Minimig PCB run - interest thread

[narmi]

Count me in too, I'd like a board that is at least partially assembled (SMD components at a minimum).  I like the idea of making the board miniITX sized, but it's not that important to me because I'll probably make a custom case for it.

If you sell unassembled kits, it's best to include all the parts because buying parts in small quantities is expensive.  If you buy them in large quantities it will save money for all the buyers.

[persia]

Ditto, small is beautiful, who needs a big case?  The smallest case possible please.

[Dr.Bongo]

Yeah I`m interested. Price dependant of course.

[Xenepp]

Ok, I'm starting work on this tomorrow morning so from here we need votes. The choice is between:

1. Mini-ITX standard to fit those cases (17cmX17cm)

2. Original Minimig design (12cmX12cm)

Whichever has the most votes by the time I check this thread in the morning is what I'll go with.

Personally, I vote for the original design. I know it's non-standard but it's nice and compact. Cost will also be lower due to less PCB area.

Voting starts from here!

Joel

[freqmax]

I'm interested too, but it depends on offer and price.

If the 2xRAM, FPGA, CPU is pre-assembled most of the pain is avoided.

As for size, I think a 3,5" size is the best due it fits in a drive slot both in pc-boxes and external chassi for hdd.
The only reason to go for 12x12 is that you don't need to modify the design.

I think however the design could use an onboard regulator for the +5VDC & capacitor to avoid to issues with the power supply. A 5V supply won't provide 5V after a sufficient length of wire.

As for buildin or use on-pcb-connectors. Why not replace the connectors with IDC connectors that is wired to a breakout pcb via flatcables in any manner desired ..?

[uncleted]

Based on the comments, I'd definately take an assembled one then, and the mini-ITX form would be best.

[TheMagicM]

Put me down for 1, mini-itx standard, fully assembled.

[cv643d]

Ugh, I think its better to follow a standard. Just look at Efika, do we really want Minimigs built into scanners, external 3.5 enclosures etc...  it does not look professional I think.

Actually Mini-ITX is 17x17 cm and Nano-ITX is 12x12 cm. But Nano-ITX cases are more expensive than Mini-ITX ones I think.

[Belial6]

I'm kind of a fan of the ribbon cables.  It would make custom cases easier to make.  I would expect that we will see lots of  custom cases for the mini-mig.  With how small the board is, I would think that it would be trivial to make an adapter plate for anyone wanting to mount the mini-mig in a mini-atx case.  Personally, I would like to put the mini-mig into an old gutted laptop.

[TheMagicM]

the Amiga was for people with imaginations, a system that the user could configure on their own to represent them.  "Think Different" rings a bell?

mini-itx.  

[Blinx123]

I personaly think the original 12x12 size would be the better formfactor. I would like to put it in a Amiga500 or 600 Case.

[maffoo]

I would definitely be interested in a preassembled board. Not too bothered about how the ports connect (soldered on or ribbon cables.)

[Hojo Norem]

I have been lurking here ever since I found out about the Minimig progect and what can I say?  Hurrah and about time!

You can put me down for 1 semi-assembled unit (all smd stuff done with the rest loose).  Or if its all or nothing then fully assembled with the ports left out please.

I cast my vote for the original size board with pin headers for the ports.  Im sure I can find a junk digibox at work to fit it into so it can sit on my desk with everything else.

As for the price, if you can keep the price for a assembled unit below the cost of the NES PowerPak(another recenly long awaited retor FPGA project) then I will be a happy man!

[Methanoid]

12x12, anything bar that HUGE 17x17cm monstrosity suggested!

[TheMud]

I would take one *S*

[Dennis]

May I give some suggestions?
If you do a new board design please change the following from the orginal design:

1) Use a single chip ram like this one, available at digikey for example.
2) Include a +5V regulator on board OR use an ATX-style powerplug if you go Mini-ITX. The +5V regulator should be capable of providing about 1A to safely power all peripherals one might attach.
3) Hardwire the patch needed to get the current board to run. Alternatively, you can also swap pin81 and pin 79 on the FPGA. This way you still have four user-IO's left. You do need to change the .UCF file though and recompile the core.
4) The MMC card interface has a resistor based clock gate circuit around R50,R51. This should be replaced with a proper (single) gate "OR" chip. The margins on this signal are pretty tight on the current board. Also, R49 should be 0 ohm ideally to avoid problems when upgrading the PIC to a newer PIC18LF2620 or something similair. Margins are tight on that signal too atm.

And you could do the following optional improvements:

5) You could consider using a single 20MHz oscillator and figure out how to program the DCM to generator the proper clocks, this would spare a crystal.

Have fun!

PS Offcourse I would like one too!  :-)