Speedy TT - English Version

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General

The Speedy TT is a small PCB board, which increase the clock speed of the processor (CPU) of an Atari TT. Speedy is available in three different PCBs, depending on your type of mainboard.


Abb01 Daughterboard Speedy 1v0.JPG Abb01a Daughterboard Speedy 1v0 bottom.JPG

Pic. 1a and b: Daughterboard Speedy Rev. 1v0 (here with socketed CPU (CPU not included))


Abb02 PGA-Speedy 1v0.JPG Abb02a PGA Speedy 1v0 bottom.JPG

Pic. 2a and b: PGA-Speedy Rev. 1v0


Abb03 SMD-Speedy 1v0.JPG Abb03a SMD Speedy 1v0 bottom.JPG

Pic. 3a and b: SMD-Speedy Rev. 1v0


To decide, which type of Speed you need, please open your TT and have a look to your mainboard. Please remark, that the backside with connectors like monitor sub D connector, ACSI connector and so on is back, frontside is in front of you.

Overview of the three versions
Type of Mainboard Identifying your Mainboard Sort of Speedy
Daughterboard TT Processor (PGA-Type) inside of an small PCB (Daughterboard) which is socket inside of the mainboard, Daughterboard is placed under the TT-RAM-Expansion-Port Daughterboard-Speedy (short form: DB-Speedy)
PGA TT Processor (PGA-Type) is directly socket inside of the mainboard, Processor is placed also close to the TT-RAM-Expansion-Port Speedy for TT with PGA CPU (short form: PGA-Speedy)
SMD TT Processor (SMD-Type) is soldered directly on your mainboard, Processor is placed under the ST-RAM-Expansions-Slot Speedy for TT with SMD CPU (short form: SMD-Speedy)


First of all: Please be note, that the installation of Speedy needs really advanced skills of soldering! If you have a novice skill, please ask a competence person for help!

  • Speedy allows you to speed up your CPU of your Atari TT up to 48 MHz.
  • You can speed up your coprocessor (MC68882) of your Atari up to 48 MHz.
  • If the increasing of speed doesn’t work inside of your TT, you don’t have to rework all steps! Speedy gives you the item to let them inside of your TT with normal speed.
  • You could increase the access to your Alternate-RAM, if you bought the new STORM TT Rev. G. If you have an older STORM TT Revision, please make a request to your Thunderstorm Team to change the STORM TT to the newest Revision.



Technical Details

The data bus inside of all TT is depending of a 16 MHz bus speed. Atari decided short time for delivery of the first Atari-TTs to speed them up to 32 MHz. That means, that the CPU is clocked with a 32 MHz clock and the bus still driven by 16 MHz. The matching of these two clock cycles realized with two PAL/GALs (U111 and U112) and four 74F74 (U113 up to U116) inside of all TTs. In this explanation we say to this six ICs: “state machine”. The designation of these parts is in all sort of TTs the same one.

By the way: The daughterboard TT is the oldest version of mainboard. There you can see, that the TT was designed only for 16 MHz bus clock speed and 16 MHz processor clock speed. To increase the clock speed of the processor Atari made a PCB which handle this. This is the daughterboard. ☺ And the six ICs (U111 – U116) placed onto the daughterboard! The next generation of TTs is the “PGA version”. Same state machine, but now the state machine and processor are placed onto the mainboard. To reduce costs, inside the newest and latest version of TTs, Atari replace the PGA CPU at the mainboard with a SMD CPU.

Speedy replace the old state machine (remember: U111 – U116) and establish a new once, which allows us together with a PLL circuit to increase the processor speed at triple bus speed (3 x 16 MHz = 48 MHz).

To implement Speedy inside of your TT it is necessary to unsolder the old state machine. This means that you have to desolder the six ICs U111 to U116 in the version with PGA CPU and SMD CPU!

Another item in this case is, that the /BG (Bus Grant) signal inside of the Atari TT designed for a 16 MHz clock bus transfer. The timing match also, if the processor get an increased clock speed of 32 MHz.

Above 32 MHz this timing doesn’t matched together. The /BG signal from the CPU is to quick to recognized at the mainboard. The activation of this signal could get lost between processor and mainboard. It’s incessant to split the /BG signal and loop it through the Speedy PCB. Speedy adapt the correct timing of the /BG signal, if the CPU is driven with 48 MHz clock speed. To split the /BG signal and to inject the new /BG signal into the mainboard is a second part, what we shall to do.

Depending of your Type of mainboard this means more or less work. If you have a daughterboard TT, it’s quite simple, because these six ICs are on the daughterboard and there is no /BG patch required here! If you have a PGA or SMD version, it’s hard work!

Additionally, Speedy needs the both clocks (16 MHz and 32 MHz) of the mainboard. Both are easily available at the Jumper W101. W101 normally get the opportunity to switch the clock speed of the coprocessor. We use this jumper W101 to get these both clocks for Speedy. We connect all three pins of W101 to Speedy. In the pictures of the PGA Speedy and the SMD Speedy you can see the cables from/to W101. The advantage now is, that we could offer the coprocessor 16 MHz, 32 MHz and also 48 MHz, depending which clock speed will accept from the coprocessor.

The procedure to prepare your TT is in all cases technical the same! The steps could look a bit different.



Installation

Remove all connections to and from the Atari. All work is done without power.

Open your TT and take the mainboard out of the case. Note the loss of warranty!

Some useful tips that you should take to heart:

  • make some notes or picture of all additional part inside of your TT, which give you a good way to reassemble after all your TT in right order
  • always be very careful, pay attention to correct polarity, correct fit, check all connections several times, usually a small cause has a big effect
  • do not destroy the IC's, especially the PAL's from the state machine or have spares to test the TT before installing the Speedy or to revert to original spec
  • for PGA Sppedy and SMD Speedy: remove the VME PCB first (if possible) to add plenty of working room
  • for PGA Speedy and SMD Speedy: when desoldering the state machine please pay extra attention to the ground and vcc pins (7&14 10&20), they are tough to desolder
  • for PGA Speedy and SMD Speedy: First place the new sockets correctly on the Speedy and then place the assembly with the socket pins on the mainboard. This way it is easier to find the cleared vias in the mainboard and the Speedy also "automatically" aligns itself in the socket. Alternativ: socket 1-2 IC's at a time and test inbetween sessions to reduce the amount of searching/debugging if the TT doesn' t work after socketing or


Abb03b SMD Speedy with the sockets plugged in from below.JPG

Pic. 4: Example of a SMD Speedy with the sockets plugged in from below




SMD TT


1st step: Your TT mainboard looks like the next picture. On the next picture you can see the six ICs which you have to unsolder and before that insert 6 new sockets: 4 pieces with contacts and 2 pieces with 20 contacts.


Abb04 Mainboard SMD-TT with marked IC.JPG Abb05a six new sockets for SMD Speedy.JPG

Pic. 5a and b: Mainboard SMD TT with marked ICs U113 to U116 (=state machine) and after desoldering with new sockets


2nd step: Depending of your Revision of mainboard, you have to remove the clock patch of the processor clock.

Atari did some clock patches inside some TT’s to optimize the clock trace of the processor:

  • First type is, “no clock patch”. Easy: Only removing the six ICs is necessary.
  • Second type of patch is a cable connected from U110 Pin 1 to resistor (R888).
  • Third type of patch is a cable between R997 and R888.
  • Fourth type of patch is a cable connected from R997 to U210 (74AC244) Pin 17 and a second cable connected from U210 Pin 3 to resistor (R888).

Abb06 Third type of patch.JPG Abb06b Fourth type of patch.JPG

Pic. 6a and b: third and fourth type of patch


In case of the both last tree patches you remove all cables and replace the resistor R888 (10 Ohm) onto of the marked place at the mainboard without the cables.


3rd step: Split the /BG signal coming from the CPU. For this you have to cut through the signal line onto the mainboard close to the CPU. The next picture shows a good place to divide the signal line of /BG signal.

Abb07a CPU place of SMD TT with divided BG signal.jpg Abb07b CPU place of SMD TT with divided BG signal.JPG Abb07c CPU place of SMD TT with divided BG signal.JPG

Pic. 7a - c: new /BG line and optional backup


/BG signal coming from the CPU get a small cable, which shall connect to Speedy. To fall back in the old situation, it is useful to install also a female socket pin on the opposite side of /BG signal. There you have every time the opportunity to jumper the /BG signal in old situation.

Connect the /BG signal from CPU into the free female socket pin under the Speedy PCB. Additional information: The new /BG signal from Speedy goes via U112 Pin 11 into the mainboard. There is nothing to do.

Abb08 Speedy with female socket under PCB.JPG

Pic. 8: Speedy with female socket under the PCB for injecting the /BG signal from the CPU


Be sure that all your changes matched with the next picture.

Abb09a SMD TT with all changes ready to install SMD Speedy.JPG

Pic 9:SMD TT Mainboard with all changes, ready to install SMD-Speedy, /BG cable is in backup mode at this pic


After all, put Speedy on top of the sockets of U111 up to U116. Please be careful and check that all pins fit correctly into the right socket pins.

Put the small connector to all three pins of W101 (if there is a jumper - remove the jumper an plug in the prepared 3 colored cables 1:1 from the Speedy.

Abb11a SMD Speedy insert.JPG Abb11b SMD Speedy inserted.JPG

Pic. 10 a - c: Mainboard SMD TT with marked ICs U113 to U116 (=state machine)


Abb11c SMD Sppedy with Storm TT RevG.JPG

Pic. 11: perfect installed SMD Speedy and connected with Storm TT Rev. G - ready to rumble




Conversion of a PGA TT


Your TT mainboard looks like the next picture. On the next picture you can see the six ICs which you have to unsolder.

Picture missed:

Abb. 11 Mainboard PGA TT with marked ICs


Next step is, to split the /BG signal coming from the CPU. The cut through of the /BG signal is into the PGA TT another one like in the SMD TT! This is be dept in case, that the place, where we can easily divide the /BG signal inside of the PGA TT is another place like into the SMD TT.

In the PGA TT the /BG signal line connect in normal way to Pin 11 of U112. So, the /BG signal of the CPU inject the Speedy at this pin. The new /BG signal for the mainboard connected at the female socket pin onto the Speedy. Over a small cable we connect this new signal into the mainboard at the place, shows in the next 3 pictures.

Abb12a CPU of PGA TT with divided BG signal.jpeg Abb12b CPU of PGA TT with divided BG signal.jpeg Abb12c CPU of PGA TT with divided BG signal.jpeg

Abb12a-c: CPU of PGA TT with divided BG signal


To fall back in the old situation, you put the cable into Pin 11 of U112.

Picture missed:

Abb.13: PGA Speedy with female socket onto the PCB for injecting the /BG signal from the mainboard.


After all, put Speedy on top of the sockets of U111 up to U116. Please be careful and check that all pins fit correctly into the right socket pins.

Put the small connector to all three pins of W101. The red cable is connected to Pin 1 of W101.

The next step is, to change the signal line of the signal /AS (address-strobe). This step is only for PGA TTs relevant! Unfortunately, we found out, that the place where Atari inject this signal into the mainboard (U112 Pin 18) isn’t the best choice to reach the best signal trace. In order to this reason it is quite useful to inject the signal at U704 Pin 1. Please have a look to the next picture.

Abb14 Cable between R61 and U701 Pin1.JPG

Abb14: Cable between R61 and U704 Pin 1


Be sure that your changes matched with the next picture.

Abb15 PGA-TT Mainboard with all changes.JPG

Abb15: PGA TT Mainboard with all changes, ready to install PGA-Speedy


Put Speedy on top of the sockets of U111 up to U116. Please be careful and check that all pins fit correctly into the right socket pins.

Put the small adapter between W101 (mainboard) and W101 (Speedy).




Daughterboard TT


Your TT mainboard looks like the next picture.

Abb16 Mainboard DB TT with marked Daughterboard.JPG

Pic. 16: Mainboard DB TT with marked daughterboard


1st step: remove the old daughterboard, unplug the connector coming from the oscillator and put the old daughterboard to a good place to store them.

2nd next step: build new the signal line for the clock speed from the coprocessor.


FYI: Atari delivered the first daughterboard TT with fix 16 MHz coprocessor clock speed. The last daughterboard TT fix by Atari themselves under the mainboard to 32 MHz clock speed.

Both solution are fixed solution without any jumper!

Remember please, that W101 inside of the daughterboard TT has only two instead of three pins like in the other TTs! The next picture show the 32 MHz clock speed patch for the coprocessor.

Abb17a DB-TT Co-Pro-Patch 01 mod.JPG Abb17b DB-TT Co-Pro-Patch 02 mod.JPG

Pic. 17a - b: Coprocessor clock patch made by Atari themselves


By a fluke the signal clock line of the coprocessor is cut through via Atari.


Here are the instructions for the 2nd step: how to patch und connect the clock line between FPU and Speedy in order to clock the FPU with either 16MHz, 32MHz or 48MHz:

  1. We remove the original black cable between Atari TT Video Shifter and coprocessor and made a new longer cable, connected to the clock pin of the coprocessor.
  2. At the other side of that new cable please solder a female socket pin and connect this socket pin to the back side of DB Speedy.
  3. The next step is, to connect the oscillator plug at the backside of your new DB-Speedy.
  4. Please be sure, that the black cable from oscillator pin seven is connect to the “GND”. Plug the DB-Speedy into the CPU socket. Be careful!


Be sure that your changes matched with the next picture.

Abb18 DB-TT Co-Pro-Patch 04.JPG

Pic. 18: Backside of DB Speedy with clock line to coprocessor and W101 from the oscillator. Both plug at right place under DB Speedy.


Now the view if all works in the DB TT are finished.

Abb19 Daughterboard TT Mainboard with new Daughterboard Speedy.JPG

Abb.19: Daughterboard TT Mainboard with new Daughterboard-Speedy


Some useful tips for the perfect installation:

  1. Plug in an extra VG96 socket (ERNI 224412, 3x32 pins with long gold contacts) to get enough distance between the CPU and an extension on the TT-RAM connector (e.g. Storm TT or Thunder) and to avoid heat build-up and short circuits.
  2. If you use an extra VG96 socket as well as a (Turbo)Thunder and a StormTT, use PS/2 RAM modules with a maximum height of 3cm in the Storm TT. Otherwise the original case will no longer fit. 4cm high RAM modules do not fit. As a rule, RAM modules are 2 or 3 cm high - this fits easily.
  3. If you use a DB Speedy together with a Lightning VME, the connection of the left ribbon cable on the Lightning VME is very tight. Ask Team Thunderstorm to get a specially customized version of the Lighting VME to solve this small problem.

Abb20a extra VG96.JPG Abb20b RAM.jpg Abb20c DB Speedy mit modifizierter Lightning.JPG

Pic. 20a - c: Tippics



Last steps

Connect the power supply and the VGA monitor to the mainboard of your TT and test your mainboard. Please check all details and make the first start of your TT. If the start screen apply, you have finished your conversion job!

Next step is to find out, which clock speed your Co-processor tolerate. At delivery time the Speedy is configured to 32 MHz coprocessor clock speed. Change the Jumper 1 and 2 in right order onto your Speedy to increase or decrease the speed of your coprocessor.

After all reassemble the rest of your TT. All work is done. Gratulations!


2021, July

Best regards


your Thunderstorm Team



first release: 07.07.2021 Tuxie & R^2

aktueller Stand vom: 23.01.2022 Gaga