This device can be used as a replacement for the Newbrain Tape. It connects through RS232 so you can load and save files using Device #9. Use “poke 19,9” to change the default load and save device.
You will need a Breakout Board for Micro SD Card Mini with SPI Interface GND, VCC, MISO, MOSI, SCK, CS. There is support for 5v or 3.3v devices. Also an Arduino Uno, a LCD 16×2 and a LCD Display I2C Interface Module.
You can use a PCB fabrication service like JCLPCB for the pcbs it costs around 10€ plus shipping for 5 PCBs or you can build it yourself as single layer and then use some cables to link the necessary routes as i did. The chip for translating voltages to RS232 levels is a MAX232. All electrical components(Capacitors, Resistors,etc) values used are clearly visible on the pcb. Some spacers is also needed. You need to power it with +5v. Arduino is attached to the bottom side so you need long SIL headers.
Only one directory level is supported. Pressing ‘Stop’ closes an open file if it exists else it goes to the root directory. ‘Play’ button acts as change directory if a directory is selected.
Nice!!!
I hadn’t seen that! Definitely some PCBs will be included to my next JLCPCB order!
Thank you, Chris!
Chris, Thanks for creating this board – it is very useful! Despite being new to both the NewBrain and the Arduino it looks like I have managed to get it working – at least for loading files.
I haven’t worked out how to save files from the NewBrain to the SD card – I get error 120 – “Syntax error in baud rate parameter string”. Is there some other command I should be using on the NewBrain (other than poke 19,9: save “filename”)?
A few “tricks for new players” in case anyone else wants to build the board …
1. The serial to PC cable shown on this site works fine, but remember to use a male RS232 connector on the board. If you use a female connector the pin numbers are reversed – which had me confused for a while!
2. The Arduino sketch file suggest you should use F Malpartida’s NewLiquidCrystal library – which is still available on GitHub. This doesn’t work – just stick with the LiquidCrystal_I2C library shown in the Arduino IDE library manager.
3. I didn’t like the Arduino dangling off the bottom of the board so de-soldered the female headers from the Arduino Uno and replaced them with male headers on the bottom of the Uno.
Thanks again,
Ian.
To sort of answer my own question …
I can use …
open#9,9: save#9: close#9
… to save a file to NONAMEn.BAS – I was wondering if there was a way to save a named file?
Hi,
the code so far does not support changing the filename, but is doable, because when you issue
a save “myfname” newbrain sends the filename via rs232 to be savedand we can get this info and rename the file just after save.As it looks by saving on device 9 (RS232) newbrain expects only the required parameters from serial transmition so just a number for transmition or two numbers seperated by ‘R’ to set the transmit and receive baudrate and nothing else. So it is not possible to set the file name in one command BUT it should be possible to issue a new command by sending something like PRINT#9,”rFilename” to rename the last saved file. That requires changes to the Arduino code.
Hi all,
New NewBrainer here – have always been looking for one to fill in the narrative gap in my collection (Sinclair’s first home computer that almost was / the BBC Micro that almost was).
Bit daunted by the solutions required to get software onto the thing, though. Before I go off to JCLPCB, don’t suppose anyone has any spares around after ordering five of them. Obviously happy to pay (within reason). Or, indeed, if anyone would be willing to make a fully assembled board for me I’d be willing to pay a decent chunk. I’m very much a software rather than hardware guy!
I’m involved in an archive of vintage machines that does semi-regular exhibitions (keeping it vague to avoid doxxing myself) so you’d be really helping us out with showcasing the NewBrain (otherwise it will just sit there at a BASIC prompt in among the Speccies, Beebs and others).