Closed Spectrum IDE Adpaters (Rev 3.1C)

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Keith i would like one too please.

Can you lead me somewhere to find the apprpriate roms for this in order to be fully operational ?

I have just enough to program you a set.

would you like +2e / +3e or would you like Pera's 8bit CF ROM?
 
Adapter arrived this morning in perfect condition, feedback left, thanks Keith.

Just need to get the +3 opened now... couple of questions first...

Do I need a specific variant of the +3e ROMs, already have a DivIDE version programed, can this be used?

Also, when attaching a compact flash card using an adapter do I need to provide power to the compact flash adapter card?
 
@wmsteele

I am glad that its got there safe and sound

Now, you will need either

Gary Lancasters +3e ROM
SM8EN3E (simple 8bit device english +3e ROM)​
or

Piters +3e ROM
PCFEN3E.ROM (Compact flash full capacity 8bit memory mode)​


The latter requires a modified CF to IDE card adapter, I will put a how-to up once I get it up and running =)


In terms of power, with the +3 there are headers that feed the FDD so you can just solder a cable to power output +12v / Gnd / Gnd and +5v - also with the +2AB (black) this power coupling header still exists and you can just plumb a 4 pin molex onto that -


(click to zoom)

you can just about see in the image above a 4 wire lead comming from underneath the +3 motherboard - this is attached to the bottom side of the +12v / gnd / gnd and +5v.

The lead has a large (HDD) Molex power connector as well a smaller Floppy Disk type molext power connector as well. this allows me to hook up all maner of things - with the +3 theres plenty of room!
 
Thanks Keith, sounds straight forward, will dig out the soldering iron and get to work.
 
I should also mention that Mine also arrived safe and sound and its a really good design, Nice job Keith :thumbsup:
 
Hi keith

remember me re the 48k? do you feel this will now fit internally a 48k please?

please advise and I'll pm you and send funds. best regards, Iain

ps i might even try to fit it on my (forthcoming) harlequin board as i wont need to unsolder the z80..
 
Hiyas Ian,

This adapter can be configured to work with the humble 48k and Pera's PPROM for the 48k (have a read here)

It is a little more involved than say a +2e or +3e but not that hard - just needs a bit of reading to get the right ROM configured for the right device and Spectrum.

I would suggest though to install this on the Harlequin Board, that way you wont have to fight with 30 year old solder that doens't budge even with a multi-melta / flame thrower!

*ahem

Sadly I am a little contrained for time these days so my jobs have to be small to fit into the free time I have, I will see my schedule and see if there is a way we can get one of these in a 48k for you.
 
cheers keith!

I'm happy to buy one anyway and experiment re heights and layout with a cf card position etc... I have an old 48k just begging a little surgery too if I'm feeling rash

pm sent!

But yes that does appeal massively re the new board! :):)

cheers for looking, wouldnt that be awesome if it can [all] fit a stock 48k.
 
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Hi,

I'd be interested in buying one of these too - pesky disks!! PM on its way.
 
Keith i would like one too please.

Can you lead me somewhere to find the apprpriate roms for this in order to be fully operational ?

I have just enough to program you a set.

would you like +2e / +3e or would you like Pera's 8bit CF ROM?

I don't know Keith what exactly i will need.

I will follow everything you say.

My plan is to find a loose +3 even without PSU and have this adapter.

What ROMS do i need for full capacity for 512MB or 1GB CF ?

I assume if i use +2 or +2B i will need different ROMS ?

I think 512MB or 1GB will be more than enough for few games.

One last question. The adapter works only in +2/+3 models or can be installed in heatsink model also ?
 
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@thread update
Good news, I havfe received a package from China, and I can now help everyone whom needs a ROM for their IDE adapters.


@avick
Sorry I missed your post earlier, I will send you a PM


@seaside
Hello my friend,

By far the simplist is the Spectrum +3 or black +2A/B models

Spectrum 128 +3 and Spectrum 128 +2A/B (Black model)
The +3 or the +2A/B (Black Model Spectrum) you need a ROM set, which is two programmable chips. in this case there are two 27C256 (2* 32K) for a 64K +3e or +2e ROM.

Pending on your choice of ROM's its as simple as plug and play. the standard +3e ROM's allow for two 16bit IDE (non atapi) device to run in 8bit IDE. However Pera's CF ROM allows for only one Compact Flash Card to be used however in full capacity mode.

The latter at the moment is better supported in getting data to the CF card, however it limits the number of attached devices and the device type.

At the moment I am working getting the Pera's CF ROM working with the IDE adapter - one needs to modify the CF-to-IDE adapter - once thats done I will upload some work done by Nuggetreggae on WoS that will blow-ones mind!

the spectrum +3 / 2AB (black model) has a solder point for bother +12v and +5v, so there easy to string up a hardisk to, on my +3e here I have a 3.3GB Microdrive Harddrive running in it!... its nice to see 1.67GB FREE space.... (as its in 8bit mode I only get to use half its capacity, but the Microdrives were so cheap that it really doesn't matter lol)

Other Spectrum models

Sinclair Sepectrum 48k / Spectrum + / Spectrum 128 and Spectrum 128 +2 (Grey model)
Now, if you wanted either the 48k, 128k (toast rack) or the 128k +2 (Grey model) then its only one 32K 27c256 programable chip.

while its possible to install one of these in a Spectrum + and the 128k toast rack - you will most likely have to desolder the ROM and the CPU (install sockets) to then install the adapter.

For Hard disk devices you will need to source power, on the 48k / 128k / 128k +2 (Grey) you will be limited on the voltage to only 5 volts from the regulator - which I would humbly suggest one upgrades to a 78s05 as this can provide more amps for devices.

CF cards would be better in these models as they are physically smaller as well as use less power than a hard drive - although one could power this externally.


IDE Cable Lengths
Maximum IDE cable length I have found depends on both quality - shielding and more importantly the CPU production date and manufacture.

for all the tests 12cms has worked flawlessly here, I have some that are comfortable with 20cm's but thats on newer production Z80 CPU's
 
the spectrum +3 / 2AB (black model) has a solder point for bother +12v and +5v, so there easy to string up a hardisk to, on my +3e here I have a 3.3GB Microdrive Harddrive running in it!... its nice to see 1.67GB FREE space.... (as its in 8bit mode I only get to use half its capacity, but the Microdrives were so cheap that it really doesn't matter lol)

A Microdrive in a Spectrum, how appropriate. :D

Great work Keith! One question, does the CF card need both +5V and +12V? Too lazy to climb upstairs and check but I think I connected just +5V for mine.
 
@protek

You are correct, all CF cards are 5v and or 3.3 volt respectively, you dont need to connect the +12v. In the 48k/128k's you can power them from the output of the 78s05 regulator (which I have done in my 128k +2 Grey model)

Indeed I felt it quite apt to add a Microdrive Hard Disk to the +3e here... I chuckle at the irony most times I fire it up lol!
 
@zetr0: You still have not answered my PM from april 1st. It wasn't a joke you know, I really would like an adapter. :D

Sending another PM for details on how to pay.
 
Hi, I am interested in one of these units, pending the answer to the message I sent to you last evening.

Regards
K6
 
Hi guys,

sorry its been a heavy week - I haven't had much time to spend on these projects very sadly.

I want to ensure that everyone gets the best out of these devices, as such I have been setting up some environments to ensure that not only do you get what you pay for - but also some fun out of it too ;)
 
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