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These are the cool stuff you will have at the end of the assembly stage. Just check them all again, put them all together, and turn it on. And that's when real fun begins.
 GR8BIT main board |
 GR8BIT Z80 CPU board |
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 GR8BIT memory board |
 GR8BIT video board |
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 GR8BIT I/O board |
 GR8BIT Prototype |
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 Assembled GR8BIT (1) |
 Assembled GR8BIT (2) |
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 Troubleshooting GR8BIT |
 The Legend: Metal Gear 2 |
Since its inception GR8BIT has slightly evolved. Below you will find the pictures and some details about the new boards. There's also newer slot board with additional power source selection, but there're no pictures for it yet.
 New GR8NET video board (1) |
 New GR8NET video board (2) |
The new video board is having a lot of SMD components, and it is a real challenge to take! You will need small soldering iron, thin solder (0.5 mm) with flux inside it, and, for sure, magnifier or microscope. This board features improved RGB and composite outputs circuit using AD725, and S-video output. It can automatically detect frame rate and adjust encoder operating mode accordingly. RGB output pinout used is the same as on original video board.
 New GR8NET I/O board (1) |
 New GR8NET I/O board (2) |
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 New GR8NET I/O board - backside |
The new I/O board is having Nextor kernel on it, with driver and microcontroller working together supporting 3.5" AT drives formatted with 1.44M and 720k capacities, and 5.25" drives formatted with 1.2M and 360k capacities (but using 1.2M drive). HDD subsystem is similar to original, but can detect ATAPI devices like CD-ROM (however GR8BIT/MSX can not use it so far). Joystick ports are having current protection circuit buzzing and turning LED on when overcurrent on any joystick port is detected. The board also has some SMD components, but less in amount than on the video board above.
This board adds multimedia and multi-processing capabilities to the GR8BIT. At this stage is not
designed to be assembled in the field.
Core controller: ALTERA Cyclone III (EP3C25Q240).
Configuration options: JTAG and Active-serial using ByteBlaster-II interface.
 GR8BUS master board (1) |
 GR8BUS master board (2) |
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 GR8BUS master board (connectors) |
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 GR8BIT PCB sheet 1 |
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 GR8BIT PCB sheet 2 |
 GR8BIT PCB sheet 3 |
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 GR8BUS master board, side B |
 GR8BUS master board, side A |
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There's a set of tools which will be required for successful project completion. Some of them are for "personal use", some of them can be shared with others (e.g. ask your friends or tutors), some of them may not be needed at all, but it's good to know that they exist and can be required in specific circumstances.
 Multimeter (for personal use)
Any device with ±0-50V voltage, resistance (Ω) and voltrop (
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measurement capabilities will suit. Capacitance ( ) measurement capabilities will be beneficial.
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 Hand tools (for personal use)
Tweezers, pincers, nippers, screwdrivers, small hook, knife. Medical and surgical instrument will fit,
but be careful with it as it's very sharp.
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 Small soldering iron - » APPROVED «
You should use small soldering iron with soldering tip comparable to the pad on the PCB.
Normal soldering temperature should not exceed 725°F (385°C).
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 Big soldering iron - » DISAPPROVED «
Do not use big soldering irons: you will not be able to solder small components properly, and may damage PCB.
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 Soldering kit (for personal use)
Small soldering iron, solder, resin. Desoldering tool - either hand, or automatic. It is very probable
that you will need to use desoldering tool, but not in many circumstances (e.g. removing excessive solder,
desoldering incorrectly soldered component)
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 Examine soldering tip and purchase new if needed
Quality of soldering tip is extremely important. Eroded, dirty or damaged soldering tip will
dramatically negatively affect flow of hot solder and thus quality of your work (not mentioning your frustration,
lost time, damaged components and damaged learning experience).
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 Logic probe (for personal use) Very small device, but extremely helpful in troubleshooting.
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 EPROM eraser (for group use)
You may not need it at all if you use EEPROMs supplied within GR8BOX.
This device erases UV-erasable EPROMs. There's no rationale for you to purchase this device, as you may need it
just several times.
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 PROM programmer (for group use)
You may not need it at all if you use
EEPROMs supplied within GR8BOX which are already pre-programmed, and if you are
not going to develop devices for your GR8BIT.
However you may need it several times, but you may share the device with your colleagues or
friends. Buying for personal use is an option if you plan to develop new devices
and/or develop firmware.
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GR8BIT™, GR8BOOK™, GR8BUS™, GR8BOX™, GR8STORM™ and GR8NET™ are trademarks copyright © 2010-2024 Eugeny Brychkov. For copyright statement, privacy and cookie matters, and credits please refer to our policies.