PC Comms Card alternative.

[shivan187]

Hello all! I am fairly new to the world of console development and am currently working with PSX dev and I have Saturn/Dreamcast programming interests as well. I have been searching the web for plans or pcb layouts for the various comms-card alternatives and have had little luck. So far I have found the pcb for the FreeWing from Here but in looking at the files contained in build.zip the pcb picture doesn't have ANY traces on the circuit board. I'm currently looking for the pcb layouts for the Yano and ExStands interfaces as well, as I have heard these are simpler interfaces to build and they don't require as many IC's etc. Ultimately, I'd like to have all three schematics/parts lists as I will be adding them to my website (once that is back up and running smoothly) and would like to request anyone that has these files to please let me know. I am new to both programming (having experience in a few different BASIC dialects and Java only) as well as electronics and building circuit boards so any help or pointers to tutorials, etc would be greatly appreciated as well.


--=shivan187=--

 

[antime]

You can work out the wiring form the schematic (the squares mark pin 1), but unless you really want the experience of building the interface I recommend you buy a USB DataLink instead. (Note however that the USB DataLink software isn't compatible with Playstation carts and that it's only available for Windows. If that doesn't meet your requirements you'll have to make your own comms software or pick another hardware solution.)

 

[shivan187]

I've been looking into the USB DataLink as well, but my primary interest atm is PSX dev. I do intend to build the USB solution a little later, but I currently have no Saturn, and besides, IIRC, Freewing/Yano/ExStand will work with Saturn and AR-4-in-1 anyway (correct?)

Thx again!

--=shivan187=--

 

[antime]

The parallel port commlink interfaces should work with the Saturn cartridges as well. Dunno how well the old tools work on modern machines though, I remember having lots of trouble with them on a Windows 2000-era machine. Catflap worked best as it is native Win32 tool, but even then flaked out a lot. If there are no updated versions you may have to write new ones yourself in which case you might just as well go with the USB DataLink.


If you can tolerate the slow transfer speeds (and have a chipped Playstation) there's also the siocons option. Serial transfers are also a possibility on the Saturn, as long as you have some means of getting the transfer code running.

 

[shivan187]

I don't mind slow xfer speeds... I just need to get the schematics/pcb layouts. Every time I do a google search for Yano or ExStands interfaces, I run into a wall. It's like those interfaces never existed. I just need the schematics. If nothing else, do you know who on else on the boards may have them?

 

[antime]

The last link on this archived page claims to be the schematics of the ExStand.

 

[mrkotfw]

The USB DataLink works on non-Windows OS. I run FreeBSD and I had to write my own software.


If anyone needs it, just drop me an e-mail (NOT PM!) and I'll send the source. Remember, I'm an advocate of the BSD license.