NeXT Universal Soundbox Replacement: NU_IO

barcher174 · October 22, 2019, 09:06:46 PM

Starting a new thread with a new name. I present the NeXT Universal IO: NU_IO (New I/O)

Features:
nonADB keyboard support (supported on all systems)
ADB Keyboard support (on supported systems: only turbo models)
B&W VGA Video (on supported systems: no NS Color or Color Turbos, existing Y cable OK)
Stereo sound (supported on all systems)

The board is built around an original NeXT ASIC = 100% compatibility. I found a cache of NOS chips which should be put to good use!

Besides the new name I did some clean up and added some mounting holes for custom enclosures. I also removed the separate mono amp figuring an internal stereo jack is good enough.

Rob (blackhole) has several boards already which use the older ASIC (from recycled printers) which include sound. These are functionally equivalent. Support for that ASIC has been dropped in this design due to space constraints. I wanted to keep the board simple and within the footprint of the original soundbox.

barcher174 · October 22, 2019, 09:11:30 PM

Enjoy:

Rob Blessin Black Hole · October 23, 2019, 05:19:32 AM

Beyond Awesome , no more chasing printer ASICS ? I'll sell out the current inventory . It would be interesting to plug Drakwares usb to non adb adaptor in I'll try a Wombat here . Adding USB would provide a solution to no NeXT keyboard or NeXT Mouse or NeXT Soundbox

Scutboy · October 23, 2019, 06:54:23 AM

Sweet! Where do I send my money?

berskyboy · October 23, 2019, 08:24:08 AM

WOW! A new NeXTcard in 2019! That's amazing and a testament to just how awesome the machine WAS and still IS!

Bravo!

nextchef · October 23, 2019, 04:29:31 PM

Am I correct in thinking that this can be used to replace a missing/broken soundbox on a TurboColor setup?

An external powered speaker would still be needed correct?

barcher174 · October 23, 2019, 05:09:26 PM

Quote from: nextchef on October 23, 2019, 04:29:31 PMAm I correct in thinking that this can be used to replace a missing/broken soundbox on a TurboColor setup?

An external powered speaker would still be needed correct?

Yes, this can be used to replace any soundbox configuration. A turbo color means you can choose between ADB or nonADB using the same board. External speakers required.

nextchef · October 24, 2019, 10:15:02 AM

Are you saying this can not be used in an existing soundbox using the built in internal speaker now that it no longer has the separate mono amp?

barcher174 · October 24, 2019, 10:44:07 AM

Quote from: nextchef on October 24, 2019, 10:15:02 AMAre you saying this can not be used in an existing soundbox using the built in internal speaker now that it no longer has the separate mono amp?

Not as-is. It could easily be added back. Just use one of these and match the pin names labeled on the board:

https://www.adafruit.com/product/3006

You can see in the image above that it does have an inward facing stereo jack that functions as well. The main problem is the new board won't fit without cutting the enclosure for the new ports. I would discourage modifying existing soundboxes at this point.

nextchef · October 24, 2019, 02:28:25 PM

Yes I would not want to cut up an original soundbox to make this fit, especially when 3D printed versions are available. Have you given any thought to a custom case to enclose this? Perhaps something more in the design of the nextstation itself since this does not need space for the speaker.

barcher174 · October 24, 2019, 10:45:04 PM

Unfortunately 3D design is not in my current skillset. Hopefully someone else can step up and help us out.

barcher174 · October 24, 2019, 10:49:39 PM

The complete batch of ASICs came today still in the original reel packaging:

barcher174 · October 31, 2019, 10:37:22 PM

Got a reasonable supply of amplifiers today. I have gotten several PMs about these. I will do a limited run of these for forum users. Price will be $110 each plus shipping via paypal. Remember if you want to use this with a cube, you must have a 935 power supply. If you have the 152 power supply you need the "megaload" board I also designed. I can include one for an additional $30. I will not sell the megaload separately. I will use some time around the thanksgiving holiday to make these, so please let me know if you're interested soon.

Theta-K7 · November 01, 2019, 04:13:38 AM

Hi Brian. I'm interested in getting two of these (unless the supply is short, in which case one is fine, as I wouldn't want to shut anyone else out). I don't find any way to PM you, which I imagine has to do with my lack of post history. I made my account here a number of months ago, when I got my Cube (which actually you did some work on), but haven't posted anything yet, so here we are.

Regarding the PSU, my Cube has a 983 power supply. Will this work without the megaload?

I have a little bit of 3D design experience, although I am far from a master. If no one else has come up with something, I'll be happy to work up a case design after I have a board, and of course share all the files for anyone else to tweak and customise.

barcher174 · November 01, 2019, 06:26:58 PM

Quote from: Theta-K7 on November 01, 2019, 04:13:38 AMRegarding the PSU, my Cube has a 983 power supply. Will this work without the megaload?

Yes, this will work without a megaload. The 983 was designed for use with a soundbox.

My real limitation is time at the moment, but I don't mind sending multiple units.