HP Forum Archive 14

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MLDL2000 Update Message #1 Posted by Meindert Kuipers on 5 Apr 2004, 2:44 p.m. Hello all, The development of the MLDL2000 is now in a stage that I am preparing to have the PCB's built for the prototype run. Part of that process is to get a quote from the manufacturer for the final production, and I would like to have your feedback if you are sincerely interested in acquiring an MLDL2000. The quantity of the production run obviously influences the price. A very rough estimate is between 200 and 300 EURO ($250-$375 depending on the currency rate). I have updated my website with the features of the MLDL2000, so please have a look at www.kuipers.to/hp41 or just ask me. The MLDL2000 project is not for profit but for fun. You will pay only for the actual production cost (including setup) and shipping. The MLDL2000 will consist of 2 PCB's (3 with the optional USB interface) that will all fit in a cardreader housing. The cardreader housing is NOT included, and the HP41 connector is also NOT included. Some assembly and soldering will be required, but the PCB's will be fully tested and functional when you receive them. Again, let me know if you are interested. I do not expect a commitment but your inoput will help me settling the final price of the unit. Thanks, Meindert Kuipers, meindert_at_kuipers_dot_to

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #2 Posted by Daniel Diggelmann on 5 Apr 2004, 3:18 p.m., in response to message #1 by Meindert Kuipers Hi Meindert, please let me first express my admiration for your project. I'm, looking forward to using your MLDL. You can count me in for ordering one MLDL incl. USB interface. Many thanks for keeping us updated. All the best for a successful completion. Best Regards from Switzerland Daniel

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #3 Posted by Matthias on 5 Apr 2004, 4:06 p.m., in response to message #2 by Daniel Diggelmann Item number two is for me!

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #4 Posted by David Smith on 5 Apr 2004, 4:36 p.m., in response to message #3 by Matthias Me be three...

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #5 Posted by GE (France) on 5 Apr 2004, 5:58 p.m., in response to message #4 by David Smith A nice offer, very interestong. One question : as my only card reader housing houses my only card reader, is it possible to salvage an ordinary module and use it as a plug with a cable linking it to the MLDL ? Thanks for a clarification.

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #6 Posted by Meindert Kuipers on 6 Apr 2004, 2:49 a.m., in response to message #5 by GE (France) This is certainly possible, but you will have to make your own box to fit the PCB's in. When I have done the final routing of the PCB I will create a document describing the mechanical aspects. I also had some questions regarding the USB interface: it is possible to use the MLDL2000 without USB, but USB it the best way to load ROM images in FLASH or SRAM. It is possible to create your own I/O interface, but that is a lot of work. USB software to manage the MLDL2000 will be available for Windows. Meindert

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #7 Posted by Diego Diaz on 6 Apr 2004, 3:08 a.m., in response to message #6 by Meindert Kuipers Hi Meindert!! Nice to know about your MLDL2000 progress! I bet you knew, anyway I wanna say I'll be happy to get one of them (my CR housing is waiting... ;-)). Best wishes from Spain Diego.

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #8 Posted by Christoph Klug on 6 Apr 2004, 3:57 a.m., in response to message #7 by Diego Diaz Dear Meindert, I will order two of your MLDL2000 units - including the USB option. Would it be also possible to upload/download rom images to MLDL2000 by using HP-IL ? Or is the upload/download only possible with USB ? Best regards - Christoph Klug

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #9 Posted by Meindert Kuipers on 6 Apr 2004, 9:43 a.m., in response to message #8 by Christoph Klug Up/download to SRAM can be with any tool that supports the WROM instruction, so IL is perfectly OK. At this moment it is not possible to program FLASH from the HP41, that is to be done through the USB interface. It is actually possible to use something different than USB that supports bitbanging a few signals, but my support will only be for USB (that is much easier ;-) and Windows. In addition, the MLDL2000 configuration is stored in a special section of SRAM or FLASH, and these settings need to be programmed as well, again intended through USB. A special ROM would be required for bootstrapping the MLDL2000 if done without USB, but once that is done it would work just like any device with RAM emulation ROM images. I am preparing a User Manual that descibes this in more detail, but the current specifications cover this as well. Note that the I/O interface in the current spec is not valid anymore. I hope to release V1.2 within a few days. Meindert

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #10 Posted by Ángel Martin on 6 Apr 2004, 5:01 a.m., in response to message #1 by Meindert Kuipers Meindert, Of course you can count me in as purchasing one, maybe two units with USB interface. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #11 Posted by Poul Kaarup (Denmark) on 6 Apr 2004, 5:09 a.m., in response to message #1 by Meindert Kuipers Hi, I'd also like to buy one. How big is the PCB? I haven't got a CardReader to use for it, but the connector won't be a problem. /Poul

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #12 Posted by Meindert Kuipers on 6 Apr 2004, 9:45 a.m., in response to message #11 by Poul Kaarup (Denmark) There are actually two PCBs, both approximately of the size that would fit as a sandwich in the cardreader. I have not finalized the exact mechanics yet. The USB interface is a 3rd PCB the size of a 24-pin DIL IC. Meindert

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #13 Posted by Miki Mihajlovic on 6 Apr 2004, 12:00 p.m., in response to message #1 by Meindert Kuipers Congrats Meindart, we never doubted that this will materialize soon. Of course you can count me in too for at least one of the units. I never read the MLDL technical specs in great detail so my question might be redundant but will there be a battery backup power for the unit or is that not needed for the type of chips you are using. 1234

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #14 Posted by Meindert Kuipers on 6 Apr 2004, 1:53 p.m., in response to message #13 by Miki Mihajlovic Battery backup is planned but not really required. The CPLD and FLASH obviously keep their contents, and SRAM can survive on the HP41's battery. When removing the MLDL2000 from the HP41 it is advised to use a battery, or connect it to an external power supply (for example USB .....) My plan is basically to supply tested and fitted PCB's and the user is required to add any extra's, like the battery, Card Reader Housing etc. I might add a service to assemble everything if the user sends me the CR housing. Meindert

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #15 Posted by Meindert Kuipers on 6 Apr 2004, 4:37 p.m., in response to message #1 by Meindert Kuipers I have just uploaded the MLDL2000 Specifications version 1.2 to the wesite at www.kuipers.to/hp41. Comments are more than welcome! Meindert

Re: MLDL2000 Update Message #16 Posted by Werner (Germany) on 12 Apr 2004, 8:32 p.m., in response to message #1 by Meindert Kuipers Again thank very much you for your great efforts, Meindert! Of course I would like to buy one of your amazing MLDL2000 with USB ! Best regards, Werner ... The HP41 renaissance is coming up ...

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