Since Edoardo has been on a testing spree and the test activities on V2 were completed in a breeze, I think it's about time to shed some light on the improvements that we added in this revision so, without further ado:
- Buffered Video Synchronization Signals: This will make the VSYNC and HSYNC signals going out from the DB23 connector somewhat "stronger", which should improve video quality and also allow using fully passive (i.e.: just wires) RGB to VGA cables (but please note that the signal will still be 15 kHz so a scandoubler will still be required with most VGA monitors).
- ESD Protection for the Joystick Ports: While connecting controllers blindly is still not recommended, you can add some diodes that should hopefully avoid damage to the internal chips whenever you do so.
- Hard Disk LED: If you use an internal expansion board that provides an IDE connector, you will definitely like having the Floppy LED flash whenever your hard disk is accessed.
- Alternative Footprint for the Line Filter: The original line filter was probably a custom part, but in any case it's impossible to find these days. Luckily a functionally-equivalent part is available (Laird Z131B-10) but it has a different footprint, so the latter was added.
- Alternative SMD Footprints for the JFETs: The JFET transistors that toggle the audio filter are a bit hard to find these days in the TO-92 package, so alternative surface-mount SOT-23 footprints were added.
- More Accurate Dimensions: While V1 was already pretty close to the original board, the new version should be right on the money. Placement of the audio and mouse ports was also improved.
- More Detailed Silkscreen: The values of all resistors, capacitors and chips are now printed on the silkscreen, which makes the assembly process quicker and less error-prone.
- Improved Routing and Ground Plane: Some tracks were slightly altered in the hope of achieving improved signal integrity.
Of course these add up to the Support for VBB Agnus, Mono Audio Link, Alternative Power Connector, Kickstart Switcher, Drive Switcher and other minor tweaks that were already introduced in V1.
We hope that you enjoy the show.
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