Hi Mathy,
I may send to you one prototype MIDIcar if you want to. Let me know you are willing to assembly it from scratch by your hand or ready-to-use (except S2 module)? Prototype is fully working but some minor issue I found after assembly. e.g. address description or changed polarity on RCA sockets (I bought wrong RCAs and didn't realize that these are swapped pins!)
Regards, pancio
. Hello Pancio
Thanks you for offering. I must say that I do not use my Atari much, mostly at events like NOMAM, H.A.T.Z. or Fujiama. Would MIDIcar work with https://a8.fandal.cz/detail.php?files_id=5298? This is the file version of MIDI-Maze, it needs at least 256kB of extended RAM because it's a converted cartridge file. Will it work with existing MIDI software for the Atari 8 bit computer?
Wrong address description would be a problem, since I probably would forget about the right description. Will the prototype work with the correct RCA connectors? Are they easy to find? I've never soldered SMD parts, but I guess it's time I try. Will the MIDIcar change between the current version and the final on? How much do you want for a prototype.
Sincerely
Mathy
Hello Pancio
I've sent Marc/Sleepy a message asking if a developer can send somebody a prototype of the hardware that takes place in the hardware contest. I didn't mention your name. But I do think it would be better to ask. I know Marc personally and have met him and a lot of the guys here on the forum on many occasions/meetings. I don't want somebody to find a prototype near one of my computers at a meeting, when I'm not supposed to have that prototype according to the rules of the contest.
Sincerely
Mathy
Hi Mathy,
As I understand, ABBUC Members have access to materials:
from competition rules:
4.3. All data necessary for private, non-commercial rebuilding, such as parts list, source code, building instructions, circuit diagram, layout, etc. These documents will be made available on the ABBUC website exclusively to ABBUC members.
... but of course, we should ask Marc and Sleepy for permission. Two days ago I sent propose to Marc that I may share a few free prototype PCBs if anyone is willing to test it. So we will see!
By the way, I saw you're very good hardware designer! I've a few ideas to develop so I'll ask you about some topics shortly :-)
Sincerely pancio
Hi,
Unfortunately any existing software doesn't work with MIDIcar at all because using SIO port and POKEY registers in code. It is possible to change code (for MIDIcar it's very simple - only one register is in use) and drop rest of POKEY's code but it need reverse engineering method which I try to avoid. If you know somebody who might be add new feature to existing software - will be great! According to wrong description... it's easy to repair (just use new printed stickers with valid strings) RCAs which I bough was pretty the same as I use with my KiCAD but unfortunately RCA symbol has swapped pins, so finally L+R is short circuit and ground is.. separately. To avoid problem, I use open end wire connected to the PCB and chinch (RCA) on the wire second end. No problem at all. This is prototype, finally version (v.1.0.1 - shown on ABBUC page) has changed RCAs and proper description. Additionally I planned add higher LEDs mounting in top of case but at this moment project if finished :-)
Cost? for free! It's prototype for developers :-)
Sincerely pancio
Hello Pancio
I'm not a hardware developer, but you're not the first person that has that impression. But I usually have lots of ideas of what would be nice features to have in hardware and software.
Marc and Sleepy are the same person. I asked him. He said developers are allowed to share versions of their hardware for testing purposes. Since there is no software yet that supports your MIDIcar and since I don't use the Atari a lot (and if I use the Atari and my MIDI interfaces, it's because I'm at a meeting playing MIDI Maze.) I don't think I am the right person to test your hardware.
Sincerely
Mathy
