After a lengthy wait, I am finally finishing the VIC version of the X-Pander3 cartridge expansion system. The design is subject to some more changes, but I am starting to source the required cartridge port connectors needed for the design.
The unit shares design elements from the C64 version, but provides maximum flexibility for the VIC-20 owner:
I/O2 and I/O3 are swappable
All BLK and RAM signals can be switched
As with the C64 version, Slot 3 can be vertical or horizontal
Standoffs to align board with height of expansion port
All controls are located on right side for ease of access
The ubiquitous “RESET” switch!
The unit will likely retail for a bit more than the C64 version, mainly due to the additional components and the larger (7.5″x5.0″) PCB size.
Astute viewers will notice an unused switch on each bank. I invite suggestions for use.
A new personal best! 58 units shipped in one day. Mainly, the large number is the result of backorders finally shipping, but it’s nice to see so many units on their way to enthusiasts for hours of disk access enjoyment.
A year or so ago, a retro systems enthusiast requested a hardware interface that would allow PS/2 keyboards to be utilized on older machines expecting RS232 or ASCII Parallel output. I quickly mashed some existing PS/2 libraries with a keyscan to ASCII function and delivered the first version of PS2Encoder.
Even though there were issues with the PS/2 libraries, I quickly moved onto other project work. Recently, I found myself thinking about the design and where I left off. Since the original design and development were completed, I rewrote the PS/2 library to be more compact and address the issues exhibited by this project. Thus, I decided to set about updating this project to include the new libraries and also create a small universal PCB design for the project.
Due to a common heritage of the PS/2 library, migrating to the new code did not take long. As expected, operation of the new routines addressed the longstanding issues. I also took some time to add a bit more functionality to the design.
Features include:
Unit outputs ASCII via 8-bit parallel port and RS232
Parallel output support configurable active high or active low strobe
Output supports variable intercharacter delay (0-2.5s in 10mS increments)
RS232 BPS rate can be set from 110-57600 bps
BS sends either BS or DEL
CR sends CR or CRLF
Crystal is optional
CAPSLock operation works, and LEDs are supported
Configuration can be performed from the keyboard. When CONFIG jumper is installed, Ctrl/Alt/BS places the unit into configuration mode, where keypresses set various options.
Configuration mode also allows starting “debug”, where actual keyscan values are sent to the RS232 and parallel ports.
Of course, PS/2 is a dying interface, and thus utility is limited. Thus, if I can find a low-cost uC offering that supports USB OTG (On the Go), I will update the design again with a USB KB option.
Finally, I created a universal PCB layout that includes the following features:
Supports 24 pin .6″ IC socket connection as well as 2×12 header connection.
Based on forum feedback, I have refined the Micro ZoomFloppy design for fit and function. Many people comments on the non-optimal placement of the USB connector. I noticed that as well, but the original design goal was to provide maximum installation flexibility. Placing the USB connector on board eliminated the need to mount a USB jack on the case. Installers could simply connector a suitable cable to the connector and let the cable ass through the case at some convenient point. However, the idea was abandoned when others pointed out that the placement of the connector would interfere with other ICs on the drive PCB in many drive configurations. The new design places the USB connector on a separate PCB assembly, which connects to the main board via a 4 wire cable.
The 1541 parallel cable connector remains on the layout. Even when the board is populated, the parallel connector can be used by another ZoomFloppy device for parallel operations.
Other changes were smaller:
Jumpers were added to bridge any signals that were not passed through the connectors. This allows the design to be used without the uC and related circuitry as a simple parallel cable connector board.
The 1571 parallel cable connector was added to the design. Again, this is useful when the board is unpopulated and would then be installed in the 6526 socket on a 1571 drive. Unlike the 1541 parallel connector, this connector does not serve a function when installed in the 1571 6522 socket.
Now, the software must be modified and tested for correct operation before the PCB can be assembled.
During a discussion on the Lemon64 forum, someone suggested a version of ZoomFloppy that would fit inside the CBM drive. After some tweaks to the idea, I hereby present “Micro ZoomFloppy”. This unit will sit in the 6522 IC socket and provides complete ZoomFloppy functionality. The only external connection is a USB jack
Though the board looks finished, it’s just a rough draft. Some pin changes would help with layout, and I still have one wire to route. Still, it is coming along nicely.
In case you’re wondering, the 2×8 connector on the bottom is the parallel port header. The PCB serves double duty. When fully populated, it’s a complete ZoomFloppy unit. But, if not populated, it can still be used to add parallel port capabilities to a 1541 device.
Due to some changes in the PCB houses my assembler uses, and cost issues with the DIN6 connector for the uIEC/SD daughtercard, it’s actually cheaper to create a new PCB design than to use the old one. To that end, I have slightly modified the design to include a power supply connector and a switch to disable the RESET line (in case you wanted the device to stay in a subdirectory across reboots of the computer). To stay on delivery targets, I need to send this off to the assembly house this week, but I am interested in comments on the changes and any others that might be possible. Before people ask, I attempted to add a second IEC connector, but then the IEC connectors must be positions to face the side, and the board ends up larger than the uIEC/SD itself.
ZoomFloppy response has been overwhelming, and we became swamped with orders. We needed help to push through the last shipments, but I don’t want to pay a lot for staff. After considering various options, I found these two underage workers who seemed interested in product fulfillment opportunities. I think I can pay them less than minimum wage and skip FICA and withholding. I’ll take care of their medical benefits and investments, though.
Seriously, those who are getting the final batch of boards might notice the stickers on the packages are a bit mis-aligned, those were lovingly packed by Belle2. All units were programmed and tested for functionality by Brent1. Staff member Brent programming and testing ZF units
Also shown is the temporary worldwide headquarters for RETRO Innovations. Advanced Technology in Action!
Though not immediately useful, to help with the development of IEEE drive support for ZoomFloppy, I acquired a small batch of IEEE connectors for the store.
I’m continuing to looks for a cheaper source of connectors, but they aren’t in huge demand, so the options might be limited.
Thought not everyone spends time on the prevalent social network, it’s clearly a valuable way to stay in touch with consumers. As well, it gives satisfied customers another way to promote our products with a minimum of effort.
However, I’ll admit that’s not why I signed up for a business account. I did so for two reasons:
There are times when I want to share a minor update with others about the company, but it’s not worthy of a blog post.
Many satisfied customers are interesting in “friending” my personal Facebook account. I’m flattered, but I feel like my life is the intersection of two social graphs. I sincerely doubt my college roommates care about business updates, and I can’t imaging customers want to know about family issues and triumphs.
Thus, RETRO Innovations has joined Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/go4retro. I will continue to post worthwhile items to the web site, and will post incremental updates or interesting project information to Facebook.
As soon as the Facebook Developer site is fixed (I’m getting errors today, and I’m not alone), I will finish the integration between this site and FB. That should allow the FB items to display on the site as well.
The first 25 ZF units arrived on January 12, and the remaining units arrived January 20th. At present, 66 orders have been sent out, and 20 more will go out this weekend. Shown at left is a record 41 orders shipped out this morning.
We appreciate the interest and orders. It’s become obvious a new order is in order.
To help with questions about driver installation and/or usage,we’ve listed some resources on the product information page at http://www.go4retro.com/projects/zoomfloppy/. In addition to a FAQ, there is a Google Group for questions and discussion. Please consider joining and learning more about this product.
