TriBlade2 - I am thinking of a doing a new t/h version - any interest?

Cluso99

I am thinking of doing a new TriBlade version 2

Here are the original TriBlade threads
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?110563-TriBlade-Prop-PCB-Uses-3-Propeller-ICs-for-a-Single-Board-Computer-(SBC)&p=786418#post786418
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?111093-TriBlade-Single-Board-Computer-RUNNING-3x-Propeller-ICs-and-SRAM&p=790917#post790917
The pcb will be an updated TriBlade with the following changes...

• PCB 3"x7" (was 2.95"x8")
• All T/H (through hole) except for...
  • PropPlug section (option available presoldered and tested)
  • microSD socket (option available presoldered)
  • 5V & 3V3 regulators (option available presoldered but these are easy)
• Blade 1...
  • 512KB SRAM (latched design)
  • Quad SPI Flash/RAM option
  • TV and Stereo option using AV4 connector
  • Keyboard & Mouse connectors PS2 (minidin6) or USB-B option.
• Blade2 will now be a RamBlade3 with 1x 512KB SRAM and microSD (faster latchless design)
• Blade3 will have different expansion headers to conserve a little space
• PropPlug section will be fully smt

Depending on interest, cost would be between US$10 - US$15 for a bare pcb plus $5 unregistered airmail.

If so, what is the interest in parts kits?
a) assembly of PropPlug smt section and microSD section
b) pin headers, shunts, resistors, capacitors, regulators, switch, AV4, crystals, leds
c) connectors (VGA, MiniDin6/USB)
d) ICs: Propeller, SRAM, EEPROM, latches, Flash

RossH

Hi Ray,

The original TriBladeProp is a marvel. It's a shame it was so expensive to produce. But in terms of the total flexibility it offers, I don't think it has ever been equalled.

There are only a few things about the orignal I hope you might consider changing if you decide to build another:

1. The form factor. I'd love to see it in a "stacked" configuration rather than the current "long board" configuration.
2. The inter-prop communications. Because it uses pins 30&31, it requires manual jumpering to switch between programming it, and using it in a multi-prop configuration.
3. More LEDs!!! I always like boards that have both a power LED and a "spare" LED which is already wired up suitable for use as a debug LED. Yes, I know I can always add one - but I'm a fumble fingers, and that's exactly how I blew up my first PropPlug and RamBlade!

Ross.

Cluso99

Thanks Ross.

I was disappointed that I could not get the pcb price down. The pcb suppliers I now use have a shorter length. The TriBlade was made on a 14.6"x16" panel (10 pcbs).

I don't think anyone actually used the latched SRAM on Blade3. I would have liked to see it used (tried) for video ram.

1. Blades 2 & 3 will be shorter, but not the same size. By placing the power supply on Blade2, Blade 3 can be shrunk. Then they could stack even though they become shorter.
It may be possible to stack them and V-score them so they will break easily but they will require power/ground and serial links if you don't break them apart. It is easy enough to do.
BTW It is possible to saw the TriBlade down the large white lines. I have done this to one of my TriBlades. But they dont stack well.

2. Blade2 (RamBlade3) needs to use P30/31 for the inter-prop comms (no other spare pins). However, Blades1 & 3 can use something else. In fact the current TriBlade Blade3 can use an alternate pair P26/27 via LK4 & LK5.
Maybe I will just run a 2wire bus along the top and set links to be able to join to this.

3. Easy enough to put some more uncommitted leds. I often link these leds up to various pins to see what is happening. Much better than wasting pins just to show power. I will put the pads for the FT232 so led(s) can be added to these as I have found my little PropPlug with LED extremely useful.