REV 3 - REV 5 - The beginning (ST536)

[olivier.jan]

Ok, my bad, with the mandatory fixes done it works now smoothly with all CF cards but the CF to SD. The CF to SD adapter produces the same behaviour as before, but it’s no big deal as I have a few CF anyway. Many thanks for the help.
Now I can start populating the new hard drive and move on to the next mod, an STGA and ET4000 while waiting for EPROMs to arrive.

[exxos]

Ok, my bad, with the mandatory fixes done it works now smoothly with all CF cards

:thumbup:

[coonsgm]

So I just finished my ST536 build and things are looking pretty good with the exception of the IDE connector. It seems I had a similar issue with the random reboots when trying to access my SD to IDE adapter.

Well, stupid me thought I might have plugged in my adapter backwards...so I flipped it.

Now I get the following image regardless of if anything is connected to the IDE

IMG_1203.jpg

Any thoughts on how to fix it? It works lovely with my Ultrasatan....so I have that at least.

[coonsgm]

Turns out that my 44 pin cable had started to separate. All good here, just need a different IDE to CF card adapter now :)

[PhilC]

Just a quick question assist been a while since I built some of these.

I'm going to build three more ST536s but need to use the HN27C4096-85. What's the best firmware for these? I've ran out of the AT27C4096-55s and have plenty of the Hitachi ones here.

[exxos]

I'm going to build three more ST536s but need to use the HN27C4096-85. What's the best firmware for these? I've ran out of the AT27C4096-55s and have plenty of the Hitachi ones here.

The one that says slow ROM..

https://exxosforum.co.uk/atari/last/TF536/index.htm

[PhilC]

@exxos cool, thought as much, thanks

[exxos]

I'm getting 5 of the updated boards made. 4 will go in the store. They will be "bird seed" type boards. Parts fitted will be as shown below.

ST536_TOP.PNG

ST536_BOTTOM.PNG

1 Board I will build up and test before they go to the store. I'm classing these boards of BETA, so builders must know how to flash firmware and finish the build etc

I plan to use the STE536 firmware (hopefully) so I don't have to maintain 2 branches of firmware. Though of course it needs testing before release.

[exxos]

New boards come !
Now I am annoyed with myself AGAIN for still not removing the old 144 PLD from the BOM :pullhair: :headbang: :cussing: I will have to try and remove them without damaging them, so maybe re-use them on some other projects one day..

IMG_3548.JPG

[exxos]

Spent an hour last night removing the old PLDs.. Managed to get 1 new one soldered on but ran out of time last night..

IMG_3549.JPG

IMG_3550.JPG

IMG_3551.JPG

IMG_3552.JPG

I've also just ordered a small ultrasonic cleaner as my original one died a couple years ago in a blaze of glory :fire: is not worth me setting up my large tank just for a couple of very small boards..

Not sure when I will get chance to get back to this because I have my Falcon on my desk at the moment testing chips to build up some more DFB1X... But will try and clean up the board to mind ultrasonic cleaner arrives and solder the PLDs in between testing DFB1X stuff out.

Also realised I think I accidentally chucked away my favourite soldering iron tip when it broke the other day.. It's like breaking in new shoes, just incredibly irritating to have something new... It just don't feel right!! :lol: :roll: