FS: Raspberry Pi to 1MHz and Tube bus interfaces

[KenLowe]

Part 1: The 1MHz Interface - see next post for Tube Interface

UPDATE: Please be aware that I am no longer offering, as standard, a separate remote 1MHz level shifter with header pins. For those who want to use the 1MHz level shifter remotely, a couple of cable solutions exist using what is now the standard under keyboard level shifter. The post below has been updated to reflect this change. However, whist I still have some boards without the headers soldered on yet, I can offer these as non-standard on request. There will be no additional cost for this.

Intro
If you have been following this thread, you will be aware that I have been designing a level shifter board that allows a Raspberry PI Zero, 3B or 4 to be interfaced with the BBC / Master 1MHz port. This allows various pieces of hardware to be emulated on the Raspberry PI. Currently, the following hardware is emulated:

• ADFS Harddisc (BeebSCSI implementation)
• Music 5000 / 3000 (with audio playback through the beeb / master internal speaker)
• Expansion RAM

The Raspberry PI software has been developed by forum member dp11. Further details and firmware download can be found on his github page here.

If interested in purchasing one of these boards, then please either reply to this thread, or drop me a PM with your specific requirements, and I'll be back in touch.

The standard 'under keyboard' level shifter board
The level shifter board is designed to be plugged directly into the 1MHz port on the underside of the beeb / master. A Raspberry PI Zero, or ZeroW can then be plugged into the level shifter 40 pin header, and everything will sit nicely within the well under the keyboard.

Standard 1MHz Level Shifter

Installed under keyboard

.

Remote Installation Options
There are a couple of different ways to connect the standard 'under keyboard' level shifters remotely to an external RPi. Both options are equally good, but my recommendation would be to go for the Female / Female cable + small adaptor board; particularly if you're going to mount it in a case as the pins come to the edge of the case and allow the cable to be unplugged quite easily. It's also a slightly cheaper option, however, it does add some 'bulk' to the whole arrangement, and if you're not using a case, the Female / Male solution may look more elegant. It really is end user preference!

DO NOT TRY TO MAKE A FEMALE / MALE CABLE BY JUST PLUGGING HEADER PINS INTO THE SOCKET OTHERWISE BADNESS WILL OCCUR. THE UPPER AND LOWER PINS GET SWAPPED IF YOU TRY TO DO THIS, AND YOU COULD DAMAGE YOUR LEVEL SHIFTER OR THE BEEB.

Using a Female / Male cable
The first photo shows the male connector plugged into the level shifter, and the cable coming out the 'rear' of the case. The second photo shows the ribbon cable coming out the front and under the case. The photos also show the 1MHz unit with a power cable plugged into the 'rear', which is used to power the 1MHz RPi and level shifter.

Female / Male ribbon - rear exit

Female / Male ribbon - front exit

.

Using a standard Female / Female cable + small adaptor board
With this option the cable comes out the 'rear' of the case. The 1MHz unit also has a power cable plugged into the 'rear', which is used to power the 1MHz RPi and level shifter.

Female / Female ribbon with adaptor

.

Powering the level shifter and Raspberry PI
Please note that it is necessary to provide power to the level shifter board, as power is not available from the 1MHz bus. Various power options are available.

• If mounting remotely, then you should power the Raspberry PI directly from a standard micro USB (or USB C for the RPi 4) power supply. The level shifter board will then draw power from the Raspberry PI power supply.
• If plugging the board directly into the 1MHz port on the underside of the computer, then the preferred method is to pick up power from either the user port, or the tube port. A short cable will be supplied for this purpose. If both of these ports are in use, then an alternative 5v power source will need to be found. If using PiTubeDirect in the tube port, then I have designed a level shifter board for this port that has a pass through power connector, which will allow you to pick up power from the tube port, whilst still being able to use the port for PiTubeDirect. Details of this board are available in the next post below. The RPi Zero(W) will then be powered from this power source.

Power from Tube Port

Power from User Port

1MHz level shifter powered from Tube level shifter

Pricing

• Cost for standard 'under keyboard' level shifter is £15. This includes UK P&P. Please add £1.50 for postage to Europe and £2.50 for postage elsewhere.
• For remote mount, I can supply a standard female / female ribbon cable (approximately 80cm) and small adaptor board, all for £7.
• Alternatively, I can supply a female / male ribbon cable (approximately 80cm) for £8. Note however, that I have very limited stock of the male connector.

Please note that the Raspberry PI is not included, and you will need to source this separately (along with microSD card, and power supply if using remotely).

Acknowledgments - Please send me a PM if anyone else needs to be added to this list for their contributions
dp11 - for the original 1MHz bus level shifter concept, for the software & for helping to test
hoglet - for PiTubeDirect, and for helping to test
BigEd - for PiTubeDirect
simoni - for the original BeebSCSI code

[KenLowe]

Part 2: The Tube Interface - see previous post for 1MHz Interface

UPDATE: Please be aware that I am no longer offering, as standard, a separate remote Tube level shifter with header pins. For those who want to use the Tube level shifter remotely, a couple of cable solutions exist using what is now the standard under keyboard level shifter. The post below has been updated to reflect this change. However, whist I still have some boards without the headers soldered on yet, I can offer these as non-standard on request. There will be no additional cost for this.

Intro
As well as the 1MHz level shifter, I also have a number of tube level shifters available for sale. The tube level shifter is designed to work with the Raspberry PI, and PiTubeDirect software to emulate the following co -processors:

• fast 65C02 (*FX 151,230,0)
• 3MHz 65C02 (*FX 151,230,1) (for games compatibility)
• fast 65C102 (*FX 151,230,2)
• 4MHz 65C102 (*FX 151,230,3)
• 112MHz Z80 (*FX 151,230,4)
• 63MHz 80286 (*FX 151,230,8)
• 27MHz 6809 (*FX 151,230,9)
• PDP-11 (*FX 151,230,11)
• 59MHz ARM2 (*FX 151,230,12)
• 35MHz 32016 (*FX 151,230,13)
• null co-pro (*FX 151,230,14) (to save having to power off the PI)
• 1000MHz ARMnative (*FX 151,230,15)
• 64KB Normal 65C02 (lib6502) (*FX 151,230,16)
• 256KB Turbo 65C02 (lib6502) (*FX 151,230,17)
• OPC5LS (*FX 151,230,20)
• OPC6 (*FX 151,230,21)
• OPC7 (*FX 151,230,22)

This level shifter includes a special power pass through connector which allows the 1MHz level shifter to be powered via the Tube port, whilst retaining the functionality of PiTubeDirect on the Tube port.

The Raspberry PI software has been developed by forum members hoglet, BigEd and dp11. Further details and firmware download can be found on hoglets github page here.

If interested in purchasing one of these boards, then please either reply to this thread, or drop me a PM with your specific requirements, and I'll be back in touch.

The standard 'under keyboard' level shifter board
The level shifter board is designed to be plugged directly into the Tube port on the underside of the beeb / master. A Raspberry PI Zero, or ZeroW can then be plugged into the level shifter 40 pin header, and everything will sit nicely within the well under the keyboard.

Tube Level Shifter - Under beeb option

.

Remote Installation Options
Similar to the 1MHz bus level shifter, there are two different ways to connect the standard 'under keyboard' Tube level shifters remotely to an external RPi:

• Firstly via a standard female / female ribbon cable and small adaptor board.
• Secondly, via a female / male ribbon cable.

Both options are equally good, but my recommendation would be to go for the standard Female / Female cable + small adaptor board; particularly if you're going to mount it in a case as the pins come to the edge of the case and allow the cable to be unplugged quite easily. It's also a slightly cheaper option, however, it does add some 'bulk' to the whole arrangement, and if you're not using a case, the Female / Male solution may look more elegant. It really is end user preference!

DO NOT TRY TO MAKE A FEMALE / MALE CABLE BY JUST PLUGGING HEADER PINS INTO THE SOCKET OTHERWISE BADNESS WILL OCCUR. THE UPPER AND LOWER PINS GET SWAPPED IF YOU TRY TO DO THIS, AND YOU COULD DAMAGE YOUR LEVEL SHIFTER OR THE BEEB.

Pricing

• Cost for standard 'under keyboard' Tube level shifter is £12. This includes UK P&P. Please add £1.50 for postage to Europe and £2.50 for postage elsewhere.
• For remote mount, I can supply a standard female / female ribbon cable (approximately 80cm) and small adaptor board, all for £8.
• Alternatively, I can supply a female / male ribbon cable (approximately 80cm) for £9. Note however, that I have very limited stock of the male connector.

Please note that the Raspberry PI is not included, and you will need to source this separately (along with microSD card, and power supply if using remotely).

Please also note that I can supply a further non standard Tube level shifter with a special 26 pin header, which allows the level shifter to interface with older Raspberry PIs that have a 26 pin GPIO header. No components need to be removed from these older Raspberry PIs if using this special 26 pin header, and the level shifter will still be compatible with later Raspberry PI models with 40 pin GPIO headers. Please contact me for details.

Acknowledgments - Please send me a PM if anyone else needs to be added to this list for their contributions
hoglet, dp11 & BigEd - for developing the PiTubeDirect project, including the software and level shifter

[KenLowe]

This post will list status of all orders. It will be updated regularly. If your status looks wrong, please let me know...

Key:
U: Underside
R: Remote
RC: Remote & Female / Female Ribbon Cable
UCA: Underside with Female / Female Ribbon Cable & Adaptor
UCB: Underside with Female / Male Ribbon Cable

Order Status

User	1MHz	Tube	Status
tucker	1U	-	Posted 02/04/20
marcusjambler	1U	1U	Posted 19/03/20
tricky	1U	1U	Posted 19/03/20
mr-macrisc	1U	-	Posted 21/03/20
th3bar0n	2U	2U	Posted 22/03/20
Stewie66	1U	-	Posted 27/03/20
CJS	1U	-	Posted 19/03/20
awilliams	1U	-	Posted 19/03/20
markrwj	1U + 1RC	1U	Posted 21/03/20
rharper	1U	-	Posted 20/03/20
Rod C	1U	1U	Posted 19/03/20
Alan00	1U + 1R	-	Posted 24/03/20
roganjosh	1R	-	Posted 25/03/20
Remklep	2U	-	Posted 19/03/20
1024MAK	2U	2U	Posted 21/03/20
Kazzie	-	1U	Posted 20/03/20
Wheel_nut	-	1U	Posted 22/03/20
aotta	2U	1U	Posted 22/03/20
IanB	2U	2U	Posted 23/03/20
dominicbeesley	1R	-	Posted 23/03/20
mph1708	1U + 1R	1U	Posted 24/03/20
BCCweirdo	1U	-	Posted 15/04/20
tone76	1U	1U	Posted 23/04/20
Boydie	1U + 1R	1U	Posted 19/04/20
DaveLecky	1U	1U	Posted 14/04/20
shakesc	1U	-	Posted 14/04/20
crowly	1U	-	Posted 15/04/20
egel	1U + 1RC	1U	Posted 15/04/20
jimmy	1U	1U	Posted 16/04/20
anightin	1U	1U	Posted 14/04/20
PJ via email	2U	2U	Posted 18/04/20
trixster	2U	2U	Posted 29/04/20
Simon	1U	-	Posted 17/04/20
JW via Facebook	1U	1U	Posted 19/04/20
cr12925	1U	-	Posted 03/05/20
BeebMaster	2U	-	Posted 06/05/20
cr12925	-	1U	Posted 07/05/20
aotta	1U	1U	Posted 08/05/20
chrisa	1U	1U	Posted 08/05/20
RobC	2RC	-	Posted 09/05/20
moose	1UCA	1UCA	Posted 09/05/20
Knuckx	1U	-	Posted 19/05/20
Hopper	1U	-	Posted 20/05/20
roobarb!	1U	1U	Posted 20/05/20
hubertn	2UCB	1U	Posted 29/05/20
Lardo Boffin	1UCB	-	Posted 31/05/20
MR via Facebook	1UCB	-	Posted 31/05/20
dudleysoft71	1U	-	Posted 31/05/20
Steve3000	1U	-	Posted 01/06/20
DamienSturdy	1U	-	Posted 11/06/20
DamienSturdy	-	1U	Posted 12/06/20
gslug	1UCA	-	Posted 16/06/20
rodders	-	1U	Posted 28/06/20
TimbukToo	-	1U	Posted 01/07/20
metaluna	1U	1U	Posted 01/07/20
jms2	1U	1U	Posted 08/07/20
glevas	1U	1U	Posted 09/07/20
GeiteMaaier	1UCB	-	Posted 10/07/20
MrDug	1UCB	1UCB	Posted 14/07/20
rodders	1U	-	Posted 22/07/20
BeebMaster	-	2U	Posted 22/07/20
PippUK	1U	-	Posted 23/07/20
mpac	1UB	-	Posted 26/07/20
SW via email	2U	-	Posted 03/08/20
nickm	1U	1U	Posted 06/08/20
Ekethump13	1U	1U	Posted 12/08/20
Stwert	1U	-	Posted 24/08/20
metaluna	1U	-	Posted 02/09/20
AntonyStotesbury	1U	-	Posted 03/09/20
8bitkick	1U	1U	Posted 06/09/20
sfalvey	1U	-	Posted 07/09/20
grannyg	1U	-	Posted 07/09/20
shakesc	1U	-	Posted 20/09/20
timepilot	1U	-	Posted 27/09/20
Back2skooldaze	1U	-	Await payment
robheaton	1U	-	Posted 04/10/20
Richard Hallas	1UCB	-	Posted 25/10/20
Wheel_nut	-	1U	Posted 28/10/20
iainjh	3U	-	Posted 31/10/20
JasonStonier	-	1U	Posted 29/11/20
Bobbi	1U	1U	Posted 30/11/20
sixedup	-	1U	Posted 02/12/20
SickCuchulainn	1U	-	Posted 04/12/20
oe7twj	1U	-	Posted 06/12/20
Andrewcee	2U	-	Posted 06/12/20
KlausP	1U	-	Posted 07/12/20
PeterTheGrey	1UCB	-	Posted 09/12/20
RS via Facebook	1U + 1UCA	1U	Posted 11/12/20
paulxtr	1U	-	Posted 13/12/20
madawg	1U	-	Posted 15/12/20
Jash	1U	-	Posted 17/12/20
dp11	-	1U	Posted 17/12/20
hexten	1U	1U	Posted 18/12/20
draget	1U	-	Posted 18/12/20
PhilLG	1UCB	-	Posted 27/12/20
kilowatt	1U	1U	Posted 30/12/20
SpaceCommanderTravis	1UCB	-	Posted 07/01/21
shifters74	1UCA	1UCA	Posted 11/01/21
gavinlew	1UCA	1UCA	Posted 12/01/21

[anightin]

Hi Ken,

I would be interested in 1 each of Tube and 1MHz boards (non-remote option) please.

Many thanks

Andy

[DaveLecky]

Hi Ken,

I have already noted my interest in a pi tube interface, but would also like now to note interest in a option 1 underside install for the 1Mh bus please.

Ta

Dave

[Boydie]

Please can I clarify my interest - 1 each of the underside 1MHz and Tube, and 1 remote 1MHz (so same overall total as before).

[Kazzie]

If stocks last, I'd like to express an interest in an underside tube shifter. Thanks.

[mph1708]

I too would like to clarify my previously stated interest for 2 x 1 Mhz units.
As 1 x underside 1MHz unit and and 1 x remote 1MHz please.

If possible I would add 1 x underside Tube unit to the list too.

Regards

Mike

[aotta]

I confirm my interest, but please consider the underside version for my wanted adapters (it's not specified in the list now..).
Thank you Ken

[KenLowe]

Okay folks. Hopefully I've captured everyones requirements to date. Let me know if I've missed your post.

I've placed a line part way down the list to indicate those who I've been in contact with. Those below the line will need to wait until I've received the next batch. I should have sufficient quantity in this next batch to cover all remaining noted interest.

Thank you all for your patience.

Edit: Anyone who initially noted interest, but is no longer wanting a board, can you please let me know, so I can remove you from the list and elevate everyone else up. Thanks.

[Kazzie]

Okay folks. Hopefully I've captured everyones requirements to date. Let me know if I've missed your post.

You caught my post, but I seem to have ended up in the 1MHz column rather than the Tube column by mistake.

Thanks in advance.

[KenLowe]

You caught my post, but I seem to have ended up in the 1MHz column rather than the Tube column by mistake.

Sorry. The tabs don't line up particularly well when your editing the posts, so it wrongly looked like it was against the Tube adaptor. Now sorted. I've also moved you up the list, since currently I don't have any stock limitations of Tube adaptors, and I've sent you a PM.

[jms2]

Hello Ken,

This project looks superb - and it has somewhat crept up on me because I hadn't been following the development thread. Sometimes it's better that way; seeing the finished product inspires me to look back at how it was created, whereas it can be hard to understand the end goal when there's a lot of detail being discussed.

Anyway, I'd be interested in one of each, in the "underneath" config please.

[th3bar0n]

Hi Ken,

Incredible job with these, they look awesome!

I'm still interested, as per my original request, however I can't seem to PM at the moment (says I don't have enough posts).

is there anyone monitoring this thread who can fix that?

Many thanks
Paul

[IanB]

Code: Select all

IanB		2	2

Just to add that all of mine should be Underside

[tone76]

Hi Ken,

I know you haven't got down to me on the list just yet, but I'd like to confirm my order for 1 x 1MHz interface and 1 x Tube interface. Underside (Option 1) versions of both, please.

Cheers.

[Kazzie]

Hi Ken,

Incredible job with these, they look awesome!

I'm still interested, as per my original request, however I can't seem to PM at the moment (says I don't have enough posts).

is there anyone monitoring this thread who can fix that?

Many thanks
Paul

Click the "Contact Us" (envelope) link at the bottom of the page, and that will let you ask for PM rights from an administrator.

[1024MAK]

Hi Ken

Can I please have the following:

Raspberry Pi to 1MHz bus interface
Option 1 (Underside)
£15 including UK P&P.
Quantity: 2

Tube level shifter
Option 1 (Underside)
£12 including UK P&P.
Quantity: 2

Please let me know the total if it’s not 2 x £15 + 2 x £12

Thanks for developing and producing these

Mark

[KenLowe]

I'm still interested, as per my original request, however I can't seem to PM at the moment (says I don't have enough posts).

I've sent you a PM with alternative contact details.

Please let me know the total if it’s not 2 x £15 + 2 x £12

PM sent.

[1024MAK]

You caught my post, but I seem to have ended up in the 1MHz column rather than the Tube column by mistake.

Sorry. The tabs don't line up particularly well when your editing the posts, so it wrongly looked like it was against the Tube adaptor. Now sorted. I've also moved you up the list, since currently I don't have any stock limitations of Tube adaptors, and I've sent you a PM.

For editing text only, use a text editor with a fixed width character font, then copy to the forum text editor box
If you want a table, have a play with the tool on this site. Create your table, then copy the resulting ‘code’ into the forum text editor box. Not sure how big a table you can have mind. May also be a pain to edit it.

Mark

[1024MAK]

Post above edited to include the link that I forgot

[KenLowe]

If you want a table, have a play with the tool on this site. Create your table, then copy the resulting ‘code’ into the forum text editor box. Not sure how big a table you can have mind. May also be a pain to edit it.

That sounds quite useful. I'll give it a test to see how it looks.

Edit: Works well and easy to edit / update. I've now switched to the table code. Thanks for the tip.

[Wheel_nut]

Please could you add my request for One Tube "Under" Level Shifter Board to your list.

I can pay by PayPal Friends and Family whenever you are ready.

Robin

[KenLowe]

Please could you add my request for One Tube "Under" Level Shifter Board to your list.

I can pay by PayPal Friends and Family whenever you are ready.

Robin

I've added you to the list, and sent you a PM.

[trixster]

Hi ken.

Great project!

Please could I be added to the list for:
2x Option 1 (underside) Raspberry Pi to 1MHz bus interface
2x Option 1 (underside) Tube level shifter
Uk p&p

Thanks

[dominicbeesley]

Please could I have an Option 2 remote

Thanks

Dom

[KenLowe]

Folks,

I'm putting a pause on selling these, whilst there are movement restrictions in place. I've posted out to everyone who has paid me, so assuming postal service remains active, everyone who has purchased from me should receive their package shortly.

Thank you, and stay safe!

Ken.

[KenLowe]

Ok folks, I am lifting the pause in selling now that the forum is open for business once again. However, I will be continuing to follow the social distancing and stay at home guidance issued by the government, so there may be a delay in me getting to the post office / post box if you do make a purchase.

Just prior to the pause, I had started running short of the Tube level shifter, but I received a new batch earlier this week, so I currently have plenty stock of both Tube and 1MHz level shifters.

Please also note that the remote option level shifter will be by special request only now. Instead, I will now be offering the under keyboard option as standard. If you do want to use the level shifter remotely, you will then have two options. The first option is to use a female / male ribbon cable (which I may be able to supply at cost). The second option is purchase a small additional pin converter that will allow you to use a more standard female / female ribbon cable. This pin converter will cost an additional £2. In time, I will update the first post to reflect this change.

If you are interested in either board, then either reply below, or drop me a PM, stating your preference and I will get back in touch.

Take care, and stay safe!

Ken.

[chrisa]

Hi Ken,

Could I please have one of each interface, underside option for both. UK p&p.

Thank you!
Chris.

[moose]

Hi,

I'm interested in one of each of the tube and 1 MHz adapters. I'd like to use them with pi3s, so ideally I'd get the remote versions.I'd be happy enough with adapter cables to let me use the underside ones if that's easier/quicker though.

Stu