Pinout for a ChalkBoard PowerPad cable?

[rwv01]

Hi guys.
Just thought I'd ask here if anyone happens to have a ChalkBoard PowerPad.
I'm trying to obtain a pinout for the pad - computer cable but I need the help of someone who has one and
is willing able able to determine the internal connections for me with a multimeter.

I'm trying to make a new cable for a friend who's PowerPad has none.
Thanks if you can help with this.

[Mayhem]

Hello... didn't realise you were here as well

If someone else does have one, that would help me trying to find time to analyse mine...

[rwv01]

OH, hi!
Yeah, I figured I'd ask about the PowerPad cable here as well.
Increases my odds of success.

Not too many of these things around apparently and I gather the cord
was easily lost. And I'm not likely to find just the cord for sale somewere.
The person I'm doing this for has two pads both with no cord.

Thanks Mayhem and to anyone else who may be able to help.

[saundby]

Code: Select all

Chalkboard Powerpad Pinout
RJ-12 Male Plug to DB-9 Female via flat satin cable (114"/290cm backshell to backshell)

RJ-12	Cable	DB-9 Connector		Function
1		Blu		4					Joystick Right
2		Blk		2					Joystick Down
3		Red		7					+5V
4		Grn		3					Joystick Left
5		Ylw		1					Joystick Up
6		Shd		8					Ground

-saundby

[Mayhem]

I did get around to supplying him with the information in due course, and he built a working cable! But this is useful to have posted.

[rwv01]

Yes. Thanks very much, Mayhem. And Saundby as well!
The cable was made for Robert Bernardo's PowerPad and it works very well.

For anyone interested, the original type of control port connector can be found at Dig-Key.com
It has multiple parts. These are the manufacturer part numbers: 207753-1 207752-3 1-66504-0
I used a tiny zip-tie inside to hold the cord in place. The original cable was a shielded 6-wire phone type.

To get the PowerPad itself working, I had to replace two foam rubber strips inside.
These press the contacts along the pad edges against the matching contacts on two PCBs.
I used 3/4" X 3/16" self adhesive high density foam weather stripping.
This is probably a common problem with this device. Just be very careful taking yours apart.
Note how the pad engages with the other parts. I also gently cleaned the contacts of oxidation with an eraser.

[RobertBe]

Thanks for all the help, you guys. A diagram of the pin-out for the cable is at

http://blog.retro-link.com/2016/10/pin- ... d-c64.html

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm

[alterus]

To get the PowerPad itself working, I had to replace two foam rubber strips inside.
These press the contacts along the pad edges against the matching contacts on two PCBs.
I used 3/4" X 3/16" self adhesive high density foam weather stripping.
This is probably a common problem with this device. Just be very careful taking yours apart.
Note how the pad engages with the other parts. I also gently cleaned the contacts of oxidation with an eraser.

I just started the process of restoring a PowerPad I have. It didn't respond to touch, so I took it apart and found that the foam strips that press the surface contacts against the circuit board had completely turning into a petrol slime... Very gross. Obviously that foam wasn't meant to last 34 years! Thanks for the tip about the weather stripping. I figured I'd have to use something similar, and now I know that works

So next question: Is there any VIC-20 software that supports this thing? I have a couple C64 carts for it.

[Mayhem]

So next question: Is there any VIC-20 software that supports this thing? I have a couple C64 carts for it.

Not to my knowledge, I've only ever encountered C64 software (and I believe I own it all).

[alterus]

Not to my knowledge, I've only ever encountered C64 software (and I believe I own it all).

I only have Leos Letric Paint Brush and MicroMiestro, both with the overlays.

I've found a few other titles on csdb, but no overlays. Would you be willing to take photos of your overlays and share them? Would be great to create reproductions.

[Mayhem]

I can try, I have no idea how well they'd come out, but I believe all of my software is complete, with overlay etc.

[alterus]

I can try, I have no idea how well they'd come out, but I believe all of my software is complete, with overlay etc.

That would be great! With the pics I could figure out where the exact locations are by trial and error and create substitute overlays.

Is all the software you have in cartridge format? I wonder if you have any titles that aren't publicly available. Using crt images with a 1541 Ultimate would be ideal, but d64s would also be fine.

[alterus]

On csdb I'm able to find the following:

- Bear Jam
- Leos Lectric Paintbrush
- Leos Links
- MicroMeastro
- PowerPad programming Kit

Do you have any additional titles? If so, they are not be be found from what I can see. I searched for every title listed on the back of the PowerPad box.

[RobertBe]

On csdb I'm able to find the following:

- Bear Jam

I didn't know about that one. Thanks!

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
June 10-11 Pacific Commodore Expo NW -
http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex

[Mayhem]

Do you have any additional titles? If so, they are not be be found from what I can see. I searched for every title listed on the back of the PowerPad box.

Yes, Logic Master. The five "games" are on cartridge, the programming kit is on disk.

Not sure how useful the cracks are on CSDB as you can't play the games without the Chalkboard being plugged in (it detects if the hardware is present on boot), let alone owning one to begin with heh.