santosp

Along with my latest acquisition an Atari 800XL , came off a pair of paddles and a Defender 64 light gun from Cheetach Marketing. All that courtesy of a friend as a swap for some repairs.
Of course this gun isn't work at all with Atari, something to be expected since it has built for use with a Commodore 64.
Initially believe that change and only the series of pins, according to the standards of Atari was enough to work. Finally concluded that it needed some internal surgery to save the patient.
Ok lets see.

First of all the original joy cable (gray color) of the gun have only 4 cables, and one of them must be change place. What specific the pin number 5 must be moved to pin number 1 of the 9pin D-Sub connector. This is possible with 2 ways.
Changing the entire cable with a new one and rewiring, but instead of using the pin 5 must use the pin 1. Or creating an external male to male adaptor who toggle the 2 pins between.

Now about the internal mod. As you see in the photo manufacturer has cut one resistor -this with Red mark, and solder a new one to pin 8 of ic -this with yellow mark. The only thing someone should do is to reverse again the process.
Thats it, now you have a full compatible Atari XG-1 light gun.
Hope to enjoy.

Ok as you all know from my previous post it's about the original SIO2SD in a smaller form. What specific, has the same enclosure like my older project SDrive Micro.
Based to latest schematic "version 2" from original inventor, have some minor improvements.

-As for the cpu the latest "low consumption" ATMega32A microcontroller in smd form.
-The 74LVC245 who guarantees good data transfer between the microcontroller and SDcard, in proper voltage levels also.
-New 47nf capacitors for better button response.
-Extra resistor and capacitor added in output of low dropout voltage regulator, for better voltage stability particularly at "no load" condition. As result of that is much higher reliability and compatibility with more SD cards.
-New tactile switches with smooth feeling for more comfortable use.
-Push on-Push off type SD connector.

Now about the plastic enclosure, is made in CNC router with proper cuts in all dimensions. Additional a logo and some "words" is engraved direct on plastic. Actually not as visible as in the photo, but add a nice effect as opposed to not exist at all.
The device is programmed with the latest firmware 3.1RC2, and work perfect with the 3.5 fast loader.

I try to run a small production from that, so anyone who want to buy one are welcome! The final price as I noted in the original post is 50 euro, plus 7 euro shipping and handling cost, plus Paypal fee. All the devices will be mailed as "registered irregular letters" with track numbers.
Devices will be ready for shipping in less than a month. As you most know from my previous project, always keep up to date my progress in public. Please anyone who want to buy one, send me pm and I will reply with the details. The same also for the community members who had expressed their interest in the first thread, because I dont know if still interested!

One more time thank you very much for looking.

Hi to all.
This time I try to make the SIO2SD in micro version, and I like to think that I succeeded! As is, the size is identical to that of SDrive micro.
As regards the construction I have followed closely the design of original "version 2" schematic from SIO2SD wiki, but redesigned to a smaller pcb with smd parts.
The sd socket is push-push type, and the lcd screen is green backlighted with 2x16 characters mini display. Sorry for the green color, but is the only one I found available in this dimension, and at this price also!
Now the heart of the device the ATmega32A microcontroller, is the latest and optimized one with minimal consumption against the previous ATmega32-16. You can read for the migrating in the above link.
http://www.atmel.com...ges/doc8162.pdf

The 5 button have the same place and meaning as the original SIO2SD in its wiki page.
Internally a ISP connector exist for any update with a programmer. Alternative can be the same with the procedure of "Shift" + "K3" buttons.
The pull up resistor for the maximum 127Kb/s high speed, exist also in circuit.
The device is programmed with the latest firmware 3.1RC2, and work perfect with 3.5 fast loader.

Now about the plastic enclosure.
Because of the lcd display, isn't possible for me with conventional tools to make the hole. The result at least in my eyes is not acceptable, and of course, besides taking a long time to make. For that I addressed this in a local company with a cnc router, and which to arrive at a reasonable price, need to make minimum 50 enclosures.
If you do like what you see and want to order one, as we all understand to be able to order materials should have at least 40 preorders...
The final price for this number of devices can be at 50 euros for each one.

Last the plastic enclosure of device shown in the photos, is hand made and used as a Demo. For that reason have some imperfection in the cut of the hole for the lcd. The final one if ever exist, will be flawless cut for all holes from professional cnc router.
Thank you all for your time.

Hello to all.
I am asked if someone know about 2 of the improvements for SIO2SD ver. 3, from Mega-hz. First for the 4.7K pull-up resistor on "DATA IN" line. Is placed before or after the 1N4148 diode?
Second about the 74LVC125 intergrated circuit in place of 74HC245 one. How is connected compared with the preceding?

Hello to all.
Can someone knows if the super SALT diagnostic cartridge work both for XL - XE machines?
Also some link for schematics and rom contents?