Date   : Mon, 09 May 2005 01:46:46 +0000
From   : "W.Scholten" <whs@...>
Subject: Re: IDE Interface for BBC

Jonathan Graham Harston wrote:

> What do you mean by "easy implementation"?

Anything with source can easily be modified obviously, like HADFS.
Patching any existing E00 DFS is not of interest (they are too limited).

And if need be I'll write my own. That's not too difficult (I use as6502
for large code on a PC, e.g. the ROM/program side of bbccom
(parallel+serial transfer/filing system))

> The IDE interface is just that - an IDE interface, a specification and
> set of suggested complying interfaces. Anybody is welcome to use the
> design in their own board. I set off to design a working IDE interface,
> not to jump six or seven steps and try a design an integrated multiple
> interface board without first getting the IDE interface itself working.

Obviously that's why I suggest it now that it's working.

It's a trivial design change to add the RAM but I've got no experience
making PCBs, I've only used wire wrapping/experimenting boards etc. so
it would take a while to get into it and it would 'compete'. A one-off
is not an option cost wise I think, at least when sending designs to
firms who make them. Getting the etching equipment also seems over the
top although I was thinking about copying some projects that were once
in the micro user, esp. the user port extender. I've got a few roms that
were patched for this, and I've got a number of items I'd like to
connect to the user port at the same time (bbccom parallel cable, eprom
programmer, sometimes a mouse). Is there any interest in this sort of
thing?

Regards,

Wouter
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Old computer magazine scans: http://8-bit.summerfield-technology.co.uk/