The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
- daveejhitchins
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The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
The New Plus 1 is now available and to order.
OK, so What's taken so long?
Testing:
Lots and lots of testing with a few tweaks needed here and there . . .
Case:
Both variants of the case are 3D printed. The quality of printing is very good, however, it's not to the standard of the original Injection Moulded case!!
There have been several 'tweaks' to the Case Design - all handled by Mark Hillier. The design is now 'stable', however, there may be some future 'tweaks' dependant on feedback from users.
The case printed by me is in 10 parts - printed on a Prusa MK4 (see photos) The case printed by Mark Hillier is in 6 parts - printed on an Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus (see photos). Unfortunately, you won't have a choice which one you receive as we'll both be printing them! You can, of course, print your own! The .stl files will be made available (for both variants) and a kit of the necessary hardware will be available to purchase from me. Note: You will not need to print the 2 x cartridge guides, as they need to be fitted with the cartridge connectors!
PCB:
Is fully working now I'm not using the Chinese 74LS parts. There have also been a few small improvements over time.
Facilities:
Everything works as the original Acorn/P.R.E.S. Plus 1. The extras are:
(1) The ROM socket supports 16K and comes with JGH's set of Utilities including TreeCopy.
(2) Internal support (6 pin SIL socket) for the Printer Port version of MMFS.
(3) A left hand side 9 pin male D connector supporting Atari style Digital Joysticks - the upcoming ADJI ROM (Tom Seddon) will work with this!
(4) Support for an easy fit of the AP6 e.g. no soldering required.
(5) An extended and enhanced User Guide.
The Caveat: Also see the pricing . . .
This involves the connector between the Plus 1 and Electron. The part most people use is the TE 5532600-2. The problem here is the cost! So, I've found an alternative through AliExpress. This is a good connector . . . Except (???)
When I started to design products that plugged into the Electron (and later the Master) I always had the board edge and connector fingers beveled and hard gold plated - because it gives maximum life to the product! Recently, however, I've been buying from JLCPCB (Cost!) who don't do hard gold plating nor bevelled edges!
This creates a problem/caveat as the Electron's PCB edge connector is not bevelled!! It causes problems by damaging one or more of the connector contacts when plugging the New Plus 1 onto the Electron. The reason I didn't 'catch' this issue, until recently, is I've been using the Electrons that I develop all my hardware on e.g. the Electron PCB interface is well worn and all the 'sharp' edges have been removed over time.
If you purchase one of the first 20 units you will need to bevell your Electron's PCB edge connector(s) before use *MANDATORY* to prevent damage. There will be dire warnings on the case to the effect that the bevelling MUST be carried out to prevent damage to the connector! See photos . . .
A short YouTube video showing how to bevel the Electron's PCB edge
I'm trying to locate a lower cost source of the TE 5532600-2 connector, however, regardless I'll be shipping the first 20 with the AliExpress card edge connector. The following units will contain the TE 5532600-2 connector along with any *extra cost*. I don't mind selling the first units to people that understand the issue and will ensure their Electrons are modified. But I'm not inclined to sell any of the first 20 to non technical users or through eBay with the caveat requirement!!
Comments welcome on the above issue . . . !
Cost (first 20): £70 including UK P&P
I would be grateful for users that can take one of the original 20 would do so! Development and investment for this project has been significant!
For those that wouldn't like to modify their Electron, for any reason, I can now offer the New Plus 1 with the TE connector that doesn't need the modification.
Cost: £75 including UK P&P
Orders taken - just PM me - You'll be placed on a list - No payment needed until the unit is ready to be dispatched - I'll contact you.
Dave H / Mark H.
OK, so What's taken so long?
Testing:
Lots and lots of testing with a few tweaks needed here and there . . .
Case:
Both variants of the case are 3D printed. The quality of printing is very good, however, it's not to the standard of the original Injection Moulded case!!
There have been several 'tweaks' to the Case Design - all handled by Mark Hillier. The design is now 'stable', however, there may be some future 'tweaks' dependant on feedback from users.
The case printed by me is in 10 parts - printed on a Prusa MK4 (see photos) The case printed by Mark Hillier is in 6 parts - printed on an Anycubic Kobra 2 Plus (see photos). Unfortunately, you won't have a choice which one you receive as we'll both be printing them! You can, of course, print your own! The .stl files will be made available (for both variants) and a kit of the necessary hardware will be available to purchase from me. Note: You will not need to print the 2 x cartridge guides, as they need to be fitted with the cartridge connectors!
PCB:
Is fully working now I'm not using the Chinese 74LS parts. There have also been a few small improvements over time.
Facilities:
Everything works as the original Acorn/P.R.E.S. Plus 1. The extras are:
(1) The ROM socket supports 16K and comes with JGH's set of Utilities including TreeCopy.
(2) Internal support (6 pin SIL socket) for the Printer Port version of MMFS.
(3) A left hand side 9 pin male D connector supporting Atari style Digital Joysticks - the upcoming ADJI ROM (Tom Seddon) will work with this!
(4) Support for an easy fit of the AP6 e.g. no soldering required.
(5) An extended and enhanced User Guide.
The Caveat: Also see the pricing . . .
This involves the connector between the Plus 1 and Electron. The part most people use is the TE 5532600-2. The problem here is the cost! So, I've found an alternative through AliExpress. This is a good connector . . . Except (???)
When I started to design products that plugged into the Electron (and later the Master) I always had the board edge and connector fingers beveled and hard gold plated - because it gives maximum life to the product! Recently, however, I've been buying from JLCPCB (Cost!) who don't do hard gold plating nor bevelled edges!
This creates a problem/caveat as the Electron's PCB edge connector is not bevelled!! It causes problems by damaging one or more of the connector contacts when plugging the New Plus 1 onto the Electron. The reason I didn't 'catch' this issue, until recently, is I've been using the Electrons that I develop all my hardware on e.g. the Electron PCB interface is well worn and all the 'sharp' edges have been removed over time.
If you purchase one of the first 20 units you will need to bevell your Electron's PCB edge connector(s) before use *MANDATORY* to prevent damage. There will be dire warnings on the case to the effect that the bevelling MUST be carried out to prevent damage to the connector! See photos . . .
A short YouTube video showing how to bevel the Electron's PCB edge
I'm trying to locate a lower cost source of the TE 5532600-2 connector, however, regardless I'll be shipping the first 20 with the AliExpress card edge connector. The following units will contain the TE 5532600-2 connector along with any *extra cost*. I don't mind selling the first units to people that understand the issue and will ensure their Electrons are modified. But I'm not inclined to sell any of the first 20 to non technical users or through eBay with the caveat requirement!!
Comments welcome on the above issue . . . !
Cost (first 20): £70 including UK P&P
I would be grateful for users that can take one of the original 20 would do so! Development and investment for this project has been significant!
For those that wouldn't like to modify their Electron, for any reason, I can now offer the New Plus 1 with the TE connector that doesn't need the modification.
Cost: £75 including UK P&P
Orders taken - just PM me - You'll be placed on a list - No payment needed until the unit is ready to be dispatched - I'll contact you.
Dave H / Mark H.
Last edited by daveejhitchins on Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:47 pm, edited 7 times in total.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat
Can you please post some photos of the bevelled connectors? I have used similar Chinese connectors for minus1 boards and I didn’t notice any damage.
FPGAtom: 512 KB RAM, Real Time Clock and 64 colours
MAN WOMAN
MAN WOMAN
- daveejhitchins
- Posts: 7878
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat
Photos on their way today . . .
Have you tried a virgin Electron e.g. one that hasn't had "anything' plugged into it? That's why I missed the issue . . . And, it may be the specific connectors I'm using. I've also used other card edge connectors from AliExpress and not see the issue and I've not had the problem with the cartridge sockets!
Dave H.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat
No, I don't have an Electron that hasn't anything plugged into it. I'm interested in a Plus-1 and I PM'ed you about it.
FPGAtom: 512 KB RAM, Real Time Clock and 64 colours
MAN WOMAN
MAN WOMAN
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat
It may be worth contacting this website, it's in Pennsylvania in the US;daveejhitchins wrote: ↑Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:43 pm
I'm trying to locate a lower cost source of the TE 5532600-2 connector, however, regardless I'll be shipping the first 20 with the AliExpress card edge connector. The following units will contain the TE 5532600-2 connector along with any *extra cost*. I don't mind selling the first units to people that understand the issue and will ensure their Electrons are modified. But I'm not inclined to sell any of the first 20 to non technical users or through eBay with the caveat requirement!!
https://www.connectorpeople.com
They're not showing any stock but if you submit a request they might be able to give you a good price.
I used the number 5532600-2 and they have a listing for it, you'd probably have to order 50 to 100 to get reasonable rates.
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat
Thanks, I'll give them a go . . . Dave HsP1d3r wrote: ↑Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:22 amIt may be worth contacting this website, it's in Pennsylvania in the US;daveejhitchins wrote: ↑Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:43 pm
I'm trying to locate a lower cost source of the TE 5532600-2 connector, however, regardless I'll be shipping the first 20 with the AliExpress card edge connector. The following units will contain the TE 5532600-2 connector along with any *extra cost*. I don't mind selling the first units to people that understand the issue and will ensure their Electrons are modified. But I'm not inclined to sell any of the first 20 to non technical users or through eBay with the caveat requirement!!
https://www.connectorpeople.com
They're not showing any stock but if you submit a request they might be able to give you a good price.
I used the number 5532600-2 and they have a listing for it, you'd probably have to order 50 to 100 to get reasonable rates.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED
Always thought the edge connector was a bit rough!daveejhitchins wrote: ↑Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:43 pm If you purchase one of the first 20 units you will need to bevell your Electron's PCB edge connector(s) before use *MANDATORY* to prevent damage. There will be dire warnings on the case to the effect that the bevelling MUST be carried out to prevent damage to the connector! See photos . . .
Nice work!
Plus 1's do go for good money on eBay now.
Will the next project be replacement Plus 3?
Richard B
Acorn Electrons issue 4 and 6, MRB, Plus 1 x2, Plus 3, AP6 x2, AP5, Pegasus 400, BeebSCSI, Gotek, Raspberry Pi Co-processor, GoSDC MBE.
BBC B+ 64K (128K upgraded) with Duel OS, Raspberry Pi Co-processor and Gotek.
Acorn Electrons issue 4 and 6, MRB, Plus 1 x2, Plus 3, AP6 x2, AP5, Pegasus 400, BeebSCSI, Gotek, Raspberry Pi Co-processor, GoSDC MBE.
BBC B+ 64K (128K upgraded) with Duel OS, Raspberry Pi Co-processor and Gotek.
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
I remember the discussion about a new Plus 1 a while ago - amazed to see that it now exists!
I think it is, but is that top "door" for easy access to put ROMS into a AP6, if fitted?
Very tempted - and it's nearly pay day!
I think it is, but is that top "door" for easy access to put ROMS into a AP6, if fitted?
Very tempted - and it's nearly pay day!
-
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Nice! I think I must invest!!!
Sadly I cannot PM you as I am a new user. Can you send me a PM as to how to order please? Hopefully avoiding PMs onn here til I am able to use that service.
Sadly I cannot PM you as I am a new user. Can you send me a PM as to how to order please? Hopefully avoiding PMs onn here til I am able to use that service.
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
PM sent . . . Dave H.retroshaun wrote: ↑Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:48 am Nice! I think I must invest!!!
Sadly I cannot PM you as I am a new user. Can you send me a PM as to how to order please? Hopefully avoiding PMs onn here til I am able to use that service.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Have received my new plus1 and it’s working perfectly. Many thanks - it’s super.
I’ve just got a question- I’m using the advanced tube interface (no 2nd processor connected) and I haven’t installed the plus 1 utils rom that comes with the ATI as I believe the plus 1 has one installed. This is the first time I’ve plugged the ATI in.
My question is this:
Why do I have 2 utils roms showing?
Thanks in advance
I’ve just got a question- I’m using the advanced tube interface (no 2nd processor connected) and I haven’t installed the plus 1 utils rom that comes with the ATI as I believe the plus 1 has one installed. This is the first time I’ve plugged the ATI in.
My question is this:
Why do I have 2 utils roms showing?
Thanks in advance
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
RTFM!!
I see I have a copy of the utils on the ATI as well so that explains it.
I see I have a copy of the utils on the ATI as well so that explains it.
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Those are the original ABR Utils and are for saving - I put 2 copies in for insurance!
And the New Plus Support ROM is 16K as opposed to the original Plus 1 Support ROM being only 8K.
Dave H.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Many thanks- now to dig out my MGC I put somewhere!
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
I have an Electron with an unused edge connector,
Whilst I can't do any bevelling, a cotton bud with some WD40 works.
Whilst I can't do any bevelling, a cotton bud with some WD40 works.
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
A sandpaper type nail file would do the job!
Dave H.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
- 1024MAK
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
One of our Dutch friends may help, they have an angle grinder.... Just saying
Mark
Mark
For a "Complete BBC Games Archive" visit www.bbcmicro.co.uk NOW!
BeebWiki - for answers to many questions...
Fault finding index • Acorn BBC Model B minimal configuration • Logic Levels for 5V TTL Systems
BeebWiki - for answers to many questions...
Fault finding index • Acorn BBC Model B minimal configuration • Logic Levels for 5V TTL Systems
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Dave H.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Hi Folks,
Will the new AP1 pcb fit an old AP1 case?
I realize there is the joystick port sticking out one side which would have to be cut/amended.
Dave
Will the new AP1 pcb fit an old AP1 case?
I realize there is the joystick port sticking out one side which would have to be cut/amended.
Dave
Electron, Plus 3 and plus 1, AP6 and Home made MMFS PP SD interface
Electron Plus 1 Pres AP3/4 AP5 MGC ELKWiFi MRB
Beeb issue 7 with IFEL 16 socket Rom/Ram board
Master 128,CoPro
Master Compact
StrongA RPC,
Atom, Music 5000 and Keyboard
Electron Plus 1 Pres AP3/4 AP5 MGC ELKWiFi MRB
Beeb issue 7 with IFEL 16 socket Rom/Ram board
Master 128,CoPro
Master Compact
StrongA RPC,
Atom, Music 5000 and Keyboard
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Sorry, no . . . The PCB fixing are different, sorry! - Dave H. But . . . I've not tried - I'll do so this morning.
Edit: The main problem is the cartridge slot fixings are out. But, with some ingenuity it may be cobbled-in! I have a prototype board you can 'try' - let me know . . . Dave H.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32
Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Thanks Dave,
I’ll not take you up on your offer for now …..thanks.
Dave
I’ll not take you up on your offer for now …..thanks.
Dave
Electron, Plus 3 and plus 1, AP6 and Home made MMFS PP SD interface
Electron Plus 1 Pres AP3/4 AP5 MGC ELKWiFi MRB
Beeb issue 7 with IFEL 16 socket Rom/Ram board
Master 128,CoPro
Master Compact
StrongA RPC,
Atom, Music 5000 and Keyboard
Electron Plus 1 Pres AP3/4 AP5 MGC ELKWiFi MRB
Beeb issue 7 with IFEL 16 socket Rom/Ram board
Master 128,CoPro
Master Compact
StrongA RPC,
Atom, Music 5000 and Keyboard
- BeebMaster
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Will Dave H be getting one of these:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx7d34nl5vwo
Should be big enough (just about) to print the whole Elk +1 in a single piece!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx7d34nl5vwo
Should be big enough (just about) to print the whole Elk +1 in a single piece!
- daveejhitchins
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Re: The New Plus 1 for the Electron Ready for Sale - with a Caveat - UPDATED again!
Pah! Had one for weeks - printing my own workshop at the moment
Dave H.
Dave H.
Available: ARA II : ARA III-JR/PR : ABR : AP5 : AP6 : ABE : ATI : MGC : Plus 1 Support ROM : Plus 3 2nd DA : Prime's Plus 3 ROM/RAM : Pegasus 400 : Prime's MRB : ARCIN32 : Cross-32