STE mods

General discussions or ideas about hardware.
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exxos
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Re: STE mods

Post by exxos »

I suggest you check the mods page https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... =20#p41514 and also check you have isolated the clock pin on the CPU. Other than that, it was expected it wouldn't work as it was not intended to be fitted that way..
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viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1585 Have you done the Mandatory Fixes ?
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HigashiJun
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Re: STE mods

Post by HigashiJun »

If my CPU was socketed, I would have fit the booster the traditional way.

But since I had to add a PLCC socket, I had to fit the booster using a less formal method.

You may have a look at IngoQ's thread:

https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... f=18&t=358

Cheers.
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HigashiJun
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Re: STE mods

Post by HigashiJun »

Thanks Exxos.

I have already changed the resistor on the booster to a 68R one (SMD).

I will check connections again and test other SIMMS.

As I wrote before, I will not blame you if the booster does not work. :D

Cheers.
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Re: STE mods

Post by exxos »

Have you tried in 8mhz mode ?
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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HigashiJun
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Re: STE mods

Post by HigashiJun »

Yes, I have grounded the switch wire but nothing happens.

As said in my previous post, nothing works even with the booster removed and with the original CPU back in place.

I do not understand why the Ultrasatan gets powered but not the FDD, although it was working before.

I really suspect the SIMMs with the parity chip de-soldered.
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HigashiJun
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Re: STE mods

Post by HigashiJun »

I had some time today to check all connections again and everything is OK. There are no broken traces nor other glitches...

I was just wondering if the two spots IngoQ referred to in his thread were not inverted (sorry IngoQ, I reused you picture...):

CPU_CLK_Vias.jpg
CPU_CLK_Vias.jpg (372.84 KiB) Viewed 3172 times

Should not CLK8 be the lower spot and CPU_CLK the upper one ?

I might be wrong, but if you guys have some ideas, do not hesitate to share.

By the way, my cheap Chinese crap socket cracked while removing the CPU. I ordered some 3M brand ones and I will have to de-solder the old one and solder again a new one on the motherboard. Lesson: never use crap stuff for your projects, you will always have some issues sooner or later... :x

Cheers.
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HigashiJun
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Re: STE mods

Post by HigashiJun »

And of course, it never rains but it pours...

While de-soldering the broken socket, I also managed to break a solder pad:

Solderpad.JPG
Solderpad.JPG (367.34 KiB) Viewed 3165 times

It is not a problem to repair it (I made a lot before...), but it is just a waste of time.

But let us keep it positive, 2021 has just begun... :D

I will post some pictures when the pad gets repaired.
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HigashiJun
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Re: STE mods

Post by HigashiJun »

Ok, my little broken pad is now repaired:
Newpad.JPG
Newpad.JPG (236.57 KiB) Viewed 3143 times
Epoxied.JPG
Epoxied.JPG (231.7 KiB) Viewed 3143 times

The last step is tinning, but the epoxy has to cure for 24 hours.

And here is what you need to perform the magic:
Tools.JPG
Tools.JPG (262.33 KiB) Viewed 3143 times

I prefer when the pad is only lifted, because the repair process is much easier and you keep your original pad.

I could have used the original pad here but the broken trace was too short, making it impossible to align all the pads evenly on the left side.

Now I will have to solder the new PLCC socket as soon as I receive it.

Cheers.
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Re: STE mods

Post by Steve »

Nice work on the pad! I hope you get it working :)
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Re: STE mods

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Pad repair looks nice, if anything will hold onto it it's epoxy.

Had to fit a similar socket on my Mac Classic, which still isn't running. It is a bit of a faff to get going because of the need for the analog board and CRT, but it does have composite out so I may try to get it to output to that and power it off my bench PSU whilst trying to fix it.

68K_Socket.jpg
68K_Socket.jpg (151.79 KiB) Viewed 3107 times

We'll see.

Good luck with your repairs and the booster fit.
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