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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
Since i do not own a Creativision Cassette Storage Module i was unable to load/save my (very creative) CreatiVision Basic programs... :-(
And using the membrane keys is is not a real pleasure to type them in each time ;-)
So tried to find another solution to save/load to.
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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
At first i needed to find out the pinout of the CreatiVision Cassette port.
- Pin 1: Used to play music from a second track on commercial Creativision Tapes while loading.
- Pin 2: Here is the Data I/O (direct connection to one Pin of the PIA Chip) Signals are rectangular between 0V and +5V. The PIA Pin is switched by Software for In- or Output.
- Pin 3: Not sure what Pin 3 is used for (maybe some kind of "key-pressed" feedback?
- Pin 4: Stays High until CSAVE or CLOAD command is executed. I use this Pin for remote controlling the tapemotor.
- Pin 5: Same as Pin 4.
- Pin 6: +9V Output
- Pin 7: Ground
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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
After simply connecting the I/O line and GND to my Mixing desk to amplify and "shape" the signal i was able to save and load programs directly from my "Audiophile" Notebook Soundcard.
This worked, but was very unreliable, fidgety and used much equipment on my desk.
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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
So i decided to build a small amplifier circuit.
Using only 3 parts (LM7805 to create +5V ot of the +9V from the console, LM386 amplifier and a 10KOhm variable resistor)
With this amplifier i was able to save to the "mic" jack of my build in Notebook Soundcard (During save i did not use the amplifier at all, just simply connected the I/O to the mic-in). And load from the "headphone" jack (this time thru the amplifier circuit).
Worked very well!
Still it is a little fidgety to adjust the resistor (without an osci it is a lot of trial and error...)
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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
So i thought: Maybe i can use a Commodore Datasette! The Datasette will do all the necessary signal conversion for me! And they are very cheap to get...
Here is the pinout:
- Pin 1: Ground
- Pin 2: +5V input (for electronic)
- Pin 3: Motor (+6V input drives the motor)
- Pin 4: Data Out
- Pin 5: Data In
- Pin 6: is grounded, when a key on the tape is pressed.
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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
Here is my prototype for the CreatiVision Datasette Interface.
- It works like a charm!
- Perfect save/load quality!
- Easy to use!
- No adjusting whatsoever!
It consists of only a few parts:
- 7805 for the tape electronics
- 7806 for the tape motor
- TIP42 transistor to switch the motor on/off by remote
- one two-way switch to select save or load
- one pushbutton to override motorcontrol to allow for spooling.
- 4 wires and a 7Pin plug or a 7Pin flat flexible cable connector to connect to the Creativision Cassette Port.
- and a box to put it into ;-)
Update 25.3.2012:
As i have broken my collarbone last monday => work on finalizing and releasing all necessary files is a little postboned :-)
But i hope to finish this project in the next weeks...
Greetings TOM:-)
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画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
Update 30.03.2012:
Finally i got tired of sitting around and my left arm is relatively "useable" again...
Work on the Creativision Datasette Interface is finished!
Here is the first etched pcb...
So if you need such an interface:
Build one yourself or contact me...
The first batch is ready for shipping!
The Creativision Datasette Interface comes with a User Manual.
Each Creativision Datasette Interface is handmade, tested and has a unique serialnumber.
To order your Creativision Datsette Interface -
contact me here:
[画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
[画像:Creativision Datasette Interface]
