This is GREAT, Richard.
I can be your beta tester and first customer! :-) LOL..
If you end up with a USB Port on the device, there is always a possibility to develop a PC based "librarian" or GUI that would interface with your replica in order to program an SDS7. Of course this would require developing a proper driver and digging in to the SDS7 to somehow allocate a unique ID for each Card slot, etc etc...
Bottom line, it would be a lot of work but no doubt worth it in the end.
This is VERY exciting !
:-)
Teknik14
--- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "Richard" <warlandr63@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks for all the pics guys. Another member contacted me off group with info as well, thanks.
>
> I have already produced the pcb data needed to produce a replica so that will be happening sometime this week I hope. The Hartig socket is quite expensive but the isn't any way round that.
>
> I've had a few thoughts on the whole cartridge thing and apart from making copies of the original, I am also looking at creating a modern version that will use the existing socket and connections but is fitted with a micro-controller and serial eprom. Using a couple of buttons and a small display you could essentially have a unit that could appear as multiple cartridges that you "bank" select. It would also not be too hard to add usb storage and SDCARD bulk storage of data. Take a while to sort it out but well worth it in the long run.
>
> I may also create a cart that has 1 larger RAM chip but operates as per the original. The old 6116 ram is hard to come by in reasonable quantities whereas 6264 ram is a dime a dozen..well sort of. Anyway it will bring the cost of a replica cartridge down quite a bit. I would also probably do away with the nicads..which always leak, and use a 3.6 volt lithium with a supercap to keep the data when a battery change is required.
>
> I'll keep the group informed.
>
> --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "Ed" <edrose1@> wrote:
> >
> > Just uploaded scans of a a stripped PCB. Photos > Simmons Memory Cartridge. Let me know if you need anything else.
> > Very excited about this!
> >
> > --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "teknikfourteen" <inbox@> wrote:
> > >
> > > This is great !!
> > > Now, if he can he introduce a USB port on his version he'd be making us VERY happy. :-)
> > >
> > > --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "Jack" <Jacquot.Patrice@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I know someone working on it. A guy able to dig in & sort out much more complicated systems like Fairlight PPG etc ...
> > > > But not that simple as it seems apparently.
> > > > He won't communicate about it, till it's not finished & working.
> > > > There are a few issues to solve ^^
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- In Simmons_Drums@yahoogroups.com, "Richard" <warlandr63@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > I read with interest the discussions around the pros and cons of the SDS7. Something I have been in search of, as have others, the elusive memory dump cartridge. I have looked for one but can't find one. I have searched for the schematic for it but again cant find it. So, if someone has the schematic or owns a cartridge and can get some good pictures of the pcb (top and bottom from directly above) I could reverse engineer it. Due to my work, I have the ability to do short runs and prototypes from my home workshop so it would be possible to do a run of them for people that may be interested.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>