[Coco] CoCo3 FPGA project analog boards

[Dave Philipsen]

Preliminary information suggests that the analog board will be 
compatible with the DE2.  The DE2 is physically a little longer than the 
DE1 but the expansion connectors line up and have identical pinouts.  Be 
aware that there are at least four different variations of the DE2 
board; the DE2, DE2-70, DE2-115, and DE2i-150.  Of these four, the DE2 
and the DE2-70 are the only ones that have dual 40-pin expansion headers 
and therefore could be compatible with the analog board.  The DE2-115 
and DE2i-150 scrap one of the 40-pin headers for a HSMC (high speed 
mezzanine connector) which is not compatible with the analog board.  The 
DE2-70 has a different SRAM chip than the DE1 and DE2 so porting the 
CoCo3FPGA to it may be a little more complicated.  Both the DE2 and 
DE2-70 have been phased out but are available on the used/secondhand market.

Dave

On 7/1/2016 12:24 PM, Salvador Garcia via Coco wrote:
> Outstanding!
> I've noticed that people are also using the DE2 to build the CoCo FPGA, is this board compatible with this model, or only the DE1? Thanks! Salvador
>
>
>        From: Zippster <zippster278 at gmail.com>
>   To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
>   Sent: Friday, July 1, 2016 11:34 AM
>   Subject: Re: [Coco] CoCo3 FPGA project analog boards
>     
> Update…
>
> Finally, I’m pretty much done with these.
>
> Except for two boards waiting for some connectors to arrive, this run is built. This weekend I’ll be giving these their final bath, testing, packing, and begin getting them sent out.  These have already passed initial tests on the RAM, serial port, WiFi and RTC modules.  The joystick circuitry hasn’t been tested yet, but earlier test boards passed very well, and I don’t expect a problem there.
>
> There were a number of challenges that had to be overcome in getting these made, including the new layout, having to custom make proper height connectors for the GPIO headers, determining and sourcing a proper hardware kit and other components, etc…  I had to use a lot of different suppliers, and get creative.
>
> The FPGA code was being implemented for the analog board features during the build, but Gary was able to keep me supplied with updated builds as these went together in order to verify things would work.  Things were not quite as ready to go as I thought they were when I entered into this, but I believe we have gotten there. This will be a very nice step forward for the CoCo3FPGA project, which I’m glad to now be a part of.
>
> So, it’s been an interesting little road I’m getting to the end of, over 10,000 solder joints later.  I’d guess there’s around 70 hours of labor in these not counting design or logistics, but hopefully it’s been worth it, they are quite nice.  Very labor intensive though. Next time I’m using stencils and reflow for sure.  :)
>
> It’s been fun, but I’m looking forward to getting back to other projects.  People on the analog board list should expect an email from me in the next several days to arrange payment/delivery.
>
> <https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1sgl615FlGnaUJkT3BMMkIwNjQ>
> <https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1sgl615FlGnbTlhdkJiUU9FSFE>
> <https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1sgl615FlGnREs2YTdjeFJsWHM>
>
> - Ed
>
>
>> On Jun 8, 2016, at 11:49 AM, Marcelo Cannella <marcelo.cannella at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> What a good new!
>> Thanks, thanks and more thanks Ed!
>>
>> 2016-06-07 21:43 GMT-03:00 Zippster <zippster278 at gmail.com>:
>>
>>> Just to let everybody know, I've received all the remaining hardware for
>>> the Analog Board kits,
>>> and I have assembly on 30 boards in progress.
>>>
>>> You'll each receive your assembled Analog Board, a new top plate, and a
>>> full set of brass hex standoffs
>>> to put it all together.  The only hardware you'll have to save from your
>>> original DE1 setup will be the six
>>> rubber feet, and the six phillips head screws.
>>>
>>> Everything fits, and matches!  :)
>>>
>>> <https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1sgl615FlGnREs2YTdjeFJsWHM<
>>> https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1sgl615FlGnREs2YTdjeFJsWHM>>
>>>
>>> It won't be too much longer now.
>>>
>>> - Ed
>>>
>>>
>