Building the ZX Dandanator Mini 2.1 for the ZX Spectrum - Flash RAM ROM Interface

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  • Опубликовано: 2 дек 2024

Комментарии • 126

  • @MarkFixesStuff
    @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +6

    Thanks for watching! You can help me make more content like this! Join the MFS supporters at www.patreon.com/markfixesstuff

  • @WolfKenneth
    @WolfKenneth 3 года назад +15

    "any resistance means you've gone wrong hole..." This one is applicable to other life situations loool

  • @joefish6091
    @joefish6091 2 года назад +2

    It's good practice to fit resistora with the tolerance bands to the right and down, so all the values reads left to right, or top to bottom.
    This makes assembly and fault finding easier.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  2 года назад

      Thanks Joe. This makes sense and I'll do it this way from now on. :)

    • @peddersoldchap
      @peddersoldchap Год назад

      @@MarkFixesStuff It also helps fighting OCD in the world.

  • @dlarge6502
    @dlarge6502 3 года назад +2

    Hi from Kempston, Beds!
    Yep. I live in the small town where the Kempston interface was created by Kempston Micro Electronics.
    I might even go and see if I can find any trace of their old building/location.
    Edit: Wow, its a flat down the road from me!

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Very cool! Let me see any pics if you find anything!

  • @bambionice
    @bambionice 3 года назад +3

    Loved watching this. Relaxing and exciting at the same time

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      Ahh, thank you so much! I do sometimes worry if I have the pacing right in my videos.

  • @cfc3972
    @cfc3972 3 года назад +2

    great stuff mark , you and RMC are so good and interesting at what you do

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Thank you kindly Jay. I passed your kind comment on to RMC.

  • @davidretrogamesplayedbadly3533
    @davidretrogamesplayedbadly3533 3 года назад +8

    I went in the wrong hole once, wife made me sleep in the spare bed for a week.
    Not seen one of those chip programmers before, clever stuff.
    I wasn't going to say anything 😆.
    Nice bit of kit, great video mate.

  • @dronilo_M
    @dronilo_M 3 года назад +1

    Great work, thanks! I glad to see it!

  • @Colin_Ames
    @Colin_Ames 3 года назад +3

    Interesting piece of kit.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      It's a lot of fun to build and genuinely useful. I imagine it'd be a big help for streamers using real hardware as well.

  • @knightphantom3346
    @knightphantom3346 2 года назад

    The innuendo kills this.

  • @kakabixlis
    @kakabixlis 3 года назад +1

    Excellent video broski !! always good stuff from you!i love the new looks :D hope you are well !!

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Thanks! You too! We are locked down here! How are you?

    • @kakabixlis
      @kakabixlis 3 года назад

      @@MarkFixesStuff Same here Broski ,same here i will tell you.

  • @frankowalker4662
    @frankowalker4662 3 года назад +1

    What a neat interface. I've got a ZXTape Bluetooth loader. It loads and saves using a folder on my XP laptop. :)

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      Old school windows as well as a Spectrum??? AWESOME!!!

  • @hyzenthlay7151
    @hyzenthlay7151 Год назад +2

    I got myself a Dandanator Mini Dual, and I liked it a lot, it's easy to update the games over the USB port it has built in, but it has one big issue, and that's the multiload games, as in games that load stages from cassette seperately, which is where the MLD format comes in. Basically, you have to make them yourself, and it's not just a case of converting a file, but actually messing around with the assembly language for each game separately, and each game is different in how it's done. Not at all user friendly. I spent ages googling to see if there was an easier way, and came up with nothing.
    I'll probably get a DivMMC Future as it doesn't seem to have any of those issues, but the Dandanator is still handy to have for diagnostics and stuff like that, especially as you can add several types of diagnostics programs in it.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  Год назад

      Yeah, they’re not really comparable devices to be honest. The Dandanator is more like a configurable ROM cart, hence it being excellent as a diagnostics tool. There are a few good MLD format files out there already though, like Sword of Ianna and CastleVania: Spectral Interlude. Its a great device and really cheap.

  • @dandare8361
    @dandare8361 3 года назад +1

    Very nice video. Thanks Mark!

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Glad you liked it! Thank you for your work on such an awesome interface. Maybe I will try and get the parts for a CPC Dandanator next :)

  • @zxkim8136
    @zxkim8136 3 года назад +2

    Nice instructional build Mark makes me want to build one myself mate 👍

  • @DouglasTitchmarsh
    @DouglasTitchmarsh 3 года назад +2

    Interesting build. Great video👍

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      Thanks 👍 mate and big thumbs up for the big PR!

  • @gingerhippygaming7962
    @gingerhippygaming7962 3 года назад +1

    Great video mate

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it mate and really big thanks for watching.

  • @mogwaay
    @mogwaay 3 года назад +1

    I stuffed in 2 arms from a 2mm tile spacer to fill pin 5 on my homebrew FDD adapter, it was the first thing that I could find in my tool box 😅

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      That's a pretty good idea actually. I have some of those wedge shaped laminiate flooring spacers...

    • @mogwaay
      @mogwaay 3 года назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff thanks! I probably should have glued them in however as the do ping out every now and again!

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      I went to change this one and it's glued solid. Scrap that then...

  • @Edman_79
    @Edman_79 3 года назад +4

    I would so much like to follow you on ZX stuff, but being from eastern part of Europe, we had very different 8bit beasts in here back in the day. Generally compatible, but still different enough. I would love to copy someone doing an HDMI mod to a Didaktik M :D No such luck. At least the divIDE thingy worked for me to get rid of the all-encompassing tape caused "loading error". Never mind that. Nice project!

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +4

      Hey! I do understand. BTW, this project will work on a Didaktik M and did you know that the ZX-HD from Bytedelight is also tested and working on Didaktik M as well?
      www.bytedelight.com/?page_id=1800
      Thanks for watching and keep those comments coming!!!

    • @Edman_79
      @Edman_79 3 года назад +3

      @@MarkFixesStuff Hi! Of course I had no idea! Thanks big time, I'll give it a try. Now, if I only had your capable hands :D There's a Didaktik M in danger now. Thanks again!

  • @BenRattigan
    @BenRattigan 3 года назад

    Lovely work 👍

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Thank you! Cheers! All the better for your ongoing support and help!

  • @theseusblackwell5252
    @theseusblackwell5252 3 года назад +1

    Missed opportunity on PCBWahey! Possibly.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      I don't get the whole PCBWahey thing. What am I missing?

    • @Uzeless
      @Uzeless 3 года назад

      @@MarkFixesStuff See the RUclips channel Retro Recipes. 😉

  • @Dev_olution
    @Dev_olution 3 года назад +2

    Very cool build and device. New intro too, MFS 2.0, with added beard 😀

  • @LOTPOR0402
    @LOTPOR0402 3 года назад +1

    So do you recommend this or divvmmc for instant loading .This is cheaper but seems more awkward to put games on it , and it must be limited to how much it will hold

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      DivMMC all day long for games, but this is good for things like diagnostics carts. It is limited in space. Some new homebrew games are fomatted for the cart and multiload is a thing of the past. Hmmmmm... they both have a place.

  • @paulb4uk
    @paulb4uk 3 года назад +1

    Nice neat board i tend to use tapdancer on my android phone to load spectrum games though that of course is no faster than using a real tape deck but it gives the full experiance of loading a game like we used to i am just odd like that .

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      I like a bit of loading action myself. Where this differs is that the Dandanator allows access to more storage for a single game. So there could potentially be special versions that just support it. There are some special version of homebrew games on the website.

  • @pvc988
    @pvc988 3 года назад +1

    BTW. 1N4148 is not Zener diode. I am sure you know it, but someone else may not.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Oh no. Did I say Zener somewhere? At least folks can get the right part on the name. Thanks for letting me know, I really appreciate it and thank you for watching.

  • @bolloxcratcher
    @bolloxcratcher 2 года назад +1

    Is there anything similar available for my +2? Great video BTW keep up the great work.

  • @peddersoldchap
    @peddersoldchap Год назад +1

    1st really good instructional video.
    2nd, a question: to put a game in the dandanator, one needs to remove the square chip, and put it in the programmer?

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  Год назад +1

      You can program it that way but you can also program it via the sound port on the spectrum using a .tap file

    • @peddersoldchap
      @peddersoldchap Год назад

      @@MarkFixesStuff Just to make clear, one connects the datacorder to the spectrum via the Ear port, and the dandanator is able to read the tape and produce a .tap or .z80 image?

  • @MrKrimstah
    @MrKrimstah 3 года назад +1

    Thanks for sharing I will be building one for sure, is there anything similar like this for the msx ?

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Not that I’ve found that is open source. I will keep an eye out

  • @p8051a
    @p8051a 2 года назад

    Great video! I'm almost there making one of these but I don't have a PLCC to 32 pin adapter. PIC and GAL chips are already programmed, can I upload a .ROM file to the EEPROM some other way like with a serial programmer?! Thanks!

  • @ncot_tech
    @ncot_tech 3 года назад +2

    I'm imagining there's a Patreon only version of this video with alternate commentary.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      I will have to deny that rumour. Become a Patron and find out at www.patreon.com/markfixesstuff
      Thanks for letting me slip that plug in BTW.

    • @BenRattigan
      @BenRattigan 3 года назад

      Is that the version where you are a photocopier repair man with a large tool in tight overalls?
      Or maybe that was another streaming service 😉 or a dream. 🤷

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      @@BenRattigan that was on VHS. I was young and I needed the money.

  • @stickybandit2346
    @stickybandit2346 3 года назад +1

    All the Dandanators are different. So if we buy one can we load anything we want on it, but lose whatever it came with?

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Yes, you basically upload a romset to the main section. The diagnostic rom is in a seperate section though. When you make a romset in the software you can save it though.

  • @Retrohertz
    @Retrohertz 3 года назад +1

    I got a ZX Dandanator Mini 2.1 and it all seemed to work first time, transferring a rom set. However since this first time I've not been able to transfer new roms sets to it. Do I need to intialise the board on boot or something. I've been going into the Dandanator menu first, and then exiting to the Spectrum. Should I be doing this differently? Cheers, to anyone that can help. :-)

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Hi Jarcher! The Dandanator Mini has two components. The PIC microcontroller and the Flash memory. If you update the ROM set you must "tell" the PIC microcontroller what the contents of the Flash are.
      To update the PIC, hold BOTH buttons whilst powering on the Spectrum. You will see a progress menu as the PIC is updated from the FLASH contents. After a reboot it should all be working as expected.

    • @Retrohertz
      @Retrohertz 3 года назад

      @@MarkFixesStuff Thanks for replying Mark. After looking at the documentation, I discovered that I had to prepare the Dandanator on boot to be updated by holding the 'right' button. This then seemed to work with loading a new rom set. But I think there were problems. It started 'loading' and then 'recording' and the big number on the right increased. But then it seemed to fail mid way through. Now after loading the 'loader, and trying to upload a new rom set, I just get a flashing light/dark blue border. It feels like I've broken it. I tried updating the microcontroller but it didn't seem to do anything.
      Is there a way to hard reset it? The Dandanator document is pretty bad. :-)

  • @mrljgibson
    @mrljgibson Год назад

    It would have been nice to cover the costs of parts and chip programmers, because if it's too high you could just buy one.
    Plus it would be useful to cover saving onto it without needing a programmer.

  • @miikasuominen3845
    @miikasuominen3845 3 года назад +1

    Mark, do you use leaded or unleaded solder? On personal things, I would always use leaded. It just flows so much better.
    Also, a few tips, for keeping the tip (see, what I did there?) on tip (oh, COME ON!) top order ;)
    I say, tip cleaner.
    At work, we are not using it and I think it's a stupid decision!
    After using, cover the tip with solder and let it cool there covering the tip.
    It stops the corrosion of the tip, which happens when it is in contact with air and moisture. You will save money, as your tips last longer.
    Also, tip cleaner is easier on tip, than using something to remove the oxidation from tip (like file) and it also has solder on it. So it leaves the tip covered with solder...
    P.S. The problem, with breaking the ceramic part of the capacitor(s) is, that now it's easier for moisture and oxidation to make their damage...
    And on soldering that socket, too much will melt socket and too little will leave you with a cold solder joint.
    If you're able, test on something you don't mind losing. Every soldering station/iron is different! Find the proper temperatures on YOUR set-up and components and so on. And you will save yourself from many headaches...

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      Booo... hisss... I will do the bad jokes!
      I don't use tip cleaner. Just because I never have. I don't really suffer from a dirty tipe. I don't use wet sponges, but rpefer wire wool, which can wear the tip anyway, but I prefer to replace them often - they are not too expensive. Filing is a waste of time I think. I do ALWAYS coat the tip with fresh solder before returning the iron to the stand though.
      I know the cracking of the ceramic was a bit naughty. I have some proper caps on the way and will replace them when they arrive.
      Thank you for watching and as always I really appreciate your interesting tips and input! :)

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Leaded on personal projects BTW, or if the original machine used leaded. I figure if I repair a machine with leaded it won't go into waste so is a positive move.

    • @miikasuominen3845
      @miikasuominen3845 3 года назад

      @@MarkFixesStuff Yeah, I'll say yeah for wool too! It does wear the tip more and exactly, the filing will remove the coating and basically kill the tip even faster.
      And as you said, when the tip is gone, it's gone. You WILL do more damage, if you do not replace it and try to keep using it past it's age. Remember, more pressure DOES NOT make the heat transfer better. But it most probably will break the board ;)

    • @miikasuominen3845
      @miikasuominen3845 3 года назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff Leaded will make a better bond and is better in every way. Well, it may not be as "healthy". But user is never in contact with it, anyway ;)

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      @@miikasuominen3845 Yes. It's not good eating.

  • @PeteB
    @PeteB 3 года назад +1

    Could you provide more detail on the programming interfaces? I need to buy one to flash a PC motherboard STC 32 PLCC but want a device I can use for other projects like this video going forward. Would you say buy the "clone" one you mentioned over the MiniPro? Cheers.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      Hmmm.... that is a question and a half.
      - OK, so the red clone is ONLY for Pic chips. You won't want that on it's own.
      - The Minipro in the video IS also a clone. AutoElec don't make them anymore, so anything you buy will be a clone.
      - My "Minipro" is a clone of the TL866A, which doesn't have the ICSP header. You can add this yourself and hack the firmware but I have't bothered. The advantage for me is that this model can program with 21v where as the later model can only go up to about 16v(?)
      - A Minipro TL866II can do the pic chip programming that I needed to get the Pic programmed in the video. This would do the 32 pin PLCC flash chip no probelms and will probably suit you for most projects. Some vintage stuff will need 21v and I THINK the TL866II is limited to 18v?
      Sorry If I just confused you more. Go for a TL866II I reckon.

    • @mym8784
      @mym8784 3 года назад +1

      As Mark suggests, get a genuine Tl886, you can then program all three chips , the Minipro's are a clone and don't have all the features. XGecu Pro will do all three chips

    • @PeteB
      @PeteB 3 года назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm new to programming EEPROMs and it's tricky to know where to start. (Maybe a subject for a future episode?)

    • @PeteB
      @PeteB 3 года назад

      @@mym8784 Thanks for the pointer, at £100+ with no adapters it's not cheap! I see the official manufacturer no longer makes the TL866 and the ones on AliExpress etc are counterfeits. (You mention TI886, was that a typo?)

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      @@PeteB I would but I am kind of working it out as I go along myself, and not keen to paint myself as an expert on a subject.
      I know I program most 27c seried EPROMs with my dodgy little clone TL866CS, including C64 carts, pic chips, Lattice GALs and Kickstart ROMs for my Amiga stuff - although that needs a special adapter which I built (you can buy it though!)

  • @CortinasAndClassics
    @CortinasAndClassics 3 года назад +2

    Very cool video. I see the gummy bears were checking your work :)

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +1

      I don't know how they keep getting into the videos! I think they edit themselves in whilst I sleep... those juicy monsters!

  • @brettrogers6429
    @brettrogers6429 11 месяцев назад +1

    Hi Mark, I know this an old vid and you probably won't pick up on this comment but can you remember where you got the edge connector from? Aliexpress? eBay? I'm looking for some. Great vid, keep up the good work!

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  11 месяцев назад

      Hi Brett!
      www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002212044956.html you want the 56P version, which means 56 positions - 28 either side and you need to pull out the one for the gap.

    • @brettrogers6429
      @brettrogers6429 11 месяцев назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff WOW! Thanks Mark. I'll get some ordered.

  • @lokz9632
    @lokz9632 3 года назад +1

    What is diameter of your soldering iron tip?

  • @dronilo_M
    @dronilo_M 3 года назад +1

    Are you British? Very nice to listen your pure English instead of crappy USA accent)

  • @blackcountryme
    @blackcountryme Год назад

    I can't get the software as my AV program goes yampy and doesn't want me to go to the site

  • @thomasrotweiler
    @thomasrotweiler 3 года назад +1

    Smurf Poo - available from all reputable hardware and electronics stores

  • @BastetFurry
    @BastetFurry 3 года назад

    3:45, you know the dirty secrets of modern THT caps?
    If you remove the coating chances are high that there is a SMD cap inside. #themoreyouknow

  • @brane2379
    @brane2379 3 года назад +2

    That's not the best way to solder edge connector:
    1- contact surface should be more than a pin point so that solder have decent surface to adhere to, even if applied thinly
    2. Nothing should load solder points with significant force, static or repetitive. Solder develops cracks.
    So, it would be much better to bend the pin to form "L" on both sides, with vertical part separations being hair below PCB width, so it fits snugly.
    Connector plastic should press against the PCB, so that forces at insertion/removal hit that edge.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Thanks for the tips. It makes sense and I’ll try that approach next time I make an interface for the spectrum. So far I just looked what other people were doing. Maybe I can use a vice to grip and bend the pins in a row and then angle them in to an L shape. Might take a few goes haha! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

    • @brane2379
      @brane2379 3 года назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff
      Also, avoid those DIP chip sockets.
      Use ones with rounded holes that have spring inside. They are cheap and TONS better than these.
      I serviced _many_ Spectrums in my time and quite a few failures were due contact oxidation and thermal stresses of those shitty sockets. After many heat-cool cycles they tend to "spit" the chip out.

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Hmm... got a link to some of the good ones that you know are ok? Low on funds here but I’ll definitely bear that in mind for any important stuff I have coming up.

  • @BinManSays87
    @BinManSays87 2 года назад

    Why would you need to edit to make yourself look good the hardest part will 100% be following the instructions and figuring out where everything goes because. Honestly I couldn't solder (well I could I just didn't know that yet) so I bought a Nixie tube clock kit and a cheap nasty soldering kit and within a week I'd managed to track down some lead solder in a pound shop (which was the second hardest part of the build) and without any flux I had a working clock wrapped in Lego and it still works to this day a mere 4-5 years later and now I know I can solder and it turns out it's so easy

  • @robertsissco2439
    @robertsissco2439 3 года назад +1

    "Any resistance means you have it in the wrong hole"
    ...
    ...
    ...
    "Are we not doing 'phrasing' anymore?"

  • @_Jumbo_
    @_Jumbo_ 3 года назад +1

    👍😊

  • @josedavid6400
    @josedavid6400 Год назад

    1n4148 it isn't a Zener diode.

  • @dronilo_M
    @dronilo_M 3 года назад +1

    Chewing gum as a fixator) lol)

  • @Dejotaerre
    @Dejotaerre 3 года назад +1

    8:06 chew gum??? melting in the board? what about an humble scotch tape?

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад

      Haha! No it’s not chewing gum Héctor! It’s “Blue Tack”. I don’t know what it is called in Spain... pegamento chicle? It’s a reusable sticky putty. Scotch Tape is good, but I don’t have it.
      Thank you for watching the video? I really appreciate it :)

  • @dj_paultuk7052
    @dj_paultuk7052 3 года назад +1

    Key was a bit Ruff. Ha, theres an engineer joke in there somewhere!.

  • @danielson9579
    @danielson9579 3 года назад +2

    No one needs pain in there do dads 😳

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +2

      I'm ok with it being other people's doodads, but my own? Nah...

    • @danielson9579
      @danielson9579 3 года назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff lol 😅

  • @SproutyPottedPlant
    @SproutyPottedPlant 3 года назад +1

    My BF's name is Dan I wonder what will happen if I call him Dandanator 🤣

  • @cv643d
    @cv643d Год назад

    "Whats the point of doing this if it is retro, why not load games from a reel to reel player"

  • @_.OX._
    @_.OX._ 3 года назад +2

    John Wick fixes stuff

    • @MarkFixesStuff
      @MarkFixesStuff  3 года назад +2

      I couldn't fix my dog though.

    • @_.OX._
      @_.OX._ 3 года назад +1

      @@MarkFixesStuff Nobody needed to die If only John tried 3d printing and a bit of hot glue.