35 replies to this topic

[HiassofT]

I finally found the time to update the instructions and uploaded all the docs to my "simple 512k SRAM extension" plus some pictures of the extension to my website:

http://www.horus.com...atari/#sram512k

The goal of this project was to create a cheap, easy-to-build and flexible RAM upgrade. You just need a 512k SRAM, a GAL 22V10 plus a few passive components (resistors, capacitors, switches or jumpers). You don't even need a PCB :-) Optionally you can add a battery backup to this upgrade so that the contents are preserved when you switch off your Atari.

The RAM extension can be configured to 4 modes, using 2 switches or jumpers: 512k, 256k, 256k with separate ANTIC access and 0k (off). For more details please have a look at the "sram12.txt" file.

so long,

Hias

[spookt]

HiassofT, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:36 PM, said:

I finally found the time to update the instructions and uploaded all the docs to my "simple 512k SRAM extension" plus some pictures of the extension to my website:

http://www.horus.com...atari/#sram512k

The goal of this project was to create a cheap, easy-to-build and flexible RAM upgrade. You just need a 512k SRAM, a GAL 22V10 plus a few passive components (resistors, capacitors, switches or jumpers). You don't even need a PCB :-) Optionally you can add a battery backup to this upgrade so that the contents are preserved when you switch off your Atari.

The RAM extension can be configured to 4 modes, using 2 switches or jumpers: 512k, 256k, 256k with separate ANTIC access and 0k (off). For more details please have a look at the "sram12.txt" file.

so long,

Hias

Hmm, looks very cool. I may have to try this on one of my 600XLs. Ultimate small form factor Atari Thanks!

[pajero_pn]

HiassofT, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:36 PM, said:

The RAM extension can be configured to 4 modes, using 2 switches or jumpers: 512k, 256k, 256k with separate ANTIC access and 0k (off). For more details please have a look at the "sram12.txt" file.

It was checked with:
Numen http://numen.scene.pl/
Bomb Jack http://atarionline.p...1.5,320,v1).xex
?

[HiassofT]

Hi Spookt!

spookt, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 1:44 PM, said:

Hmm, looks very cool. I may have to try this on one of my 600XLs. Ultimate small form factor Atari Thanks!

You're welcome!

BTW: The 512/576k 600XL is now my main "gaming" Atari in my living room. Equipped with a Turbo Freezer plus an SDrive it's a really neat and small system :-)

so long,

Hias

[a8isa1]

HiassofT, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:36 PM, said:

I finally found the time to update the instructions and uploaded all the docs to my "simple 512k SRAM extension" plus some pictures of the extension to my website:

http://www.horus.com...atari/#sram512k

The goal of this project was to create a cheap, easy-to-build and flexible RAM upgrade. You just need a 512k SRAM, a GAL 22V10 plus a few passive components (resistors, capacitors, switches or jumpers). You don't even need a PCB :-) Optionally you can add a battery backup to this upgrade so that the contents are preserved when you switch off your Atari.

The RAM extension can be configured to 4 modes, using 2 switches or jumpers: 512k, 256k, 256k with separate ANTIC access and 0k (off). For more details please have a look at the "sram12.txt" file.

so long,

Hias

Thanks Hias.

Unfortunately I don't have a GAL programmer.

Would you happen to have a schematic using just TTL?

A subset of your upgrade, preferably 256K CompyShop compatible, would be even better.

Regards,

Steve Sheppard

Edited by a8isa1, Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:43 PM.

[HiassofT]

Hi Pajero!

pajero_pn, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 3:39 PM, said:

It was checked with:
Numen http://numen.scene.pl/

Yes. It works in all 3 modes. Actually Numen was one of my main test cases (besides the various ramdisk/x-ram test programs). I really like Numen, but I guess I'll have to wait a year or so 'til I can watch it again :-)

Quote

Bomb Jack http://atarionline.p...1.5,320,v1).xex

Yes, it works too (also in all 3 modes). But I only tested the first level (I really suck at playing BombJack).

BTW: I designed this extension so that it's compatible with the most common other upgrades (AtariMagazin and Rambo/CompyShop).

If you'd like me to test it with some other software just drop me a line.

so long,

Hias

[HiassofT]

Hi Steve!

a8isa1, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:42 PM, said:

Unfortunately I don't have a GAL programmer.

I'm sure some of the kind people in this forum are willing to send you a pre-programmed GAL :-)

I could also send you one, but I'd really like to avoid shipping outside of Europe. Shipping costs would be more than the costs of the GAL (even shipping from Austria to Germany costs a fortune...).

Quote

Would you happen to have a schematic using just TTL?

A subset of your upgrade, preferably 256K CompyShop compatible, would be even better.

Sorry, no. I created several other RAM upgrades (mainly DRAM) in the past, using TTL chips, but since I bought a GAL/EPROM/... programmer I almost completely switched to PLDs (GALs and CPLDs). This saves a lot of time building (fewer wires to solder), it's easier to change the logic while developing (just re-program the GAL instead of re-soldering a bunch of wires), and it's a lot easier to avoid timing issues.

so long,

Hias

[papa_november]

Any hope of a PCB / full kit?

[pajero_pn]

Will be version 1MB?

I am on period of change QMEG 4.04.
So that it saw 1MB.

[HiassofT]

papa_november, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:05 PM, said:

Any hope of a PCB / full kit?

Sorry, nothing planned ATM. This is meant to be a DIY project.

If you are looking for PCB kits, contact mega-hz. He sells (or sold?) the 512k upgrade designed by Bernd (BigBen). This upgrade is similar to mine, we designed it at the same time and were in close contact and exchanged a lot of ideas.

so long,

Hias

[HiassofT]

pajero_pn, on Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:29 AM, said:

Will be version 1MB?

This one is 512k only. The GAL doesn't have enough I/Os (pins) for a 1MB version.

But: I designed a 1MB upgrade (using a XC9536 or XC9536XL) earlier this year together with Wolfram (mega-hz). You can find the CPLD logic source at his website:
http://mega-hz.no-ip.../1024K/1mb.html
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the "PLD Logik" link.

I just noticed that the PCB kits are currently sold out and the schematic isn't online yet, so here's a very short version how to build it by yourself (it's similar to the 512k GAL version, but it also intercepts PB1):

Connect PB1-PB7 of the PIA to the CPLD (and don't forget the pull-ups). There are 3 mode-select inputs on the CPLD plus another "write protect" input (all are active-low, again don't forget the pull-ups). cas_inhibit in/out is connected to the MMU like in the 512k upgrade, plus there's a basic (output) pin (in addition to the selftest output) on the CPLD that needs to be connected with the MMU. ram_a (14..18) connect to the RAM address lines of both 512k RAMs, ram_we is also connected to both RAMs. Then there are separate ram1/2_ce and ram1/2_oe signals. That's pretty much it.

IIRC the logic on his webpage is assembled for the XC9536XL (3.3V version), you'll need a 3.3V voltage regulator to use this. Or: use the Xilinx software and assemble it for the XC9536 (5V version). This is the better solution, anyway, we had some initial problems with the 3.3V version (but mega-hz had accidentally ordered the wrong one :-)

so long,

Hias

[rdemming]

a8isa1, on Mon Sep 28, 2009 4:42 PM, said:

Unfortunately I don't have a GAL programmer.

Would you happen to have a schematic using just TTL?

A subset of your upgrade, preferably 256K CompyShop compatible, would be even better.

Regards,

Steve Sheppard

I suppose you can try to take the jedec file to your local electronics shop to ask if they can burn a GAL for you.

Hias, what software do you use to create the jedec file? I'm looking into a way to turn a simple schematic with 7400 logic into a GAL listing but I can't find a place to start. You know any reference on the web to get started. Thanks.

Robert

[HiassofT]

rdemming, on Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:52 AM, said:

Hias, what software do you use to create the jedec file? I'm looking into a way to turn a simple schematic with 7400 logic into a GAL listing but I can't find a place to start. You know any reference on the web to get started. Thanks.

I'm using PALASM: http://www.engr.uky....81/software.htm

It's a nice little DOS program that works fine and does everything I need. Despite it's name it's also able to assemble logic for GAL devices (just use a "CHIP xxx PALCE22V10" to assemble for a GAL 22V10, for example).

Several years ago I had a look at WinCupl, but it was a desaster (crashing like hell and producing wrong code). Maybe it works better now, but I never bothered to try it again once I found PALASM.

so long,

Hias

[rdemming]

HiassofT, on Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:49 AM, said:

I'm using PALASM: http://www.engr.uky....81/software.htm

It's a nice little DOS program that works fine and does everything I need. Despite it's name it's also able to assemble logic for GAL devices (just use a "CHIP xxx PALCE22V10" to assemble for a GAL 22V10, for example).

Several years ago I had a look at WinCupl, but it was a desaster (crashing like hell and producing wrong code). Maybe it works better now, but I never bothered to try it again once I found PALASM.

Thanks. I also found WinCUPL on the Atmel site. So I will try both. Unfortunately there is no date in WinCUPL so I can't say how old it is, but is is a Windows app so it might be a little more userfriendly than the DOS based PALASM. Now I only have to find a cheap programmer but unfortunately they seem to be very expensive :-(

Robert

[bob1200xl]

I use a ChipMax2 programmer from eeTools with Atmel's WinCupl. Works fine, but the Atmel WinCupl only supports Atmel chips. Not a big problem since Atmel has a good selection of ICs. Of course, the programmer will program just about anything - you just need the JEDEC file.

Yes - it's expensive. Like $600. The adaptors for PLCC chips aren't cheap, either.

Bob

rdemming, on Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:27 AM, said:

HiassofT, on Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:49 AM, said:

I'm using PALASM: http://www.engr.uky....81/software.htm

It's a nice little DOS program that works fine and does everything I need. Despite it's name it's also able to assemble logic for GAL devices (just use a "CHIP xxx PALCE22V10" to assemble for a GAL 22V10, for example).

Several years ago I had a look at WinCupl, but it was a desaster (crashing like hell and producing wrong code). Maybe it works better now, but I never bothered to try it again once I found PALASM.

Thanks. I also found WinCUPL on the Atmel site. So I will try both. Unfortunately there is no date in WinCUPL so I can't say how old it is, but is is a Windows app so it might be a little more userfriendly than the DOS based PALASM. Now I only have to find a cheap programmer but unfortunately they seem to be very expensive :-(

Robert

[HiassofT]

rdemming, on Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:27 AM, said:

Now I only have to find a cheap programmer but unfortunately they seem to be very expensive :-(

One of the cheapest solutions is to build the GALBlast programmer:
http://freenet-homep...in/galblast.htm

Also have a look at the Minimum effort GAL programming link at this website, it describes an even cheaper method to program a GAL (but it's not as flexible and easy as using GALBlast).

so long,

Hias

[David_P]

A quick check on Ebay finds a programmer that handles quite a list of devices for under $70 (shipped). http://cgi.ebay.com/...id=p4999.c0.m14 ; the supported device list is at: http://www.gg-dl.com...b/G540-LIST.htm

[rdemming]

Thanks to all.

The GAL-blast looks interesting. But it only works on the printer port. My current old eprom programmer also only works on the printer port. It works great on DOS/Windows98, but under Windows XP it needs UserPort but that still works unreliable. So I prefer a USB version so I don't need DOS anymore. Besides, lots of new computers don't have a printer port anymore.

The Chinese programmer David mentioned is very cheap but what about support and quality? I saw that the "English" written in their manual and software is terrible "Chinglish" but understandable.
However, the cheapest programmer that supported GAL/PAL that I could find in The Netherlands was more than 300 euro. So for only about 45 euro including shipping I've decided to take the risk and I ordered the Chinese one. It even includes simple DIP to PLCC adapters. Now I only hope it gets delivered and works

Robert

Edited by rdemming, Fri Oct 2, 2009 2:06 AM.

[danwinslow]

Heh, Robert I ordered it as well. So, at least if it sucks, you won't be alone.

[poobah]

as a gift, NO PAY!

Nice!

Let us know how they work out, I might grab one as well.

[rdemming]

danwinslow, on Fri Oct 2, 2009 7:23 AM, said:

Heh, Robert I ordered it as well. So, at least if it sucks, you won't be alone.

poobah, on Fri Oct 2, 2009 7:36 PM, said:

as a gift, NO PAY!

Nice!

Let us know how they work out, I might grab one as well.

It is comforting to know that I won't be alone if the device sucks But I will let you if I can get it to work if it arrives


Hias, as a user of the original Turbo Freezer XL, I'm very happy with your improved Turbo Freezer XE. In the old days I was missing memory search functions but thanks to the additional rom space, it now has much more functions including searching . So I don't have to browse through kilobytes of memory anymore to find the memory location with the current number of lives
The cartridge emulation is great as well. I only miss the emulation of 128KB XE cards
So many thanks for the new Turbo Freezer.

Robert

Edited by rdemming, Sat Oct 3, 2009 7:57 AM.

[rdemming]

danwinslow, on Fri Oct 2, 2009 7:23 AM, said:

Heh, Robert I ordered it as well. So, at least if it sucks, you won't be alone.

poobah, on Fri Oct 2, 2009 7:36 PM, said:

as a gift, NO PAY!

Nice!

Let us know how they work out, I might grab one as well.

The programmer arrived already some time ago but I promised to write my finding on it. The shipment was fast and I didn't need to pay import taxes so that was great.
The programmer hardware feels good and sturdy. I plugged it in and the USB drivers find it with no problems.

The manual and software is available in English but the translation is terrible. They even misspelled their webpage at one point But it was understandable to me. Some error message are not translated and are displayed in some strange character. I think I should install Chinese fonts to be able to read it
One bug in the software is that the picture of the socket is not on the right place on the screen. It looks strange but does not influence the usability of the program. But this was only on Windows XP. On Windows Vista it displayed fine.
The last version of their software (v5.20) is on their website and seems to be from December 2009!

The program has the normal options to read and write chips and accepts binary, Motorola/Intel hex files, EMC CDS and JEDEC files. The data can be load in several modes like only odd or even bytes or 2 bytes out of 4. So you can program odd/even chip pairs without first splitting the file yourself. Also parts of the file can be skipped. Further it can write an ID at some location when programming multiple chips.
It even can encrypt data but how the data is encrypted is not clear to me. But it seems only applicable to certain devices like PICs.
Further there is simple hex viewer where you can check/edit the data read or the be programmed. Unfortunately this window is not re-sizable so you only see 256 bytes at once.
For ICs it supports eprom, flash rom, eeprom, MCU/MPU, PLD, serial eproms. Further it can test some ram chips and TTL/CMOS logic chips.


Then I took out my box with 8bit eprom and flash chips. I could read all the eprom and flash chips. And all the flash chips I tried to program, were correctly programmed.
I don't have any PAL/GAL components so I could try that. On little problem was that sometimes, the software couldn't find the programmer anymore. But restarting the programmer and/or software solved that.
I also tried to test several 74xx chips I had in my old chip box. Some tested fine but quite a few where indicated as bad. They could be indeed bad although it wouldn't surprise me if the test was not good.

Conclusion:
The hardware feels good. The software is not so good but good enough for my programming tasks.
This is not a high quality product but for the 46 euro (including shipping) I paid for it, I'm very happy with it. For the few chips I program its functionality is more than enough and it provides good value for money.

Robert

Edited by rdemming, Fri Dec 11, 2009 8:52 AM.

[poobah]

Robert,

thanks for updating us!

I decided to go with one of the Wellon VP280s (about $100 US), I'll report on that when it arrives.

[AB Positive]

I would be highly interested... if someone can provide a programmed GAL :-/ I can't envision when I'd need more than one chip...

[sloopy]

i have bought one of the G540 programmers too, and havnt had any probs with it, i like the cmos/ttl chip test (40xx/74xx series) it has, and yes the manual is a little rough on the engrish... i havent actually used any GAL's with it, i do have some and checked them when they came in, werent blank erased them and then check them and blank (err blanck ;') check went ok...

the GAL's i have are:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item5ad50630f5

did a best offer of $2/ea qty 7, so i got 7 pcs for about ~$21 including shipping...

sloopy.