Divide Plus unstable

[dave18]

I find my divide plus is quite unstable and I get a lot of crashes (especially on 128k games)

The thing is, the games work OK to start with, for instance I played renegade 128k all the way through and it only crashed on the biker stage second time round so it really seems like a stability issue rather than incompatibility.

One reason might be that the unit is quite long and back heavy. I need a pad underneath it to keep it level and stop it pulling down on the connector. I also think it is more reliable when using a joystick rather than keyboard (I assume as I am not touching the machine to exacerbate connection issues)

It seems to me a really simple fix would be to connect it via an extension ribbon connector rather than directly to the spectrum but I can't find anything suitable on the Internet. Does anyone know where to get one (or have the desire to make one for a small fee?)

Its worth noting that my spectrum is completely stable without the divide plus attached.

Thanks

Dave

[RWAP]

I think you may well be correct - as the angle is a little odd when connected to some Spectrum +2 / +2A computers.

However, you may need to check the edge connector is not dirty as that may exacerbate the issue.

As for an extension cable - have a look at: https://www.flashbackgames.co.uk/shop/I ... uctID=6946

[dave18]

Rich

Thanks for the link, have ordered a cable. Even if it doesn't solve the problem it will at least protect my divide from being plugged and unplugged (have had bent connectors in the past).

While on the subject of cables, I don't suppose you lnow where I could get a 58 or 60 pin ribbon cable complete with female connectors (ie the same as the one that links the pass through connector on the divide)?

Thanks

Dave

[RWAP]

Your best bet would be to ask Zaxon (Piotr) who made the DivIDE Plus units for me:
www.sellmyretro.com/user/profile/zaxon

[dave18]

Rich

It is a long time since I started this post but thought it better to revisit it rather than start a new one.

The extension cable didn't fix my issue, the divide plus still gets unreliable over time, both on my +2 and 48k revision 3. I assumed I was unlucky in that they both had connector or m1 issues although the extension port pads look healthy on both.

Since then I have bought a divide 2k14 and this is rock solid on both machines, never crashes even after hours of use so I am back to thinking there is a subtle error with my divide plus that only manifests itself after it's been on for a while.

Any help you could give me in resolving the issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

[RWAP]

Hmm - sorry to hear this - I have emailed Zaxon to see if he has any ideas.

Do you happen to know when you bought the DivIDE Plus from me? I wonder if the upgraded GALs might be worth a try...

Rich

[dave18]

Rich

I bought the divide plus in Jan 14. It really seems sensitive to any movement which was what me originally assume a connector issue although this doesn't explain why it works for 10 minutes or so then starts to go unstable. It has been like this since I bought it to some degree but seems to have gotten worse lately.

I did notice the the connectors on my other devices that all seem ok have curved metal connectors inside the plastic housing pushing down more firmly on the expansion port pads whereas the divide plus' are much flatter so maybe they don't connect as well, probably clutching a straws here.

Thanks

Dave

[dave18]

Rich

Was Zaxon able to provide any insight?

Thanks

Dave

[zaxon]

Hi Dave, can you give me your adress on PRV please, i send you second divide plus ASAP . Best regards.

[dave18]

Zaxon

Done. Thank you very much for being so helpful.

Dave