Enterprise Forever
:UK => Hardware => Interface => Topic started by: gflorez on 2018.March.13. 11:13:48
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I'm going to put here my thoughts about how to connect a MSX cartridge to the Enterprise expansion connector(Bridge or bus expander).
But first of all we must know what are the main facts, similarities, differences and lacks of the connectors and architectures:
Something about MSX interfacing has been written on the SymbOS thread, so I will put here only a link (https://enterpriseforever.com/programming/symbos-106/msg69469/#msg69469).
-We have been very fortunate that the Z80 ports used by the most interesting MSX I/O cartridges have not been used on Enterprise expansion projects, so there would be no collision there. Also, just because of this, Zozo says that 14 bit address could be used on this special case to preserve the Enterprise ports left of the bottom 256. We must return to think about this more deeply.
-The Enterprise (http://enterprise.iko.hu/pinouts.htm) uses a card style edge connector of 74(37x2) pins at 2,54mm pitch, while the MSX (https://www.msx.org/wiki/MSX_Cartridge_slot) slot uses the very same connector but with only 50(25x2) pins. The original Enterprise bus expander had a 4 pin code on every bus slot to deal with Z80 ports collision, but it was never released nor its information distributed, so the Hungarian developers created their own parallel standard, similar to the PC slots arrangement or the MSX I/O slots. Curiously, the MSX cartridge slots are also coded, but only for memory, up to 4MB, the same limit as the Enterprise.
-Both connectors have the complete Z80 bus(address, data) and signals on them, so it is only a mater of rearranging the pins, but to have a working MSX slot we must also deal with the specificities.
For example, the Hungarians developers based their bus expander on the EXDOS card, that doesn't make use of +12v and -12v(commonly used on amplifiers on audio cards), so they didn't populated pins A37 and B37 as was mandatory on the lost&found original project (http://enterprise.iko.hu/schematics/A3PER-12_Enterprise_64-128_Expansion_Motherboard_Schematic.jpg). But these are necessary for the MSX audio cartridges, so these voltages have to be implemented on a new project.
Also, every audio MSX cartridge returns mono sound to the main-board by a pin. We know that the EP has been provided with two pins for stereo audio return(and mix?), but, ¿does somebody know the level of the sound and how to protect the Enterprise?
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-The pins on the two connectors are numbered differently, as you know, on the Enterprise they go from 1 to 37 and A or B depending on the side of the card, but on the MSX slot they are numbered from 1 to 50 alternating sides, starting from the back and right side of the cartridge.
-Another difference is a protection on the MSX cartridge+slot for an accidental extraction while the computer is on. Pin 44 and 46 are joined internally on the cartridge, making a thick bridge track. Then pin 44 is about two mm shorter than the rest. All the 5v that feed the card are first passed by the two pins bridge, so before pin 44 connects to the PCB connector all the other 49 pins have been inserted at least 2mm.
The Enterprise cartridges also have a protection, the 4(2+2) GND and 5v pins at the sides are longer than the rest, to assure that the cartridge is feed before being connected. But the Enterprise expansions don't need protection, because they aren't made for constant extraction, as the cartridges.
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On an unmodified EP you can be sitting at the IS-BASIC "ok" prompt and remove the BASIC cartridge. Then you can plug it in again and carry on as though nothing had happened. :mrgreen:
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Plug&play ten years before...
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-Pin 42 of the MSX slot brings the MSX CPU clock(3.579545MHz), needed by some of the video and sound cartridges.
The Enterprise doesn't have a similar signal, it uses the 8Mhz(system) signal instead. I don't know what is the solution to this on the AMSDAP(MSX slots for CPC), but that clock signal has to be created for the Enterprise.
-/CS1, /CS2 and /CS12, pins 1, 2 and 3, are intended for cartridge Rom access, not applicable here.
-Then only rest /SLTSL and /BUSDIR, pins 4 and 10.
/SLTSL is output, and when low marks the slot as selected. For our purpose I think it is better to put it always to ground, selected.
/BUSDIR is input, and when low marks the direction of the bus towards the processor. It is not present on all MSX computers, so I will leave it unconnected.
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-Pin 42 of the MSX slot brings the MSX CPU clock(3.579545MHz), needed by some of the video and sound cartridges.
The Enterprise doesn't have a similar signal
It is have on A22 pin.
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Thanks Zozo for the hint... 4MHz on an stock Enterprise, I suppose.
But I think that the MSX chips need that precise 3.579545MHz frequency to properly work.
I have to search for a TTL oscillator.
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Observing the AMSDAP (http://www.tmtlogic.com/tmtlogic.com/images/REV2.jpeg) picture, it seems that TMTLogic have used a IH0512D (http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2256925.pdf?_ga=2.94769244.1918636593.1521243504-541369015.1521243504), a 5v DC/DC converter for the +12v/-12v lines.
Also, they have used an 74hcxxx chip for buffering some Z80 lines.
I don't see the 3.579545MHz oscillator. Can it be they have used the CPC 4MHZ processor signal?.
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Observing the AMSDAP (http://www.tmtlogic.com/tmtlogic.com/images/REV2.jpeg) picture, it seems that TMTLogic have used a IH0512D (http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2256925.pdf?_ga=2.94769244.1918636593.1521243504-541369015.1521243504), a 5v DC/DC converter for the +12v/-12v lines.
Also, they have used an 74hcxxx chip for buffering some Z80 lines.
I don't see the 3.579545MHz oscillator. Can it be they have used the CPC 4MHZ processor signal?.
I have absolutely no experience with these, but by just guessing, things "should" work on 4MHz too, unless if it's time critical for whatever reason. A stupid example: on PC, classic ISA bus has many bus frequencies and most card works just fine still. However, some cards (like what I had experience with - AdLib) uses a very precise frequency source needed for the correct audio to be generated for the OPL2 chip (YM3812). The ISA bus provides a 14.318Mhz signal (if I remember correctly) which is always that frequency regardless of the bus frequency itself, and it's used by the AdLib card to create the clock signal for the OPL2 chip (with dividing by 4, if I am right here). _MAYBE_ the situation is similar here, in most cases it does not matter too much, if 4MHz bus frequency is used instead of ~3.58MHz, but there can be cards which behaves "strangely" when a precise clock signal is needed for a special purpose like with my stupid PC example. Interstingly, 14.318 divided by 4 it's that 3.579, and divided by 3 is the "famous" 4.77Mhz used by default clock on old PCs, but anyway, it does not matter here too much, just an example, nothing PC is involved too much for sure (it's just a comment, that 4/3 of the colour burst frequency of NTSC is about 4.77MHz, and about 3.5795 is exactly that, maybe that is the reason of that clock used on MSX?).
Btw, some V9938 video chip interfaced with EP bus would be superb (and that chip requires only two I/O ports, and has private video RAM, not shared with CPU at all unlike Nick), so some SymbOS port can use "advanced" graphics, and also some ported MSX games for EP would be possible. Surely that would need an extra monitor connection then :(
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There are some MSX cartridges that need that frequency, something to do with colour carrier on NTSC video.
Adding that frequency isn't as difficult, I have ordered some oscillators. Maybe a jumper can be provided to switch from 3.58MHz to the real Z80 frequency if needed.
Today it is easier to buy a V9990 VDP based cartridge (http://www.tecnobytes.com.br/p/v9990-powergraph-light.html). But my dream is a way to inject that video using the colour inputs all Enterprise computers have.
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There are some MSX cartridges that need that frequency, something to do with colour carrier on NTSC video.
Yes, that was my (rather stupid, I admit) example with the OPL2/PC, etc.
Adding that frequency isn't as difficult, I have ordered some oscillators. Maybe a jumper can be provided to switch from 3.58MHz to the real Z80 frequency if needed.
My only problem here, that I am not sure, if a card want to "align" Z80 signals (like RD, WR, MREQ etc) with clock signal, if any card do this, it won't work, if you "fake" another clock but leave the EP's Z80 do things on another clock rate. Though I think, this scenario sounds quite strange, if anybody would do this at all ... Worth to try :)
Today it is easier to buy a V9990 VDP based cartridge (http://www.tecnobytes.com.br/p/v9990-powergraph-light.html). But my dream is a way to inject that video using the colour inputs all Enterprise computers have.
Well, yes, but it's kinda hard. Especially if you want to explore the >16 colours stuff. With V9990 you can have even 32K colours (if I know well ...) but you have only four bits colour input. The other hard thing, I guess, is to keep V9990 and Nick in sync, you must force V9990 somehow to "follow" Nick's timing exactly at pixel precision. I would be even happy to do this with a very specific LPT for Nick, but surely, it cannot be done easily with the "freedom of LPT" of Nick when somebody uses a bit longer or shorter frame which more or less works with TVs/monitors but out of sync, strictly speaking ....
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It was also mentioned here (https://enterpriseforever.com/hardware/external-colour-input/msg60437/#msg60437), but the V9990 chip has sync inputs and a colour bus, probably not used on the cartridge approach:
[attach=1]
It also has 4 bit colour modes from a 32K palette.
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But I don't want to build castles on the air, first of all the MSX slot has to work correctly...
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Just one idea: for a video thing, divide the Nick clock: 14237536.27 Hz / 4 = 3559384,0675 Hz
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Very good solution, but..... how can I do it?
Hans Tillema [TMTLOGIC] , the builder of the CPC MSX slot(AMSDAP) has confirmed he directly use the 4 or 8MHz Z80 clock on his approach, and says that only a few cartridges use the exact 3.579545MHz frequency.
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Very good solution, but..... how can I do it?
Frequency divider with flips-flops maybe? Or a binary counter, etc. For example here is some slides describing the theory and some schematic how to realize: https://www.slideshare.net/DeepakFloria/divide-by-n-clock
Hans Tillema [TMTLOGIC] , the builder of the CPC MSX slot(AMSDAP) has confirmed he directly use the 4 or 8MHz Z80 clock on his approach, and says that only a few cartridges use the exact 3.579545MHz frequency.
Nice, so it's about as I thought, hopefully :-O
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The practice will give us the answer. If the MSX cartridges continue communicating at 8MHz, probably they will do the same at 10MHz.
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Today I have received the PCBs for the Bus Expander. I have almost all the parts to solder, so I am a step ahead.
There is a small challenge here, as I have never soldered SMD components. But they are big enough to manage them with my fat fingers and wearing magnifying glasses...
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The first almost complete:
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Where you find right size edge connectors?
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All are oversize, 72 and 100 pins, carefully hand tailored by me....
I cut one pair of contacts more of the 66 or the 74 needed, then I extract the two spare pins and block the hole with a piece of board and glue.
Also, on the other extreme of the connector I glue a little stick on the end of the groove, because the Enterprise cards are only 1mm longer than the last contact pad.
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But a new batch of 68 pin edge connectors have arrived from China (https://www.ebay.es/itm/5pc-Industrial-Card-Edge-Slot-Socket-Connector-34x2P-68P-2-54mm-0-1-3A-RoHS/130805333599?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649) at a very competitive price. They don't need to be trimmed, because the Enterprise expansion connector has extra space near the 33A/B pins.
[attach=1]
[attach=2]
[attach=3]
[attach=4]
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Probably good idea solder the A34/B34 pins, then will no problem if you try to use with uncased motherboard.
(I also do it when using cutted connectors)
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Yes, thanks, I planed to do it, but was eager to show....
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It's great to hear of the possibility of the V9990 coming to the Enterprise!
I've been doing some V9990 development on the MSX for the V9990 version of my game, it's one heck of a GPU, and really turns an 8 bit system into one with '16-bit' performance!
That said, I understand the questions about whether a "EP128+V9990 is still an EP"... the V9990 is very similar to the internal VPU of the MSX2, so it's a logical evolution on that system... other systems, it's kind of like turning them into a hybrid MSX
One problem I'm having on the CPC, none of the CPC Emulators currently support the V9990, which is a major limiting factor for me writing CPC+V9990 games.
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It looks very promising :cool:
I am terribly sorry that I have only two hands.
While I'm working on the Dream Turbo Card, you can come up what the interface baseboard (how to call it ?) should look like for connecting extensions.
I have some idea in my head for a PCB in a standard format that matches to the ready, easily accessible casings (mini ITX ?).
For example, such a housing. I just bought for 10 EUR (included with the 300W power supply). Shock :shock:
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Hello Pear!
I was not talking bad about you.... You are the only active(enthusiast) developer of specific Enterprise Hardware. You are making jewels, not only devices, for our loved machine....
I will continue with my 100x100mm bus expander prototype. It will give very cheap modular expansion, allowing chain connection of two or three bus expander cards, probably being one of them a two MSX slots card...
This is the new fixed main PCB design, ready to check and order:
[attach=1]
About a box, it is very soon for me to think about it, but those boxes are a very good option if they fit. The main problem are classic expansions measures.
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I see the main problem in that we do not have any standard (I mean dimensions of the cards).
The factory solution allowed to connect just one expansion card.
As far as I know, the bus for more cards was not factory solution.
Now, appeared possibility of use the cards available for CPC and MSX.
Question: Should we adapt to devices prepared for other platforms that are not quite compatible with EP (not only dimensionally), or create our own standard of cards ? (witch matching physical dimensions to currently available casings)
At the same time, we should consider how many cards we want to connect at the same time, so not to bring the situation as, for example, in the ZX Spectrum, where a tiny computer trail a long train of cards.
Currently, we have more technological possibilities than past and, in my opinion, building new devices according to the old formats and sizes of cards that hang behind the computer without housing, is at least inelegant.
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Enterprise Computers already made a bus expansion design, you can find it on Zozo's web page, Schematics section (http://enterprise.iko.hu/schematics.htm).
But I am following the Hungarian design because it is proven to work and because there are a number of expansion cards created for it.
The Hungarian project has 5 slots, I don't know if it works properly populated at full, Zozo can answer this.
On the other side, the original project had more protection to the computer bus, even adding terminators on the sixth slot of the chain.
I project to add at least a second three slots card, or a two MSX slots card. I can easily add terminators to the last slot if they are needed.
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Of course I prefer specific Enterprise expansion cards. With this knowledge now It is very easy for us to convert to Enterprise a MSX project.
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Yes, I know about it, but was it made at the factory or exists only a diagrams ? (someone has a manufactured bus ?)
Well OK. I will look for something else, maybe I will find some ready housing, which will match the existing cards a bit.
I just really don't like mechanical modifications and conceiving housings :oops:
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Yes, I know about it, but was it made at the factory or exists only a diagrams ? (someone has a manufactured bus ?)
It is existed at the company, there is some test results:
Enterprise Peripherals Test Report (http://enterprise.iko.hu/technical/PER-24-1_Enterprise_Peripherals_Test_Report.pdf)
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OK, I will ask differently.
Someone saw it on own eyes ? Or is this like Yeti ? :ds_icon_cheesygrin:
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This is the pin correspondence of the Enterprise expansion connector and the MSX slot.
[attach=1]
Hans has made some corrections.
For example, the Z80 Clock signal is not connected(SE-ONE doesn't use it) but he has recommended me to put a 3.58MHz oscillator if a cartridge needs the signal.
Another fix is to put all memory related signals to +5v through 10kOhms pullups. They are /MERQ, /RFSH, /STLS, /CS1, /CS2 and /CS12. This will avoid any use of the data bus for memory access, only for I/O.
I have used Zozo's page pin-out (http://enterprise.iko.hu/pinouts.htm), but I have swapped the pins upside down to show the connector from the user point of view. The same with the MSX slot. I have used a drawing from MSX.org (https://www.msx.org/wiki/MSX_Cartridge_slot) but turning down the connector. On my prototype the main face of the MSX cartridge is looking towards the Enterprise.
Edit: I have not specified it here, but +5v, +12v and - 12v must be created from the +9v line.
MSX slot power specifications:
-Power source +5V must be 300mA max per slot.
-Power source -/+12V must be 50mA max for all slots.
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At the moment I am still very busy for the CPC computer, I hope to make a design for an EnterDAP soon
So that you can use MSX (and or CPC) cartrigdes on your Enterprise.
Whether I only make a circuit diagram or release the Gerber files free, I look for another answer
I would like to receive ideas on how the EnterDAP should look like
for example:
1 msx slot
2 Enterprise IDC
1 Enterprise Edge
1 CPC slot ??
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In my humble opinion, connecting MSX cartridges, or CPC modules now, to an Enterprise is more for risky adventurers or connection freaks(like me...).
I have another idea: what about slot converters? I mean, you can produce only one unified PCB for the three systems, and then a little board acting as a bridge to every type of slot.
On the Enterprise slot you can use the 37A and 37B pins for the +12v and - 12v lines, as was originally planned( not connected in the Hungarian design), and then the dc/dc converter can be put on the main bus expander, making the slot bridge as little as possible.
About the use of IDC or edge connectors on the Enterprise side, this aspect can be decided by the user if you put double holes on the bus expander pcb. Then, if the expansion boards are designed for edge connector, an IDC connector can still be soldered to the edge fingers. Think that there are a number of classic expansions that connect by edge connector, mainly EXDOS floppy controllers.
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I have decided to create a MSX to Enterprise bridge connector. I think it is a better and faster solution, in only 15 or 20 days I can have the pcbs, then I add the 50 pin MSX connector, the pull-ups and the +12v - 12v DC converter, and it will be ready and cheap. It only has to be as narrow as posible to not raise excesivelly when assembled with the MSX cartridge.
The only problem? Every Enterprise user interested has to have a bus expander to connect the adapters. But that was already required for the discarded MSX slot. All the classic bus-expander owners already have all the necessary to enjoy the new range of MSX devices.
I think this approach adds less confusion, because the adapter will convert the MSX cartridges effectively on full length Enterprise extension cards. Also, we don't have to wait for an Enterprise tailored card with exactly the same characteristics, and Hans will have more time to create really specific Enterprise projects.
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This is the final aspect of the adapter card:
[attach=1]
Observe, the sound-input jack hole is inside the card, so it is needed a very narrow male jack connector like in this picture:
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpPYm8sX3ieTqcORZJYqPvN9FsXYWOMxLkNhv3WNXmSRZip3ak)
Only the external connector of the cartridge will be used, I deliberately have omitted connecting the MSX pin 49. We Enterprisers only want stereo sound....
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If it goes to the production, I would buy one, and an Enterprise bus expander also :)
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No problem, but I am still on the prototype phase...
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No problem, but I am still on the prototype phase...
Then if I understand:
This adapter can be used directly with the MSX MP3 player?
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YES!!!, and all other MSX I/O cartridges, like the future GFX_NINE from TMTLogic(GFX9000 (https://www.msx.org/wiki/Sunrise_GFX9000) clone).
The Enterprise will be able to manage a lot of hardware made for the MSX range of computers, the most interesting to us, these supported by SymbOS because, with minors corrections from Prodatron, they will work straight.
But remember, the Enterprise will not benefit from any RAM or Rom(Games,OS) installed on the MSX cartridges, the memory pagination of the two systems is very different, and they will be disabled by the adapter.
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Thanks for the info.
When done, I'm a buyer for a piece :)
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I have shortened the name:
[attach=1]
(Modified from one of SlashNet's logos)
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Or maybe MSXpander ? ;)
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I don't like completely to put MSX visible on the name... May be the cartridges are made for MSX, but the adapter converts them on full genuine Enterprise expansions.... We will make ours the cartridges.
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OK, that was just my humble suggestion :)
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And I thank you very much...
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This is the final aspect of the adapter card:
This really reminds me of some Skramble game:
[attach=1]
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Yes... The islands that you see are shielding masses, necessary because the MSX slot has the signals in very different positions than the Enterprise slot. The threads cross them all together. If not for that the card would have been a lot more narrow.
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The prototype cards are on the way.
The picture they have sent me is awful...
(http://fusionpic.oss-cn-hongkong.aliyuncs.com/180531231000)
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The picture they have sent me is awful...
It was not produced by a photographer :D We can hope that the card is wonderful in the reality ;)
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The cards arrived....
[attach=1]
But patience, now a few tests.
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The tests ended successfully!
On a few hours my friend Wilco will make the announce and will free to public domain the designs of the Bus expander and the M-Slot.
[attach=1]
[attach=2]
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:smt038 :smt038 :smt038
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:smt020 :smt038
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Wow! :smt038
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Wilco has already announced the bus expander and the M-SLOT on several Spanish web pages. I will put here the English translation and some clarifications from mine.
"NEW BUS EXPANDER AND M-SLOT FOR THE ENTERPRISE"
"Here I present you the new hardware in which gflorez and I have been working lately.
It is a little expander card for the Enterprise computer that will allow you to connect three interface cards at the same time. And if you need more room it can be expanded with a wagon card that will allow connecting 3 more additional interface cards."
[attach=1]
"And, what additional advantages you will find?:
- The expensive EDGE connector is replaced by an IDC connector much easier to find.
- It has a 7805 voltage regulator that allows to externally feed the interface cards in the event that the internal source of the Enterprise is not enough.
- Buffers are included for the main signals of the Enterprise.
- Optionally EDGE connectors can be soldered in place of the IDC in case you want to use interfaces compatible with the original bus expander(03-19 Enterprise Expansion Motherboard (http://enterprise.iko.hu/schematics/A3PER-12_Enterprise_64-128_Expansion_Motherboard_Schematic.jpg), never produced) or the current ones of the Hungarian scene(Meszaros).
- It has the blessing of the Hungarian scene(....), so it is expected the development of new hardware for this expander.
- We already have an interface for this expander that allows to connect some cards for MSX in our Enterprise.
Although the M-SLOT interface (as it is called) has already be shown by gflorez, I will comment some aspects about it."
[attach=2]
"It is an interface converter of the MSX bus to the Enterprise bus, which will allow us to connect some existing cards for MSX in our Enterprise.
Will all MSX interfaces work? Obviously not, as we will have port conflicts in some of them but we are actively working to support some of them.
Here you can see the converter connected to the expander plate and an MSX cartridge:"
[attach=3]
"Well, the subject is already mature enough to put it at your disposal and make a batch of cards.
I still have not calculated the exact prices, but as a guideline I can tell you that the expander kit (plate + components) unmounted will be around € 15, while the M-SLOT kit will range about € 10(excluding post)
Those of you interested can express their will in this thread while I'm managing the exact prices."
Well, I have to mention that the end connector allows the connection of a direct expansion card like the Microteam, only changing the EDGE connector to SIL. Other added option is the possibility to feed 9v to the slots to use the old Meszaros expansion cards. And most important, thanks to Zozo's advice a 9pin header will be provided to install pull-ups to the Z80 I/O bus, just in case of ghost memory segments error.
Yes, you have read correctly, only unsoldered kits will be available, but both kits have very few components. The only dangerous components are the SMD chips, but really, it was my first time and they had been very easy to solder with an standard iron. They have very big legs.
On the other side.....ask your geek friend for some aid, do not miss this opportunity.
If you can't, no problem the two projects will be put on the public domain, so anyone person can in the future order a batch of them.
I would appreciate the creation of an Hungarian thread about this same topic. Also a Wiki section will be a good idea.
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Coooooool :smt041
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:smt038 :smt038 :smt038
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I have actually 13 PCBs and parts to mount M-Slots, but the first batch of 10 bus expanders is over. I have ordered 10 PCBs more, that will be received probably on the next 15 days.
The problem with the M-Slot is that it is a full sized expansion that needs at least a bridge connector or a bus expander. Is for that I have intended to supply one bus expander(15 Euro) with every M-slot(10 Euro) at the cheapest price.
I know, you also need to buy a MSX cartridge to enjoy the M-slot, but think that the bus expander alone opens a lot of possibilities of connection to your machine, from classic expansions(EXDOS, Spectrum emulator, Mezsaros cards...) to other new projects, like the M-Slot, that will be easier to be produced on the future(at least I will impulse more...).
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The second batch of 10 bus expanders arrived. I have 5 units already compromised on Spain, so it left another 5 bus expanders and 5 M-Slots to sell.
This second batch has some modifications proposed by Zozo:
-A 9 pin header to put pull-ups to the Z80 Data bus.
-A point on every slot to feed +9v or ground on 33A/B pins for classic extension boards.
I also have put a little hole on every corner just in case the PCB needs to be screwed into a box.
The price is still the same, 15 Euro the bus expander and 10 Euro the M-Slot (+postage). Due to the long distances, better I will provide the units mounted and tested.
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-A 9 pin header to put pull-ups to the Z80 Data bus.
-A point on every slot to feed +9v or ground on 33A/B pins for classic extension boards.
:smt038
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Somebody asked me on August about a Bus expander, but I don't remember who was.
I still have some mounted units of both the bus Expanders and the M-Slot, ready to send.
More batches will be ordered on demand.
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If it stays, I would, however, I'll take the set (both units).
I do not have time to do it myself.
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Ok, I will do the packet and will put you a PM when I know the total price.
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A little add-on has been designed by my friend Wilco. It is a clone of the Enterprise external connector that would be connected at the rear connector of the bus expander.
(http://www.retrowiki.es/download/file.php?id=200014370)
The components are only a narrow PCB and a male SIL 90 degrees connector, so it will be very cheap and easy to made.
It will allow to plug there your trusty EXDOS direct-connection interface, like the compact clone from Pear, the Microteam or the Spanish EXDOS clones.
Not for the original or Hungarian EXDOS(through Bridgeboard), logically, these can be plugged on one of the three slots(both as SIL or as EDGE, ask me more about this if you are interested).
The benefit is that you will be able to expand your Enterprise without losing the use of your old floppy interface.
It will take only a month to finish this adapter, the usual time from order the PCBs, to receive, mount and finish them.
From now on I will sell it in a bundle with the bus expander as a feature. I can also sell it separately to the users that already own the bus expander, almost all Hungarians, so better if I send only a pack of them to Zozo's.
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Today I have received the SIL to EDGE cards and I have mounted some of them:
[attach=1]
It will connect to the rear of the Bus expander as this:
[attach=2]
It has all the Enterprise Expansion Bus signals. The cost of the adapter is 2 Euro+postage.
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Very nice! :smt038
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MICROTEAM clone adapted to the new bus card. (It is still can be used with the old bus)
[attach=1][attach=2]
[attach=3][attach=4]
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Yes, the Microteam is very versatile, complete and has its own 7805 regulator. Only its big size is a problem.
With the EDGE terminal (https://enterpriseforever.com/hardware/msx-slot/?action=dlattach;attach=21902;image) it also can be easily connected horizontally at the rear of the Bus expander.
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This is the final aspect of the fixed M-slot:
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It has some errors, but soon I will order a batch.
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Fixed:
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ilyen buszbővítő van még?
és mennyibe kerül? (ha van)
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Rendeltem egy, fix változatú csomagot (V9990 kész). Bejelentem, amikor megérkeztek. A költség 12 Euro + post.
De először meg kell vizsgálnom, hogy dolgoznak-e ...
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I have ordered a batch of the fixed version(V9990 ready). I will make an announce when they arrived. The cost will be 12 Euro + post.
But first I have to test if they work...
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Rendeltem egy, fix változatú csomagot (V9990 kész). Bejelentem, amikor megérkeztek. A költség 12 Euro + post.
De először meg kell vizsgálnom, hogy dolgoznak-e ...
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I have ordered a batch of the fixed version(V9990 ready). I will make an announce when they arrived. The cost will be 12 Euro + post.
But first I have to test if they work...
Are they assembled, or just the PCB?
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Completely assembled and tested.
Do you have a bus expander? It is necessary for the M-Slot. Owever it increases the price, 15 Euros more+2 Euros if you need the final EDGE adapter, to conect your EXDOS at the rear.
I hope you all understand that this is not a business for me....
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A buszbővítő továbbra is érdekelne engem is.
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Küldj egy privát üzenetet. Tudunk angolul kommunikálni? kérem.
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Arrived new batches of the Bus Expander and M-Slot 1.1.
Megérkezett az új buszbővítő és az M-Slot 1.1 kötegelt.
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Tests successful.
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