14 mhz 65C816 Replacement Chip

[k.lucke@genie.geis.com]

<This message to be reposted to other services by anyone who has posted my
previous message(s) about the WDC chip orders, under terms stated in the
original message>
 
I have received many many responses to the offer of breaking down the
minimum order of 14mhz 65C816 chips from WDC and redistributing them.  Many
of those are simply requests for a repeat of information that was clearly
posted in the first message, but to clarify some things:
 
1)  This will probably be going on for a long time, as orders come in and
accumulate to the point of a minimum order or more, that order being placed,
and more checks accumulating while that order is being processed.  There is
no need to clog my mail (I'm sometimes getting dozens of inquiries a day)
with questions like "Are you still doing this?" or "When will you be placing
an order?" or "When do you need my check?" (the last one was covered _very_
thoroughly in my post - I need your check before your name goes on the list
for chips that get ordered... no check in hand, no order the chip).  I also
will not send you my mailing address again because it was in the original
post along with the disclaimer I insist you have read before ordering.  If
you did not _see_ that original post (it is on GEnie A2 Roundtable, Category
22, topic 10, message #276), either find it from whomever gave you the
information, or if you cannot get a copy that way, then you can E-mail me
and I will forward a copy of it to you, which will include the address and
disclaimer.
 
2)  Unless you have specific questions (for instance, I have had several
foreign inquiries as to how to handle payment), I would appreciate if the
only thing I got was a "my check is on the way" type message, so I can
anticipate how many chips and when I will be placing my next order
(note,however, that I still will not order that chip for you until I
_receive_ your check).
 
3)  Yes, they are $30, just like I said :).
 
4)  A check with WDC yesterday (11 Aug 94) revealed that the chips ARE in
stock now (there is a batch of 50 on hand at this point, with more in the
manufacturing process).
 
5)  These are _rated_ at 14 mhz, but have been reportedly (undocumented thus
far) been pushed as far as 20 mhz.  WDC anticipates that ALL chips
manufactured for them from this point forward will rate _at least_ 14 mhz.
 
6)  Yes, there ARE additional modifications you have to do to the Zip AND
the TWGS (I don't deal with TWGS's, so I have no knowledge on the process
here) to actually utilize the higher speed.  I intend to include a copy of
instructions on what is necessary and where to get parts with each chip
ordered.
 
7)  As for the complete parts kit I am attempting to set up, I am still
verifying that I can find a source of reliable cache ram chips capable of
handling the speed.  I believe so, but I have some more testing to do.  I
_will_ post when I am ready to take kit orders, as I will when and if I
decide to handle doing modifications for those who can't themselves. Again,
I have not decided firmly to do _this_ yet (the complete parts kit _will_ be
done, but I can't say exactly how much it will cost until I can find out if
the SRAMs are reliable and therefore how much _they_ will cost - running
close to $11/chip right now, you need 4 chips).  Right now, if the SRAMs I
have been testing hold up, it looks like the complete kit including the
processor and all associated parts will be about $100, and if I do decide to
do modifications, it will probably be $125-$130.  Don't bug me about it.  I
will post when I am ready to start supplying these.
 
8)  Also, I am ordering 14mhz 65C816 chips only.  I am not planning on doing
any other chip type orders from WDC, so please don't ask - I am not trying
to become a reseller of their stuff here, this was only to facilitate a
central point where people could overcome the minimum order restrictions
placed by WDC.
 
I hope that answers most of the questions I have been getting in advance.
If there are specific questions _not_ covered or another way I can help,
please email me, but I will not respond to mail that asks questions that
_have_ been covered.
 
    Ken Lucke  < Delivered by Co-Pilot & Spectrum 2.0b19 >
 
K.LUCKE@GEnie.geis.com