8MB A600 Ram Card: Final - Page 8

Cammy · 11 September 2009, 01:29

Hey Zetr0, just wondering if you had considered getting the PCBs made in China? I know another Amiga hardware maker who gets all his PCBs made there, and then assembles the boards himself at home.

Zetr0 · 11 September 2009, 01:46

Hiyas Cammy,

I have tried to chinese companies a the begining of last month, alas they have a similar problem with the board (track widths problem again), the three I have tried here in the UK and Germany although can produce the board, they have a £100+ tooling cost and then price per board (without compoenents or assembly) ranges from £20 - £35 for a run of 25 units, although this cost is only slightly reduced (£9 - £14) on a batch run of 250 units. (scairy prices to be honest!)

When i contact futurlec last month I was told that they COULD make the board to specification, after bumbling around for two weeks with different file types for gerbers files! it turns out they can not. (2 weeks absolutely f* wasted >

)

From this I have started some work on a new design based on LVD's work, but this will be for batch 2, as batch 1 will now be made in Russia, its the only quick way I can , its been way to long getting the process this far... and I am nearly out of hair lol

But my dear Camstah' If you know of any chinese company specfically or perhapas if you send me contact details of the other amiga hardware make I could compare notes with him/her =) I would appreciate it =)

Hungry Horace · 13 September 2009, 18:16

Zetr0 - you say that batch 1 will now be made in Russia?

As far as i can tell, the quality of said-boards has been raised previously i believe, (see Photon's words "really is acting up") could you please confirm your thoughts on the matter?

I currently have a reserve of 2 boards in Batch 1, but i would honestly be willing to defer one of those to batch 2 if it meant getting at least one better quality board.

Having waited this amount of time, i'd rather that tbh, possibly even on both boards (depending on timescale of course... it would be nice to WHDify my a600 at last!)

OT: re: "zetr0 mcewan", this had been on the tags since the thread began, and i think it was more a comment on being a 'leader' than on anything else.

Magno Boots · 13 September 2009, 19:03

If you do decide to back out of batch one Horace, I would galdly take one of your allocated boards.

Many thanks
Magno

Zetr0 · 13 September 2009, 19:28

@Horace

My friend, I cannot comment on previous batches from the Russia, only the ones here my friend,

Out of the previous 10 units there were made in Russia only one had a fault and that was down to the cpu connector, either in transit or when I was manhandling it (while testing) it cracked the CPU socket, its a common fault and weakest point in the hardware, its also easy to miss and do!.

With a knowledge of this, and appropriate handling its still a good design, at the end of the day its designed to be a affordable as possible and any PCB that is built over here, will be tested rigorously before dispatch.

But with all things electrictical there is always that chance an error to creep-in over a short space of time and or a unit thats DOA. This is why there is a 1 year warrenty on the ones I (and TheCorfiot) will be producing, this ensures confidence in the product and process.

I dont want anyone here thinking that I am here to make profit, my drive on this project is for the community that I love =)

man I am a little thrashed... I have just got back from the retr0-reunited in 'uddersfiled met some great guys there!

Hungry Horace · 13 September 2009, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magno Boots

If you do decide to back out of batch one Horace, I would galdly take one of your allocated boards.

Many thanks
Magno

Hi Magno. I am considering taking only one from Batch 1 and one from Batch 2 (as a swap, not 'backing out'!) however, its not my choice who I would swap with, and I dont think it would be fair to make it my choice either.

I expect it will be whoever is first in the Batch 1 queue who gets one a bit early!

Zetr0: have sent you a PM, just to let you know my further thoughts on the matter. hope you dont mind

Photon · 13 September 2009, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hungry Horace

Zetr0 - you say that batch 1 will now be made in Russia?

As far as i can tell, the quality of said-boards has been raised previously i believe, (see Photon's words "really is acting up") could you please confirm your thoughts on the matter?

I currently have a reserve of 2 boards in Batch 1, but i would honestly be willing to defer one of those to batch 2 if it meant getting at least one better quality board.

Having waited this amount of time, i'd rather that tbh, possibly even on both boards (depending on timescale of course... it would be nice to WHDify my a600 at last!)

OT: re: "zetr0 mcewan", this had been on the tags since the thread began, and i think it was more a comment on being a 'leader' than on anything else.

Yeah, mine was LordVader's design which I bought used, don't confuse this with Zetr0's new design! I just gave my input on the track width post. Well, I understand the first batch thing. So. If it's easy to up the track width by making the board for the tested batch slightly larger, I think it would increase reliability and allow more sourcing options.

Cammy · 28 September 2009, 10:50

Hi Zetr0, I'm really sorry I haven't got back to you with any details on this Chinese PCB manufacturer. My friend who makes the Amiga hardware has stopped talking to me, so I'm unable to pass on any details.

Zetr0 · 28 September 2009, 15:50

@Cammy

no worries, I am in the midst of redesigning the board to be more european manufacturey tollerant anyway LOL

lolafg · 11 October 2009, 19:19

hello Zetro ,

do you have some more news ?

Thanks in advance

Zetr0 · 11 October 2009, 21:25

yes.... I still have more routing to do, and to clear this lot by LVD, but these following image link will explain all..

I have a mock up (non-electrically wired) board, to test it physically with.

LVD A608 Mk3 Proto

unfortunately this last week has been a time crippler, and I haven't had that much time in routing the board, the board is just a re-design of LVD's it doens't offer anything new or more... the SIMM socket is there for a manufacturing benfit and wont offer different simm sizes, it will come populated with 8MB as standard.

As with LVD's A608 Mk2 there will be a jumper header to select memory size. this board is a concept, when I get the proto-manufactured by Futurlec (maybe next week if the wind is blowing correctly) then I will know for certain that this model can be manufactured at a reasonalbe cost to everyone.

Theres is only 1 inclusion on this board, and thats the power connector, this is so that power is NOT taken from the CPU port, but distributed from the power connector to both the Memory and the CPLD.

lolafg · 12 October 2009, 18:29

Ok thank you for all your work on this

Zetr0 · 12 October 2009, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolafg

Ok thank you for all your work on this

you guys (and girls) are worth it.... theres been a couple of very low moments in the project where I nearly canceled it and refunded everyone.

then I thought, even if I do that, this would not beat me...

but in all truth, IF ANYONE would like a refund, please just PM me, and I will make it so.

Lakes · 12 October 2009, 20:27

Did you get my PM Zetro?

Are you still accepting reserve orders for these?

Thanks.

Zetr0 · 12 October 2009, 21:02

@Lakes

oops!

sorry, I complete missed it... nestled between all the other PM's, I am truly sorry!

At the moment you can register interest in the next batch by signing up here-

www.a608-amiga.co.uk

at the moment, I have to redesign the board to make it practical for production in europe, somthing I was not planning on doing, but hey, I can step up to the plate as it were.

Lakes · 12 October 2009, 21:25

Thanks, will do.

AVH_2009 · 17 October 2009, 15:00

Hi Zetro!
When will be the new version of the A608 be ready to use?
I have registered for 2 and still waiting for the rebirth of this fine projekt.
Many thanks for this great job.
Silvio

TjLaZer · 17 October 2009, 20:46

This is a great project, please don't give up on it as we are all greatful!

I am wondering though, how are users mounting the HD's when this is installed? Any pics?

Lakes · 17 October 2009, 21:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by TjLaZer

This is a great project, please don't give up on it as we are all greatful!

I am wondering though, how are users mounting the HD's when this is installed? Any pics?

I was wondering about that as well.

xc8 · 18 October 2009, 13:12

you have to 'relocate' (put it over the PCMCIA area) the HD using a longer cable. something like this (10cm) http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11466

Chris

11 September 2009, 01:46	#142
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	Hiyas Cammy, I have tried to chinese companies a the begining of last month, alas they have a similar problem with the board (track widths problem again), the three I have tried here in the UK and Germany although can produce the board, they have a £100+ tooling cost and then price per board (without compoenents or assembly) ranges from £20 - £35 for a run of 25 units, although this cost is only slightly reduced (£9 - £14) on a batch run of 250 units. (scairy prices to be honest!) When i contact futurlec last month I was told that they COULD make the board to specification, after bumbling around for two weeks with different file types for gerbers files! it turns out they can not. (2 weeks absolutely f* wasted >) From this I have started some work on a new design based on LVD's work, but this will be for batch 2, as batch 1 will now be made in Russia, its the only quick way I can , its been way to long getting the process this far... and I am nearly out of hair lol But my dear Camstah' If you know of any chinese company specfically or perhapas if you send me contact details of the other amiga hardware make I could compare notes with him/her =) I would appreciate it =)

17 October 2009, 15:00	#157
AVH_2009 A1200ERC Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 39	A608 Remake Hi Zetro! When will be the new version of the A608 be ready to use? I have registered for 2 and still waiting for the rebirth of this fine projekt. Many thanks for this great job. Silvio

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11 September 2009, 01:29	#141
Cammy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tasmania, Australia Age: 39 Posts: 1,189	Hey Zetr0, just wondering if you had considered getting the PCBs made in China? I know another Amiga hardware maker who gets all his PCBs made there, and then assembles the boards himself at home.

13 September 2009, 18:16	#143
Hungry Horace Wipe-Out Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: . Age: 43 Posts: 2,538	Zetr0 - you say that batch 1 will now be made in Russia? As far as i can tell, the quality of said-boards has been raised previously i believe, (see Photon's words "really is acting up") could you please confirm your thoughts on the matter? I currently have a reserve of 2 boards in Batch 1, but i would honestly be willing to defer one of those to batch 2 if it meant getting at least one better quality board. Having waited this amount of time, i'd rather that tbh, possibly even on both boards (depending on timescale of course... it would be nice to WHDify my a600 at last!) OT: re: "zetr0 mcewan", this had been on the tags since the thread began, and i think it was more a comment on being a 'leader' than on anything else.

13 September 2009, 19:03	#144
Magno Boots Zone Friend Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 688	If you do decide to back out of batch one Horace, I would galdly take one of your allocated boards. Many thanks Magno

13 September 2009, 19:28	#145
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Horace My friend, I cannot comment on previous batches from the Russia, only the ones here my friend, Out of the previous 10 units there were made in Russia only one had a fault and that was down to the cpu connector, either in transit or when I was manhandling it (while testing) it cracked the CPU socket, its a common fault and weakest point in the hardware, its also easy to miss and do!. With a knowledge of this, and appropriate handling its still a good design, at the end of the day its designed to be a affordable as possible and any PCB that is built over here, will be tested rigorously before dispatch. But with all things electrictical there is always that chance an error to creep-in over a short space of time and or a unit thats DOA. This is why there is a 1 year warrenty on the ones I (and TheCorfiot) will be producing, this ensures confidence in the product and process. I dont want anyone here thinking that I am here to make profit, my drive on this project is for the community that I love =) man I am a little thrashed... I have just got back from the retr0-reunited in 'uddersfiled met some great guys there!

28 September 2009, 10:50	#148
Cammy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tasmania, Australia Age: 39 Posts: 1,189	Hi Zetr0, I'm really sorry I haven't got back to you with any details on this Chinese PCB manufacturer. My friend who makes the Amiga hardware has stopped talking to me, so I'm unable to pass on any details.

28 September 2009, 15:50	#149
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Cammy no worries, I am in the midst of redesigning the board to be more european manufacturey tollerant anyway LOL

11 October 2009, 19:19	#150
lolafg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tours/France Age: 52 Posts: 1,233	hello Zetro , do you have some more news ? Thanks in advance

11 October 2009, 21:25	#151
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	yes.... I still have more routing to do, and to clear this lot by LVD, but these following image link will explain all.. I have a mock up (non-electrically wired) board, to test it physically with. LVD A608 Mk3 Proto unfortunately this last week has been a time crippler, and I haven't had that much time in routing the board, the board is just a re-design of LVD's it doens't offer anything new or more... the SIMM socket is there for a manufacturing benfit and wont offer different simm sizes, it will come populated with 8MB as standard. As with LVD's A608 Mk2 there will be a jumper header to select memory size. this board is a concept, when I get the proto-manufactured by Futurlec (maybe next week if the wind is blowing correctly) then I will know for certain that this model can be manufactured at a reasonalbe cost to everyone. Theres is only 1 inclusion on this board, and thats the power connector, this is so that power is NOT taken from the CPU port, but distributed from the power connector to both the Memory and the CPLD.

12 October 2009, 18:29	#152
lolafg Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tours/France Age: 52 Posts: 1,233	Ok thank you for all your work on this

12 October 2009, 20:27	#154
Lakes Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cumbria, England Posts: 33	Did you get my PM Zetro? Are you still accepting reserve orders for these? Thanks.

12 October 2009, 21:02	#155
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Lakes oops! sorry, I complete missed it... nestled between all the other PM's, I am truly sorry! At the moment you can register interest in the next batch by signing up here- www.a608-amiga.co.uk at the moment, I have to redesign the board to make it practical for production in europe, somthing I was not planning on doing, but hey, I can step up to the plate as it were.

12 October 2009, 21:25	#156
Lakes Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Cumbria, England Posts: 33	Thanks, will do.

17 October 2009, 20:46	#158
TjLaZer Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Tacoma, WA USA Age: 52 Posts: 1,915	This is a great project, please don't give up on it as we are all greatful! I am wondering though, how are users mounting the HD's when this is installed? Any pics?

18 October 2009, 13:12	#160
xc8 no c= no fun Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 312	you have to 'relocate' (put it over the PCMCIA area) the HD using a longer cable. something like this (10cm) http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=11466 Chris

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