NP-41 Emulator (may be)
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03-03-2016, 05:27 PM
Post: #162
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RE: NP-41 Emulator (may be)
(03-01-2016 02:26 PM)rprosperi Wrote: Can you guess about when these will be available, and also will it be possible/straightforward to update the firmware, e.g. via USB? (03-01-2016 04:23 PM)Massimo Gnerucci Wrote: Gimme, gimme, gimme one (at least!)... (03-03-2016 01:28 PM)smp Wrote: Any idea when you might be taking orders? I didn't plan to sell the 14-segment version. The build is difficult and time consuming. The fact that I need to direct drive segment-by-segment the LCD glass make the hand soldering quite challenging. Many times I have to re-work / re-flow to get things right. Let alone the fact that I had messed up two builts. I had a few (< 10) custom LCDs left, likewise I had may be 6 or 7 PCBs (both head and keyboard unit). If you think you had good skills and really like one of these, I can assemble a few kits (i.e. all the parts needed). You will, however purchase an appropriate TI launchpad and use it as a programmer. This will allow you to load the firmware and update / change it in the future. Also the PCBs had bugs (you can see them on the photo I uploaded) and require 2 jumps. My focus remains on the smaller NP-41S, where I am focusing to turn it into a kit / assembled kit. The built is a lot easier (and way quicker) and it should be more reliable. Please wait for the next version which hopefully will be the kit version. I think if everything goes well, I will received my boards in 2 weeks time, and another week to built it. So after a month I may be able to offer up to 4 kits / builts for early adopters. I had only ordered 4 LCD modules this time. I also recommend to get this launchpad as programmer, the firmware is still work-on-progress, but already fun to play w/. Currently, the way I load ROM modules is to compile them into the firmware. I am working on a UART loading mechanism. It will most likely require a terminal program like putty, realterm or something similar. This will also be a WIP for the NP-41S, as I will also be experimenting serial ROM to expand it's capability. Once a NP-41S becomes stable, we may want to evaluate again the feasibility of the 14-segment version. It will only be feasible if there are enough interest to trigger a LCD production batch (300 units min.) and me investing into better SMD equipments. |
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