A new 90-line Mirror Screw

[Steve Anderson]

Depending on the timings of the 120 and 90 line outputs from the WC01 it might be possible to do away with the FIFO RAM and use the PICs internal RAM, it has enough. same applies to the CA3306 A-Ds, though that would be a tough call. Still might be worth considering, though doubtful, A-D speed being the obstacle.

Karens' use of FIFO RAM was a good call, one I would have missed. Having to use external RAM was due to the PIC16s lack of internal RAM, only 368 bytes. Whereas the PIC18 version I've suggested has almost 4K bytes. And it's half the price of the PIC16. There could be drawbacks I've missed so it's not set in stone yet.

If the CA3306s are difficult to get in the UK (or anywhere else) we'll need to consider an alternative. Though a local supplier to me still has around 60 in stock at around US$3.50 each. The internal A-Ds in most PICs are generally limited to a sample rate of 40kHz, though most are 10-bit.

Steve A.

[Panrock]

Thanks for this.

Do you mean having both 120 and 90-line outputs availible for two different screws at the same time?

Two stores to select between perhaps, so we could switch between 90 and 120 line demonstrations on separate occasions. But no, I wouldn't expect to run the 90 and 120 line rigs at the same time!

On a more general point, I remain as grateful as ever to have the benefit of your free advice and development efforts. A similar arrangement worked out well before. But I don't want you put out of pocket for hiring an external service, like getting someone to program the PIC. I would regard this as a 'third party expense' that I really should pay for, similar to the slat manufacture. Just my tuppen'orth.

Steve O

[Steve Anderson]

No, I wasn't considering getting coding assistance for this. I feel 'reasonably' confident that I should be able to cope with it, One thing that crossed my mind whilst doing the the weekly grocery shop an hour ago Is the PICs ability to maintain absolute timing between the three color channels, something I need to dwell on. This may be why Karen used external RAM all syncronously driven? Certainly possible. But there may be ways of resolving this. I've just thought of one possibility, more after some rumination...

It's quite possible to develop a dual-standard device to run either 120 or 90-lines, both at 25fps. Possibly add 60-lines in the future? A common factor of 30-lines....but as you suggest just one output standard at a time...

Steve A.

6:30 Monday morning...another thought - serial RAM...really a memory jogger for me....very similar in operation to the IDT versions Karen used, easily found, only 8-pin devices. This may allow for a 28-pin micro rather than 40.

I also need to get another copy of AutoCad, the version I have has a corrupted DVD-R. So no sketches/drawings until that's dealt with. Just a couple of days until I go into town probably...

[Panrock]

A last look at the 90-line Mirror Screw. Work on this has now come to a halt. There seems no point in making a 'front' for the cabinet as things stand. But who knows what will be possible in future?

Steve O

[Steve Anderson]

A last look at the 90-line Mirror Screw. Work on this has now come to a halt. Steve O

I thought I would investigate Karens' choice of memory used in her original version as it does have some advantages over the conventional style of RAM. It appears either suppliers are dropping these or perhaps they're 'end-of-life'? They are rather unique in some ways (a plus), so I assume there are similar devices from other suppliers. Investigation required or a large re-think! Though, as mentioned, serial RAM may be an alternative.

Steve A.

[Panrock]

Since I now have some spare time for projects again, I've decided to take my 'Deparkiniser' to the next level. This device has already proved it can help me, but I've now some fresh ideas I want to try. Soon, I'll be ordering some components from RS.

Steve A, If you'd like me to get anything to try out at this end, which might help you on the Timing Corrector front, please let me know. As I've said before though, no expectations... just do this when the fancy takes.

Steve O

[Viewmaster]

Since I now have some spare time for projects again, I've decided to take my 'Deparkiniser' to the next level. This device has already proved it can help me, but I've now some fresh ideas I want to try. Soon, I'll be ordering some components from RS.
Steve O

Steve, what q genius of a man you are. Color NBTV, Tinnitus machine, now this.
I read your write up on your Deparuiniser and wonder if it's time to patent it. I don't know how many around the World suffer from this disease but large companies will be only too keen to bring this machine to sufferers like yourself. Don't let them 'pinch' your idea.
There's big money here Steve if it works as you say in its development an you should ensure you are inline for some !
Good luck in its progress. Sorry about the 90 liner.

[Panrock]

That was a very flattering comment coming from Albert, particularly because he is a man with notable achievements to his name. You should assume all my 'inventions' are bogus unless you see proof.

To take a medical product to market is a long-winded and expensive process. Also, if the thing actually works (placebo being an ever-present risk) then the effect can turn out to be harmful instead of helpful. So thorough, safety-conscious, double-blind testing is mandatory.

It's slightly concerning that I don't know why it works (though I have some ideas). To have a worthwhile opinion here I would have to be medically qualified, which I am not.

In this case (Parkinson's), while useful, the device is no game changer. This is treatment not a cure. The heavy lifting in the treatment continues to be done by the medication. This dates from the '60s and whoever invented that deserves a medal.

Steve O

[Steve Anderson]

To take a medical product to market is a long-winded and expensive process. Steve O

Agreed with that. Though I've not created devices for humans I have for thoroughbred show horses, particularly show-jumpers. These devices too require certification as safe as these animals are somewhat valuable (understatement) and don't converse in a language we understand. Identifying an injured fetlock for example, the horse can't say, "It hurts here Doc..."

If I can help in the design, I'll have a look and update you on my thoughts. All in the strictest of confidence of course.

Steve A.

Off topic I know, Steve and I wii take this matter elsewhere in due course....

P.S. I'm still considering what to do with Karens' Corrector Device...although I do log-in here most days, I've been largely out of circulation over the past two weeks or so....public wi-fi is virtually non-existant near the Cambodian border.