SukkoPera's Open Source Hardware: A500/A600 Chip/Fast RAM Expansions

[SukkoPera]

On a side note, thanks to a cool guy named Ruben Coolen we now have a 3D-printable case for my OpenC64Saver project:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3795541

[katarakt]

Ok, so better we use the 4mb version. I'll let you know in a few weeks if i can get to work. I hope i can flash the EPM7032SLC44 which i have ordered with my USB blaster. The link with the firmware points to the A500 firmware...so it is the same for the A600 4mb fastram expansion?

[SukkoPera]

Yes, the A500 and A600 boards are the same electrically, they only differ in shape. The firmware only depends on whether you put 4 or 8 mb on it, but on the A600 version you have no choice.

Instructions to flash using the USB Blaster are on the same page.

[katarakt]

Thanks SukkoPera. If i want to flash it, do i have to solder all parts before? If so, can i leave C13 to put 5v to the pads or should i do this with capacitor for flashing?

[SukkoPera]

You can just solder the CPLD for flashing. I suggest to provide power through C13 and not to put the actual capacitor on it, unless you are having stability issues.

[katarakt]

Ok thanks, going to try it in the next days i think and let you know the result.

[katarakt]

Today i tried to flash the Altera EPM7032SLC44 CPLD with the provided .pof file but can't flash it. I've used Quartus Prime 16.1. Can you help me please what's wrong

[SukkoPera]

I'm sorry but I don't really know, I've never used Quartus, but I don't think you should have two devices in the chain.

[katarakt]

I've succesfully flashed the altera

Problem was the auto-detect button which adds the first IC in the window which caused the problem. Just no auto-detect, load the pof, and flash it

[SukkoPera]

OK, great! I will add this info to the flashing instructions. So, does everything work now?

[katarakt]

In Quartus only select the usb blaster hardware and then load the pof-file (make sure to check only the marks program/configure + verify!). Then hit the start button to flash.

I have to order some parts from digikey and find time to solder the rest, but i'll get back here to let you know if it works.

[SukkoPera]

Info added to flashing instructions, thanks!

[JanHolbo]

Originally Posted by SukkoPera

Those who had a look at my repository in the last few days might have noticed that I have also released 4/8 MB Fast RAM Expansions for the A500 and A600 (and maybe A2000).

Are there any open designs like this for the A500 expansion port (left hand side)?

My reason for this is that I would like to learn how to do those, as I have ideas for add-ons of non-ide storage and WiFi for the A500.


Cheers in advance!


Best Regards,


Jan

[SukkoPera]

Yes, this should be it. It also has IDE and a full AutoConfig implementation.

My friend @sampedenawa made it by modifying Matze's similar board for the CDTV.

If you want to talk about it, please open a new thread, as it would be OT here.

On the contrary, if you want to add IDE to my board, let's talk about it!

[sampedenawa]

Originally Posted by SukkoPera

Y
My friend @sampedenawa

[JanHolbo]

Originally Posted by SukkoPera

Yes, this should be it. It also has IDE and a full AutoConfig implementation.

My friend @sampedenawa made it by modifying Matze's similar board for the CDTV.

If you want to talk about it, please open a new thread, as it would be OT here.

On the contrary, if you want to add IDE to my board, let's talk about it!

Got it - and thanks for pointing my in that direction :-)

Actually I would like to add SD capability as that is still in use and development. I may be wrong but are not CF cards still in production mainly for legacy DSLRs?

I have been thinking about adding 2 MB extra for the storage part. Then banking that in perhaps 16K size banks - thus providing (read) caching of the SD card.

[katarakt]

SukkoPera, do you know if there's an open source fastram expansion for the A1200 available? Would be great with 8mb or better switchable 4/8mb + RTC ...anything out there on the net?

edit: Ah great....i found one from arananet here ! Excellent. But RTC is missing

[SukkoPera]

Yes, I was going to point you to that one.

Check this out for the RTC: https://github.com/screwbreaker/OpenA1200RTC

[katarakt]

Thanks but i know the RTC module from screwbraker, great project, but it has to be on the A1200 ramexpansion card from arananet, there is enough space for it onboard. I don't know why most of the pcb designers don't integrate the RTC

[katarakt]

As i promised, i wanted to let you know if SukkoPerra's A600 4MB fastram expansion works. I solderd the ramexpansion today and yeeeeah ...it's working

The only thing what is not so great is the PLCC68 socket, without screw it'll jump out from the CPU after max. 10 minutes !...i'll have to find a screw now and hope it'll keep holding with only one screw. Maybe an other socket will hold the ramexpansion better, but i don't think so...all those socket are looking very similar.

Ah, and i've tested it with a Rev.1 board. It also has the resistor on the corner, so you've to cut out a little bit from the PLCC68 socket. See pictures below.

If someone wants to use a plastic spacer for the screw between board and ramexpansion, it should be 8.7 mm high