Minerva Mk2 Remake

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi,

I asked a question on the QL Facebook group, if a remakeof the Minerva MK2 is worth doing.

I need to draw up the schematic and do a PCB layout, copy the PAL chips.

Would anyone like this ehancement to the QL available.

[Pr0f]

Is this to include the I2C components (clock and I2C output) ? If so could I suggest an I2C buffer chip be added ?

[Derek_Stewart]

Is this to include the I2C components (clock and I2C output) ? If so could I suggest an I2C buffer chip be added ?

Just an idea at present, I have Stuart McKnight (Qview) if this is okay.

I have 2 interfaces thst need repairs, so I thought about making a coup,e for my other QLs.

I suppose anything is possible, wny do we need a I2C buffer?

[Pr0f]

The main reason would be to isolate the I2C SCL and SDA pins if these are taken out to the outside world - giving protection against mishaps.

[Popopo]

Hi,
I'm sorry for my ignorance but...
What it does mean?
The goal of this remake what imply?
What could it solve from what we have now or improve?
Thank you very much

[Derek_Stewart]

The main reason would be to isolate the I2C SCL and SDA pins if these are taken out to the outside world - giving protection against mishaps.

Hi Prof,

There is not much space on the original PCB, but if I use SMD components, that should give enough space for the buffer chip.

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi,
I'm sorry for my ignorance but...
What it does mean?
The goal of this remake what imply?
What could it solve from what we have now or improve?
Thank you very much

The goal of the remake is to initially make a new Minerva MKII for other QLs I have, to have Minerva ROM, Crash proof RTC, I2C interface.

Since I like to do outsource projects, noting some be hidden or closed.

[Popopo]

The goal of the remake is to initially make a new Minerva MKII for other QLs I have, to have Minerva ROM, Crash proof RTC, I2C interface.

Since I like to do outsource projects, noting some be hidden or closed.

So it would be openSource?
Love it!

If I understood right... this new module replaces original/nowadays ROMs and brings those new features. Right?
To get I2C interface... WAU!!!! Amazing, that way could be implemented easily Sound Cards, Comms through it.
Nowadays I am drafting by serial ports some new features low cost (OpenSource of course), that with give some features that now are a little out of my pocket like Ethernet, Internet, Sound System, USB Joysticks, USB Keyboard, etc...) but... now the problem is with original UK serial connector (not with German and another one that use RS232 interface),
So... I2C interface could bring a lot of easy work for developments.

Thanks for your explanation.

[Derek_Stewart]

I am surprised you have never heard of this, the Minerva MKII appeared in 1990s, so nothing new.

[Popopo]

I am surprised you have never heard of this, the Minerva MKII appeared in 1990s, so nothing new.

It is because I'm new in QL world.
I bought my QL about 3 years ago but never able to use due to faulty MDVs. Till some months ago that I discovered MicroDrivePico replacement for MDVs.
It is now when I want to develop for QL and studying it better.

I knew about Minerva and TKII only like a ROM replacement for better... never tested features or used.

Some people that asked me for some MDPs told me the same... they couldn't never use their QLs because not replacement for MDVs (only Oqtadrive option) but a little complicate to use. vDrives were also another good solution but out of our pockets.
We had no idea about QL World. Hermes, SuperHermes, Minerva... so on
So I guess... now the community could get some new users, new necessities, request... at least... I hope it. More users may imply better developments and dreams
Sorry