Stegosaur 10 + MSX Slot Backplane

Code: DB312

A 10 slot RCBus 80 way backplane plus a single MSX 50 way cartridge edge connector.

Assembled Profiled

The backplane is an alternative to the Yellow MSX 12+1 Backplane and the optional MSX (Dual) Cartridge Extension.

With enough slots to fit the Stegosaur MSX+ modules, with a single plus one RC2014/RCBus spare slot. The spare can be used for the Green USB Module. If more modules capacity is desired, please consider the Yellow MSX 12+1 Backplane.

Key features

Images

PCB (V1.0) Front

PCB (V1.0) Back

PCB (V1.1) Front

PCB (V1.1) Back

PCB (V1.1) Assembled

Main Parts

Revisions

V1.0

First release

V1.1

The PCBs width has been extended and the cartridge slot spaced a bit further away from slot 10. This enables the installation of the wide V9958 Module with its expansion RAM to fit comfortably. The image below show the V1.1 backplane fully stacked with all the Stegosaur modules and the Green USB for RC module.

Assembled Profiled


Bill of Materials

* Self Source Reference are supplied as a guide only. Please double check, in case of typo or errors in listing.

Base Kit

Count Name Self Sourcing*
20 40 Way SIL Socket*  
12 0.1uF Ceramic Capacitors Mouser: 594-K104K10X7RF53L2
DigiKey: BC5137-ND
1 2.1mm Power Jack Mouser: 490-PJ-002B
DigiKey: CP-002B-ND
1 Tactile Switch Mouser: 506-FSM4JH
DigiKey: CP-002B-ND
1 SPDT Toggle Switch Mouser: 612-200MSP1T1B2M6QE
1 4 Way Screw Terminal Mouser: 179-TB0010-500-02GR
2 470 Ω (3.4mm)  
2 3mm LEDs  
1 ATF16V8B-15PU Mouser: 556-AF16V8B15PU
DigiKey: ATF16V8B-15PU-ND
1 20 POS IC SOCKET Mouser: 571-1-2199298-6
DigiKey: 2057-ICS-320-T-ND
1 50 Pin Card Edge Connector Mouser: 571-5530841-5
DigiKey: 5530841-5-ND

Optional 5V Converter

Count Name Self Sourcing*
1 Optional ~12V to 5DC Converter Mouser: 919-R-78K5.0-2.0L
DigiKey: 945-R-78K5.0-2.0L-ND
Mouser: 946-MEZD71202A-G
DigiKey: 1589-1465-ND

Optional 12V Converter

Count Name Self Sourcing*
1 Optional 5V to +/-12VDC Converter Mouser: 709-DPU01L-12
DigiKey: 1866-1408-ND
DigiKey: 1951-3433-ND

What’s included?

The full kits includes everything you need (PCB, capacitors, IC sockets, connectors, and the ICs).

The ATF16V8B-15PU PLD is supplied flashed.

Please note that mounting stand-offs are not supplied.

What else do I need?

This backplane requires modules. Any compatible RC2014/RCBus module can operate on this backplane.

The MSX Cartridge slot will only work if you have the required set of MSX modules. It is not compatible with RomWBW.

Operation

Main power supply

This backplane works much like many other RC2014/RCBus backplanes. Provide an input voltage that is appropriate for the installed 5VDC Converter (typically 12V). Note the polarity of the power supply connector - the inner pin of the DC Barrel Connector is positive and the outer shield is ground.

The 5V optionally supplied is rated at 5V @ 2 Amps.

Optional +12V/-12V

The optional +12V/-12V connector is only required for MSX Cartridges that require these voltages - most cartridges do not.

I have not been able to test this with real cartridges.

Cartridge Compatibility

There is no physical keying of the cartridges. Inserting a cartridge the wrong way may result in damage to platform and or cartridge.

Cartridges need to face outwards to the right.

Please use the cartridge with caution. Double check voltages and signals before risking an original MSX Game Cartridge. I have tested on a number of MSX1 and MSX2 cartridges with success - and many builders have reported good compliance. Use is at your own risk.

Schematic

Key difference with Yellow MSX 12+1 Backplane

Description Yellow MSX Version Green Stegosaur Version
MSX Cartridge Slots 2 with optional extension module 1 single only on backplane
RC2014/RCBus Slots 12 (1 reserved for Cartridge Extension) 10
Colour Yellow Green

Assembly Guide

General guidelines

Soldering item order

Generally, you want to solder items from lowest height to largest height. Review the components you need to solder, and note their progressive heights.

  1. Resistors
  2. Ceramic capacitors
  3. LEDs
  4. Reset Switch
  5. IC Socket
  6. Power Switch
  7. Main SIP Headers
  8. 5V DC Converter
  9. DC Barrel Connector
  10. 50 Way Edge Connector

Specific Notes

Please note the following specific points regarding this module:

NOTE 1 Socket Headers

There are a lot of headers. Pay close attention to their alignment, ensure square and flush with each other. Keep the colours coordinated and consistent. I choose black SIP for the left side and the coloured SIP for the right side.

NOTE 2 Capacitors for 5VDC converter

Capacitors C10 and C11 are typically not required. Footprint is provided if additional DC filter required/desired.

NOTE 3 Bypassing the 5VDC converter

You can choose to power your backplane with a direct 5V power supply.

For bypassing, do not install the on-board converter and short the 5V Direct jumper and supply a good 5V power to the barrel or via the 4 way terminal block. You typically needs at least 1 to 1.5 Amp. 2 Amp is recommended.

NOTE 4 Cartridge Slot

Please use the cartridge with caution. Double check voltages and signals before risking an original MSX Game Cartridge. I have tested on a number of MSX1 and MSX2 cartridges with success - and many builders have reported good compliance (with the equivalent Yellow MSX Backplane). Use is at your own risk.

NOTE 5 +12/-12V power

The optional onboard +12/-12 power supply is optional, and only required for specific cartridges that need these extra voltages. It is safe to use without the +-12V supply.

Disclaimer

Please note that this is a kit, produced by a non-expert (me) for hackers, DIYers’ and retro lovers, to tinker with. Please exercise caution and follow good safety practices. You will be working with sharp knives, a hot soldering iron, and small metal components. Be mindful of the risks involved in the build process. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have.

This kit is provided as-is, with no guarantees or warranties. By assembling and using this kit, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk.