Some initial evaluation

So today I've received a package from Intersil containing their ISL26134 Evaluation Board. As I have not read the application note earlier I didn't knew what to expect. Surprise was big, just look at the board:

Photo by Intersil.

So we have the full application of the ADC, with all four channels, internal and external reference voltage and all the configuration pins jumper-controlled - nice. But there is more! after a Si8441BB galvanic isolation there is a uC, an AT90USB162 AVR. Let's say that this part I've been expecting (as a maximum) but the uC ISP pins are on a standard 6pin pin-header(!) and there is more - four switches, some LEDs, even an SPI port on a header... hey - is it an ADC or AVR evaluation board?

Tomorrow I plan to do something more than installing the software on my PC. First let's test the board, second let's test the AVR. I hope I can get to it's software (for backup) and then try to reprogram it to use the evaluation board for some future fun.

Amiga Kickstart switcher installation

So let's get starting! First with a Kickswitch installation in my Amiga 500. 

I've recently bought an Kickstart switcher by random chance. Instead of buying a fully tested one I've decided to go for a untested one, that I've found on allegro. It was a set with a A500 rev 6a motherboard in a not-very-mint condition but still everything seemed to be in place, so there I was:

After checking the electrical connections of the switch I delicately pryed the old Kickstar ROM from my Amiga and inserted the connector into the socket. I have insulated everithing with some foamy stuff used for packing electronics (after checking that it is not conductive).

First boot - Kickstart 1.3:

Reboot and switch the kick - Kickstart 2.05 (I somehow expected that one):

 

So... I got a Kickstart switcher up and running for half the price of a regular (fully tested and/or new). Next step - reflash the Kick from 2.05 to 3.1. I hope to get my hands on some eeprom programmer at work.

Let's get started.

Soooo, it seems that I'm starting yet another blog, this time with a plan to keep a strict schedule of uploads and posts ;-).