Clockport-Adapter for A500/A1000/A2000/CDTV

[Stedy]

Hi,

Just a few things to note. The postscript file does not have details of drill hole diameters, important to most PCB houses!

Not sure if Paintshop pro has screwed up but I do not see any tracking in the PS file!

A shame as it would only cost about 10 euros each to get some PCBs made.

I google translated the page (I  only speak a little german) and found that this adapter may not work with all clockport cards due to timing issues. It will work with Kato development boards though, be warned.

The design simply adds an address decoder to decode addresses around $D80000 and provide the correct strobe signals.

Anyone had any luck with Kato Developments about kits?

[Stedy]

Hi McTrinsic,

Sorry for not updating you, but I have recently become father so I'm a bit distracted.

Hey no worries and congratulations :-)

If I designed my own variant of this adapter and got some PCBs made, what would the interest be in kits of PCBs?

Earliest I could make prototypes would be mid May 2004.

For quantities of 5 PCBs or more they cost around 10 euro each.

bye,

Ian

[Stedy]

Hi

The schematics have still to be dug out of the belly of the computer system of one of them. But he is working on it, so in case the schematics (circuit etc.) appear, you will be informed.

I'd be interested to see the schematics. One of the parts they used a 74F521, is tricky and expensive to get hold off. A redesign might be possible.

Keep us informed.

[Stedy]

This design should work!!

http://www.ianstedman.co.uk/Downloads/CDTV_clockport.png

I adapted what I thought was the original design, to add an additional clockport, so this design has 2 clockports. I have not done a PCB layout yet!

TTFN

[Stedy]

To all:

What would be the interest if I got a small batch of boards made?

If I did make some PCBs, could someone sell me a cheap A500? :-D

I need to correct an error in my additional clockport address decoding but that is trivial.

to Doobrey:

PCB space with the old fashioned DIP chips is a problem with the 14 MHz hack. Going to SMT parts would help I suppose, I was trying to follow the spirit of the original design though so no SMT. I'll try laying out this PCB first!

TTFN

[Stedy]

Ball park pricing,

For quantities of 20+ PCBs they cost 17 Euro/11.3GBP/20 USD each. I may be able to lower this.
Components are about 5 Euro/3.35 GBP/6.1USD in total.

So a kit is currently 22 Euro/14.65 GBP or 26.1 USD, approximately. Prices subject to change.

I am getting some manufacturing quotes for another project of mine soon, so I will look into the costs of assembled PCBs.

I would need to build a prototype first of course, my current batch of designs (5 to date) will be made mid-september, time and travel allowing.

[Stedy]

@McTrinsic

I am looking into production costs at the moment, I'll keep you posted.

A wire is needed from the board to U8 (even CIA) to connect INT6, I know an easy way to do this.

Drivers are another issue. I am starting to talk to some existing vendors about their products. If necessary, I can make developer boards available.

[Stedy]

Hi guys,

I have been doing some 'behind the scenes' work. Enquiring about software support, manufacturing, costing the system and financing the initial builds. I am also talking to potential distributors.

I will not be adding the 14 MHz hack. It only adds maybe 2 UKP to the price but it can cause problems with the floppy drive and a few timing issues. I don't want the hassle.

The silver-surfer will work with the 68000, need to check in relation to USB cards.

The original CDTV PCB design would not work in the A500, the clockport connector would have fouled one of the custom chips, I forget which, so it needs moving. Easy done in the CAD package.

I have had some feedback on the original design, which I need to incorporate before I finalise the PCB design. I am still aiming for mid-september for prototype PCBs. Production PCBs will be a few weeks later.

The other thing I should do, is get hold of a cheap A500+ to test the design. This is work in progress.

That's all for now.

[Stedy]

@Cyberus:

It should be, working it out from some pictures of various CPU upgrades but I can not be certain at this stage. Another thing to add to my checklists!

Pin 16 of the 68000 is 0VL. What pin does the MegAchip connect to?
I may be able to add a solder pad for this.

@Argus:

I am awaiting some manufacturing quotes, no need to heat up the soldering iron just yet! :-)

[Stedy]

Ok, time for a quick update.

I have put some information online now at:
http://www.ianstedman.co.uk/Amiga/designs/designs.html

PCB designs are in progress, time allowing. Things will slow down a bit over the next 2 weeks as I will be away on business, why design PCBs when you can drink beer :-P

I need to gauge interest in these products prior to production. I can realistically make 20 off units of the CDTV/A500 clockport adaptor and the Clockport expander. Would this be enough?

I have had about 10 emails from interested parties. If you are interested and have not contacted me already, message me via Amiga.org or email, address on my website.