DIY F18a alternative

Render Eng's F18 alternative for 80 column display and higher graphic modes
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RenderEng
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Joined: Wed Mar 29, 2023 5:03 am

DIY F18a alternative

Post by RenderEng »

My little project is to add an affordable 80-column F18 alternative to the NABU. The GitHub repo is here: https://github.com/lfantoniosi/tn9k_f18a

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DJ Sures
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by DJ Sures »

Excellent - the world finally gets to see the project! I'm super happy everything came together nicely. The Cloud CPM BIOS supports it as of today as well: viewtopic.php?p=450

Most importantly, I'm happy to see your project is affordable. It hopefully will remind more people that this is a hobby, not a business. If people need to get paid for their time to make something that contributes to retro hobbyists, then they're not hobbyists. You proved that point well! I'm sure you will influence others to have the same mindset :D
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c1ph3rpunk
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by c1ph3rpunk »

And another one in the list.. Looks quite easy to do and stay affordable, excellent!

I’ll have to check the BOM for US stock though, I’ve had even crappier luck on parts lately, LS244 and 245’s out of stock.

JLPCB here we come…
RenderEng
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by RenderEng »

The 74LVC245 are pretty affordable and everywhere, I checked the US supply.

It's the non-level shifter 74LS245 that is becoming rare.
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productiondave
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by productiondave »

Super cool! I have ordered a couple. All said and done, it's probably costing about the same to have an f18a made or to buy the parts, boards and fpga units for this design and have them sent to NZ. BUT It fits into the nabu and I will be able to bend that ground pin back to it's normal upright position. Which will be nice.
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tastypies
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by tastypies »

This looks great, thank you for sharing!

D. :)
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superbenk
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by superbenk »

Whoa! Awesome!
- Ben
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LeoBinkowski
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by LeoBinkowski »

Cool. I bought two of those Tang Nano 9K FPGAs, but like anything from Ali, I won't hold my breath for a couple of months.

I already have the F18A, but I have many NABUs. Plus, I want to take a closer look at those Tang Nano 9K RISC-V units.
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superbenk
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by superbenk »

I found them on Amazon too. About $25 here in the States. Not sure what they were on Ali.

- Ben
RenderEng
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Re: DIY F18a alternative

Post by RenderEng »

about the same price as aliexpress with shipping.
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