| CBMSTEVE.CA - Personal pages of Steve J. Gray |
| Changes | Info | Prototypes | Remakes | PET Projects | CBM Projects | Modding | 3D Models | KiCad | Github | Ohio Scientific | Other | My Software | My Collections | Facebooks |
I recently (Fall 2013) picked up a complete Adam Computer system that I would like to get operational. Unfortunately the printer is not working correctly. If you are familiar with the Adam you will know the printer contains the power supply for the entire system. I don't plan to use the printer anyway. Luckily the power supply works fine for now. I also won a spare Adam computer unit from ebay as backup but it's tape drive is not working.
My goals for this project are as follows:
I have the Adam connected and working. I am using the composite video output with an RCA cable to connect to an LCD TV. I don't have audio hooked up yet, but plan to make a proper DIN connector cable with both Audio and Video outputs. I am able to load the SmartBASIC from tape, as well as the Buck Rogers game. The printer is missing the ribbon and the wire that controls the carriage is broken. When the Adam boots to computer mode with no tape it loads the SmartWriter program however it hangs. Manually moving the carriage to the left activates the left margin switch and that allows SmartWriter to continue. I'm not sure what will happen when the printer is removed, however I don't plan to use the printer functions anyway as the system should boot to the hard drive menu.
I ordered the IDE card and accessories kit from the ADAM NEWS NETWORK. It arrived quickly. I have installed the card and it works great! It currently is booting from tape. The IDE accessories package included a small power supply in order to power a hard drive if you wanted to do so. I'm sticking with the CF card, which requires much less power. I also swapped out the included CF adapter and ribbon cable and replaced them with an adapter that mounts directly on the card. I soldered on a power cable to the back of the IDE card so that the CF card can be powered directly, eliminating the need for a separate supply.
I have some bare Colecovision cartridges. I will try to create a boot cartridge for the IDE card with info/files from this Atariage Forum. The cartridges use TMS4764 rom chips (8K by 8 bits). These can be replaced by Motorola 68764 EPROMS, which are pin compatible. Another option is to use 2764 chips with an adapter. The IDE boot code is about 1K. This will allow the system to work without moving parts!
I ordered a few things on ebay to make a replacement power supply. This will eliminate the need for the printer entirely.
The Adam has the following power requirements:
The "-5V" is the problematic one. I found an "Arcade switching supply" for about $20 that looks like it would work, however it's designed for internal use and would require I build a case for it. Instead I decided to go a different route. I plan on using a laptop-type power brick that will supply 12V@5A via a simple barrel plug. That will feed into the Adam to a small board that converts 12V to +5 and -5V. I will only use the -5V as the +5V is not strong enough. I will also use another module that converts 12V to +5V@3A. I plan to mount these boards inside the Adam and install a small switch where the old 9-pin power connector is.
Page Created: Oct 16/2013. Last updated: Mar 11/2024, 4:00pm EST
Send comments or feedback to Steve Gray(sjgray@rogers.com)