TriBlade - Single Board Computer RUNNING - 3x Propeller ICs and SRAM

Cluso99

SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER USING·PROPELLER ICs·AND TRIBLADEPROP PCB
·········· IT'S RUNNING·

8th April 2009:·· for details and photos see the thread...
ZiCog a Zilog Z80 emulator in 1 Cog· http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=788511
Also see links to other·threads in my signature·for more·details

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Thread renamed from "Propeller Based Single Board Computer on TriBladeProp" 22Mar2009

Well, we are nearly there...

The TriBladeProp has all the required hardware for a single board computer. It has 3 propellers on board (called Blades), plus connectors for VGA, TV, PS2 Keyboard, PS2 Mouse, microSD, and 2 Spin-Studio. Also on-board are Static RAMs, Flash and EEPROMs plus a built-in PropPlug and Power Supply (5V and 3V3)·for an external plugpack (walwart?) 7-9V DC (center positive). The·TriBladeProp has been designed for the hobbyist to assemble.

So, my concept here is to separate the "Processor", the "Terminal",·and the other "I/O" into self-contained propellers. This is a relatively cheap and simple solution·and the whole project is of course·propeller based.

The TriBladeProp concept is...
* One prop/blade·handles the "computing functions" with on-board external Static RAM and microSD card (PropDOS or emulation software such as the Z80 ZiCog)
* One prop/blade·handles the "Terminal functions" VGA/TV/Keyboard/Mouse for·a self-contained·color (or graphics) terminal
* One prop/blade·handles any extra "I/O functions" including 2 Spin-Studio connectors
* plus a serial interface to the PC (via·the inbuilt or an·external PropPlug or equivalent)

Software for the SBC (native Prop code)...
* PropDOS has been done by OBC so just needs to be·tailored·for the board
* A Prop Editor has been done by mpark and OBC
* Just need a native spin/pasm compiler and we are ready to put it all together
* Terminal software has been·done thanks to OBC and others

Software for the SBC (various·microcomputer emulations)...
*·ZiCog (Z80 & CP/M) emulation by heater is almost ready to run
*·PropAltair emulation·by heater is almost or done
* Other emulations are work-in-progress

The TriBladeProp is not the only solution here. It is just one solution.

PCB & Schematics attached. Full Specification·& BOM (Bill of Materials)·attached to the post below.
12th March 2009: Photos of the first pcb and panel also attached to the post below.
TriBladeProp forum thread http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=786418

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Single Board Computer:·3 Propeller ICs·and a·TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators: Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100 (Index)
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Post Edited (Cluso99) : 4/8/2009 11:15:28 AM GMT

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

You should post pictures/schematics to this thread. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

mctrivia

he has you just have to read the signature.

http://www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

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Need to make your prop design easier or secure? Get a PropMod has crystal, eeprom, and programing header in a 40 pin dip 0.7" pitch module with uSD reader, and RTC options.

Cluso99

TriBladeProp full Specification & BOM (Bill of Materials)·attached.

12th March 2009: Attached are photos of the final pcb and panel (received today)

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Post Edited (Cluso99) : 3/12/2009 10:22:30 AM GMT

dossic

Hi! I'm Carlo from Como, Italy

I am really fascinated by your project; unfortunately I do not have the ability (I've never do that, I'm a chemist dating back from '80 electronics)to solder SMD's.

Will it be possible to have the circuit board with all SMD's pre-soldered?

Thanks so much

Carlo

Nick McClick

Looking at the board, seems like you have the same problem I do - the FTDI chip and SD card are both SMD only. Also looks like you're also using the only Through-hole USB (type .

I know that most hobbyists won't do SMD soldering. It's a deal breaker. Not sure what the solution is (other than pre-assembled breakout boards), but if you figure it out, let me know!

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Gadget Gangster - Share your Electronic Projects - Sign up as a Designer and get a free 4-pack of Project Boards!

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Most "end mounted" SD adapters aren't show stoppers, but the FTDI chip would be.
Shame they don't make a DIP for this.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Check out: Protoboard Introduction , Propeller Cookbook 1.4 & Software Index
Updates to the Cookbook are now posted to: Propeller.warrantyvoid.us
Got an SD card connected? - PropDOS

Tubular

*edit* Looks like there are standard prop plug interfaces everywhere anyway, so the FTDI on board may not be required

There is a FTDI breakout (to DIP) on Sparkfun.
There's also other 0.1" friendly modules like the MB5 from 4D

Normally you only need a handful of connections to the FT232. Why couldn't they do it in a 8 pin DIP/ TSSOP (without leds) ?

tubular

Post Edited (Tubular) : 3/10/2009 9:15:21 PM GMT

Ale

Dossic, I'm getting 4 of those boards, they have few SMT parts, I can solder them for you and mail it to you. I'm in Freiburg, Germany. I'm also a chemist .
I think Cluso can also do that for you, just ask him. Most parts are DIP, though.

mctrivia

I will volinter to solder any surface mount components for people in north America. $10CAN plus parts cost.

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Need to make your prop design easier or secure? Get a PropMod has crystal, eeprom, and programing header in a 40 pin dip 0.7" pitch module with uSD reader, and RTC options.

Mike Huselton

mctrivia,

I have had three "brain heart attacks" (strokes) in the last three years. My mental and physical abilities have come back, due to brain plasticity.
However, my fine motor skills in my right hand still sucks beets,

If I supply all parts, would you be willing to take me on to your generous offer?
I am in Austin, USA. Take the time to think it through - your time is precious, too.

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JMH

mctrivia

ya no problem. can either order myself(i do regular orders from digikey) or you can send me the parts and I can assemble for you. I should have mentioned also that is $10CAN plus shipping.

For any parts you want put on just give me a list of digikey part number and quantity. Digikey ships to me for free so for parts orders you only need to pay list price plus 5% GST(I do not have GST account yet so I have to pay it) If you already have parts and wish to ship them to me I can give you my address if you pm me(just a note when you ship to me the government tacks on the 5% also evil tax)

If multiple people are interested in me assembling Cluso99 could send me the prop blades direct.

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Need to make your prop design easier or secure? Get a PropMod has crystal, eeprom, and programing header in a 40 pin dip 0.7" pitch module with uSD reader, and RTC options.

Post Edited (mctrivia) : 3/11/2009 12:16:17 AM GMT

Cluso99

The two mandatory smt parts are the FT232RL (no choice but it is the easier smt package used). However, you can use a real PropPlug in it's place.
The other is the microSD. I changed the part to one which can be touched up (read hand soldered) with exposed legs on the outer edge of the pcb. Likewise the alternative is to use an SD card and run the wires to the microSD vias which i have provided.

I have bought both TO220 (T/hole) and TO252 (SMT) Regulators. The SMT are easily soldered and provide a neater solution, but both options are on the pcb.

I can solder these parts on for a small cost. (Thanks to mctrivia for the offer and you are welcome to·use his service).·I will have to order extra parts from digikey for this as no-one had wanted parts. The real cost in this is the shipping from Digikey which doubles the parts cost to me. The ones I have already brought in (low volume) have this shipping cost penalty. If you require these smt parts let me know and if you require any of the other parts as well. As you will see, most parts come from Digikey although a few are from Future Electronics. Only takes a week to get here (Australia).

I will post more info once I have soldered my first pcb. They are due to be shipped to me today (hopefully).· tomorrow · As soon as I have them I will post a photo of the pcb.

Software: I have discussed with OBC about PropDOS and the Terminal program, etc and I will do any mods required and post the code here for download. Likewise, the same applies to heaters ZiCog code.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Post Edited (Cluso99) : 3/11/2009 3:22:35 PM GMT

Tubular

Exciting stuff Cluso99,

Dontronics have FT232RL's in stock. He'll happily sell you 1 or 100 and it should be quick and cheap enough just by aussie post.
Glyn are another "local" option

tubular

Cluso99

Thanks tubular - Dontronics hey - they have been around for almost as long as I can remember But the microSD still have to come from Digikey - I don't expect to find them in Australia.

PCBs not being shipped until tomorrow :-(

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

dossic

Thanks Ale, I'll keep you informed.
I was just so excited with Propeller that I was thinking, when I saw the presence of large SRAM, to use it to design an intelligent potentiostat. But time is the limiting factor, I have to face with all my burocratic and Academic duties.

Anyway, I am writing a simple software for controlling stepper, relays and so on aimed to chemist's needs. It's great to forget interrupts and using the power of the 8 processors. And, finally, I started enjoying OOP....

Thank to you all

Carlo

Cluso99

I have just posted photos of the pcb and a panel of pcbs (just received from the mfr) to the (almost) top post.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

SRLM

Wow! Those look really nice. So, where do we send the check or paypal? I like the big lettering...

Cluso99

Posteditted:

Do you like the black resist?

I will email to those who have requested pcbs·over the w/e - done.

The SMT microSD socket and TO252 Regulators were easy to mount. ·

The FT232RL is another matter - Rework done (used solder wick to remove excess solder where some pins were joined)·

Board working with 3 x 512KByte SRAMs, VGA, TV, on-board PropPlug, etc (EEPROM & FLASH not fitted yet)

See the TriBladeProp thread for latest photos and Errata.· ·http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=786418

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Post Edited (Cluso99) : 3/15/2009 3:22:44 PM GMT

Cluso99

Just thought I would update progress...

SUCCESS...

All propellers are running, with SRAM, VGA, TV, on-board PropPlug equivalent, etc.

ZiCog v0.5 is now running using the SRAM so see the ZiCog thread·http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=788511 for more information·(Z80 emulator with CPM). Now to get the disk working using SRAM and microSD.

PCBs have been sent out around the world.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Mike Huselton

TRI-blade - is there any cross-pollination with www.machineinteltech.com/?
I really don't think so, but I need to ask to be thorough.

Do you anticipate a revision in the layout to accomodate the changes sice you created the prototype layout?
My answer would be yes, but you may have other considerations beyond the purely technical.

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JMH

Post Edited (James Michael Huselton) : 3/21/2009 3:45:15 AM GMT

Cluso99

JMH: No, no connection - interesting site tho'

No, I am not planning to update the pcb. It is doing what I expect. The only real modification is an either/or for the SRAMs, so it would still require a link on the pcb to select which method to drive. The modification for 2 SRAMs is actually very easy once I post the photos of how to do it (TBD).

As an update, heaters ZiCog is running and I now have the SRAM 960KB Disk emulation working (all on Blade #2). I just need to get the correct code into the SRAM or modify for 137 byte sectors (WIP). See the ZiCog thread for all the work underway
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=788511 (link to the latest page)

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Single Board Computer·using the TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators (Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100) - index
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)

My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Post Edited (Cluso99) : 3/21/2009 5:36:23 AM GMT

Cluso99

SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER USING·PROPELLER ICs AND TRIBLADEPROP PCB
·································· IT's RUNNING·

for details and photos see the thread...
ZiCog a Zilog Z80 emulator in 1 Cog· http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=788511
Also see·related threads·in my signature below.

Uses PropDOS/PropCMD, PropCOMM2 (VT100), ZiCog and a TriBladeProp PCB. Currently only 2 Propellers are being used and no interaction is required with the PC.

Thanks to Michael Rychlik (heater) for ZiCog; Roger Williams(localroger)/Michelli Scales for PropCMD·& Jeff Ledger (OBC) for PropDOS; Radical Eye Software (Tomas Rokicki) and Mike Green for fswrFemto; Mike Green for sdspiFemto (which is the ultimate PASM driver for the SD and EEPROM); Andy Schenk for PC_Text & PC_Keyboard; Parallax, Inc.(Chip) and ?? for doing the Plus extensions for FullDuplexSerialPlus; OBC for PropCOMM2-VT100 [noparse][[/noparse]a self contained Terminal program]. My apologies to anyone I have wrong or missed -·please PM me so I can include you. There have been so many others who have helped me along the way·to learn the prop, including especially Hippy.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBladeProp, SixBladeProp, website (Multiple propeller pcbs)
· Single Board Computer:·3 Propeller ICs·and a·TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators: Micros eg Altair, and Terminals eg VT100 (Index)
· Search the Propeller forums (via Google)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Post Edited (Cluso99) : 4/8/2009 11:10:14 AM GMT

Douglas Goodall

This is way cool. I am inspired by this project. CP/M-80 was a major milestone on our way to microprocessors in personal computers. I know prop chips are used for all kinds of things, but I am a systems guy, and using the hardware and software to provide the system infrastucture for an SBC seems VERY elegant to me. I will be fascinated to watch and participate in this project, as it has so much potential. The disk drive compatibility aspect is a fantastic way to leverage off the existing inventory of software assets for the CP/M-80 environment.

Keep up this amazing work that has so much potential for fun and education about vintage computers.

Doug

heater

Welcome Douglas. Hope you can get yourself set up with ZiCog and CP/M on one of the many Prop boards that can run it now: TriBlade, RamBlade, DracBlade, Morpheous or even the Hydra with RAM expansion. Most of these have their own threads which been quite active recently.

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For me, the past is not over yet.

Cluso99

Welcome Douglas,

As you can see, this thread is not very active anymore. The discussion has moved.

In my signature, there are links to the ZiCog and TriBlade threads which contain most of the discussions. RamBlade is an SMT pcb 1.2"x1.9" which contains the prop/eeprom/ram/microSD and is designed to plug into a prop pcb or PC via a serial connection (no RS232 so a propplug). Darc now has a slower latched SBC thru-hole pcb available as well.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBlade,·RamBlade,·SixBlade, website
· Single Board Computer:·3 Propeller ICs·and a·TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators: CPUs Z80 etc; Micros Altair etc;· Terminals·VT100 etc; (Index) ZiCog (Z80) , MoCog (6809)
· Search the Propeller forums·(uses advanced Google search)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Ron Sutcliffe

Well done Ray, PM me when my board is ready. Is PayPal Ok ?

BTW Thanks for the latest CPM stuff, I have just downloaded it so I will see how we go later today with the HX512k board.

Ron

Ron Sutcliffe

Well done Ray, PM me when my board is ready. Is PayPal Ok ?

BTW Thanks for the latest CPM stuff, I have just downloaded it so I will see how we go later today with the HX512k board.

Ron

Cluso99

Yes PayPal is preferred.

I don't know anything about the Hydra, but I would love to help getting it going. BTW I am in Qld at the moment - we should catch up when I get back to Gosford (with RossH too).

I am only in it to get people hooked on the prop, no hidden agendas here. It's my turn to give something back, and I'm loving it

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBlade,·RamBlade,·SixBlade, website
· Single Board Computer:·3 Propeller ICs·and a·TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators: CPUs Z80 etc; Micros Altair etc;· Terminals·VT100 etc; (Index) ZiCog (Z80) , MoCog (6809)
· Search the Propeller forums·(uses advanced Google search)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm

Ron Sutcliffe

We live in Cairns and don't have to go back to Malaysia until FEB now [noparse]:)[/noparse]))))

I am using a Prop Demo Board with a HX512K card not a Hydra system.

I will stick with the version rr135 until I get it up and running. Now I know that the driver code will fit I should be Ok, but if I have any problems I will post.

PM me with Paypal invoice and I will email our address.

Ron

Cluso99

Ron: For some reason I thought you were in Sydney. We were in Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) on our boat in Oct '06. Certainly hot in the summer!

OK with the HX512K card and Demo Board.

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Links to other interesting threads:

· Home of the MultiBladeProps: TriBlade,·RamBlade,·SixBlade, website
· Single Board Computer:·3 Propeller ICs·and a·TriBladeProp board (ZiCog Z80 Emulator)
· Prop Tools under Development or Completed (Index)
· Emulators: CPUs Z80 etc; Micros Altair etc;· Terminals·VT100 etc; (Index) ZiCog (Z80) , MoCog (6809)
· Search the Propeller forums·(uses advanced Google search)
My cruising website is: ·www.bluemagic.biz·· MultiBladeProp is: www.bluemagic.biz/cluso.htm