DiscFerret update: PCB done!

Hi guys -- it's nearly 3AM here, I'm about to fall asleep, and I figure I should send an update... Here's the to-do list as it stands: **Get some prototypes made up.** I'm half way through sorting out my component boxes; I need to find a few DiscFerret parts which appear to have scuttled off to join the circus, but other than that, job's a good'un. The first run of PCBs are due in today. I should hopefully have the PSU section up and running within a couple of hours of the boards arriving, and (all being well) a DiscFerret doing USB enumeration by midnight. **Port the FPGA HDL-code.** Done this. Perfect compile, first-time. There are a few timing issues with the MFM sync-word detector, but a bit of logic optimisation and PLL-elimination (read: recalculating the DPLL tap points for a different clock frequency/data rate ratio) should fix those. **Port the MCU firmware.** I'm going to do a partial-rewrite on this. The original microcontroller code is pure, unadulterated evil. It's commented, but it's still evil. **Add write support.** Still need to port this from the FD1. I want to get the hardware reading discs before I add write support. It's an attempt to avoid Creeping Featuritis (where features are added relentlessly, and none of them work right). **Documentation.** I've got an artist working on a logo, found a nice font (URW Neustadt), and rigged up some OpenOffice templates for the documentation. Just need to write up the documentation! **Code** I'm thinking about doing a complete rewrite on DiscAPI and MfmDecode. The original code was submitted as part of my university project, and obtaining a suitable copyright release is proving to be difficult. **Pre-orders** I have a few beta-testers who will be receiving a prototype DiscFerret once I have some built-and-tested units sorted out. Once I've heard back - Bare PCB - PCB with switch-mode PSU chip mounted (it's the only part that can't be easily installed with a soldering iron) - Kit of parts (SMPSU chip pre-mounted) - Fully assembled PCB - Fully assembled unit Comments on which one of these you'd be most likely to buy would be appreciated -- either reply to this message, or send a new message to discferret at philpem.me.uk. Thank-you and goodnight! :) -- Phil. classiccmp at philpem.me.uk http://www.philpem.me.uk/