Tag: assembly

Board rev 3.10

The latest board has a slightly slimmer layout and the wider DCS like mounting holes can be removed. Also the mostly unused HF output filter for the amps were removed, so no more soldering bridges here.

This assembly post features a multi image step by step build up. So it should be easy to follow for everyone.

First solder the flat components like resistors, resistor networks, pots, idc connectors …

flat components first

Second add higher connector for the pi and molex connectors for the game, passive power supply parts: rectifier, caps, fuse …

higher connectors & passive comp. added

Then add the two DC DC converter modules

only power supply modules added

At this time you could (and maybe should) check the power supplies. So far no consumer is mounted, so connecting the J501 to the game (or left most & right most pin to a regulated power supply) should do no harm.

If all works well, you should have 12V on the amp power supply (upper right) and 5V e.g. on the connector right.

DAC module & amps added

Now with DAC module and amp modules added, you could do a test with the PI applied already. Everything should work, but of course only with sounds triggered from the webUI. This test could also be skipped.

Fully populated for wpc

Last step is added the stm (black pill) submodule and the OLED (optional, but recommended). Now with the PI attached, you should be ready to go.

Soldering time about 25 min.

New Revision 3.5 – 3.7

What’s new

The most important change since the latest release: the annoying “sound interface error” with some WPC machines (TAF, STTNG, …) is now gone!

The old discrete decoder hardware build based on 3 smd logic chips was replaced by a STM32F4 micro controller module. This way the micro controller can talk to the game, avoiding the “sound interface error” and also takes over the command decoding.

There some more advantages with this new design:

  • no more jumper. Data east input or wpc input is recognized automatically
  • no more smd soldering. The new mcu module is normal through hole.
  • no need for analog digital converter (for old style data east pot). The STM32 takes over this task as well.
  • no need for pull up resistors networks. The STM32 has internal pull ups.
  • no decoupling caps for smd needed.

All in all there are 10 pieces less to solder and replaced by one STM32 module (plus one resistor).

Other improvements

Additionally there is an extended connector for the OLED display (was already on rev 3.1) that can be used with both types of OLEDs (either GND left or Vcc left). Depending on your OLED type you need to use the upper or lower row to connect.

  • MCU with soldered headers
  • STM32F4 module
  • Bare rev 3.5 baord
  • Rev 3.5 with STM32F4
  • Totally assembled for DE&WPC

More changes

The HF filtering at the amplifier outputs are now optional. Only a very few user were ever effected by that. So you could still assemble the 6 impedance filter and caps if you like, but the parts will no longer be included in the kits. Instead you need to bridge the L1 – L6 with a wire (or solder jumper).