Joe Burks
@wavicle9.bsky.social
I make retro-style hardware for the 8-bit nostalgia feelz.
A new version of Otter Power! will soon be available through my Tindie store. Now with +12V fan header, holes for external power source, larger power inductors, and 2oz copper traces on outer layers. Works with #OtterX, #CommanderX16, and the original F256 Jr.
September 11, 2025 at 4:37 PM
A new version of Otter Power! will soon be available through my Tindie store. Now with +12V fan header, holes for external power source, larger power inductors, and 2oz copper traces on outer layers. Works with #OtterX, #CommanderX16, and the original F256 Jr.
I don't post here nearly often enough, and... The next Calypso prototype has been put in for production! For those of you not aware, Calypso is a peripheral that attaches to VERA and adds USB keyboard, WiFi + file server, RS232, VERA recovery, and now NTP time sync! #OtterX #CommanderX16
September 10, 2025 at 5:14 PM
I don't post here nearly often enough, and... The next Calypso prototype has been put in for production! For those of you not aware, Calypso is a peripheral that attaches to VERA and adds USB keyboard, WiFi + file server, RS232, VERA recovery, and now NTP time sync! #OtterX #CommanderX16
About like this? The N in QFN stands for "no-leads". Makes standard rework methods less than ideal. Usually I tin all the pads, make sure all the pads have a good bit of flux, put the IC in place, and let the hot air at it. Occasionally some IC pads don't wet and I go back with an fine-tip iron.
February 6, 2025 at 2:02 AM
About like this? The N in QFN stands for "no-leads". Makes standard rework methods less than ideal. Usually I tin all the pads, make sure all the pads have a good bit of flux, put the IC in place, and let the hot air at it. Occasionally some IC pads don't wet and I go back with an fine-tip iron.
65Cxx CPU switcher for OtterX and X16 (should also work on anything that can take either a 65C02 or 65C816 CPU) appears to be passing all tests thrown at it. Also fixes an issue in the X16 PCB which allows for this combination of 65C816 + Cartridge + 10MHz overclock. #OtterX #CommanderX16
February 6, 2025 at 1:18 AM
65Cxx CPU switcher for OtterX and X16 (should also work on anything that can take either a 65C02 or 65C816 CPU) appears to be passing all tests thrown at it. Also fixes an issue in the X16 PCB which allows for this combination of 65C816 + Cartridge + 10MHz overclock. #OtterX #CommanderX16
My latest X16 / OtterX related distraction: save wear and tear on your CPU socket and have the best of both worlds! Coming who-knows-when.
January 1, 2025 at 10:07 PM
My latest X16 / OtterX related distraction: save wear and tear on your CPU socket and have the best of both worlds! Coming who-knows-when.