HP-41 Clonix module. Some answers. (long) Message #4 Posted by Diego Diaz on 2 Dec 2003, 7:40 a.m., in response to message #3 by Meindert Kuipers
Hi,
Thanks for both your compliment words and, of course, the (promissed) beers ;-) Don't forget to save some pints for John Ioannidis! His original code has been a "solid" root to grow my Clonix proyect form.
Now I'm going to (ab-)use David's site hospitality and try to shed some light regarding common questions that some of you have sent me by mail. Particular questions will be answered in detail by direct mail also.
Some Facts:
- The first Clonix modules will be ready to ship by Xmas time.
- Currently (and I've got no solution for that in the short) an empty or useless module is needed to built the Clonix in. A reasonable rebate will apply for those that can send one or more spare modules. As for now I have only got tree spare shells.
- Have No Idea (literally) about pricing, first units will run its own luck at this very site (FSOBO) or eBay (I'm still regarding pros and cons of both options). So it's up to you to decide how much they're worth :-)
- Clonix can handle ENBANK1 & ENBANK2. Actually it can handle ENBANK3 & 4 also, but I've decided to supress this feature from the PIC code because a) only HEPAX use it. b) HEPAX RAM emulation isn't possible. c)HEPAX rom can be emulated though, but it needs a specific code which isn't fully tested yet and d) HEPAX rom *without* its RAM file system is (to my mind) of little interest.
- Early machines as well as 2x (1.7x in fact) speed up 41's are fully supported.
- A 41 edge -> DIL adapter will go along with every module, this is needed to connect the module to the PIC programmer and(re)program or read the Clonix. Almost *any* PIC programmer is suitable for the task, IMHO the simpler the better: JDM programer schematic (public domain) is attached along with the Clonix info into the Hardware folder if you want to face a small DIY proyect. They can usually be found in many electronic components stores as well as at eBay (search for "18f252" including descriptions) they go for $10 - 15.
Changing the 5.1v Zener for a 5.6v rated one is highly advisable. If you don't want to face this task, send your JDM programmer along with your housing module and I'll do it for you... Yes, no cost ;-)
- I've already sent the very first three Clonix modules to the main proyect contributors, hope they receive them in short and send their feedback. It should also be advisable for you all to wait for those first impression from my (un)volunteers beta testers, to form a better picture of the whole thing before making a decision. I'm also waiting for this as the only way to find out if there's something to change/improve in the proyect.
- The Clonix41_man1.doc is, obviously, a draft, the definitive edition will be (hopefully) ready in a couple of weeks. Some intermediate versions may arise in the meantime.
- Some *very* special applications have not been discussed as they are not intended for the common use. The most relevant of them being the possibility of repairing/substituting a 41 OS ROM's with a properly programmed PIC, the last is only applicable to Fullnut machines though.
Hope this helps to clarify some aspects of the Clonix proyect.
Best wishes from Spain.
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