It's long overdue - Cosmac Elf II build

[rubber_jonnie]

Out of curiosity I hooked up my little 5" CRT TV to the Elf to see if it was any different, and it is:

IMG20260605134402.jpg

So no rolling/flickering, but I think perhaps that there is some software setup needed. Need to do some more reading.

Annoyingly the DIP for the thru hole version is still not here :(

EDIT - I have gone through the build docs and found a video test which I'll try later :)

[rubber_jonnie]

OK so the video test made no difference, I really think I need to get that DIP IC to complete the through hole board done as it is easier to build and easier to troubleshoot, so lets hope it arrives today.

[HigashiJun]

The most frustrating part of all projects: waiting for parts to arrive...

:(

[rubber_jonnie]

The most frustrating part of all projects: waiting for parts to arrive...

:(

Especially since the IC didn't arrive...

I might order from somebody else just to cover all bases.

[HigashiJun]

Especially since the IC didn't arrive...

Ah, bummer...

[rubber_jonnie]

Especially since the IC didn't arrive...

Ah, bummer...

I've ordered another from elswhere. Bit annoying as the original one was ordered from a trusted seller on eBay. Had a couple lately where trusted sellers have failed badly.

[HigashiJun]

Had a couple lately where trusted sellers have failed badly.

Never happened to me yet, touch wood...

[rubber_jonnie]

Had a couple lately where trusted sellers have failed badly.

Never happened to me yet, touch wood...

Fingers crossed 🤞

It's annoying as I've built up quite a few decent eBay sellers, so to start losing some is not really what I want.

[HigashiJun]

It's annoying as I've built up quite a few decent eBay sellers, so to start losing some is not really what I want.

I do agree, it's really annoying.

:(

[rubber_jonnie]

It's annoying as I've built up quite a few decent eBay sellers, so to start losing some is not really what I want.

I do agree, it's really annoying.

:(

Aaaand, it just arrived!!! It took 2 weeks, which is really quite a long time. I'll be interested to see how quickly the other one I ordered takes to arrive.

Also some good news:

IMG20260608102022.jpg

The thru hole CDP 1861 is now complete!!!

And it works!!!

IMG20260608101930.jpg

This is essentially an image showing the contents of RAM, just a simple test program - 61, 69 entered at locations 00 and 01 and that is run, but it is a good video signal. At least I know what the SMD version should look like.

Hopefully I can get the SMD version working now I know what to expect.