VDP output monochrome and strobing

About original Memotech hardware.
User avatar
Dave
Posts: 1280
Joined: 11 Aug 2012 18:16
Contact:

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by Dave »

Buy Cheap - Buy Twice :D

(Though it doesn't usually stop me either :lol: )
User avatar
gunrock
Posts: 245
Joined: 28 Oct 2020 21:17

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by gunrock »

Yep. This PSU has been a labour of love (and considerable cost :lol: )
Steve G
Danish Memotech MTX 512, MFX and loving it
User avatar
gunrock
Posts: 245
Joined: 28 Oct 2020 21:17

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by gunrock »

Hi all. After three birthdays and some family days out (it's Easter hols here), I have managed to swap out the DC-DC step up converter and it's fixed the issue.

I also have a new problem! The MTX won't boot with the keyboard attached. Disconnect it and we are good, with a Ready prompt and flashing cursor.

The cable has no signs of obvious damage and my first port of call is to replace the cable (with an IDE, recommended by Dave) but wanted to ask, can a faulty cable prevent boot? Or is something more sinister, afoot?
Steve G
Danish Memotech MTX 512, MFX and loving it
Martin A
Posts: 799
Joined: 09 Nov 2013 21:03

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by Martin A »

If there is a short between pins 19 and 20 of the keyboard connector then the Z80 would be permanently held in reset. That would certainly kill any chance of thr MTX booting.
User avatar
gunrock
Posts: 245
Joined: 28 Oct 2020 21:17

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by gunrock »

Thanks Martin, that seems to be it.

The only IDE cable I could put my hands on is an old original Xbox cable, which is about a foot long :o , so I'll need a shorter one, but it works.
Steve G
Danish Memotech MTX 512, MFX and loving it
User avatar
Dave
Posts: 1280
Joined: 11 Aug 2012 18:16
Contact:

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by Dave »

Look on the bright side - it's only long on one end :lol:
User avatar
gunrock
Posts: 245
Joined: 28 Oct 2020 21:17

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by gunrock »

Thanks Dave, I'll try to remember that! :oops: :lol:

I've ordered a Pi GPIO ribbon cable - seems to have the same number of pins at the same dot pitch as an IDE cable, just three times the price. Now, that's real progress... :roll:
Steve G
Danish Memotech MTX 512, MFX and loving it
User avatar
1024MAK
Posts: 757
Joined: 24 Dec 2012 03:01
Location: Looking forward to summer, in Somerset, UK

Re: VDP output monochrome and strobing

Post by 1024MAK »

If you have a suitable vice, you can buy IDC connectors cheaply and you can buy the IDC type ribbon cable also at reasonable prices. Or if you are very lucky, you may find a CD-ROM cable for sale...

Mark
:!: Standby alert :!:
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Looking forward to summer in Somerset later in the year :D

Not as many MTXs as Dave! :lol:
Post Reply