OricClone-1

[khelifk]

Hello, Great Project !!! and thank you for sharing this. I'm very interested to proceed with this Oric Clone version implementation, but I'm wondering if this prototype has been tested and is working, or still at the design level? Thank you

[JennyDigital]

I implemented the service manual mods, upgraded the reset circuitry and changed the transistors to currently available ones. I can confirm that it works (I use an Erebus to load software which is confirmed compatible), though one might wish to replace R23 with a wire link for louder volume at the output.

Whilst I'm sure there are minor hardware bugs, I've been playing Pasta Blasta, Oricium, Stormlord, Hopper etc on it without issue. Also, the latest PCB revision has been tested too. If you're in easy reach of Leicester in the UK I can even hand you a pair or PCB's to build your very own on.

[khelifk]

Thank you JennyDigital for your prompt feedback, Eventhough I'm very interested by the PCB, but unfortunately i'm based in Algeria :(, but I'll try to find a way to create the PCB and build it, in the coming weeks, again thank you and keep it up.

[JennyDigital]

There are pre done GERBER and Excellon drill files all packaged in a ZIP file. The same is true of the keyboard PCB. If you go to ALLPCB.com you can literally drop the zip file into their website, choose 2oz copper and 0.6mm minimum drill size. Other sites may be cheaper but I've not used them other than Olimex who changed my design to suit themselves!

I'm hearing a lot about PCBWAY being cheaper but never seen their work outside of YouTube.

[khelifk]

Thank you for your advice, but I prefer to do it locally, as the delivery time to Algeria is long, I'll keep you updated, and get back to you in case of questions. Much appreciated

[khelifk]

Hi Jenny, I received the PCB today 😁 , I'm still waiting for the missing components and I'll start soldering components,.

[JennyDigital]

Looks like you generated your own gerbers there. Green works well!

[khelifk]

Hello Jenny, I'm nearly done soldering the available components. The EEPROM was programmed with the DualRom Bin. I've already placed an order for the missing components, but unfortunately, the delivery will take at least three weeks. I'll initiate testing as soon as the components arrive.

[khelifk]

[JennyDigital]

Looks like your build is coming on nicely. There is one component that puzzles me however... You have a Motorola 6809 CPU in place where a Rockwell or Synertek 6502 (2MHz rated or faster) should be. I know the 6809 and whilst it is an interesting part, it is neither pun nor code compatible with the 6502. The earlier MOS 6501 was kind of pin compatible with the 6800 line of processors but MOS were sued by Motorola and hence the 6502 was born.

[JennyDigital]

I have also taken a look at the datasheet for the MOS 6522, and you are using a part designed for 1MHz operation. You may or may not get away with this, and may have thought it appropriate as the OriClone-1 is a 1MHz computer, but just like all the other Orics, it has an asymmetric clock signal to the CPU and peripherals. This is why the 6522A (2MHz variants) were specified. The B and C variants can also be used but you may end up overpaying.

I look forward to seeing your first boot-up BTW.

[khelifk]

Oohhh...,its my bad, as I'm working on another project with the old Motorola 6802 :-), but I did not know about the historical context you mentioned about MOS and Motorola. regarding the 6522, Thanks for sharing that insight. I was under the impression that the MOS 6522 could operate at 2 MHz. Fortunately, I have some extra 6522s in my drawer. your valuable advice are much apprecited. Components replaced with the correct References.

[khelifk]

[khelifk]

Hi Jenny, great news, my Oriclone-1 is up and running !!!, did not get all the connectors yet, but i didn't have enough patience to wait, so here is the result ...!!

[JennyDigital]

That's lovely to see! I have noticed that you've not mentioned any drama. Did it come up first time or did you have any teething trouble?

[khelifk]

So, I ran into some issues initially with the black and white pattern screen. To troubleshoot, I start by checking the levels at the Adrs/Data lines using a scope and found that all data lines were stuck at a high level with no activity. I removed the Rams and the Data lines where having level activities. To address this, I began by replacing the RAMs (I had encountered this issue before with my Oric1). Miraculously, replacing the RAMs solved the problem, but I was expecting such problems as I bought the components from China and ordered 10 RAMs from 3 different suppliers, I have done the same with the processors and PIAs. Unfortunately the Video and Audio ordered connectors were not the correct one, and I canot find them in China, so this is why I soldred directly wires until I will find the correct connectors. today trying some Basic programs to check the behavior of the Oriclone-1 I noticed that the color Blue and Red are inverted, so typing Paper or ink 1 I have the blue and when trying with 4 I have the red, I think I mixed up the RGB blue and red wires when soldring them, and this all colors completly different of what I expect :-), I'll fix this may next week.