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Hello all,
The development of the MLDL2000 is now in a stage that I am preparing to have the PCB's built for the prototype run. Part of that process is to get a quote from the manufacturer for the final production, and I would like to have your feedback if you are sincerely interested in acquiring an MLDL2000. The quantity of the production run obviously influences the price. A very rough estimate is between 200 and 300 EURO ($250-$375 depending on the currency rate). I have updated my website with the features of the MLDL2000, so please have a look at www.kuipers.to/hp41 or just ask me.
The MLDL2000 project is not for profit but for fun. You will pay only for the actual production cost (including setup) and shipping.
The MLDL2000 will consist of 2 PCB's (3 with the optional USB interface) that will all fit in a cardreader housing. The cardreader housing is NOT included, and the HP41 connector is also NOT included. Some assembly and soldering will be required, but the PCB's will be fully tested and functional when you receive them.
Again, let me know if you are interested. I do not expect a commitment but your inoput will help me settling the final price of the unit.
Thanks,
Meindert Kuipers, meindert_at_kuipers_dot_to
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Hi Meindert, please let me first express my admiration for your project. I'm, looking forward to using your MLDL. You can count me in for ordering one MLDL incl. USB interface. Many thanks for keeping us updated. All the best for a successful completion. Best Regards from Switzerland Daniel
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Item number two is for me!
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A nice offer, very interestong.
One question : as my only card reader housing houses my only card reader, is it possible to salvage an ordinary module and use it as a plug with a cable linking it to the MLDL ?
Thanks for a clarification.
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This is certainly possible, but you will have to make your own box to fit the PCB's in.
When I have done the final routing of the PCB I will create a document describing the mechanical aspects. I also had some questions regarding the USB interface: it is possible to use the MLDL2000 without USB, but USB it the best way to load ROM images in FLASH or SRAM. It is possible to create your own I/O interface, but that is a lot of work. USB software to manage the MLDL2000 will be available for Windows.
Meindert
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Hi Meindert!!
Nice to know about your MLDL2000 progress! I bet you knew, anyway I wanna say I'll be happy to get one of them (my CR housing is waiting... ;-)).
Best wishes from Spain
Diego.
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Dear Meindert,
I will order two of your MLDL2000 units - including the USB option.
Would it be also possible to upload/download rom images to MLDL2000 by using HP-IL ? Or is the upload/download only possible with USB ?
Best regards - Christoph Klug
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Up/download to SRAM can be with any tool that supports the WROM instruction, so IL is perfectly OK. At this moment it is not possible to program FLASH from the HP41, that is to be done through the USB interface. It is actually possible to use something different than USB that supports bitbanging a few signals, but my support will only be for USB (that is much easier ;-) and Windows.
In addition, the MLDL2000 configuration is stored in a special section of SRAM or FLASH, and these settings need to be programmed as well, again intended through USB. A special ROM would be required for bootstrapping the MLDL2000 if done without USB, but once that is done it would work just like any device with RAM emulation ROM images. I am preparing a User Manual that descibes this in more detail, but the current specifications cover this as well. Note that the I/O interface in the current spec is not valid anymore. I hope to release V1.2 within a few days.
Meindert
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Meindert,
Of course you can count me in as purchasing one, maybe two units with USB interface.
I can't wait to get my hands on it!
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Hi,
I'd also like to buy one.
How big is the PCB? I haven't got a CardReader to use for it, but the connector won't be a problem.
/Poul
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There are actually two PCBs, both approximately of the size that would fit as a sandwich in the cardreader. I have not finalized the exact mechanics yet. The USB interface is a 3rd PCB the size of a 24-pin DIL IC.
Meindert
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Congrats Meindart, we never doubted that this will materialize soon. Of course you can count me in too for at least one of the units. I never read the MLDL technical specs in great detail so my question might be redundant but will there be a battery backup power for the unit or is that not needed for the type of chips you are using.
1234
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Battery backup is planned but not really required. The CPLD and FLASH obviously keep their contents, and SRAM can survive on the HP41's battery. When removing the MLDL2000 from the HP41 it is advised to use a battery, or connect it to an external power supply (for example USB .....)
My plan is basically to supply tested and fitted PCB's and the user is required to add any extra's, like the battery, Card Reader Housing etc. I might add a service to assemble everything if the user sends me the CR housing.
Meindert
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I have just uploaded the MLDL2000 Specifications version 1.2 to the wesite at www.kuipers.to/hp41.
Comments are more than welcome!
Meindert
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Again thank very much you for your great efforts, Meindert!
Of course I would like to buy one of your amazing MLDL2000 with USB !
Best regards,
Werner
... The HP41 renaissance is coming up ...
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