N8VEM project list and status

["Andrew Lynch" <lyn...@yahoo.com>]

Hi!  Here is the N8VEM project list with status separated into three categories: Planned, Active, and Under Consideration

Planned

ECB Active Terminator

- status: not started. Has anyone built one of the ECB extended backplanes? Do they work? Do we even need an active terminator for the new backplane?

ECB WD2793 FDC

- status: not started. It has been a while for this one. John is working on an S-100 ZFDC board which uses the WD2793 so it probably makes sense to let this one wait until the S-100 ZFDC is done

ECB Dual GIDE

- status: not started. Max, we were working on this at one point, I seem to recall. Any progress?

ISA Prototyping Board

- status: not started. This project is low priority and waiting for some of these other projects to clear out first.


Active

ECB Host Processor Redesign (6809/6502/6802)
- status: PCB completed and have arrived ($20 ECB PCB)

ECB RAM-Floppy

- status: in work. Wolfgang requested to hold the ordering the prototypes until after December so he can do some updates. On hold pending resolution.

ECB uPD7220 GDC second prototype

- status: second prototype PCBs ordered and should arrive ~20 Dec 2010.

Home Computer

- status: initial prototype PCB designed and trace route optimization underway. No estimate for completion yet
- update: received some feedback to improve ECB interface and memory decoding logic. Prototype PCB updated and in trace routing. I'd like to get this board ordered sooner rather than later.

S-100 Console IO

- status: first prototype board ordered and sent to builder team. Build and test underway with expected rework in progress. Second prototype PCB looks likely given scope of changes.
- update: significant changes to hardware. Build and test under way and Propeller software seems to be improving. Major console functions are working.

S-100 ZFDC Intelligent Floppy Controller

- status: second prototype board ordered and en route to John.

- Fixed the numerous problems with first prototype. Looks solid and probably a manufactured PCB will be ordered in couple weeks or so.

- update: second prototype board in build and test. Some minor design changes but board is firming up fast. Probably a third prototype PCB will be needed.

- Looks pretty solid and probably ordering manufactured PCBs in the near future.

S-100 68K CPU

- status: first prototype board ordered and distributed to builder team. Initial build and test under way. See Douglas Goodall wiki for update on status.
- update: build and test on hold pending parts delivery and should resume in next few days.

PICE

- status: Nothing on PCB, prototype is in construction. No progress recently.

SCSI2IDE

- status: interest has picked up and received several feedback items. Prototype PCB redesigned and in trace routing.

- I will order prototype boards as soon as it finishes in the trace route optimizer.

MSX cartridge reader:
- status: initial prototype board status ordered. PCBs should arrive in late Dec 2010.

MSX cartridge board:
- status: PCB redesigned to reduce cost. PCBs have arrived and are available (miniboards $5 each)

SBC-188 rev 1

- status: Rev 1 PCBs on order. Expect delivery in ~20 Dec 2010

4MEM

- status: Initial PCBs on order. Expect delivery in late Dec 2010

DSKY
- status: got several requests recently for more DSKY PCBs so did a respin of the original design (Eagle -> KiCAD). Pending feedback on the design and should order initial manufactured PCBs soon.

XT-IDE

- status: reordered PCBs have arrived ($12 each)

Under Consideration

S-100 Propeller prototyping board

S-100 Bus Exerciser

S-100 SCSI Interface

??? other ideas ???

So there are many interesting things happening! Anyone is welcome to participate and new projects are added frequently. Comments, thoughts, questions welcome!

Thanks and have a nice day!

Andrew Lynch