Dropcheck Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Today I get to announce a partnership with mytekcontrols. His original TK-II Stereo Bundle was originally designed for DIYers. My contribution will be to semi-mass produce the bundle for non-DIYers and offer for sale on my website www.bitsofthepast.com.The pre-order window will open tomorrow on my site. I need a minimum order of ten to get started. Hopefully I can keep a running inventory of at least five in stock for those who cannot purchase them immediately. Christmas is coming. There will be several options to choose from. However no Pokey chips will be provided. You will need two Pokey chips to utilize the audio features of the board bundle. XEGS or XL/XE styleSingle or Dual PS/2 interface boards20 or 30 cm cabling Base cost will be $45.00 (includes either XEGS or XL/XE style, single PS/2 interface, 20cm cabling and some mounting hardware)Dual PS/2 will increase it to $49.0030cm cabling will add $1.00 more Shipping will be the standard domestic $8.00 and international $22.50.My role will be to provide sales and assembly of the units. I will be using his board files and recommended parts bom. I don't see any major changes to his original board/parts design except for minor connector/cosmetic changes. Therefore operation, software, firmware, installation and most troubleshooting questions will be referred to Mike. If there is a part/board failure issue then I will intervene with replacement parts or repair. The following pictures will give you an idea of the finished product shipped to you. Again there maybe minor connector/cosmetic changes. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 Hey that first picture looks familiar These are great boards and very easy to install, especially if prebuilt. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olix Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 It is not possible to do the pre-order in the shop-system if i set germany in the billing details. If i set germany as country i get this message: There are no shipping methods available. Please double check your address, or contact us if you need any help. (i had no problems to order other parts eith the same adress) Olix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokeless Joe Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 I got the same message and I'm in in the USA. This is the first thing I've tried to order there and it also requires a REALLY strong password. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dropcheck Posted September 21, 2016 Author Share Posted September 21, 2016 (edited) Try again. I think I've fixed the shipping method issue. Sorry If the shipping still looks funny, let me know. Edited September 21, 2016 by Dropcheck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Larry Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Is there a reasonably concise explanation somewhere of its features/benefits and how it is installed? I've seen the "TK-II in Development" thread... -Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 From an installation standpoint it plugs into the pokey socket and then you have to hook up 6 wires (There is also the option to add a manual switch & a LED to show Mono/Stereo operation - but those are optional.) - Then you connect the breakout PS/2 board with the supplied cabling - I run mine from the back of the machine but it can also be mounted anywhere you like (probably the hardest part of the installation) http://atariage.com/forums/topic/254884-tk-ii-stereo-board-incorporates-dual-pokey-u-switch-ps2-dual-keyboard/page-3?do=findComment&comment=3579332 This is the info on the TKII - this new board basically does everything the TKII does and adds Dual Pokey operation. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/240686-transkey-ii-in-development/?do=findComment&comment=3281145 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 (edited) Is there a reasonably concise explanation somewhere of its features/benefits and how it is installed? I've seen the "TK-II in Development" thread... -Larry Hi Larry For now the links that orpheus provided below are your best bet on getting more info on both the Stereo and the Keyboard aspects, as well as installation notes. Today I'll start working on specific install guides for the various A8 'flavors', of which there already is one for the 800XL (link). The difference between the XL/XE and the XEGS versions is the choice of connection headers. Due to the proximity of the plastic cartridge surround on the XEGS, the straight headers are required to give sufficient clearance (it's a tight fit). Also on the XEGS there is one additional mod that needs to be performed to allow proper operation without the external stock keyboard attached (link). And last but not least, just like the Lotharek Stereo board and depending upon the particular computer, the RF shield might not be usable and/or if used require modification to fit (personally I would suggest not using it unless you require RF Modulator output). Features/Benefits: It does everything that the combination of Lotharek's Stereo and U-Switch boards do, plus you get a TK-II keyboard interface built-in as well. So essentially it is a 3-in-one board, taking up nearly the same space inside your A8 as Lotharek's Stereo board alone. From an installation standpoint it plugs into the pokey socket and then you have to hook up 6 wires (There is also the option to add a manual switch & a LED to show Mono/Stereo operation - but those are optional.) - Then you connect the breakout PS/2 board with the supplied cabling - I run mine from the back of the machine but it can also be mounted anywhere you like (probably the hardest part of the installation) http://atariage.com/forums/topic/254884-tk-ii-stereo-board-incorporates-dual-pokey-u-switch-ps2-dual-keyboard/page-3?do=findComment&comment=3579332 This is the info on the TKII - this new board basically does everything the TKII does and adds Dual Pokey operation. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/240686-transkey-ii-in-development/?do=findComment&comment=3281145 As orpheus pointed out, the connector breakout board (which has the PS2 and Audio connections) does not require mounting or hole drilling if you simply snake the ribbon cable out of the case through an existing opening. For instance on a 600/800XL it could be routed out where the PBI port access has been provided. Another possibility would be to file a slot between the upper and lower case halves just big enough for the ribbon to pass through. Of course for the cleanest look, internal mounting would be preferred. If you wish to minimize the number of holes, and make it easier to remove the motherboard in the future, stand-offs (not provided in the bundle) could be used to mount it directly to the motherboard (where the RF shield ground plane runs around the perimeter). Otherwise with two additional holes in the case, using the provided mounting brackets and screws is likely the easiest mounting method. And for single keyboard use, not requiring the 2nd PS2 connector, purchasing the bundle with the smaller single PS2 connector breakout board would of course make the job of locating a space to mount it so much easier. - Michael Edited September 21, 2016 by mytekcontrols 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olix Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 Try again. I think I've fixed the shipping method issue. Sorry If the shipping still looks funny, let me know. No sorry ... the same problem again, if i use germany as country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dropcheck Posted September 21, 2016 Author Share Posted September 21, 2016 No sorry ... the same problem again, if i use germany as country. I begin to hate the variation option in woocommerce........ Try it again. I have it set the same as the XF551 Modern board. Should work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olix Posted September 21, 2016 Share Posted September 21, 2016 I begin to hate the variation option in woocommerce........ Try it again. I have it set the same as the XF551 Modern board. Should work. ... now it's ok! The order is sent to you. Olix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dropcheck Posted September 23, 2016 Author Share Posted September 23, 2016 Update: Only 7 more left. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Kline Posted September 23, 2016 Share Posted September 23, 2016 Update: Only 7 more left. Minus the 2 I just pre-ordered, of course. --Tim 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8bitbill Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 Ordered mine a few days back - after seeing orpheuswaking's setup at VCF-MW and talking with him about it - just don't have the time to build it all myself. Can't wait - have a 1200XL will a dying keyboard and hopefully a 2nd Pokey from a dead 800XL. Thank again Dropcheck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 Glad my setup instilled some interest 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentarian Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 Minus the 2 I just pre-ordered, of course. --Tim Don't you need 20 more for your 1200XL's? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Kline Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 Don't you need 20 more for your 1200XL's? ___________________________________________________________________ Let's see... 27 1200XLs x $45 = ... uhm... baby steps here, lol. Lest we forget, there's also the U1MB and VBXE mods upgrades... Nah, I'll start with a couple and see how things go so I can decide where to go from there. But I really did laugh when I saw your post, Brentarian! ^_^ --Tim 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 And Timothy you'll be glad to know that I created the installation details for a 1200XL a couple of days ago here. Just in time for the 20 boards you'll be installing thanks to Brentarium's suggestion Actually Dropcheck's pricing is very good considering that at that VCF show they were selling assembled Piggy-Back TK-II keyboard only boards for $40. For an extra $5 you can get Stereo and integrated U-Switch capability as well. Michael 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dropcheck Posted October 1, 2016 Author Share Posted October 1, 2016 Update: Only 3 left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dropcheck Posted October 14, 2016 Author Share Posted October 14, 2016 Update: PCBs are in from Itead as well as parts. Assembly will commence today. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8bitbill Posted October 14, 2016 Share Posted October 14, 2016 woo hoo! Can't wait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+mytek Posted October 14, 2016 Share Posted October 14, 2016 (edited) Here's a little bit better picture of the bundle (terminal houses and ribbon connection cable not shown). - Michael EDIT: Of course you would only get one connector interface board depending on what you ordered from Dropcheck Edited October 14, 2016 by mytekcontrols 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Stephen Posted October 15, 2016 Share Posted October 15, 2016 That's a beautifully laid out board! I love how you even have transistors tucked inside the PoKey socket. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roydea6 Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Here's a little bit better picture of the bundle (terminal houses and ribbon connection cable not shown). - Michael EDIT: Of course you would only get one connector interface board depending on what you ordered from Dropcheck Received mine in the mail today and it is a work of art.. I will be installing over the weekend. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Kline Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 Mine has arrived to dare me, as well. Thank you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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