I had some problems with Topwin 6.3 while programming e.g. AT28C256 chips, and was looking for a solution.

So I googled a bit and came across this Chinese site:
http://www.topwin6.com/Soft.html

On there I found a newer version of Topwin, version 6.35.
This version is from 2013, two years newer than the previous version.

I downloaded it and ... it worked!
Now I can program finally program those parts I need so much!

I'm currently working on a new PlusD floppy disk interface.
This will include a Kempston Joystick interface but will lack the parallel port noone uses anymore.
Not sure what name it will get, something like PlusD mini, PlusD two, PlusD+ or whatever.
Currently discussing the name at WoS (click).

After ordering the boards for the PlusD I will focus on a new DivIDE, codename 'DivIDE 2013'.
This will also include a Kempston Joystick interface and will be very affordable.
I'm also thinking of changing to SD cards which are a lot more easy to get and will always work instead of Compact Flash cards.
Also many modern computers have an SD card reader integrated.

Last but not least for the plans of 2013 is a new Multiface, codename 'Multi-Multiface'.
It will embed several different Multiface versions (if possible).
This means you won't have to choose between versions to get one that is compatible with your ZX Spectrum and storage interface.

These new interfaces will all be designed arount a CPLD.
This CPLD replaces logic chips like GALs and 74xx.
Benefits are smaller boards and hence cheaper products and a technology upgrade so that deprecated parts will not cause problems to find anymore.

If interested in one or more of these, send me a message!
I'll put you on the list then.

It's about time to put the GAL files online for the Disciple disk interface for the ZX Spectrum.

These can be used to replace a defective PAL chip.
PAL chips are obsolete and not all universal programmers are able to program blank PAL chips.
So it's far more easy to use GAL chips which are pincompatible.

Be aware that Disciple defects are often caused by bad soldering contacts!! Resolder all contacts before putting in the effort of swapping the PAL's; that solved the problems with 2 Disciples I had my hands on.

The link to the GAL files is within this World of Spectrum topic.

A couple of weeks ago I wanted to start learning about CPLD's.
These are comparable to GAL's but with much more marco cells and thus more inputs and outputs.

My first goal was only to put several GAL's into one CPLD, so I wanted to convert GAL equations into Verilog.
It surprised me that there was no tool to do this job.
So I decided to create such a conversion tool myself, and here it is:



Try it out yourself!
Click here for the zipped Windows executable.

Let me know if you liked the tool and especially when you encounter problems!

I designed a fantastic little circuit to control TTL laser blanking when there is no change in laser scanner input: when the beam stops moving.
This is very usefull when a powerfull laser (>500 mW) is used that can damage walls, ceilings, eyes, etc.
It should automatically be turned off when it's not moving.

Here's the circuit:
http://www.worldofspectrum.org/forums/s ... stcount=17