TF536 Bugs

68030 + SDRAM + IDE

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terriblefire
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TF536 Bugs

Post by terriblefire »

It has been brought to my attention by people directly messaging @chucky that they are unhappy with bugs in the TF536 and think i should fix them.

Let me be 100% clear... The TF536 is abandonware. I'll help people diagnose build issues if feel like it but I have absolutely no interest in this card. I never actually wanted to release it. I really really wish i had not now for many reasons.

I do not make money on this card. I am not a manufacturer. I am a dude that released some plans to some people.. If you don't like it return it to the person who built it for you. The more attitude you give about it the less likely I am to fix it and you just put yourself firmly NOT on the goodguy list for future cards.

EDIT: Since this is my hobby *I* get to decide who gets a TF1260. It is not "for sale". End of discussion.
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stephen_usher
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by stephen_usher »

I really dislike "entitled" people. They really ruin the World.

When talented people share their marvellous gifts with everyone I just see it as a wonderful bonus. There's no contract to force them to do anything more.

The whole "consumer culture" has poisoned the population.

@terriblefire I'm really grateful for your release of the TF536 design. The device has given me projects to do over lockdown. I've learnt immeasurable amounts about electronics building PCBs to fit it into the ST. I owe you a debt, not the other way around. I want to very publicly thank you. It's helped me stay sane over the lockdown.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
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lilwashu
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by lilwashu »

I had done a bit of lurking on here before buying my TF536 and am happy with the "hobbyist" nature of it, it's quite fun trying to figure out any quirks etc. and the machine it's in would probably have been chucked in a cupboard without having stuff to tinker with.

One thing I would say is that I don't recall seeing any warnings on for sale ads for the boards that there may be bugs, there is no support etc etc and a large proportion of the audience are likely to be people new to old computers with completely different expectations to me. It might (or quite possibly won't) help if there are clear disclaimers included in the sale ads.
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by terriblefire »

Since i neither make the boards or ads I have no control over that. I understand those who are making noise about this have actually already been refunded.

This apparently doesnt seem to be enough and they are trying to assert that under UK law i must fix it for them.
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by stephen_usher »

terriblefire wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 9:56 am This apparently doesnt seem to be enough and they are trying to assert that under UK law i must fix it for them.
Well, that's a load of tosh isn't it. That would be like taking Ford to court if a car part manufactured by Unipart didn't work. As I said, people are always looking for someone to blame these days, usually for their own failings.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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arkadiusz.makarenko
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by arkadiusz.makarenko »

Back in the day we used to live with "bugs" in hardware or software and still everyone was just accepting limitations of it, and working round it.
Now it has to be "perfect" all the time? Weird...
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exxos
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by exxos »

stephen_usher wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 10:00 am . As I said, people are always looking for someone to blame these days, usually for their own failings.
Totally agree. Most problems are either peoples own bad soldering, or the fact machines are 30+ years old and may not function great to start with.

Issues with products comes under whoever built the full card. They making the money they should offer support. I only sell PCBs and I've had in my store I don't know anything about it and support comes from this community here only.

If people's expectations are for everything to work fine out of the box, they are in the wrong hobby, period.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by stephen_usher »

exxos wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 10:14 am If people's expectations are for everything to work fine out of the box, they are in the wrong hobby, period.
:bravo:

These machines never really worked fine out of the box. Why would they expect them to now?
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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PhilC
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by PhilC »

I've been very careful to tell buyers that it might not work at all in their machine. This has put some people off and that's fine by me.

And as for the TF1260, you made it, well done, send it to whoever you like and stuff the rest.

One happy tf536 owner who will buy you a few drinks should we ever meet.
If it ain't broke, test it to Destruction.
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exxos
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Re: TF536 Bugs

Post by exxos »

PhilC wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 10:50 am I've been very careful to tell buyers that it might not work at all in their machine. This has put some people off and that's fine by me.
That is the best idea, it's what I do. In my day job I do the same as well. If people do not have realistic expectations, then I am more than happy for people to shop elsewhere.

If people want a "full support package" then they pay commercial prices and pay £10,000+, not hobby prices and support.
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/ All my hardware guides - mods - games - STOS
https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/ - All my hardware mods for sale - Please help support by making a purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
Just because a lot of people agree on something, doesn't make it a fact. ~exxos ~
People should find solutions to problems, not find problems with solutions.
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