PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Moderator: eslapion
PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Hi everyone,
PLAnkton has been a very popular product since it's introduction back in August 2015. More than 3000 units have been sold since, a number which I find stunning after all this time.
Back then, me and co-creator Fredric Blåholtz expected to sell a few hundreds. With lots of luck maybe 1000. We were quite surprised with the demand and the very positive reception.
However, time has passed and a few potential improvements have been noted.
For one thing, a genuine Commodore PLA signals at a voltage between 3.7 and 4.5 volts. Usually hovering around 4.3 volts. PLAnkton feeds the XC9536XL core CPLD at 3.7-3.8 volts and while this is within the requirements to be representative of a good PLA, it is beyond the recommended operating voltage defined by the manufacturer. At the same time, it is somewhat too low when compared to a genuine Commodore PLA.
Also, even when using the low power mode of the XC9536XL and slew rate limiters built into this type of IC, PLAnkton's slew rate signaling remains much higher than a genuine old PLA.
PLAnkton EV resolves these issues by adding a CMOS buffer which will be powered at 4.3V while the CPLD is now powered at 3.3V. The buffer uses legacy CMOS technology which has a low slew rate nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs and is powered at a voltage which also allows it to signal a higher voltage, now also nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs.
Half a dozen units have already been made and thoroughly tested.
EV means Exact Voltage. Better pins are installed with 10uin (0.25um) gold plating on the pins. Priced at 16.50$US (14.75 Euros).
PLAnkton has been a very popular product since it's introduction back in August 2015. More than 3000 units have been sold since, a number which I find stunning after all this time.
Back then, me and co-creator Fredric Blåholtz expected to sell a few hundreds. With lots of luck maybe 1000. We were quite surprised with the demand and the very positive reception.
However, time has passed and a few potential improvements have been noted.
For one thing, a genuine Commodore PLA signals at a voltage between 3.7 and 4.5 volts. Usually hovering around 4.3 volts. PLAnkton feeds the XC9536XL core CPLD at 3.7-3.8 volts and while this is within the requirements to be representative of a good PLA, it is beyond the recommended operating voltage defined by the manufacturer. At the same time, it is somewhat too low when compared to a genuine Commodore PLA.
Also, even when using the low power mode of the XC9536XL and slew rate limiters built into this type of IC, PLAnkton's slew rate signaling remains much higher than a genuine old PLA.
PLAnkton EV resolves these issues by adding a CMOS buffer which will be powered at 4.3V while the CPLD is now powered at 3.3V. The buffer uses legacy CMOS technology which has a low slew rate nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs and is powered at a voltage which also allows it to signal a higher voltage, now also nearly identical to that of vintage technology PLAs.
Half a dozen units have already been made and thoroughly tested.
EV means Exact Voltage. Better pins are installed with 10uin (0.25um) gold plating on the pins. Priced at 16.50$US (14.75 Euros).
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Photos of the final product offered here and on eBay:
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
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Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Hello,
I haver order seems like last Plankton off EBay from you. I was wondering if there are more, especially this new version?
Please let me know!
Thank you, and appreciate your hard work on all things Commodore.
I haver order seems like last Plankton off EBay from you. I was wondering if there are more, especially this new version?
Please let me know!
Thank you, and appreciate your hard work on all things Commodore.
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
I have plenty of both PLAnkton and PLAnkton EV in stock. I just sent you an e-mail.emilijanus wrote: ↑Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:19 am Hello,
I haver order seems like last Plankton off EBay from you. I was wondering if there are more, especially this new version?
Please let me know!
Thank you, and appreciate your hard work on all things Commodore.
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Already more than 120 units sold!
Presently 90 units in stock!
Presently 90 units in stock!
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
Hi eslapion.
I have purchased a plankton EV from retroleum after this video......
This worked very well until however it let put the magic smoke from ( U1) I suspect......
What is the value/spec of this component so I can replace
Thanks
Lee
I have purchased a plankton EV from retroleum after this video......
This worked very well until however it let put the magic smoke from ( U1) I suspect......
What is the value/spec of this component so I can replace
Thanks
Lee
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
First please know PLAnkton EV is guaranteed for 3 years so there is no need to go through the trouble of replacing parts yourself.
U1 is the 3.3V reguiator os if it failed then more than likely the circuit was subjected to a short circuit. This would normally indicate the CPLD failed.
If you simply replace the regulator then it will likely do exactly the same thing again.
I have sent you a private message with my e-mail address. I encourage you to contact me to get a free replacement unit.
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
Re: PLAnkton EV, a new version of PLAnkton
E-mail received and replied.
I await your reply before shipping in order to confirm the address is correct.
I await your reply before shipping in order to confirm the address is correct.
Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires. -John Steinbeck
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