derrick@ritcsh.UUCP (Derrick Williams) (04/15/89)
SOme people have asked me to post the details of a clock chip I mentioned
a while ago.
While there are many clock chips available, some in hard drives and some
easier to use, I believe this is the cheapest method anywhere.
The chip upgrade is detailed in ST X-Press magazine, April 1988. It is
relatively simple.
The chip itself is a Dallas Semiconductor DS1216E Smartwatch. It is important
to get the one with the E postfix for it is the only one that will fit the
ST.
Once you have obtailed this chip (DS address at bottom), you open the case
of your 520 or 1040, remove the rf shield, pull out the chip marked U2, put
in the DS chip, and put in the U2 chip back on top of the DS chip.
That's it for the hardware. However, it's a little tricky on a 1040, since it
is directly below the power supply. You will have to cut a hole on the mounting
bracket, but it is a simple operation. Make sure you put eletrical tape on the
top of the chip so it won't come into contact with the shield or the power
supply.
You need to have software in order to boot up the chip and set the time. It is
public domain (I got it off the disk that came with the magazine). This has to
be in the auto folder on the disk you boot up with. This is no problem if you
have a hard drive, but can be a pain if you're operating on floppies. I just
put the program on the program disks where time/date stamping is important.
Please remember that opening your computer will void your warranty, and while
this chip installation is very simple, I can't take any responsibility
for any mishaps that anyone might experience.
As for the chip, possible resources might be your local electronics store
or even (heven forbid) Radio Shack. If you're stuck, call
Dallas Semiconductor (214) 450-0400 (Sorry, no address available).
Prices range wildly from $15 to $40, so look carefully for the cheapest source.
Dallas Semiconductor provides software for the IBM (Use it with PC Ditto).
For the Atari software, contact:
St Xpress
P.O. Box 2383
La Habra, CA 90632
(213) 691-8000
Or reply to this posting and I will see if I can send it to you (I'm sure that
the software can be distributed legally).
Happy Hacking!
Derrick
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An artsie and an Engineer once sat, 'twix them a gallon can;
Said the artsie, "Match me drink for drink, let's see who's the better man."
They drank three quaffs, the artsie collapsed with a face turning green,
But the Engineer drank on and with a sneer said, "It's only gasoline!"
Derrick Williams Rochester Institute of Technology
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------clutx.clarkson.edu (AAron nAAs,,,2684025) (04/24/89)
From article <2807@ritcsh.UUCP>, by derrick@ritcsh.UUCP (Derrick Williams): > > SOme people have asked me to post the details of a clock chip I mentioned > a while ago. > While there are many clock chips available, some in hard drives and some > easier to use, I believe this is the cheapest method anywhere. ^^^^^^^^ Definately! I paid $19 and doen't have something that is going to tie up the cartrige port. > The chip upgrade is detailed in ST X-Press magazine, April 1988. It is > relatively simple. That is where I heard about it... . . . > Once you have obtailed this chip (DS address at bottom), you open the case > of your 520 or 1040, remove the rf shield, pull out the chip marked U2, put > in the DS chip, and put in the U2 chip back on top of the DS chip. > That's it for the hardware. . . . Yes, Electronically VERY simple, Had no problem installing one in my friend's 520st. > . . . However, it's a little tricky on a 1040, since it > is directly below the power supply. You will have to cut a hole on the mounting > bracket, but it is a simple operation. Make sure you put eletrical tape on the > top of the chip so it won't come into contact with the shield or the power > supply. . . . This was what they suggested they do with my 1040st... So, I took the thing apart, and saw the 16th inch thick plate of metal between the power supply and the ROMs, and laughed at what they wanted me to do! Even if I did successfully cut a hole in the thing, I doubted that I would gain the extra 3/8" I needed. A quick trip to Radio S. and a few hours later, I was able to make a cable out of 2 sockets (w/ same # of pins as the ROM) and a piece of ribbon cable. Thus moving the ROM socket to a spacious part of the 1040st's interior (like where the RF modulator should have been), and electrical taped everything. And using the software from that ST X-Press, I was all set... Let me tell everyone who has to hand sets their St's clock... It is a beautiful thing when your computer boots up and knows what time it is... ;) (his message continued, but it won't here) ***************************************** |\ * ...and as always, if you or any member of AA r o n n AA s * your IMF force is caught, the secretary \\\ * will disavow any knowledge of you or your `*#========= * activities. * ***************************************** ...Good luck Jim internet: opielask@clutx.clarkson.edu * bitnet: naas17@snypotba * *****************************************
pvf@bridge2.3Com.Com (Paul V. Fries) (04/27/89)
In article <2925@sun.soe.clarkson.edu> opielask@sun.soe!clutx.clarkson.edu.UUCP writes: >From article <2807@ritcsh.UUCP>, by derrick@ritcsh.UUCP (Derrick Williams): >> . . . However, it's a little tricky on a 1040, since it is directly >> below the power supply. You will have to cut a hole on the mounting >> bracket... Perhaps my 1040 is different from others, I have had it about 18 months. I had heard all the stories about cutting required. I had also heard that the clock system available from the fellow in Mass. had an option for the cable. I looked inside the case anyway, and, much to my relief, found that the ROMS were not under the power supply and that there was plenty of room to mount the clock chip that had been in my 520. So, not all 1040s are created equal, and, if yours is the same as mine, you will have no problem. PS please don't ask me to open it up to look for fab rev numbers or anything like that. I will not open that beast unless it is really necessary.