c0nsumer

I apologize for not seeing this thread before posting my other one, but I've got plans to produce SDrive PCBs within the next month or so. The bulk of the work (part selection, schematic capture, board layout) is done, so now I'm just waiting for some parts to come in before I order the prototype run of boards. Please see this thread for more information.

Hey there everyone. I'm new around here, but I've been working on a project that I thought you all may be interested in, which kurtm alluded to a few days ago: PCBs for the SDrive by C.P.U.. I'm sure most of you are aware of SDrive, but just in case, to quote the site: The SDrive is a device that connects to Atari XL/XE's serial (SIO) port and simulates an Atari floppy disk drive with full read/write access to programs and data stored on a SecureDigital flash card (SD). My goals for this project are to create a PCB which fits into an off the shelf enclosure, is readily available, and easy to assemble. It is also going to have a dual footprint so that the builder may fit the board with either an SIO connector (new or salvaged) or DB15. All parts are through-hole except for the SD connector will be positioned for ease of assembly. Space for a low-cost parallel port based AVR programmer is also included on the board to help out those who don't have a programmer. I also plan on making all the design documents (schematic, board layout, EAGLE files, etc) available after I've completed the project so others may build on it as they desire. I'm still finalizing the details (part selection, footprint, etc), but here's what is currently known: Case: Hammond 1455L1201 Front and rear panels will be available via Front Panel Express. LEDs on front to indicate R, W, and D1-D4. Read Only / Read Write toggle switch on front panel. Tactile switches on front panel for Left, Right, and Boot Buttons. Rear panel switch for Reset. Piano DIP switches on rear for configuring device ID and enabling or disabling SD Card Lock Override. Uses the exact same firmware as the original SDrive, to maintain compatibility. After I've got the prototype boards working properly I'll finalize the design, then I'd like to open up a group buy for PCBs. I'm not really sure what the cost will be yet, but an off-the-top-of-my-head estimate of $20/board (shipped in the US) seems reasonable. If any of you have any SIO connectors you can loan (or give me), they'd help me with one of the biggest difficulties I'm having: ensuring that my SIO footprint will work for all the different types of connectors that people might have. I currently have parts from an old Okidata printer, but I'd also like to get new or used ones (even if they are still attached to a PCB) of whatever different styles that you all may have. So, if you want to loan (or give?) me some connectors, please PM me. I can mail them back when I'm done with them, or if you are eventually wanting a PCB I'll just ship them back to you with your PCB. -Steve (UPDATE: I'm getting two connectors from B & C ComputerVisions so I won't need whatever type of SIO connectors they provide.)

Hmm, this all said, any of you want my 1027 after I remove the SIO connectors from it?

Hey everyone... I just wanted to drop by and say thanks for the comments here. I'm the friend of kurtm's who was considering trashing the 1027 for the SIO ports. I'll be making another post later today regarding the SDrive-based project that I'm working on. -Steve