32MHz for STEs without CPU socket

[IngoQ]

Preliminary Conclusion

Obviously I like the STFM 1.5 Booster variant better, simply because of its form factor. So I guess I will stick with it, after I tested the hell out of both boosters ;)

So is this the ultimate solution for any ST?

No of course not. Not even for any STE. If your STE has a socket, you should stick with the STE booster, since it is easier to integrate.

And if your STE has no socket: Then you CAN consider the STFM 1.5 booster as well, if you are comfortable doing the same modifications as I described above. There are some ideas for a plug in solution, for those who can't or don't want to solder that much, but nothing is available at the time of this post. And let's be honest: This might only affect a couple of STEs out there. But if you - like me - are one of them, then this above is probably your only way.

[troed]

Fascinating reading, thanks for taking the time to document all this, including with pictures :)

/Troed

[Sausageinabun]

Damned fine work my friend, well done!! :)

[exxos]

:goodpost:

Deserves a hack award of the day that one does! 8-)

[IngoQ]

Thank you all :cheers:

[Maeke]

The testing photo of the 1.5 is the same as the one with the ste booster.
This said, great work.

[IngoQ]

The testing photo of the 1.5 is the same as the one with the ste booster.

Yep, you're right, corrected it :)

[IngoQ]

Update: 8MHz Clock

Okay, apparently I was blind :) When looking at some of the pictures I had made, I discovered this:

CPU_CLK_TRACE#1.jpg

So, YES, there is second trace at that CPU pin, but you can only see the connection, as long as there is no socket. I followed the trace, and it indeed goes more or less directly to Pin 3 at the GST/MCU/Blitter Combo, as it should:

GST_COMBO.JPG

This means, that I did not have to bend up pins like I did, I could have cut the trace and find to spots to solder on wires. I looked a little around, and found these vias to be nice spots:

CPU_CLK_Vias.jpg

I am not sure, whether I will actually do this, but this might be handy for the next one trying this :)

[exxos]

Track cutting is more tricky.. more chance of slipping with the knife and damaging more tracks.. PLus some people likely cut the wrong tracks and end in a mess trying to repair them :roll:

Think you did a better job than my hack up of it all last year..

IMG_1973.JPG

IMG_1974.JPG

[IngoQ]

Yep, my cutted trace looks the same ;) But I was recently told, that you could use a small (5mm) drill to cut the trace. If you need to repair it, it can be done by just using a bit solder. But I have to admit, I did not yet try that.