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Author Topic: New Cartridge Bodies (Read 3833 times)

Offline Saint

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New Cartridge Bodies
« on: 2013.September.30. 17:17:54 »
Is there any interest in some new cartridge bodies?

I've been thinking about 3D printing and the SD card interface. My main issue with the cartridge idea for the SD card interface is the lack of cartridge bodies. It's not easy or really a good idea to put an unsupported PCB into the cartridge slot and I wouldn't want hack my basic cartridge about (and nor would other people I'm sure!).

I've not gone as far as making a 3D model for the cartridge yet, which I need to do to get a quote, but I was wondering if there was any interest for cartridge bodies in general? I could get some basic ROM PCB's made up to go with them and sell them as DIY ROM expansions for the Enterprise if that's of interest?

The bodies may well come in at under £5, given the cost of materials... but we'll have to see.

I quite like the idea of getting something 3D printed. :)

Offline Zozosoft

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #1 on: 2013.September.30. 18:31:57 »
I think it is a very good idea! I also need some for my spare machines.
« Last Edit: 2013.September.30. 22:24:02 by szipucsu »

Offline fatbob_gb

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #2 on: 2013.October.01. 20:22:47 »
I could certainly do with a couple of these - along with the SD card cartridge if you get these working.

Offline Saint

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #3 on: 2013.October.03. 00:01:54 »
Start of 3D modelling. Top half of the cartridge looking not too bad.

Sorry, the render isn't very good, I'll try and do a better one next time! It doesn't show the inset label area very well.

Offline Saint

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #4 on: 2013.October.04. 22:36:05 »
The modelling is more or less done now. I need to add in support for the PCB inside the cartridge and also add in a pillar and matching insert in the other face for the screw fixing.

Initial quotes are about £10-13 per complete cartridge body, so not that cheap. I think I'll probably make a couple up out of curiosity for trying 3D printing, but I doubt I'd be able to sell a complete replacement cartridge with working PCB for less than about £25 to make it worth my while building them. Which is getting quite expensive... :|

Offline Zozosoft

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #5 on: 2013.October.05. 11:07:49 »
What do you think about how many the price with the SDinterface?

Offline Saint

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #6 on: 2013.October.05. 14:50:35 »
At a guess about £35-40 for the SD cartridge. Which isn't so bad given the price of the hxc and how difficult the disk controller is to get hold of! It would be about £5-10 cheaper using an expansion port interface, but would be no-where near as cool! :)

Offline Zozosoft

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #7 on: 2013.October.08. 09:44:35 »
Quote from: Saint
At a guess about £35-40 for the SD cartridge.
I think it is a good price! When can we buy it? :ds_icon_cheesygrin:
« Last Edit: 2013.October.08. 11:21:12 by szipucsu »

Offline Saint

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #8 on: 2013.October.08. 10:15:51 »
Lol, glad to hear it! :)

I'll start looking at doing the cartridge design for the SD card adaptor. It should be really nice -- I can make the SD card accessible from the side of the cart and some power / activity LED's on the top. Will look very cool... :ds_icon_cheesygrin:

I'm still waiting on my memory expansion PCB's. They should be here any day now! Although my GAL's still haven't arrived yet. :mad: Been waiting ages. I think they are coming surface mail from China, so very slow...

Offline geo1977

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Re: New Cartridge Bodies
« Reply #9 on: 2013.October.08. 13:02:03 »
im interesting for sd interface catridge  if you have ready product please
notify me....
yes it is cool price:)