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That is pretty much the end of a lot of stuff then.
I only use the 144XL on the ST536 / STE536, so I guess for the few which will get built, it will make no odds. But for sure, its the end of a lot of projects for the future
The 288XL is like £40-£100 now. So I think that's going to crush any future DFB1X batches at those prices.
Most TTL chips aren't being manufactured any more either as the fabs are only interested in high margin chips now.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
stephen_usher wrote: Fri Apr 19, 2024 11:55 am
Most TTL chips aren't being manufactured any more either as the fabs are only interested in high margin chips now.
Yeah it's very hard to find TTL chips now. I've been buying tubes of 100 from Mouser for some items to keep stock of what I can.
I have been saying for a while that things like the 030 sockets and OSCs and some other items I'm having to have them custom-made now. Things like CPUs et I just becoming harder and harder to find working ones now. It's just become a uphill battle. But I have already waffled on about this many times before anyway.
I guess it's a good thing I never really got around to learning Verilog properly as it looks like any related projects are just going to become obsolete now anyway.
I pretty much only ever get TTL IC's from eBay these days. I have a few sources I trust, but I don't doubt they will eventually dry out. Sure it's a risk, and sometimes you get bad un's, but more often than not they are good, at least from the sellers I use.
I almost never buy from larger places like RS, Farnell, Digi-Key and Mouser because for the small numbers I buy, it is truly extortionate what they charge for delivery.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
rubber_jonnie wrote: Fri Apr 19, 2024 12:11 pm
I almost never buy from larger places like RS, Farnell, Digi-Key and Mouser because for the small numbers I buy, it is truly extortionate what they charge for delivery.
I usually make an order of just above 50€ (without VAT) to get free shipping. For small stuff where I'm ok-ish with made in China, I order through LCSC.
rubber_jonnie wrote: Fri Apr 19, 2024 12:11 pm
I almost never buy from larger places like RS, Farnell, Digi-Key and Mouser because for the small numbers I buy, it is truly extortionate what they charge for delivery.
I usually make an order of just above 50€ (without VAT) to get free shipping. For small stuff where I'm ok-ish with made in China, I order through LCSC.
I almost never have a single order that exceeds that amount, probably never even half that, and when they want to charge £30 for a few £s worth of components, I just won't do it.
I use Cricklewood Electronics often for some parts, good parts, good quality and sensible shipping costs. I've never looked at LCSC, but having a quick look now, they don't take payment in pounds, shame.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
LCSC don't seem to stock much of what I use anymore. Seems anything big like semis/ sockets etc, they don't sell anymore.
I use LCSC just for assembly as JLC use them, but beyond that, I only bother with mouser now. If mouser don't stock it, then its generally not worth the trouble anymore.