5MHz Upgrade hacks

Can we speed up the Model T? Apparently!

I have been investigating various ways to make the Model T run … faster.

Initially, I started with fixed 5MHz upgrades. These are practical if you never ever want to run at 2.5MHz. But, since 5MHz operation effectively renders the cassette port unusable, a switchable design might also be nice. Switchable means that you can control the speed from BASIC.

UPDATE June 2022

I've invested some time in trying to make the simplest possible 5M upgrade for M100. M100 has a couple of issues to overcome

 1) the main ROM is too slow.  This is easily overcome by swapping in an EPROM.
 2) on early M100s the system RAM is also (barely) too slow. Early RAM modules were 250nsec SRAM.

I now have a very nice solution that allows one to keep using the original SRAM. The solution involves modifying the A* signal that is used to enable the SRAM. By speeding it up a touch, you can use the original SRAMs (and really any M100 SRAM modules).

I'll soon be posting a much revised solution for M100. The great news is also that I've really tuned the power consumption. My test M100 had a stock current of about 50mA. Running 5MHz the current jumped to 70mA. This is a nice result, better than I have had in the past with other designs. And you are spending less power per CPU cycle.. so it is a GREEN solution! hah.

Switchable solutions

In the M100/T102, port /Y1 is free to use. So, for switchable implementations

  Power up default is 2.5 MHz
  OUT144,0   sets to 2.5MHz
  OUT144,1   sets to 5MHz

Current Upgrades Status

Computer model	Fixed 5MHz	Switchable 5MHz
T102	PCBs, V1.2 instructions available	PCB available
M100	PCBs, V1.1 instructions available	PCBs available
M100 (UK)	like M100, but no need for new EPROM	like M100, but no need for new EPROM
M100+NSC800	contact me	-
T200	not yet investigated	not yet investigated
PC-8201	not yet investigated	not yet investigated
KC-85	like M100?	like M100?

As I test and more-or-less land on a reasonable upgrade process, I will post instruction files here If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at Twospruces at --the google mail service.

Also, since OSHPARK is so clumsy in dealing with PCB revisions (basically you can't remove a bad file design once shared), I've decided to just post PCB gerber files and schematics here. That way I can control issues that I find and always have the corrected files available.

What are the tradeoffs?

A fixed solution makes your laptop always run at 5MHz. A switchable solution gives you the option of standard operation or "TURBO mode". The switchable solution is a nice way to go. Switch up when needed, switch down when necessary.

Some of the considerations are captured below.

Laptop functionality

Item	Fixed 5MHz	Switchable 5MHz
Processor speed	5MHz	2.5 or 5 MHz
LCD	5MHz	2.5 or 5 MHz
I/O	5MHz	2.5 or 5 MHz
BCR	5MHz	2.5 or 5 MHz
Cassette	assumed non functional	functional in 2.5 MHz mode
Modem	standard	standard
Printer	standard	standard
Power consumption	~40% higher	~40% higher in 5MHz mode

Complexity of modifications

Item	Fixed 5MHz	Switchable 5MHz
Clock PCB assembly ease	easiest	small SMT soldering
Crystal location	swap onboard	mounted on adapter board
Clock PCB installation ease	easiest	additional wiring
M100 ROM upgrade	challenging to build	challenging to build
M100 main PCB cut tracks?	one clock trace	one clock trace
T102 main PCB cut tracks?	one clock trace and RAM mod	one clock trace and RAM mod
Reversible?	yes, remove hack and repair cut tracks	yes, remove hack and repair cut tracks

What about compatibility with REX#/REXCPM?

REX# and REXCPM from November 2021 are built and tested compatible with 5MHz. In fact my test station runs at 5MHz. If you have an earlier REX#/REXCPM, contact me to discuss what to do.

Instructions

Take a look at the instruction files below. Please don't try this if you are not confident of success! I welcome feedback and comments. Especially if you find errors or improvements.

Fixed 5MHz Upgrades

Computer model	Version	Upgrade file
T102	Fixed 2x upgrade V1.2	T102 5MHz mod V1.2 Apr2 2022.pdf
M100	Fixed 2x upgrade V1.1 - Note: this solution would benefit from an improvement.	M100 5MHz mod V1.1 Apr 2022.pdf

For the M100 V1.1 upgrade above, I know have a solution that reduces power significantly. As a result I will have to post an improved design. I have an improved switchable design at this time.

For M100 with NSC800, contact me for a solution. This would of course be a dedicated CP/M machine with REXCPM installed.

Switchable 5MHz Upgrades

Computer model	Version	Upgrade file
T102	Switchable 2x upgrade V1	design is done. working on docs
M100	Switchable 2x upgrade V1	design is done. working on docs

PCBs

Posted here so I can maintain and update the designs, are Gerber files, layout images and schematic images.

PCB	Version	Comments	Gerbers
Fixed 5MHz clock board (/2 board)	This board has no small SMT and uses main board crystal. Easiest!	V2	Divide by 2 PCB Gerbers
Switchable 5MHz clock board, simplified	larger board, easier to install	V3

Photos

T102 with a fixed 5MHz board. This board is easy to make, and the 10M crystal is on the main board. No small SMT soldering! Note: what is shown is an early board. Latest board is more compact and eliminates the unused parts.

T102 with a switchable 5MHz board. This board has to use a crystal on the clock board, and has small SMT soldering. Harder to build, but has switchable clock.

This board is good, but there is a better solution.

FAQ

As this is tried I'm sure questions and comments will arise. We can capture useful information here. Thanks.