Woodstock Low Power

[PANAMATIK]

After Jim Johnson has shown the pre prototype of the "Woodstock Low Power" at the HHCH 2017 - thanks Jim for having made this presentation - there seemed not much news about the Low Power circuit.

I had to struggle with unexpected difficulties. But now the "Woodstock Low Power" circuit made more progress in the last week, than in many weeks before. The reason for the long delay was a layout problem with the first prototype PBC some weeks ago, which I couldn't resolve, whatever I tried. I couldn't get the processor running stable and spent a lot of time with it. Then I threw the PCBs away and made another layout and ordered more PCBs, which arrived last week.

This time I got the processor running as expected and very relieved I could work on the software. Meanwhile all components are working, including the RTC and the serial Flash memory. And the display is more bright than before because I added another driver chip. Today for the first time, I could switch via keyboard between several calculators. For programming of the 512k flash chip I had to write PC <-> ACT communication software for downloading the flash images containing all calculator ROM codes and keyboard code tables, and print and display mnemonics and and and..... There will be about 20 calculators integrated in the final version. For now only the Woodstock and Spice Models are working, but the Classics will follow soon. There is plenty of space for thousands of RPN programs in the flash memory. The GPS module will be tested in the next days.

Until now all promised specifications of the "Low Power" will be met. I'll keep you informed about the next steps and further progress.

P.S. No photos of the prototype this time, because I gave my camera to my son for traveling in australia, will get it back not before next summer.

Bernhard