PCMIA extender Diy (((Help))

[XsamX1987]

Hello every Body

So just wondering if it's possible and cost effective to make my own extender as I have looked online and price wise I'm looking at £35 to £50

If it is possible what parts do I need to do this.


Sam

[Daedalus]

What sort of extension were you thinking of? You'll need the two connectors and a PCB to mount each on as a minimum for a short extension (like a couple of inches). Beyond that, a ribbon cable and buffers for the data lines would be a good idea (the address lines are already buffered). 74LS245s or similar should do the job.

[Krashan]

Originally Posted by XsamX1987

So just wondering if it's possible and cost effective to make my own extender as I have looked online and price wise I'm looking at £35 to £50.

Passive extender works reliably up to 15–20 cm. I have made a prototype as shown on the photo, then tested with cables of different lengths.

[XsamX1987]

Originally Posted by Daedalus

What sort of extension were you thinking of? You'll need the two connectors and a PCB to mount each on as a minimum for a short extension (like a couple of inches). Beyond that, a ribbon cable and buffers for the data lines would be a good idea (the address lines are already buffered). 74LS245s or similar should do the job.

Hey thanks for getting back to me I want one end to plug into my existing PCMCIA slot on my 1200 and be able to plug in devices on the other like wifi or squirrel, what are the exact part names I will be needing to search for as I have no idea.

[XsamX1987]

Originally Posted by Krashan

Passive extender works reliably up to 15–20 cm. I have made a prototype as shown on the photo, then tested with cables of different lengths.

That's Lovely what are the parts needed to make something similar

[Krashan]

Originally Posted by XsamX1987

That's Lovely what are the parts needed to make something similar

• PCMCIA plug, for example Molex 146749-4. Note that regular female pin header 2×34, 1.27 mm pitch won't work, due to different pin diameter. Checked it for myself.
• PCMCIA socket, I use Molex 53484-6811. Note however this one is reversed, it means it is designed to be placed on the bottom side of PCB if the card faces upper side up.
• Two male 2×34 pin headers, pitch 1.27 mm. I use SMT ones.
• Two IDC connectors matching the above headers (2×34, 1.27 mm).
• Ribbon cable, 68 wires, 0.635 mm pitch.

I use the same parts (except of the cables) in my KA02 and KA37 products sold under RastPort.com brand.

[Daedalus]

Nice! Good to know it's doable up to 20cm - that might be enough for most people's requirements.

[Krashan]

Originally Posted by Daedalus

Nice! Good to know it's doable up to 20cm - that might be enough for most people's requirements.

From my tests it turns out that maximum cable length depends on kind and model of PCMCIA card connected. For example my PCMCIA to SD card adapter worked on 25 cm cable, while network card didn't. The same network card passed all tests on 15 cm cable.

[XsamX1987]

Originally Posted by Krashan

• PCMCIA plug, for example Molex 146749-4. Note that regular female pin header 2×34, 1.27 mm pitch won't work, due to different pin diameter. Checked it for myself.
• PCMCIA socket, I use Molex 53484-6811. Note however this one is reversed, it means it is designed to be placed on the bottom side of PCB if the card faces upper side up.
• Two male 2×34 pin headers, pitch 1.27 mm. I use SMT ones.
• Two IDC connectors matching the above headers (2×34, 1.27 mm).
• Ribbon cable, 68 wires, 0.635 mm pitch.

I use the same parts (except of the cables) in my KA02 and KA37 products sold under RastPort.com brand.

I have to ask you have made this what was the price in the end ?

[Krashan]

Originally Posted by XsamX1987

I have to ask you have made this what was the price in the end ?

One can buy all of these on AliExpress. Price highly depends on quantity and buyer location.

[XsamX1987]

Ok I will do some research and get back to as you know what your doing

[XsamX1987]

Originally Posted by Krashan

One can buy all of these on AliExpress. Price highly depends on quantity and buyer location.

Yea sadly that's a bit to much for me, I thought I would be able to do the whole thing for £20.?