Microdrive boards
Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2018 8:40 pm
I'm taking expressions of interest in replacement microdrive boards.
In 2013 I designed a replacement microdrive PCB that is much less prone to interference from the video hardware on the QL. I'm now doing a revised version as I move the design files to a new tool. It uses all SMD components except the ULA, and all components are moved to the back of the PCB behind a large ground plane.
It requires people sent me a microdrive unit with working head and ULA. I remove these parts and place them on the new PCB, machine the plastic frame slightly to accommodate the new component positions and mail them back. I then tune the motor speed to ensure maximum formatted capacity while retaining pre-written microdrive compatibility. The boards are a very slightly modified board based off the Samsung SG18 microdrive unit used in the very latest production runs. These are the gold standard of microdrives.
The price would be £30 for one or £50 for two microdrive units, including PCBs, rework, head alignment, set-up and return shipping. The ribbon cable is fitted with turned pins, which makes fitting to the QL much easier too. You get your original PCB back too.
If I get expressions of interest equaling 20 microdrives, I'll order the PCBs. If you express an interest, you're not committed to buy and your boards would be freed up for someone else. If I get interest for 10-19 units, I may have to raise the price by around £5 per unit.
If you're interested, say how many units you'd be interested in...
CURRENT INTEREST: 14 units
In 2013 I designed a replacement microdrive PCB that is much less prone to interference from the video hardware on the QL. I'm now doing a revised version as I move the design files to a new tool. It uses all SMD components except the ULA, and all components are moved to the back of the PCB behind a large ground plane.
It requires people sent me a microdrive unit with working head and ULA. I remove these parts and place them on the new PCB, machine the plastic frame slightly to accommodate the new component positions and mail them back. I then tune the motor speed to ensure maximum formatted capacity while retaining pre-written microdrive compatibility. The boards are a very slightly modified board based off the Samsung SG18 microdrive unit used in the very latest production runs. These are the gold standard of microdrives.
The price would be £30 for one or £50 for two microdrive units, including PCBs, rework, head alignment, set-up and return shipping. The ribbon cable is fitted with turned pins, which makes fitting to the QL much easier too. You get your original PCB back too.
If I get expressions of interest equaling 20 microdrives, I'll order the PCBs. If you express an interest, you're not committed to buy and your boards would be freed up for someone else. If I get interest for 10-19 units, I may have to raise the price by around £5 per unit.
If you're interested, say how many units you'd be interested in...
CURRENT INTEREST: 14 units