The TF536 on a CDTV (Project Abandoned)

[arkadiusz.makarenko]

@bartekmalysz

I think no one really done it yet?

[terriblefire]

You will need to

1. raise it up so it clears the caps and can actually be plugged in.
2. Solder the CPU directly to the PCB without a socket ( so it doesnt hit the top of the case)
3. reflash the cpld with a firmware that lets the CD drive still work (or obtain patched roms that dont exist).
4. use right angled 2.0mm pitch IDE headers (if you can find them).

The card is not designed to fit in that machine and nobody has actually done what your are trying to do so do not expect a simple set of known good instructions.

These ideas we've had based on observations.You're basically on your own and have to research this yourself.

[bartekmalysz]

@8 Bit Dreams AlanPPC (amibay) mentioned I could try asking you to build a card for me. I believe you have a CDTV unit to test it as well. Would you offer this please, or can recommend someone who could? I did some measurements today. I would need to install additional row of pins and file them down approx 1.5 mm. The motherboard C59 cap could be an ideal pivot for the board, I'll try to design and 3d print a mount that would wrap around it, sit on it an support the board (little hole required for TF C15 cap). If I get rid of the CPU socket the chip profile sits ideally underneath the cover, so could be used along with thermal paste to dissipate the heath. The only challenge that remains is the IDE connector has to be right angled and pointing downwards. This leaves enough space to the left (front view) for CF card. I believe this could be an optimal variant to reliably fit it there. I'd welcome your thoughts and of course would you be willing to build one for me? Many thanks,

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[8 Bit Dreams]

Building a card isn't a problem, our issue are extended roms, we need to patch them or add DMA support for TF536, none of those two options are done for now..

Ps
I've done rev.1 TF536 tests extensively on all setups i have last year,
On CDTV i was able to boot to workbench, insert Lemmings CD and play game from CD,
haven't done same tests with rev.2 though, will probably not work as it has different firmware...

[utri007]

Relocator would help with capacitors as it would make it sit higher. Wondering would A1000 relocator be OK?

https://www.pcbway.com/project/sharepro ... or_V1.html

This one? Would it be enough to help with that big capacitors?

[bartekmalysz]

The capacitor actually would help to mount it alright

[bartekmalysz]

So what are my options for an accelerator in CDTV?

[bartekmalysz]

@8 Bit Dreams can I not use this card with CDTV and just flip kickstart switch when I want pure CDTV? If so, are you able to build one for me, please?

[utri007]

Wait that 8 Bit Dreams could test it with newer extended roms? I would be perfectly OK TF536 if CD-drive works, even if I can't boot from it.

If 8 Bit Dreams could test will it fit and what would be required to make it sit tight and stable?

[terriblefire]

Wait that 8 Bit Dreams could test it with newer extended roms? I would be perfectly OK TF536 if CD-drive works, even if I can't boot from it.

If 8 Bit Dreams could test will it fit and what would be required to make it sit tight and stable?

It will boot without the CD Drive already. With patches it will even let you use the CD Drive in workbench.

I've never been able to get it to boot from CD with fastram enabled.

That said the easiest option may be to do a non-autoconfig version of the firmware and add the fastmem yourself in the startup sequence. That way the drive will work.

Its purely an OS thing that the drive wont work. DMA is perfect on the 536 thanks to extensive Atari ST testing,.