ZX-WESPI - add a cheap wifi-enabled fileserver to your Zeddy!

[msknight]

Yes, I've seen that. It's the same on my issue 3.

However, it's not the practice, but more the theory... it's nothing to cut the trace with a PCB trace cutter... if it will yield the desired result... ie. plug a tape in, and the Wespi gets cut out of the picture... which is what people seem to desire?

[1024MAK]

Yes, I believe if you cut the relevant PCB tracks, that should work, but have never tried this.

Having said all that, I do recommend you read this topic first.

Mark

[msknight]

Thanks. An interesting topic. A little odd how the waspi can affect the zeddy.

I will try the track cutting, after all if that fails I can always solder into the remaining post. So nothing to lose really.

I do have a small hand-tool track cutter but I have also seen people using Dremmel. (I have one of those also) And looking at that track it is a little wide.

Grateful for your advice on cutting it please, as it's not copper

[Paul]

It's tinned copper.
I prefer the Dremel approach.

[msknight]

Which bit and settings would you use?

[Paul]

I'm not an expert in this field and as english isn't my native language I don't know most names for the tools

I would use a cylindic grinding stone bit and use the top edge with low to medium speed.

[msknight]

Thanks! I'll let you know how I get on. But it'll be a few weeks.

[Paul]

Make sure to sorrowly clean the dust from the PCB as it's conducting

[msknight]

OK - so ... in theory/principle, it worked. However...

The age of the socket meant that the contacts were not conductive when touching, likely just age and corrosion, and the topmost connector wasn't bending over correctly either, so it would need, "re-bending," in order to connect properly.

Obviously with no wespi yet, I couldn't test the functionality either... that's what's going to take me a few weeks.

However, as I have a mechanical keyboard and I need to put the whole thing in a case anyway (don't ask about this specific case... it's going to be tight and the keyboard will obscure two of the screw shafts, and I have yet to replace the regulator) ... then I have the opportunity to get some surface mount sockets and use, "fresh," switch contacts.

This will also take the pressure off me, because I won't have to strain to match the holes in the case, with the zeddy's own jacks. The only headache I'll have is the keyboard.

[1024MAK]

Just for information, the type of 3.5mm jack sockets used on the ZX80/ZX81/TS1000/ZX Spectrum etc. are still available.

Mark