| Posted By
SVS
on 2012-09-13
07:10:11
 |  XU1541: current situation.
I would like to know info regarding the XU1541. Mainly:
a) There are 2 versions, one (older?) with 2 serial connectors and larger card, second has 1 serial connector but is SMD technology and a smaller card. What is the best?
b) Was the OpenCBM software updated for both them?
c) Sales: Chris site shop sells the 2-connectors version at 29 GBP (without cables), while on ebay there is an auction of 1-connector version at 29.99 GBP with USB cable.
4) Finally, is there somebody that owns and uses this hardware?
I've used PC-CBM transferrer HW years ago, by an X1541 (self welded) and then an XA1541 and had an interesting collaboration with S.Trikaliotis. Now since my current PC lacks of parallel connector, maybe it's time to update to USB... 
Thank you guys for any info and suggestion.
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Posted By
Chronos
on 2012-09-13
17:02:20
 | Re: XU1541: current situation.
I have made an xu1541 adapter based on the docs floating around. On this weekend i'll try to dig up the stuff for you if you want it. I have an installer too, you can install the whole package (driver+cbm4win) easily.
Two disadvantages: the communication is rather slow, driver doesn't work on 64 bits systems.
My stuff made on a prototype board, no connectors used, everything soldered into the board :-)
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Posted By
SVS
on 2012-09-14
03:13:36
| Re: XU1541: current situation.
Many thanx Chronos!
I look forward to see your docs.
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Posted By
Chris
on 2012-09-14
04:15:30
| Re: XU1541: current situation.
This morning I got some additional information from Jurek about this device, which might help you.
Differences between versions:
Old version had two connectors, however I removed one for security reasons
(even on older board). On IEC bus we can have only one Master device and one
or more Slaves. Because Commodore computer and XU1541 interface are Masters,
we cannot connect them both at the same time to the bus. People were trying
to connect Commodore computer to one DIN connector and drive to the other.
It was causing damages to CIA chips.
If someone wants to use two or more disk drives at the same time, it is
still possible, because every disk drive has two connectors, so you can link
them in chain. Functionality of interface with one connector is not limited
then.
New version is made in Surface Mounting Technology, giving more reliability.
Functionality of both is identical. Both use the same software. But, what is
most important, SMT version is prepared for putting it into plastic box,
which will be available soon, so you will not have only bare board, but
nice-looking device. Additionally, SMT version has POWER Led added.
Regarding software: I have prepared two versions of automatic installers,
for 32 and 64-bit. Both use CBM XFer as a front-end, however, if someone
prefers GUI4CBM4Win - I have such version too.
64-bit version is still under development and works more slowly than 32-bit.
But at least x64 system owners can use XU1541 finally.
Additionally in the next few weeks the shop will be having a revamp on products and pricing. So might be advisable to wait a little.
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Posted By
SVS
on 2012-09-15
03:46:45
| Re: XU1541: current situation.
Thank you very much Chris.
Only one last question: is it possible to connect XU1541 device to one drive (by IEC cable) and continue the chain with other devices set with different Device#? (Then select via SW the target device).
For example XU1541 -> 1541(8) -> 1581(10) -> MPS803 (4) ?
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