Re: Superdrive card - update

["Henry" <apl2research(.a.t.)comcast.net>]

Hey Polymorph.

The 'lowdown' is things are moving a little slower then anticipated right 
now.  The main thing is learning a new CAD software.  I've updated the 
'Coming Attractions' section of the on-line Store about a couple projects 
going on right now. The one that's about to go to the next revision is the 
RAMWorks III 2 Meg Plus Expander.  You can see pictures of the first 
prototype there.  The units passed all of my tests and I'll be sending two 
units out for additional testing.  Since it's a 100% clone at this point, I 
don't see any issues arising.  The next version will have a lesser coronet 
count and thus be less expensive to produce.  I will also be selling my 
original 2 Meg Plus Expander and one of our v1 2 Meg Plus Expanders just to 
see what the market will bear.

After that project is finished I might move on to the RAMFactor 4 Meg 
Expander and RAMCharger.  After a couple projects I might feel confident 
enough with the CAD software to tackle the SuperDrive Controller.  It's a 
muti-layer board so I'll have to send it out to a place that will sand down 
the board to expose each copper layer.  They then scan the board and will 
email me the CAD files.  I will then have to edit them from there.  The 
SuperDrive Controller project will take quite a few months to complete since 
it's very involved.  It will also go through several different versions 
before it's totally finished but we will offer low volume runs of boards to 
help satisfy the immediate demand - so you collectors be ready! ;-)  Don't 
expect them to be too cheap either until the final version is finished.  I 
suspect there will be about 5 versions till the final one.

Since we're out of IIgs RAM boards we've decided to research the next step - 
a RAM/ROM board for the IIgs.  Basically it will have a few Megs of ROM 
space for GS/OS and utilities.  We're not past the research phase at this 
point but a lot of the texts we have read mentioned how such an animal was 
possible.  It would be nice to see some modern version come to pass in the 
future.  Like I said - no time frame so if you're waiting for a RAM board 
start checking eBay!  Although I do have one (1) six (6) Meg GS-RAM Plus for 
sale - $125 + shipping.  Comes with the ROM3 GAL.

So between orders from the Store, learning new CAD software and research 
I've been going nuts.  I have all kinds of new things to add to the Store 
but I've been too busy to keep up.  We may have also found a US based 
company to help us build boards in low volume, which would also free up more 
time that could be devoted to projects.

I have an extra futon in my office.  Anyone looking to move in and help out 
can stay rent free.  Knowledge of copying software, build boards, drilling 
and shipping a must! ;-)  Actually I've been considering hiring someone part 
time to help out if the board building place doesn't come through.  Problem 
is I really need someone local who can come over and use my shop and tools. 
I don't hold much hope for help though.  Now that everything is going 
surface mount it's hard to find people with all the right tools.  At the 
very least you need hot tweezers and a good iron.

So there we go.  I've having fun and learning quite a bit.  Thanks for 
everyone for all their help and support thus far.  Well, back to work for 
me.


-- 
Henry S. Courbis
www.GSE-Reactive.com
Apple II Series Legacy Hardware - Come take a look at what we have to offer!


"Polymorph" <polymorph69@hotmail.com> wrote in message 
1150335931.177992.285960@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com">news:1150335931.177992.285960@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
> Hey Henry,
>
> Any hints as to how close we are to seeing your release of the
> superdrive controller clone?
>
> Any other projects nearing to release? C'mon give us the lowdown....
> ;-)
>
> Cheers,
> -p
>