|
|
|
| INTRODUCTION The Heathkit Model GC-1000 Most Accurate Clock was the first "Disciplining Clock" available on the market and was issued a patent by the U.S. Department of Patents. It was designed by Heathkit in the mid 80’s using a then “state of the art” MK3870 single chip microprocessor from Mostek. Unfortunately this part is no longer supported by Mostek, and the original program code has also been lost. Microprocessors have come a long way since the mid 1980’s. It is now possible to get a single chip microprocessor that is “field” programmable using modern “flash” memory. This memory can be written to, as well as re-written. Since semiconductor geometry’s have become smaller and smaller, it is also possible to get a CPU with 8k of ROM space and 512 bytes of EEPROM for the same price as the old Mostek part that only contained 2k of ROM space and no non-volatile RAM. Using this extra available space has allowed us to incorporate some additional features not originally found on the GC-1000 design. We hope that you like these new features
of the adapter board and are already planning new products to add to our
product line in support of Heathkit products. We are always open to
suggestions and welcome your comments. |
Top View of GC-1000
Adapter Board $ TBD Plus $ 3.85 Priority Mail Shipping California Residents please add Sales Tax |
| INSTALLATION To install the GC-1000 CPU replacement
board, it will be necessary to remove the old Mostek 3870 CPU. Now
plug the new CPU adapter board into the 40 pin socket that was used by the
Mostek CPU. Make sure that you have removed the optional Mostek 3870
CPU that is used for the RS-232 option. This has all now been incorporated
into the single Atmel part. The connector that was plugged into the
option circuit, is now connected to our board and provides RS-232 serial
communications between your GC-1000 and a host. In addition a 1 PPS
signal has been added that can be used by chart recorders and other timing
related devices. |
Installed GC-1000 Adapter Board |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES * RS-232 option has been incorporated into the standard CMOS processor * GC-1000 Power supply now runs much cooler * Year detection has been incorporated so you no longer have to set the year using DIP switches * 1 PPS output available for other timing devices * Several communication modes now available including the old RTS trigger time output * Several diagnostic outputs available such as monitor AGC level, monitor oscillator trim value, and others
|
Bottom View of GC-1000 Adapter Board |
| FEATURES NOT IN THIS VERSION We believe that all of the features of the original Mostek CPU have been addressed by our current design of our software. We will always try to include any features that may be discovered by our users that we may have missed.
|
|
| UPGRADE POLICY If you would like to upgrade your processor in the future, there are two possible methods. 1) You may return your processor with a handling fee of $15.00 to received a new processor with the latest version of software; or 2) You may purchase an upgrade kit with the latest processor. The purchase price will be the same $15.00 handling fee, however a "core" charge of an additional $15.00 will be added. This additional $15.00 will be refunded when you return your original processor. This allows you to continue using your current GC-1000 with minimal "down" time, until you receive your upgraded processor in the mail. When it arrives, you may return the old processor for a $15.00 refund of the "core" charge. No future upgrades will be possible if the original part is not returned. All processors are serialized and will
not be replaced (or refunded) unless the original serial numbered part
is returned, and the serial number matches the name and address of the purchaser.
|
Current Status Several have asked what the status of this design is so I have decided to go ahead and post it. Due to the economy, much like everyone else, I have been very busy at my "regular" job. We have been continuing efforts as you can see in the photographs. The hardware design is done, the clock runs, the time is updating and it is close to release. What we never considered was just how to actually "test" this thing. For instance, the "leap year" indicator is sent from NIST once every 4 years. So it's totally out of the question to use the standard NIST signal for development. Common bits such as seconds, minutes, hours, etc. are common so they are not a problem. We are now developing a "WWV Time Code Generator" that can act as a programmable WWV source. This tester will be confirmed using a standard GC-1000 with a Mostek CPU to ensure that ours works as well, if not better, than the original design. We expect the target price to be in the area of $65.00 due to the increase of parts over the ID-4001 design. We will probably offer another "Beta" upgrade program as we did with the ID-4001. We are still considering any other options that can be incorporated into the code without any further hardware changes. We expect to be shipping finished units some time in June. Thank you all for being patient. Don
|
| Processor Software and Intellectual Property The purchaser of this upgrade board is granted a "lifetime" license to use the software contained in the processor as a replacement CPU for the Heathkit GC-1000 Most Accurate Clock. The software however, remains the intellectual property of "Data Professionals" and "Transition Engineering Inc.". This license may be passed to another individual or successor only when transferred in association with the original Heathkit GC-1000 Most Accurate Clock. This adapter cannot be resold "stand-alone" to any individual with out the express permission of Data Professionals and/or Transition Engineering, Inc. Any processor returned for upgrade may be denied if the serial number has been tampered with, or our records indicate the part may not be original. Data Professionals or Transition Engineering, Inc. are not responsible for any direct or consequential damages or any damages of any kind arising out of the use of the chip. This includes any damages associated with "fitness for use" or any other damages not specified. Data Professionals will at our option
repair or replace any defective or damaged adapter board that does not meet
the advertised feature set at the time of purchase for a period of 90 days.
|
CONTACT US AT: Data Professionals Sales@D8aPro.com
|
