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Thanks for interest. Actual I see the risk of being overloaded. Tomorrow ends the order phase for the BitWriter Replica project and then I´ve to start making the PCBs ready. All parts (electronic components) are already at my home, I´m still waiting for PCBs. Should be arrived in the end of next week. Then the real work begins and I´ve to assemble all. This could only be made in my spare time, so I will take 2-3 weeks. I promised to ship out early April, so I´ve much to do. When I now (at this time) collect the money for Sys-Check V2.2, it may take until the end of May to finish all. I think, this is too long and I´m not feeling good with myself to let the buyer wait such a long time. So I first will ask the buyer of a BitWriter, if they want a Sys-Check also (and shipping costs will saved). These guys got their Sys-Check first. After that, I will call for a next batch for all to order Sys-Check. I think, this way is more polite and guarantees an acceptable delivery time. Jurgen

Yes, sure. It seems that a lot of users want the V2.2. So I will make some additional pieces. Jurgen

Hi, ok, it seems that all want the new V2.2 version I´ve already ordered some PCBs and parts for a next batch. To save shipping costs, I suggest to serve first the people, which have also ordered a BitWriter Replica 1050 - so, if somebody want a Sys-Check V2.2 also, I can put all together in one parcel. I hope, that´s fine for everybody. More details later... Jurgen

Yes, this is the way I know how the protected images in APE works. IMHO it should be possible, using these informations to write tracks with "something wrong", which causes in exact these errors, status-data and so on. Every copy protection using in the A8 software ONLY can decide if the disk is original or not using the error- and status-codes from the drive. I didn´t say it´s easy, but I think it´s possible Jurgen

I haven´t any PCBs left (also my personal use one is away - new PCBs are ordered and on their way to me), so I can´t make a photo from the solder-side. Will make it, when new PCBs arrived and one is assembled. I don´t know really was a "MIO" is, but it sounds like a device connected to the PBI. Ok, Sys-Check is something, but not a XE (ECI) to XL (PBI) adapter - but under some circumstances it should work. Main problem is the difference in signals on these both busses. The PBI buss has, for example, RAS and CAS signals - some expansions use them, even if they haven´t DRAM onboard. Also the RDY signal from the CPU was connected to the PBI, but not to ECI from the XE series. These signals are left open (floating) on Sys-Check´s PCB to prevent any side-effects when using on real XL machine. Maybe this MIO wil work on a XE using Sys-Check as "adapter"... but I can´t test it, I didn´t own a MIO. And for your 2nd question, it´s the same issue... for enabling a memory expansion to use seperate ANTIC/CPU mode the logic needs access to the HALT signal from CPU (and ANTIC). The XE machines have this signal at the ECI attached, but the PBI from XL series not. When I realize the memory expansion, my first thought was to use one of the unused pins from PBI for HALT - the user has to make a wire in the computer from HALT (CPU pin 35) to that unused pin. But I know, a lot of other PBI expansions make this also, so I can´t be sure, that "mine" unused pin is really unused. This could make Sys-Check prevent from working, and I want to have a solution for all users with every skill. So I didn´t add this. In my opinion, the seperate ANTIC/CPU access is only used by a very very few demos and no game (I didn´t hear ever about a game which require this mode). Jurgen

Yes, we talked about. In my opinion this is possible, then the BitWriter software from Bob Puff does it the same way - more or less. In a very, very few words this is the way how the BitWriter works: BitWriter (or Archiver software) reads a track. This will be made 2 up to 8 times. Sector position, skew, header infos and much more is analyzed and saved. The whole informations are kept in the 8 KB trackbuffer of the BitWriter Trackbuffer (sector data) and status-/timing-informations are transferred to the computer - that´s the part you can hear with SIO sounds When writing a track back, the complete track with ALL informations, timing, marks, sector fields and so on are build in the trackbuffer BW hardware writes this track at once to the disk So reading out a protected disk and save it to an ATR will be a great problem without the experience and analytics Bob Puff does before. The sourcecode is not availible. But writing to disk should be x times easier, because the PRO or ATX formats should be known. With the knowledge how these formats are build, it should be not the biggest problem to create software, which use these informations, build the track, put it in the trackbuffer and let the 1050 write it to disk. When there´s a coder with time and some hardware skills... go for it Jurgen

Hi, it´s possible to make a new batch for the Sys-Check V2.1 DIY kit, when I have 10 or more orders, but... ... there´s also a new version out. I didn´t publish it until now, because I would have new firmware features ready before I offer it. But working on the BitWriter and SDX Re-Image project (and serving the ABBUC computer services, too!) take all my spare time the last months, so I have to prioritize. On the other hand, the newer V2.2 has already nice new hardware features. The V2.2 has all features from the V2.1 version, the same flash chip and so on. It also works on all XL and XE machines except 1200 XL, XEGS and some XE without ECI (because this machines hasn´t a parallelbus interface or similar interface). So in fact it´s the same set of functions like with the V2.1 D.I.Y. kit. New features are: A cartridge port for using cartridges stacked on Sys-Check´s PCB (only applicable when using Sys-Check on a XE machine, of course) An external 512 KByte memory expansion using the "rambo" standard The feature "external OS switcher" and "external memory expansion" can be used together. So when plugging Sys-Check V2.2 to a stock XL/XE, you have newer operating systems (or an "OLD-OS"!) and/or an external memory expansion. Two of the most needed things for playing newer games or watching demos which require more memory. Because more features (i.e. more chips) and the cartridge connector (plus needed space around) were added, the Sys-Check V2.2 is partly equipped with SMD chips. So I decide to offer it only as "ready-to-use" device, no soldering is needed. Because I can´t know if the buyer of a D.I.Y. kit with SMD parts is really qualified in soldering these small parts and want me to prevent from complaints, I decide not to offer a D.I.Y. version of V2.2. Last reason is, that a D.I.Y. kit with SMD parts could not fully tested before delivery. And my primary goal when doing projects is to delivery fully tested hardware - always. This is the actual V2.2 version: So if there´s any demand, I can offer two ways: - Making a new batch of D.I.Y. kits (Sys-Check V2.1) for 25 euros each - Offer the ready-to-use Version Sys-Check V2.2 for 45 euros each Jurgen

Hmmm. Maybe two possible solutions: 1. Every buyer is asked if he/she wants it glued or not 2. All carts are delivered as they are (without glue) and a little manual is included (or a video on YouTube?) how to glue it. I prefer the second way, because I don´t want it glued - and some other too, I think. Nearly everybody should have a hot glue gun at home. And if not... they can purchased for a few bucks at every hardware store. Jurgen

I´ve one DIY kit of Sys-Check V2.1 left. If you want it, please write a PN. BR, Jurgen

Quoting myself is kind of funny, but who cares Good news: Hias has had a quite good idea, I´ve check this out and it works perfect. Coming up firmware for ALL Sys-Check versions would work together with the U1MB without any changes to the hardware. Because I have so much projects in parallel it would take some time to finish the new firmware. Please be patient with me...

Hi, one week to go. This is the actual order list. Please check if everything is right. If somebody doesn´t want a BitWriter Replice 1050 anymore, please sent me a message and I remove you from the list. Jurgen Order list for BitWriter Replica 1050 (Last refresh: 2016 March 05 - 10:15 CET+1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AA Nickname Country Quantity Version "A" Quantity Version "B" Payment received =============================================================================================== GlowingGhoul USA - 2 Yes Bryan USA - 1 Yes Dropcheck USA 1 - Yes sloopy ??? - - No Zarxx UK 1 - Yes ndary Israel - - No Defender II USA - 2 Yes IndusGT USA - - No rdea6 USA 1 - Yes sup8pdct Australia - - No Bumzyman USA - 2 Yes Stephen J. Carden USA - - No AtariGeezer USA 1 - Yes venom4728a USA 1 1 Yes MacRorie USA 1 1 Yes Bunsen Germany - 1 Yes mariusz Poland - - No _The Doctor__ USA - - No Tigerduck Germany - 1 Yes Jason1024 USA - - No abbotkinneydude USA - - No Firedawg USA - 1 Yes Mathy Netherlands - 1 Yes Triads USA - 1 Yes

Hi, First... I think, this is not a big issue. With the help of the users here and, if you can´t fix it yourself, some guys near around you, this problem can be fixed easily. Unfortunenately I didn´t own a 1200XL (hard to get in europe), so i can use only a picture I found on google. In one repair job I did also make a big mistake in case of nescience. The big heat sink on the upper right side of the PCB is connected to ground. The both wires from the capacitors left to the mounting flange (marked in the picture below) are directly connected to the +5V outputs of the linear voltage regulators. So maybe you´ve produce a short circuit, because the flange has contact to one of these wires. If the mainboard is set in the case and screws are in, then the flange has enough distance. But when use the computer out of it´s case, it might connect. Check it and bend the heat sink a little bit. I would change the voltage regulators. Of course they should be resistent about short circuits, but over 30 year old components... I would not bet on it. Replace it with the LM340-5 or 78S05 ones. Good luck, Jurgen

Hi Mathy, no problem. Until order phase is closed at 03/15, every (new) order is welcome. Just follow the instructions in post #1. Thanks, Jurgen (I didn´t know what happens to the screen of an non-european user when I use the "ü"... )

Hmm, I also think it´s better to use a desoldering iron with vacuum pump. The guy who show it in the video is MUCH experienced with this way of desoldering and the hot air machine has much power (high flow) as you can hear it. Normal (<100 bucks) hot air machines are much slowlier and you´ve to heat up over 300 degree celsius to make it work - and the high risk of damage the PCB. Sometimes only the solder silk burns and PCB remains to be working, but it looks creep. With a desoldering iron (I use a Xytronic LF-8800) you´re able to desolder one DRAM IC in approx. 20 seconds with some exercise. And this is much more safer IMHO. Jurgen

Thanks to all early birds I will keep the Order List up-to-date every day. You can see the newest version always here: http://www.van-radecke.de/BitWriter/BW_Orders.txt Please sent me an email to [email protected], if something is written wrong on the order list. Jurgen

When SYNC is toggling sometimes, then it seems that the OS could start the very first part of coldstart (RESET) routine. First is to watch every D0...D7 and A0...A15 line. I´ve had some bad CPUs in the past where only one address line was broken. In some cases the system could start, but crashes after a few opcodes, of course. You can see this immediately with your scope. You can use NTSC ANTIC or GTIA for testing, you also should get a picture, but it´s black/white. And if you have a very old "PAL only" television or monitor, the picture may roll. But for a quick test it´s ok. In over 80% of these issues bad DRAM is the reason why the computer won´t start. Even when there are only some bits bad, when the CPU´s stack ($0100-$01FF) is affected, the OS-ROM coldstart subroutine will return to Nirvana - computer hangs. So changing the DRAMs is the first thing you should do. You can use any 4164 DRAM (as also found in some C64, Apple II and some other 8-Bit machines) or 41256 DRAMs (found on a lot of Amiga 500 memory expansions, all Atari ST 260,520,1040 ST/STF (not STE) and so on...). Jurgen

Hi, thanks to all for showing interest in buying the BitWriter Replica 1050! Since more than 20 orders are placed, I will make a lot of 30 PCBs. Each BitWriter Replica 1050 PCB is ready-to-use and tested (one read cycle, one write cycle, BW diagnostics). The speed potis for 270, 275 and 282 RPM will be justified already. You need only to solder some wires on several places to the 1050 PCB. No traces must be cutted or any other destructive modification of the 1050 must be done. Of course an installation manual with pictures is applied (sent via email when PCBs are shipped out). You can choose between two versions: Version "A" is the one if you want to solder less and your 1050 is fitted with a not-so-worn-out socket. The Version "A" can´t be plugged into a machine-head precision socket. Version "B" fits best plugged in a machine-head precision socket. When you choose this version, two extra precision sockets are included. You´ve to desolder the low-cost one on the 1050 PCB and change to one of the applied one. The second spare socket is to expand the height, otherwise the BW Replica PCB won´t fit. It´s possible to use Version "B" also in a standard 1050 with standard low-cost socket, but if the 1050 was moved, the PCB could fall out of the socket, because there´s not enough mechanical strength to hold it securely. Scope of delivery: - Soldered and tested BitWriter Replica 1050 PCB - Crimped 15 cm long AWG28 cable with 10 wires and IDC connector - Installation instructions (only per email, PDF file) - When choosing Version "B": two machine-head precision sockets, 28 pins, 600 mil How to order: - 1 (one) BitWriter Replica 1050 costs 45 Euros. - Shipping for one or two pieces worldwide is 7 Euros (Registered Letter "Recommandé", refund in case of lost or damage max. 37 Euros!) or - Shipping for one or two pieces worldwide is 9 Euros (Insured & Registered Letter, refund in case of lost or damage up to 100 Euros) If you want to order more than 2, please contact me before sending money (email: [email protected]). Please multiply the quantity of BitWrite Replica 1050 you want with 45, add the shipping costs and sent the money via Paypal. Please have attention to the following hints to make it easier for me and you! - Sent the money in the currency EURO to the Paypal-Account [email protected] - Please add your AtariAge nick name to the comment field in the Paypal transaction to know who you are - Also select Version A or B - Be sure that the delivery address is complete and fully written in the Paypal transaction - I will respond to the email address sent by Paypal. If you want me to use an other email address, write in down in the comment field ("informations for seller") - DO NOT SENT THE MONEY AS A GIFT - DO NOT SENT THE MONEY FOR A FRIEND - Use "Pay for goods and services" I know it´s friendly to do that, but Paypal will close my account when I got to much transfers "as a gift". In the BitWriter Replica 1050´s price of 45 Euros the Paypal fee for receiving money is already included. So don´t worry about it! Every payment is confirmed by email within 24 hours. I will add your email-address to my mailing list and will keep you up-to-date on every step I do until items are shipped. Payments will collected until March, the 15th (see timeline in the interest thread). Any questions? Don´t hesitate to contact me! Regards, Jurgen

Hmm, I think it wasn´t a good idea to continue the "Interest poll" thread with start of order phase. Will make a new thread and write to admins to close (not delete) this one... Jurgen

Please do payment as soon as possible. The more earliert all payments are received I can order PCBs, parts and start assembling

Hi, thanks to all for showing interest in buying the BitWriter Replica 1050! Since more than 20 orders are placed, I will make a lot of 30 PCBs. Each BitWriter Replica 1050 PCB is ready-to-use and tested (one read cycle, one write cycle, BW diagnostics). The speed potis for 270, 275 and 282 RPM will be justified already. You need only to solder some wires on several places to the 1050 PCB. No traces must be cutted or any other destructive modification of the 1050 must be done. Of course an installation manual with pictures is applied (sent via email when PCBs are shipped out). You can choose between two versions: Version "A" is the one if you want to solder less and your 1050 is fitted with a not-so-worn-out socket. The Version "A" can´t be plugged into a machine-head precision socket. Version "B" fits best plugged in a machine-head precision socket. When you choose this version, two extra precision sockets are included. You´ve to desolder the low-cost one on the 1050 PCB and change to one of the applied one. The second spare socket is to expand the height, otherwise the BW Replica PCB won´t fit. It´s possible to use Version "B" also in a standard 1050 with standard low-cost socket, but if the 1050 was moved, the PCB could fall out of the socket, because there´s not enough mechanical strength to hold it securely. Scope of delivery: - Soldered and tested BitWriter Replica 1050 PCB - Crimped 15 cm long AWG28 cable with 10 wires and IDC connector - Installation instructions (only per email, PDF file) - When choosing Version "B": two machine-head precision sockets, 28 pins, 600 mil How to order: - 1 (one) BitWriter Replica 1050 costs 45 Euros. - Shipping for one or two pieces worldwide is 7 Euros (Registered Letter "Recommandé", refund in case of lost or damage max. 37 Euros!) or - Shipping for one or two pieces worldwide is 9 Euros (Insured & Registered Letter, refund in case of lost or damage up to 100 Euros) If you want to order more than 2, please contact me before sending money (email: [email protected]). Please multiply the quantity of BitWrite Replica 1050 you want with 45, add the shipping costs and sent the money via Paypal. Please have attention to the following hints to make it easier for me and you! - Sent the money in the currency EURO to the Paypal-Account [email protected] - Be sure that the delivery address is complete and fully written in the Paypal transaction - I will respond to the email address sent by Paypal. If you want me to use an other email address, write in down in the comment field ("informations for seller") - DO NOT SENT THE MONEY AS A GIFT - DO NOT SENT THE MONEY FOR A FRIEND - Use "Pay for goods and services" I know it´s friendly to do that, but Paypal will close my account when I got to much transfers "as a gift". In the BitWriter Replica 1050´s price of 45 Euros the Paypal fee for receiving money is already included. So don´t worry about it! Every payment is confirmed by email within 24 hours. I will add your email-address to my mailing list and will keep you up-to-date on every step I do until items are shipped. Payment and order phase is closed on March, the 15th. Any questions? Don´t hesitate to contact me! Regards, Jurgen

Hi all, interest file is updated. More infos and order details in the evening. Jurgen

Hi, I´ve count and write down the actual interests for the BitWriter 1050 Replica. Please take a look and sent me an email or PN, if you´re missing, wrong quantity or so on. http://www.van-radecke.de/BitWriter/Interests.txt Jurgen

Put me in for 1 piece, please. Jurgen

I have my own orginal Super Archiver and BitWriter :-) Please write to Guus. I have sent kudos to him, because we exchanged our re-engineering schematics. Both of us do re-engineering the Bitwriter PCB without knowing each other to do this... :-)

The logic is programmed in the same way like the original SDX cart works. SDX can be switched off by software, but RTC is always accessable. The hardware switch turns off complete SDX and RTC cart & logic and makes only the stacked cartridge working. This switch isn´t mandatory, but an additional feature for developers or tinkerer with SDX. Jurgen