tcp1 wrote on 2024-08-03, 10:58:

Running with a single 128kb FPM module...

There will be a lot of swapping the harddrive going on under most OSes. 😉

🤣. I think I’m so used to not even writing MB anymore that I overcompensated.

Got it fixed by the way. It was the BANK0_OE line on U2, shoddy contact. Always seems to be an issue when I solder SOJs.

Man - great project but even on the capacitors on the back, couldn’t we go a LITTLE bigger? 0603 is just masochistic.

Now if I could only get this running at 160 like my Biosstar 8433. 150 is fine, 160 just freezes on FreeDos boot every time.

Really interesting board, and I’ve had it since it was released.

Anyone selling these modules fully built?

zuldan wrote on 2024-08-16, 03:47:

Anyone selling these modules fully built?

Not that I'm aware of. You can check with pakecakepuppy, but I think he said his supply dried out and that he wasn't going to be making more on account of supply issues for the memory chips.

feipoa wrote on 2024-08-16, 09:50:

zuldan wrote on 2024-08-16, 03:47:

Anyone selling these modules fully built?

Not that I'm aware of. You can check with pakecakepuppy, but I think he said his supply dried out and that he wasn't going to be making more on account of supply issues for the memory chips.

I think I’m going to build my own. What do you think of these components?

https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Panasonic … 52BsD88dA%3D%3D
https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/KYOCERA-A … R2Ws2Wz6A%3D%3D
https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Infineon- … dZ58YB1nw%3D%3D

I’m also trying to make the Gold Thickness to 2U on JLCPCB but I can’t find the option to that?

I just ordered 5x PCB's from JCLPCB. This is how you change the Gold Thickness to 2U

What's the best way to test for shorts on the chip once I've built it? I'd hate to install it in my M919 and then hear it go POP!

zuldan wrote on 2024-08-28, 03:17:

I just ordered 5x PCB's from JCLPCB. This is how you change the Gold Thickness to 2U

The attachment 2U.png is no longer available

That's also what I did.

zuldan wrote on 2024-08-28, 03:17:

What's the best way to test for shorts on the chip once I've built it? I'd had to install it in my M919 and then hear it go POP!

Probably check resistance from: Vcc to GND
Maybe check each memory chip: Vcc to an the adjacent pin .

If you want to be really meticulous, check every memory IC pins for adjacent shorts. Also check each IC pin for contact to the pad. If using solder paste, having non-contact between the pin and the pad is a common occurrence I've run into with SOJ and QFP chips, and usually with older solder paste.

Common problems are non-contact with the memory IC to the solder pad and shorts between adjacent memory IC pins. Perhaps the next most common issue is soldering capacitors too off centre, which may result in shorting Vcc to GND.

mbarszcz wrote on 2024-02-11, 20:59:

If anyone is interested in building up a cache module for yourself. I had a few extra PCBs made. PM me if you are interested, asking $8+ shipping/PCB.

Compared to the $5 JLCPCB/PCBWay specials, apparently these boards are pretty expensive to have made with the ENIG finish, gold fingers, 4 layers (nearly $45 for 5 of them).

Do you have any of these left mbarszcz? Tried to PM you but looks like it wont let me

bertrammatrix wrote on 2024-09-17, 19:43:

mbarszcz wrote on 2024-02-11, 20:59:

If anyone is interested in building up a cache module for yourself. I had a few extra PCBs made. PM me if you are interested, asking $8+ shipping/PCB.

Compared to the $5 JLCPCB/PCBWay specials, apparently these boards are pretty expensive to have made with the ENIG finish, gold fingers, 4 layers (nearly $45 for 5 of them).

Do you have any of these left mbarszcz? Tried to PM you but looks like it wont let me

I do, PM'ed

mbarszcz wrote on 2024-09-19, 03:34:

bertrammatrix wrote on 2024-09-17, 19:43:

mbarszcz wrote on 2024-02-11, 20:59:

If anyone is interested in building up a cache module for yourself. I had a few extra PCBs made. PM me if you are interested, asking $8+ shipping/PCB.

Compared to the $5 JLCPCB/PCBWay specials, apparently these boards are pretty expensive to have made with the ENIG finish, gold fingers, 4 layers (nearly $45 for 5 of them).

Do you have any of these left mbarszcz? Tried to PM you but looks like it wont let me

I do, PM'ed

Appreciate it, unfortunately it looks like I can't even reply to a PM under a certain post count...so it may take a bit to reply to you, but for sure I'd take 2 of those as I'm bound to mess one up.

Does anyone know/ or has anyone tried/ going for 512k instead of a full 1mb? Would there be any change necessary aside from using lower capacity memory? Any 486 baord using DIPs for cache has always shown me to be much more forgiving at high FSB (60mhz) with lower density, often I find 512 is the max I can use to pull it off

zuldan wrote on 2024-08-28, 03:17:

I just ordered 5x PCB's from JCLPCB. This is how you change the Gold Thickness to 2U

The attachment 2U.png is no longer available

What's the best way to test for shorts on the chip once I've built it? I'd had to install it in my M919 and then hear it go POP!

Did you succeed in making cache stick?
If you made or will make several, could you sell one of it to me?
Thanks!

ychh0 wrote on 2024-09-21, 12:08:

Did you succeed in making cache stick? If you made or will make several, could you sell one of it to me? Thanks! […]
Show full quote

zuldan wrote on 2024-08-28, 03:17:

I just ordered 5x PCB's from JCLPCB. This is how you change the Gold Thickness to 2U

The attachment 2U.png is no longer available

What's the best way to test for shorts on the chip once I've built it? I'd had to install it in my M919 and then hear it go POP!

Did you succeed in making cache stick?
If you made or will make several, could you sell one of it to me?
Thanks!

+1, I'd also spring on a completed one if available

mbarszcz wrote on 2024-09-19, 03:34:

bertrammatrix wrote on 2024-09-17, 19:43:

mbarszcz wrote on 2024-02-11, 20:59:

If anyone is interested in building up a cache module for yourself. I had a few extra PCBs made. PM me if you are interested, asking $8+ shipping/PCB.

Compared to the $5 JLCPCB/PCBWay specials, apparently these boards are pretty expensive to have made with the ENIG finish, gold fingers, 4 layers (nearly $45 for 5 of them).

Do you have any of these left mbarszcz? Tried to PM you but looks like it wont let me

I do, PM'ed

I was able to write you back finally

After spending well over $150 for the PCB and parts and after 4 hours I soldered a stick together. Double checked for shorts and checked solder joints. The machine powered on, no magic smoke 😀 The machine booted fine. I then went to the BIOS and enabled the 2nd level cache. The machine booted, did the memory count then just sits at “Wait….”. Tried 6 different FPM memory sticks. No luck.

These are the parts I used

https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/727-CY1019DV33-10VXI
https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/667-EXB-V8V330JV
https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/80-C0603C104K9R

I must have done something wrong but I got no idea how to diagnose what is wrong. There is no way I’m going to spend another 4 hours soldering another one 😉

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

zuldan wrote on 2024-09-29, 10:33:

After spending well over $150 for the PCB and parts and after 4 hours I soldered a stick together. Double checked for shorts and […]
Show full quote

After spending well over $150 for the PCB and parts and after 4 hours I soldered a stick together. Double checked for shorts and checked solder joints. The machine powered on, no magic smoke 😀 The machine booted fine. I then went to the BIOS and enabled the 2nd level cache. The machine booted, did the memory count then just sits at “Wait….”. Tried 6 different FPM memory sticks. No luck.

These are the parts I used

https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/727-CY1019DV33-10VXI
https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/667-EXB-V8V330JV
https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/80-C0603C104K9R

I must have done something wrong but I got no idea how to diagnose what is wrong. There is no way I’m going to spend another 4 hours soldering another one 😉

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Check page 6 out - looks like Feipoa and another user also had problems with the Cypress chips not working (not 100% sure on the exact part #) and were unable to pinpoint the issue.

zuldan wrote on 2024-09-29, 10:33:

after 4 hours I soldered a stick together.

This hints at problem with solder work 🙁 Its just 9 TSOPs, very easy to drag solder, even easier with hotair. 20-30 minutes tops.
Take some macro pictures in good light, maybe you will spot problem in the process.
Look for a hackerspace/makerspace/ham club near you and get a second opinion.

bertrammatrix wrote on 2024-09-29, 14:56:

Check page 6 out - looks like Feipoa and another user also had problems with the Cypress chips not working (not 100% sure on the exact part #) and were unable to pinpoint the issue.

Thanks for the heads up

rasz_pl wrote on 2024-09-29, 19:03:

This hints at problem with solder work 🙁 Its just 9 TSOPs, very easy to drag solder, even easier with hotair. 20-30 minutes tops.
Take some macro pictures in good light, maybe you will spot problem in the process.
Look for a hackerspace/makerspace/ham club near you and get a second opinion.

I used a heat gun plus flux and reflowed all the solder joints. Unfortunately it made no difference.

I think I’m going to try different memory chips. Will try these next https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Renesas-E … %252Bu1Lg%3D%3D

I’m also going to use a heat plate at 260c and solder paste to reduce the time it takes to solder every single leg of the memory chips. Wish me luck. May the force be with me 😉

zuldan wrote on 2024-10-07, 08:09:

I think I’m going to try different memory chips. Will try these next https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Renesas-E … %252Bu1Lg%3D%3D

I’m also going to use a heat plate at 260c and solder paste to reduce the time it takes to solder every single leg of the memory chips. Wish me luck.

It's been a few months. How did the new chips work out for you?

--

Does anyone have any extra M919 1024K PCB's with 2U" gold fingers? I was thinking of making a few more and binning the modules, but costs too much just to order 5 pieces ($58).

feipoa wrote on 2025-04-16, 12:49:

It's been a few months. How did the new chips work out for

The stick I made didn’t work at all unfortunately. I suspect I need to use different memory chips. I did manage to find an original coast module and the motherboard detects it but nothing uses the cache PCChips M919 Cache Stick not being used [FIXED]