exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

Preliminary Conclusion

Obviously I like the STFM 1.5 Booster variant better, simply because of its form factor. So I guess I will stick with it, after I tested the hell out of both boosters

So is this the ultimate solution for any ST?

No of course not. Not even for any STE. If your STE has a socket, you should stick with the STE booster, since it is easier to integrate.

And if your STE has no socket: Then you CAN consider the STFM 1.5 booster as well, if you are comfortable doing the same modifications as I described above. There are some ideas for a plug in solution, for those who can't or don't want to solder that much, but nothing is available at the time of this post. And let's be honest: This might only affect a couple of STEs out there. But if you - like me - are one of them, then this above is probably your only way.

Fascinating reading, thanks for taking the time to document all this, including with pictures

/Troed

Damned fine work my friend, well done!!

Deserves a hack award of the day that one does!

Thank you all

The testing photo of the 1.5 is the same as the one with the ste booster.
This said, great work.

Maeke wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2017 12:21 pm The testing photo of the 1.5 is the same as the one with the ste booster.

Yep, you're right, corrected it

Update: 8MHz Clock

Okay, apparently I was blind When looking at some of the pictures I had made, I discovered this:
So, YES, there is second trace at that CPU pin, but you can only see the connection, as long as there is no socket. I followed the trace, and it indeed goes more or less directly to Pin 3 at the GST/MCU/Blitter Combo, as it should:
This means, that I did not have to bend up pins like I did, I could have cut the trace and find to spots to solder on wires. I looked a little around, and found these vias to be nice spots:
I am not sure, whether I will actually do this, but this might be handy for the next one trying this

Track cutting is more tricky.. more chance of slipping with the knife and damaging more tracks.. PLus some people likely cut the wrong tracks and end in a mess trying to repair them

Think you did a better job than my hack up of it all last year..

Yep, my cutted trace looks the same But I was recently told, that you could use a small (5mm) drill to cut the trace. If you need to repair it, it can be done by just using a bit solder. But I have to admit, I did not yet try that.