C5ALIVE Forum

C5 Help => Components List => Topic started by: Phil on 24, December, 2010 - 10:37:22

Title: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Phil on 24, December, 2010 - 10:37:22
Ladies and Gentlemen,

the last months I spend nearly all my rare free time in a new project and today (I can't say how happy I am to finish this just in time to Christmas...!) I like to present you:

the ULA replacement module (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en)

(http://cypax.net/projects/ula/images/ularepl_small.jpg) (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/images/ularepl.jpg)(http://cypax.net/projects/ula/images/DSC02849_small.jpg) (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/images/DSC02849.jpg)

For the first time in history (as far as I know) there is an alternative for lost or damaged C5 ULA chips.
This module replaces the original ULA chip in the POD of the Sinclair C5 and provides some additional features.
Some exemplary features listed:

I started this as a tiny hobbyist project - not much more than a proof of concept - but during the last months it turned into a huge project, including a small batch series of modules.

This project is no crazy idea or something that started and then ended in talking - it is

Sorry I thing I'm a little bit overexcited since I finally finished this project. Back to the facts:
I've wrote an extensive project documentation here (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en) which will answer all your questions.

The replacement module will be inserted in the IC socket in place of the original ULA chip.
Inside the control box (below the seat) you need to add an additional resistor, remove another one and cut a cable which comes from the POD and can now be used to control a fan. And that's all.
My project documentation will show you how to install the replacement module (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en#installation) in detail.

The replacement module enables you to convert the C5 easily into a pedelec bicycle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedelec) which allows you to drive it without insurance or any accreditation within the entire EU.

The software for the microcontroller of the replacement module can be upgraded via a bootloader (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en#upload) program.
This makes sure everyone will be able to upgrade to new firmware with less effort and without any programming knowledge.

There is so much to tell about but maybe the best would be if you just read the project documentation (http://www.cypax.net/projects/ula/index?language=en).

Now, if you thing this is all good and fine - the best is yet to come:
I build a small series of modules. All completely assembled and programmed - ready to install and rock 'n roll:
(http://cypax.net/projects/ula/images/DSC02877_small.JPG) (http://cypax.net/projects/ula/images/DSC02877.JPG)

During the next days I will be in holidays. When I'm back I will start a new topic in the marketplace here to sell these modules. The only thing I can tell so far is that the price will be about 40 EUR (circa £ 34.00) for an assembled and programmed module including accessories.

Until then I'm looking forward your comments.
I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

-Phil

PS: Maybe there are still some spelling errors in my documentation. This project literally finished "last-minute" and I'm really glad to do something completely different and forget about the ULA chip for the next days.
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Lancealot on 24, December, 2010 - 11:29:44
Phil as a fellow newbie may I say just one word.

Brilliant

Well done - I also suggest you have become 'Sinclair C5 god status'!!!!

Lance
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Karl on 24, December, 2010 - 11:33:57
Outstanding !

Looking forward to seeing those up for sale in the market place section, it should help keep a few more c5's on the road in their original format.

Well done mate  8)
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: radiomarty on 24, December, 2010 - 15:19:29
Outstanding - top man - lost for words - you are elevated to C5 GOD status !!!!!!!!
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 24, December, 2010 - 15:28:07
Well done at last the C5 lives on . Put me down for two Bye Chas  ...
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: PLOD11 on 24, December, 2010 - 23:35:38
That is some project and the documentation is just fantastic.

You certainly deserve a rest !

Well done Mate  :)

I would like one of these when available.

John
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: aladds on 29, December, 2010 - 21:28:06
That's fantastic! I'm actually rather glad that I didn't get my replacement finished now, it wouldn't be nearly as good.

I can't wait to get one of these and have a play!
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Phil on 18, January, 2011 - 18:20:58
Thanks for your nice comments!

The replacement modules are now for sale: http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1636.0

@aladds: So you also made a replacement? It would be interesting to see you approach!

-Phil
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: alexbromo on 22, January, 2011 - 07:40:20
I have no words ... :o

You are really a wizard, Phil ... many many compliments for this exciting goal !!!

Alex Bromo
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Phil on 10, February, 2011 - 22:03:30
Hi folks!
Since the the replacement module is quite a complicated matter, I just made a short video to explain how to configure basic settings and how to upload new firmware:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1zOplt-qRg
or
http://vimeo.com/19808933
I hope it may be useful.

Best regards
-Phil
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: PLOD11 on 11, February, 2011 - 00:27:15
Thanks for that, very helpful  ;)

John
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Karl on 11, February, 2011 - 07:55:56
That is amazing, mucho impressed  8)
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: radiomarty on 14, July, 2011 - 15:42:39
Hi Phil - I need at least 3 of these replacements possibly a fair few more - are there plans for another batch ?

Regards Radiomarty
Title: Re: A replacement for the ULA chip
Post by: Ariablutron98 on 16, January, 2013 - 22:53:37
Nice :-D I would like one of those chips