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ADAMnet Drive Emulator by Sean Myers


NIAD

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There is a new SD Drive solution for the Coleco ADAM that has been developed by Seam Myers. There are numerous improvements made over the first ADAMnet VDD made available by MicroFox a number of years ago and all the information is available on the Coleco ADAM Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2080166502039901&set=gm.10157181545517845&type=3&theater&ifg=1) as well as on GitHub (https://github.com/Kalidomra/AdamNet-Drive-Emulator?fbclid=IwAR1Z6pQwLwBW9v2OjTHpPTppQ2SPFwHoxVu2C8_0bRCX7rUcOYLgghk3sfI).

 

This project does not look like it will be mass produced for commercial sale, but all information is available if you have the skills to make one yourself as John Lundy has done and others are planning to do.

 

There is also a possible project to develop a Data Drive SD solution that installs in one of the Data Drive bays and connects to the 8 and 9-pin data drive connectors by a student of former Coleco employee Howard E. You can find this thread on the Coleco ADAM facebook page.

 

 

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Pretty damn cool!

 

Although I've gotta say, I'm hoping someone looks at this project, and adapts it to the Raspberry Pi...hooking up the AdamNet wire to the GPIO pins and just writing a program to select your image. I'd be 900% more likely to build one then!

 

But yes, this is very, very cool!

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  • 2 weeks later...

The ADE by Sean Myers has seen a number of updates that can be viewed on Sean's GitHub page at: https://github.com/Kalidomra/AdamNet-Drive-Emulator?fbclid=IwAR0YMIc-HI1ACdwOVlT82DCEd-uvHy6YFMc4ZmYyyv3831fkkQofSKySsGA

 

Here are the latest updates that were shared by John Lundy on the Coleco ADAM Facebook page:

 

Sean Myers released the ADE version 0.4 yesterday.

Version 0.4

- Added large disk image support.
- Added flag to disable the FACE command. This ties in with the large disk image support.
- Added SD card commands. Adam can access the directory and mount images.
- Added a delay to enable exact timing of an original disk drive. Default is 0.
- Added the connection to the AdamNet reset line. This will enable a boot disk to be auto-mounted on an Adam reset.
- Added the ability to assign a book disk.
- Added the ability to use digital buttons.

 

The boot.dsk concept is what I really like on this release. He created a proof of concept boot.dsk image that loads SmartBasic and runs the HELLO program to grab the directory from the ADE SD card and displays it on the ADAM to select and run a program of your choice. I'm thinking William Hicks (Milli) could take his awesome CVE frontend and really make this feature look and perform great.

 

Good news is that it looks like a production run of the ADE will be made and Sean is now a member of AtariAge, so hopefully he will chime in soon.

 

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Edited by NIAD
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I'm rarely induced to come out of the woodwork but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Seam Myers for making this awesome do-dad available. And to NAID for bringing it to our attention.

 

​My (sympathetically upgraded) ADAM has been languishing a bit of late for the lack of an easy / convenient way to use .dsk images and transfer software... so much so I was considering doing my own clone of MicroFox's version as I'm afraid the price (plus postage from the USA) was a bit too much for me...

​...I'm sincerely glad Seam beat me to it with such an excellent job as I suspect a project like this was going to be a step or two beyond my skills, and so a long + frustrating road.

 

Thank you again!!! icon_biggrin.gif

 

PS

For any with access to a 3D printer I've made a (hopefully) nice ADAM Drive-ish case for this to go in to that I've posted on Thingyverse by way of a thank you.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3417782

The version to fit the 1602 Keypad Shield is at the end, the one with a socking-big hole in it icon_winking.gif

 

8df6e1984ef6c93d6aa27f9692718801_preview

 

PPS

If any are looking on this device with lust but thinking "I really want one but I've never constructed something like this" might I suggest it's really quick and easy to do. As a test I wanted to see just how quick and easy is is to make from scratch so I:

-Did a search on fleaBay for all the listed parts - lots of local options, all cheep, all arrived within 3 days

-Googled the Arduino IDE, downloaded it fresh and hit install

-Downloaded the SD Card lib as per Seam's link and installed that (Arduino: Sketch->Include Library->Add Zip Library...)

-Hit the clone / download button on his GitHub page, then extracted the .zip to my desktop

-5v power to the Arduino board

-Arduino plugged in to computer via USB lead

-Select Arduino: Tools->Board->...Mega 2560

-Double-click on the AdamNet_Drive_Emulator.ino file from the extracted .zip

-Hit the right-facing arrow button at the top-left of the Arduino IDE app and wait a bit...

...a few seconds to compile followed by the communication LED flickering on the board and done

(if after compiling the Arduino IDE complains it doesn't know which COM port to use, just select the likely only option from the drop-down menu and the upload will begin auto-magically :-))

-Unplug the Arduino (power and USB)

-Fit the LCD shield being careful to line up the pins (they are marked on both boards)

-Done!

 

Not including waiting for the post all the above took less than 10mins

 

Of course there's the connections to the ADAM to make but even if you've never soldered a few minutes of practice will ensure you're more than good enough and if you're still wary you can bodge the connections easily enough. By way of encouragement my 14 year old daughter built the 'Pro' version of one of these (https://rc2014.co.uk) a couple of weeks ago with no prior electronics or soldering knowledge, and it works!

 

Um, the case I made (see above) will require one to cut/desolder the pins on the LCD shield and wire the necessary connections to the Arduino. That's for two reasons:

-To keep the aesthetics of the case without resorting to something large enough to take an age to print

-To make fitting the boards a bit easier.

 

PPS
While I have listed my case as non-commercial only on Thingyverse, Sean is of course very welcome to use it should he decide to start selling these, wonders what to put them in, and likes what I've done - feel free to suggest modifications. No I don't want anything, I just want to say thank you.
Edited by CharlesMouse
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That is awesome Charles. I'm glad that I could be of service by providing this information to you and others.

 

Sean Myers and John Lundy have been awesome with this stuff over on the Coleco Adam Facebook page and I would recommend checking it out and posting everything there as well. That replica disk drive case is awesome!

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The ADE by Sean Myers has seen a number of updates that can be viewed on Sean's GitHub page at: https://github.com/Kalidomra/AdamNet-Drive-Emulator?fbclid=IwAR0YMIc-HI1ACdwOVlT82DCEd-uvHy6YFMc4ZmYyyv3831fkkQofSKySsGA

 

Here are the latest updates that were shared by John Lundy on the Coleco ADAM Facebook page:

 

Sean Myers released the ADE version 0.4 yesterday.

Version 0.4

- Added large disk image support.

- Added flag to disable the FACE command. This ties in with the large disk image support.

- Added SD card commands. Adam can access the directory and mount images.

- Added a delay to enable exact timing of an original disk drive. Default is 0.

- Added the connection to the AdamNet reset line. This will enable a boot disk to be auto-mounted on an Adam reset.

- Added the ability to assign a book disk.

- Added the ability to use digital buttons.

 

The boot.dsk concept is what I really like on this release. He created a proof of concept boot.dsk image that loads SmartBasic and runs the HELLO program to grab the directory from the ADE SD card and displays it on the ADAM to select and run a program of your choice. I'm thinking William Hicks (Milli) could take his awesome CVE frontend and really make this feature look and perform great.

 

Good news is that it looks like a production run of the ADE will be made and Sean is now a member of AtariAge, so hopefully he will chime in soon.

 

Was very happy to see this. I always planned on doing a selection menu for the SD Drive when I bought the parts I needed a few years back. Looks like there's not much of anything else to come up with,just build it. Sean you the man!

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Thanks everyone. The case design looks great, I will have to print it this weekend. I would like to hear any suggestions or feedback on the current implementation of ADE. I am currently working on v0.5. It will include a couple of minor features and some code cleanup. I hope someone takes on writing a nice front end for the Adam side. I'm afraid I don't have the energy or the time to learn Z80 assembly.

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Sorry for disappearing for a few days... I'm most pleased my case is a hit, but not half as pleased as I am with this wonderful device - my sincere tanks once again. icon_smile.gif icon_thumbsup.gif

 

On the subject of requested comments / suggestions I really only have one observation and an 'is this possible?':

It seems the specified LCD shield comes as standard with the contrast turned allllll the way down... That gave me a moment or two before I twigged. Somewhat counter-intuitively that little blue pot (top-left) needs something like ten turns clockwise before text will show up - maybe worth a mention on your excellent github page?

I'm a long, long way from familiarity with regard to the ADAM's hardware, sorry for a likely dumb question - there's a 5v line on the ADAM Net connector. It would save a connection if the Arduino could be powered from the computer - possible?

 

PS

I do have an improved design for a case (same theme) that I've yet to upload - I've not been able to test-print it as my printer's been a right little s*d the last few days... the print head keeps jamming up and despite trying everything I know to fix it it refuses to play ball.

 

If anyone would like me to upload the files anyway just say, but the reason I haven't is it's quite a tight squeeze and I'd hate for someone to spend hours printing it only to find it's not fit for purpose.

 

Many thanks, again, for this wonderful device! icon_biggrin.gif

Edited by CharlesMouse
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Hello again...

 

I've finally gotten my blasted 3D printer working again. After days of messing about it turned out to be nothing to do with the printer but the filament I was using was old and damp - oops!

 

Anyway I've printed a first test of my latest version of a case for Sean Myers genuinely awesome floppy emulator and I'll upload them to Thingyverse shortly for anyone who's interested.

 

Print settings:

Print all parts in the orientation they appear in the .stl files.

Face.stl and Top.stl should be fine at about 20% infill, medium settings. They both need support, I'd suggest grid and set support roof. I'd also suggest enable ironing for both for best results and a smidge of fuzzy skin for Face.stl to give it that textured plastic look

Base.stl only needs to be reasonably strong so print however you like, but this one will also need support for the lip.

 

Assembly:

Um...

-Desolder / cut the pin-headers from the LCD module and do the same to your lovely Arduino! Also trim down the connection pins that poke up next to the LCD.

-Pull the plastic header sockets from the Arduino and desoler / cut all the pins!!!

-Take some wire (about 3-4cm long) and remake all the connections between the two

-You may also need to butcher your microSD board and directly solder that to the Arduino if space is limited - wires about 5-6cm

-Solder in the resistors and wires for the ADAM Net connector, long enough to reach from the front to the back of the Arduino. 6 Pin RJ11 connectors can be bought for buttons on eBay, just be sure you bend the pins flat and solder carefully being sure not to add height to the connector (it gets sandwiched between Arduino and the case top.

 

Why such butchery?

1) The LCD panel doesn't sit in the right place to be able to make a nice ADAM FDD box so to move it requires wire connections.

2) I've tried to make this box as small as possible to save on print time - it's still about a 3-6 hour print depending on settings / printer

 

At this point I also de-soldered the tact-switches from the LCD module and replaced them with taller 8mm ones. Again buttons on eBay. This was to allow them to poke through the shell - it's no good if you can't operate the darn thing...

...another option is to get some (small) tact-switch tops and push them through the holes in the case before installing the module - it work's fine but is frustratingly fiddly to keep them in place.

 

Moving on:

-Take your RJ11 connector on it's flying leads and push that though it's mounting hole in the top shell of the case. You'll notice it's legs will engage with the case with a bit of fiddling.

-Carefully, but firmly push your LCD / Arduino sandwich in to the main case taking care to line up the tact-switches. With a bit of pressure the edges of the main LCD PCB will snap in to the walls of the case.

-Carefully push down on the Arduino PCB so that it's power and USB sockets line up with the holes in the back. You'll note the RJ11 socket fits between and is now held firmly by the case and the Arduino.

-Slide the base into the top, being careful not to snag anything and keeping the microSD adaptor dangling on it's wires out the front. The front lip of the base has a couple of tabs to engage the Arduino and so hold that firmly in place too.

 

Now comes the somewhat messy bit:

I couldn't think of a 'snap together' solution for the microSD adaptor in the space I'd left for myself.

-Take your faceplate and push the microSD adaptor fully in to it's slot and glue it in place - sorry!

-The faceplate can then be, carefully, pushed over the open end of the case and should also snap in to place. ...There should be room for the microSD board to fit between the LCD module and Arduino but be careful not to snag any wires.

 

And it's all together - phew!

Below are some piccies of my first trial assembly. It's a bit wonky because the microSD board wasn't glued at that point. I hope it's of use to someone and the assembly process hasn't put people off!

Yes, I printed it with wood filament as that was the closest match I had to the ADAM (not close!) It seems beige printer filament is really, really expensive. When I've had a chance to play I'll probably sand / paint / print some stickers to finish the job, as per my mock-up further up this thread.

 

Bonus:

I've left holes in the face plate for power and activity LED's ;-)

 

Once again my sincere thanks to Sean Myers for this awesome project and for be generous to share. It's made a huge difference to my enjoyment of my ADAM.

 

PS

If Sean is looking for suggestions:

-At present the virtual floppy drive is always blank on power-up. It would be nice if at power-up the last image mounted was still present.

-There are minimal Arduino Mega compatible boards to be found on eBay. I'm tempted to see if I can use one to make a smaller / easier to assemble spin on the above case using one. Of course if Sean was to do that officially that would be great for published user options, and save me burning through too many precious brain cells.

 

 

Right, I'll stop clogging up this thread with my nonsense and go back in to my hole... at least until I have something useful of my own to share (80 col card if I can sus-out those fuzzy schematics - I just need to be sure I've got the slots pin-out correct)

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Version 0.5 Released today. Here are some of the changes:

  • Changed how the AdamNet line is connected; it now requires a PNP transistor and 2 resistors. This version is not compatible with the old method of connecting the AdamNet line to the Mega2560. This was required to improve the reliability of the AdamNet communication.
  • Added the device configuration mode. Enables any drive to be turned on or off.
  • Added a voltage monitor mode.
  • Added extra step to send SD commands and access large disk images. This will enhance Adam program compatibility, while maintaining the ability to use SD commands and very large disk images.
  • Fixed a write bug. ADE was not sending the required ACK after receiving the block data to write.
  • Fixed a timing bug in Process Command. ADE was sending the ACK back to the Adam too fast, it was sometimes missed.
  • Fixed the status not being reset after the status was sent. This caused issues with programs that tried to access blocks outside of the normal range on purpose. (ie Formatter 3)
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  • 3 weeks later...

This looks pretty great!

 

Can anyone comment on the differences between this and the MicroFox CF flash interface (which I currently have)? A big one is obviously SD -vs- CF which are becoming harder to find. Just wondering what some of the functional differences/improvements are.

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For one thing, it'll run ddp images. The MicroFox one only runs disk images.

 

This looks pretty great!

 

Can anyone comment on the differences between this and the MicroFox CF flash interface (which I currently have)? A big one is obviously SD -vs- CF which are becoming harder to find. Just wondering what some of the functional differences/improvements are.

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This looks pretty great!

 

Can anyone comment on the differences between this and the MicroFox CF flash interface (which I currently have)? A big one is obviously SD -vs- CF which are becoming harder to find. Just wondering what some of the functional differences/improvements are.

The MicroFox IDE CF Package is a Hard Drive setup for the ADAM where you have to setup the actual ADAM program on partitions, the operating system (EOS) has to be patched to recognize it and there are numerous EOS programs that are not compatible with it such as the Super Games. On the T-DOS side, it really shines!

 

The MicroFox VDD and Sean Myers' ADE are disk drive emulators that use any and all disk images of ADAM software. Everything is compatible with these SD Card drives on the EOS or CP/M / T-DOS side. Think of these SD drives as owning an actual ADAM Disk Drive and mounting and unmounting disk images is like inserting and removing actual diskettes.

 

Good news is that it's great to have both the IDE CF package and the VDD or ADE SD drive and you can use them in conjunction with one another. The SD drive emulators are the better choice for most and Sean Myers' ADE is the one to go with now.

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How is this new SD drive better than the one I bought a couple years ago? What are the new features?

The ADE is better in numerous ways...

 

- some VDD owners had issues with loading specific programs where communication with the Adam would be lost for some reason. No issues with the ADE.

- up to 4 disk drives emulated at same time however the software program has to be configured to access all 4 so 2 is the norm.

- access to 300 image files in the root versus the VDD's 100.

- compatible with DDP image files as well as DSK image files

- large disk image support

- selectable image files thru an actual Adam menu program as well as thru the ADE unit

- upgradeable thru USB port when new revisions are released

- professionally assembled by John Lundy.

- etc., etc., etc.

 

There are more that you can view on Sean's GitHub website linked at the beginning of this thread as well as John Lundy's posts on the Coleco Adam Facebook page.

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More updates, wonderful and many thanks. icon_biggrin.gif

 

PS

For any who are interested I updated my take on a case for this doo-dad... for those going the DIY route:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3465725

 

PPS

This device is of course awesome, but like all great things you get users making feature creep requests.

If I might ask it would be great if a future revision supported folders on the microSD card.

 

Many thanks.

Edited by CharlesMouse
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