SFG-01/05 module clone | MSX Resource Center (Page 6/9)

Par Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3606)

06-05-2017, 05:21

Seems like this SFG doesn't like Carnivore in full configuration. With just IDE enabled everything works fine.

Par Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3606)

07-05-2017, 04:56

The SFG cartridge has been assembled and works identical to the big module, maybe just a little bit louder. The adapter board (with various connectors) works when installed on top of the cartridge as well as with IDE flat cable. As most of parts are 0603 form factor, it's quite a challenge to solder a few elements that are very close together.

Also I installed the big module into the case from the network module. Due to lack of skills cutting the plastic ended up in a mess, so I had to use the black tape to cover the crime scene. :D

Par sd_snatcher

Prophet (3659)

07-05-2017, 15:53

Nice progress!

Alexey wrote:

The boards will be sold after we finish the bugfix. However if someone still wants a board, he can buy it on his own risk.

I think I'll wait until you iron out all the bugs.

Par Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3606)

07-05-2017, 22:11

The cartridge and the clone are confirmed to be working correctly with MIDI and external music keyboard. The selectable BIOSes on the cartridge are working too. The installed jumper will enable the SFG-05 BIOS.

As for the bug, we will investigate it. Most likely it's related to the amount of devices that the Carnivore2 cartridge has inside. My test computer also has an additional RAM mapper and FMPAC. If only IDE is used with Carnivore2, the MSX does not periodically hang when reading the disk. Some sort of resource shortage may be involved. Two RAM mappers, two FMPACs, IDE, SCC and SFG may be too much for a vintage computer...

The repository will be updated later today. I will also release the YM2148 emulator board sources.

Par Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3606)

08-05-2017, 01:58

Tested SFG for an hour with our Multicontroller. Constant reading of the disk. No problems...

Par sd_snatcher

Prophet (3659)

08-05-2017, 22:54

So, do you consider that the boards are ready for prime time?

If this is the case, all that's missing is the price for the PCBs and your PayPal address.

Par Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3606)

09-05-2017, 08:28

Seems that everything is working. So please contact me by mail and state what boards you need. I can offer the following:

1. SFG cartridge board
2. Extension board for the cartridge
3. All 40 pin connectors for the SFG cartridge and expansion board
4. Altera chips for the SFG boards
5. The large SFG clone board
6. Filter coil for 820mH for the cartridge board
7. The 20 pin connector for the music keyboard

Par Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3606)

11-05-2017, 12:23

8. DIN-5 for the converter board and big clone board

IMPORTANT! I do not provide the assembled boards and I don't assemble boards on request.

Par Grauw

Ascended (10768)

11-05-2017, 12:30

What are the parts I would need to acquire myself? I have the YM2151 already.

Par Daniel Lionius

Supporter (6)

12-05-2017, 11:51

Hi,

I live in Australia. I'd like one of the SFG-01 clones.... In exchange for some money and some information on how to upgrade the SFG-01 to accept MIDI IN messages (as I'm sure you know notes can only be played with the YK music keyboards on these early units). I had read somewhere that it can be done. I have two CX5ms with the SFG-01 boards and plan on buying more if I can do a MIDI IN mod. I love making my own sounds and am a sucker for the ym2151 sound.
This is what I read on the CX5m.net site:
* To upgrade the SFG-01 cartridge to a SFG-05 you have to connect address line A14 from the EPROM (IC104, replace with type 27C256). Solder a wire between pin 27 of the new EPROM to pin 35 of the side slot connector. Remove the 5V connection on the circuit board between pin 27 and 28 on the EPROM. (Thanks to Erwin Meeder for the 5V Addition.)

Thanks, I'd like to help out your endeavour if you can help me out too.

Best wishes,
Daniel.