Well, not so much a slow boat as a fast airplane to Chicago and a slow truck to Texas. The PCB boards are HERE!!! (and, there was much rejoicing, yay.)

Looks good so far…

A quick “layup shot” showing how the boards will line up in the chassis.

And then a quick stab at the J1/J2 SCABs:

The J1 board will need a bit of trimming, but J2 looks good to go (this one is a pair of boards). But wait, what’s this???…

“Pass interference on the play…” Looks like someone didn’t even measure ONCE! D’OH!!! I still have hopes that the GAL devices will work. If not, I will either have to hack the AddrDecode interposer so it will fit or redesign the PCB and order another one. Of course, I can also just work out a different solution for the smartwatch battery, but I really like the idea of it making use of a previously vacant socket for that task.

The GAL Programmer

I was able to squeak in some time to finish the GAL programming adapter for my EPROM programmer. I still need to write software to support it, but the assembly part is done (until I find an issue). I need to run a DVT (Design Verification Test) but that depends on software, so the two will happen in concert for a time. Once the hardware is verified, it will be all software after that.

We’re Live and Direct!

After announcing the blog to a couple of repeater groups, I was heartened at the response. Several folks offered to donate items (even Ed Ingber contacted me with an offer of some items). To all I give my thanks. I won’t act on all offers, I only want to accept those items that I will likely use for this project. Still, I appreciate everyone chiming in.

On Deck…

I need to make a mounting hole template for the RC-96 before any PCB assembly can take place. I have found that this is really the only way I can expect to get decent hole placement with my skill level and equipment. Once that is complete, I can start getting the connector SCABs prepped and attached. I have another RC-96 loaner on its way, so I will be ready to fit check the SCAB connectors soon. Then, let the slodder, er, solder begin…