Elf99 - rebirth of a classic

From: Hans Franke <franke_at_sbs.de>
Date: Mon Nov 9 18:24:46 1998

> I have been in discussion with some folks about 1802's and the possibility
> of producing a modern PCB for the Popular Electronicss Elf design. Hans
> Franke seems to think that there would be some interest in Germany for
> a few units, enough to make me consider burning a board.

I realy would like to play with such a beast :)

> I would be
> curious to hear what other list members though about price, features, etc.
> The good news is that Harris still makes the 1802 for less than $10, and
> the TIL311 displays that the Elf calls for are available for less than $10
> each, used.

> How authentic should a modern Elf be? Try to use 1822/2101 RAM or use
> cheaper 6264 SRAM chips? Add space for an optional 1861 video chip,
> a-la the fourth part of the orginal Elf article? Add space for a 1854
> UART? Add an I/O port? Add nothing to the Quest PCB layout? Remove
> nothing? (There was a socket for a 16-pin PROM and room for onboard 7805
> regulator as well as optional memory battery backup).

To add my opinion, I would just go for the minimal design, with
spare for all parts, maybe with a spare for the video, althroug
I think this one is no longer available, and we would need more
than just the chip. Futher I would add a two sockets for two to
32 K RAM/EPROM and some logic to mirror the EPROM to address 0
after reset (selectable per switch). Eventualy also spares for
additional 1852s.

> Another question, perhaps more on topic - would this count as a classic?
> It could be authentic as far as operation is concerned (toggle switches
> and 256 bytes of accessible RAM), but it would still be on a modern
> board, made recently. In short, does form or function denote "classic"?

It's not a classic, but rather a replica. And in difference
of Mercedes SSK look alikes on FORD or GM chasis the main
parts (CPU, RAM, Display) would be genuine.

Servus
hans

--
Ich denke, also bin ich, also gut
HRK
Received on Mon Nov 09 1998 - 18:24:46 GMT

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