Re: Microsoft Premium Softcard //e doesn't fit in my Apple //e!

[Steven Hirsch <snhirsch@gmail.com>]

On 02/24/2013 01:27 AM, Michael J. Mahon wrote:
> Alex Freed <alex_news@alexfreed.com> wrote:
> > On 2/22/2013 11:11 AM, Sean Fahey wrote:
> > > On Thursday, February 21, 2013 5:19:17 PM UTC-6, Steven Hirsch wrote:
> > >
> > > > As to whether we can Alex into offering another run of the Z80 boards - who
> > > > knows?  Doesn't hurt to ask (he reads this group periodically).
> > >
> > > If I could get the uber-super version of the card like what you have,
> > > I'd commit to 2 more.
> >
> > I do read this group from time to time. :)
> > I think my PCPI clone wasn't bad at all - they all worked fine AFAIK and
> > with 20 MHz Z80 CPUs were 10 times faster than the SoftCard from MS.
> >
> > The problem with the manufacturing is that I have no desire to hand
> > assemble them and volume is way too low for a factory run. If there is
> > enough interest to justify say 20 more cards I can order a run of the
> > PCBs, but those will be strictly do your own assembly kits.
> >
> > -Alex.
>
> Surface mount or through-hole?

There were one or two SMD bypass caps, IIRC.  It assembles quickly and easily 
if you have a reasonable amount of skill with a soldering iron.  The optional 
USB port is a bit of work, but besides Alex I think I'm the only person who 
tackled it.

It is mildly difficult to find 20Mhz. Z80 chips in a 0.6" 40-pin DIP package. 
 There's a Chinese supplier on eBay who has them from time to time and they 
can perhaps be special-ordered from Digi-Key or Mouser.

Steve