Final Expansion 3 NG

[Wilson]

Understandable.
I interpreted the doc as saying "this would support 1MB (of RAM or ROM) if it was connected" (i.e. with no changes to the CPLD). But it'd be impossible to say without trying it.

[srowe]

I interpreted the doc as saying "this would support 1MB (of RAM or ROM) if it was connected" (i.e. with no changes to the CPLD). But it'd be impossible to say without trying it.

I don't see what the additional address line would be connected to with the existing image. I think I've managed to get the Atmel development tool running in a VM, so that should mean I can modify the code and rebuild it. That doesn't change the fact I've got very little idea what I'm doing

[Wilson]

Ah, just looked at the schematic. I wishfully assumed the extra address line was merely disconnected, but I see your point.

I think I've managed to get the Atmel development tool running in a VM, so that should mean I can modify the code and rebuild it. That doesn't change the fact I've got very little idea what I'm doing

Haha, better than nothing!

[COREi64]

What a terrific project.

If you do end up doing a run of these, count me in. I'd love one.

Skydivingirl, back when she was making the last version of the cartridge was thinking of adapting an OLED display into the design. Thought it would be neat to be able to do things perhaps similar to how the boxart for the games could be displayed (like the sidekick does), or perhaps just some useful information pertaining to the configuration or the program you've loaded would be neat to display.

Had you thought, or possible considered including something like that into the re-design?

Thomas

[srowe]

What a terrific project.

If you do end up doing a run of these, count me in. I'd love one.

Will do.

Skydivingirl, back when she was making the last version of the cartridge was thinking of adapting an OLED display into the design. Thought it would be neat to be able to do things perhaps similar to how the boxart for the games could be displayed (like the sidekick does), or perhaps just some useful information pertaining to the configuration or the program you've loaded would be neat to display.

Had you thought, or possible considered including something like that into the re-design?

I've not played with these displays (but I already have one on order for a side project). They're I2C devices so connecting them up is simple but the problem would be driving it. Hooking it up to the ATMega would be easy as it already communicates to the RTC using I2C, but that would require modifying the SD2IEC firmware. Connecting it directly to the VIC would need a couple of I/O pins, I'll have a think how that could be achieved in the limited space available.

[Vic20-Ian]

Great project, put me down as interested in one or two please.

[COREi64]

Either way you go, I'm sure it will be awesome. Appreciate you taking the time to consider my thoughts.

Thomas

I've not played with these displays (but I already have one on order for a side project). They're I2C devices so connecting them up is simple but the problem would be driving it. Hooking it up to the ATMega would be easy as it already communicates to the RTC using I2C, but that would require modifying the SD2IEC firmware. Connecting it directly to the VIC would need a couple of I/O pins, I'll have a think how that could be achieved in the limited space available.

[srowe]

I think I can arrange a simple two bit output port using just a 74LS138 and a 74LS74, but if anyone can suggest something simpler I'd be happy to consider it. They don't take up a huge amount of space on the board. I'll have an experiment but I've now got a couple of distractions that will take my time up this week (#1 C64 to refurbish, #2 iPad battery to replace).

[COREi64]

I have a variety of spare displays, if you want/need them, I'd be happy to send them to you to experiment with (no charge).

Thomas

I think I can arrange a simple two bit output port using just a 74LS138 and a 74LS74, but if anyone can suggest something simpler I'd be happy to consider it. They don't take up a huge amount of space on the board. I'll have an experiment but I've now got a couple of distractions that will take my time up this week (#1 C64 to refurbish, #2 iPad battery to replace).

[akator]

I would also be super excited to get one of these if it is possible.

[srowe]

Limited progress recently, I've been focusing on getting precise measurements so that the PCB fits in the cartridge shell. Some more moving around of components has occurred.

Here is a 3D view of the board at the moment

[pixel]

@srowe: Since you're very good writer I'd just love to ask for a next-level, updated handbook.

[srowe]

@srowe: Since you're very good writer I'd just love to ask for a next-level, updated handbook.

Sure, what do you feel isn't covered well in the current User Guide?

[srowe]

I have all the components on order now, once they come I can do some final checks for positioning, then it's on to routeing traces.

I've got a number of side projects to tackle too. First is a CPLD programmer, the other a hot plate for soldering the SMD devices.

[COREi64]

Great that things are moving along.