Hardware How can I build a USB Gecko

[gudenau]

I would like to know, as I think this may be fun.

 

[JoostinOnline]

I don't think you can, at least not without spending way more money than a retail one would cost.

 

[Supernova741]

I don't think you can, at least not without spending way more money than a retail one would cost.

This

 

[gudenau]

Ok, well that is not good, they don't make them anymore...

 

[obcd]

http://www.gamefreax.com

still seems to have them available in stock.

The schematics and the pcb layout of the first usb gecko's are available somewhere.
The usb gecko contains a cpld which needs to be programmed.
You probably need a jtag programmer to do this. So, if you can buy one, go for it.

 

[gudenau]

http://www.gamefreax.com

still seems to have them available in stock.

The schematics and the pcb layout of the first usb gecko's are available somewhere.
The usb gecko contains a cpld which needs to be programmed.
You probably need a jtag programmer to do this. So, if you can buy one, go for it.

I found the files, but how do I veiw them, link.

 

[obcd]

If I remember well, the VHLD development package has a viewer available that can show the schematics and pcb files.
It should contain the VHLD code for the cpld as well.

It was like that on the first usb gecko revision.

Be aware that the pcb of those memory cards likely has another thickness than normal pcb's.

You could perhaps use a gc memory card as housing.

 

[Sharkbyte]

www.foundmy.com still has the usb gecko se in stock. dcx2 from wiird forums knows how to build one from scratch. I don't think he has done it yet, but he said his skills are supioeror that he could do it. Sometimes Nuke posts them on ebay.

 

[gudenau]

Thanks for the help, at the moment it is research, so I just want to learn how to build one.

 

[Quietlyawesome94]

Ok, this is what you do.

You take...

Spoiler

then you add some...

Spoiler

now wait 9 months and you'll have a USB Gecko.

 

[snikerz]

now wait 9 months and you'll have a USB Gecko.

You're not good at this whole "jokes" thing, please stop.

gudenaurock: If you don't know how to read schematics, this project is probably too hard. Start with something easier if you want to get into Electrical Engineering.

 

[Quietlyawesome94]

now wait 9 months and you'll have a USB Gecko.

You're not good at this whole "jokes" thing, please stop.

gudenaurock: If you don't know how to read schematics, this project is probably too hard. Start with something easier if you want to get into Electrical Engineering.

I am flattered by your constructive criticism. Please subscribe to all of my post and drop a PM when you feel that my jokes are sub par!

Thanks!

 

[gudenau]

now wait 9 months and you'll have a USB Gecko.

You're not good at this whole "jokes" thing, please stop.

gudenaurock: If you don't know how to read schematics, this project is probably too hard. Start with something easier if you want to get into Electrical Engineering.

I can read schematics fine, I can't open the files... Just a little bump, eh?

 

[obcd]

The usbgecko se uses an actel proasic3 A3P125.
Actel uses an ide environment they call Libero ide.
I assume that's the package you will need to see the files. Not sure if there is a free evaluation version.

 

[obcd]

The old usb gecko project could be seen with altium designer viewer. (Summer 09) Will try the Se version with it.

The se edition files can be viewed with that program as well.

 

[gudenau]

The old usb gecko project could be seen with altium designer viewer. (Summer 09) Will try the Se version with it.

The se edition files can be viewed with that program as well.

Thanks, seems to work!

 

[loismustdie555]

now wait 9 months and you'll have a USB Gecko.

You're not good at this whole "jokes" thing, please stop.

I though his joke was hilarious.

 

[Shano56]

now wait 9 months and you'll have a USB Gecko.

You're not good at this whole "jokes" thing, please stop.

I though his joke was hilarious.

Same. I thought it was clever and gave me a good laugh

 

[JoostinOnline]

Just ignore snikerz, he lacks any sense of humor.