Posts: 297
Threads: 25
Joined: Nov 2006
You can already do this. The Time Module PCB doesn't "mount" on the 41CL board, but it will fit in the channel between the side of the case and the battery compartment. You can then solder wires from the Time Module board to the 41C bus, either on the main PCB or to the appropriate spots on the 41CL board. I seem to recall a forum message that had a photo of exactly this modification a little while ago.
I am currently working on a small PCB that can use this technique to add the timer functionality to a CL. There is room in this space for a PCB about 14mm x 40mm, which _should_ be enough room for the required circuitry. While it could _theoretically_ fit on a reworked CL board, I don't want to even attempt that. It would require changing the FPGA, CPLD and memories to BGA packages to make enough room. The design rules for the board would go from routine to state-of-the-art ($$$), with probably 6 layers ($) and blind and buried vias ($$).
I have probably invested close to a man-year on this project and don't expect to sell more than about 150 total 41CL boards. I'm only working an the Time Module clone because I have time available right now.
Monte