheet back to me, first PM me that you do want it and i will reply with my email address and then you can return the spreadsheet.
rpalmer
Do you release simple source codes for "read sector" and "write sector" and maybe "init hard-disc"?
EDIT: Source for the use of LBA hard-discs!
Because I don't think the pre-LBA HDs must be supported any longer.
The drivers rom support both LBA and CHS disc.
...just a question: if the IDE-Device is connected to CPC Expansion Port, is it possible connect more device then (ROM/RAM-Card)? Is the Port looped through the device? How did you activate your roms?
hi hal 6128,
The interface does not yet have a through connector (I am still trying to work out how to put one on it). Bryce supplied me with the classic connectors and these have short PCB leads, so to put a through connector is going to be a difficult task.
I have managed to get one on a test one, but the soldering was somewhat ugly to see. The 'good' pic attached shows that one side was soldered ok, but the reverse side required me to solded additional wires to bridge a gap which appear less that what i liked. It does work, but again is very unsightly.
The ROM automatically startup.
My setup to test with a rom board is shown in attached picture. The bottom ROM is 'utopia". The next two are HDOS and drivers ROM.
rpalmer
Quote from: rpalmer on 21:54, 24 June 11
The drivers rom support both LBA and CHS disc.
Will you release basic sources for write / read a sector in LBA mode?
Would you ever be publicising the schematics and software? :D
hello Blurredman, (http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=371)
The schematics are in the public domain, for that is where i got the details from.
The drivers software source is available free, just PM your email so that I can sent it to you.
The source for HDOS has been release in beta version (but did have a few issues and had many missing features of the Release 1 version).
On note about buying the Interface and software, the postal charges for Air delivery are about half that is shown in the spreadsheet.
People who have already bought the items have had some of the postage refunds issued.
rpalmer
Is it possible to purchase it as a kit? ;D
blurredman,
I am only at the moment selling the items pre-built as I prefer to make sure that the interface works before i sell it to anyone.
The most time consuming task is making the PCB as I am using the toner trasnfer method on a double sided blank PCB. Each board gets its own serial number.
When there are sufficient quantities being bought, I will then consider selling the items in a kit form.
rpalmer
Well people,
I have made 3 more boards for purchase along with the remaining 2 boards from the first build session.
I also have two more boards being built (they are just etched boards with no bits soldered on).
For those who wish to purchase one of these, you can PM me your requests for the board.
To date there have been a number of boards sent via the post to those who asked for them.
I have another 7 8255 chips and have now got another 7 blank PCBs that can be etched and made into interfaces.
I have updated the spreadsheet a little as the postal costs are now adjusted for my previous posts (I also adjusted the calculations as the postal costs are on a per interface basis).
I believe I am close to getting a CF Card adapter to work with the interface (the current version had a wrong connection and it failed to register as a master or slave consistently).
regards
rpalmer
very nice.
I see you have added some nice pages about the hardware.
Please when you have time add more detailed information, especially the i/o port decoding. So if you have partially decoded it, please give info about which address lines are important and their values. This information can often be left out.. but it is important.
I will now see if I can liberate an old 8255 from my father, and in the future build my own copy of it from your designs.
@arnoldemu: The 8255 can still be bought from most electronics suppliers.
Bryce.
hello all,
I still have 5 interfaces available to be bought which connect to the classic CPC and can make versions with a 50 Pin header for those who wish to connect it to other CPC models via a cable like that used by bryce.
If anyone else would like me to build them please let me know and i will get to it.
I am already building one for hal6128 and will soon have that one completed, however I cannot check it like the classic interface connection as I don't use a pin header and cable. I will however perform details checks on the tracks to make sure they act as expected.
regards
rpalmer
I could always make you one of those cables for your tests, but I'm sure you can get the parts there and make one yourself if you wanted.
Bryce.