I'm wrapped! The Bally/Stern MPU project is now REAL!

[radirgyman]

+1

[Homepin]

OK - I'm pretty sure we have resolved the "dual 5101 RAM" issues as used on a Stern MPU200.

We designed up two adaptors.

One allows the use of a 6116 RAM on any Bally board that has a single 5105.

The other board allows the use of a 6116 on a Stern MPU200 with 2 X 5101 RAMs.

Basically we took the info from here: http://warpzonearcade.com/?p=392

and tweaked it to suit our boards and made it a lot neater.

They both would plug directly into the empty "U5" position on the MPU and have 3 short wires coming from them.

Next board run we will knock up a couple and give them a try.

[Strangeways]

Good one Mike !

So in theory, an Stern MPU-100 could be converted to a Stern MPU-200 with the 6116 adapter (and jumper settings etc etc) ?

[Homepin]

Good one Mike !

So in theory, an Stern MPU-100 could be converted to a Stern MPU-200 with the 6116 adapter (and jumper settings etc etc) ?

Yes, very simple.

[Strangeways]

Good one Mike !

So in theory, an Stern MPU-100 could be converted to a Stern MPU-200 with the 6116 adapter (and jumper settings etc etc) ?

Yes, very simple.

This is a GREAT feature that will allow older boards that have not suffered corrosion to be used in later games. I'm pleased to hear that - well done !

[Homepin]

I made up some daughter boards today to test out the 6116 RAM substitution and it works PERFECTLY!

I haven't yet plugged it into a machine but the MPU won't pass the RAM test if all is not well.

[Retropin]

REALLY looking forward to getting my hands on one of these Mike... is a great thing you have done here   

[ktm450]

Amazing work Mike! 

[Strangeways]

I'm looking forward to the pricing confirmation with the changes (addition of the 6116 as an option).

Mike - what about the option to include a full set of .100 pins and connector housings ? J4 is almost always dodgy due to corrosion sometimes running up the connector and affecting the pins. Just a suggestion.

[Homepin]

I'm looking forward to the pricing confirmation with the changes (addition of the 6116 as an option).

Mike - what about the option to include a full set of .100 pins and connector housings ? J4 is almost always dodgy due to corrosion sometimes running up the connector and affecting the pins. Just a suggestion.

I agree and I did enquire of my supplier about these housings. Problem is minimum order is 10K pins and bags of 5000 housings. I had to stop somewhere so at this stage there are no plans to offer the plugs. That may change in the future if my supplier has a change of heart or I can get them elsewhere in more sensible quantities.

The 6116 add-on won't cost much. the chips are pretty cheap and you don't need a 5105 so probably only about $15 extra??