Hi,
I am trying to find a SCSI board interface for the Roland S550 sampler.
The original Roland HD5-IF is not available and there used to be a third party option on ebay but it seems to be gone.
Does anyone know of an alternative?
Hi there - since there’s been so many requests for this board I’ve just completed a clone of it. Should have inventory in a few weeks so please check my youtube channel johnnymorgansynthdreams for more info. Here’ a pic of the schematic layout :
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Wow Johnny,
This is great! Looks like your clone is an exact fit board.
I’ve installed a few clones that were made by somebody, and were being sold on eBay some years back, but they were not form fit to the layout of the Roland S550.
This looks like more true to form design.
Are you planning to sell unpopulated boards, or make the design files available? I have a pretty large stash of the Fujitsu SCSI host IC that is used in this application.
Hi Synth Repair! So I’ve built a few of the boards and I’m just in the process of testing. I’ve also decided to change the board slightly to accommodate the original form factor so I can be mounted correctly, and then as well I’m going to add a DB 25 instead of the 26 pin ribbon connection. This will enable very simple connection to any external scsi drive and zulu scsi which is the best and easiest way to go right now. I’m just going to fix up a few things this week, and then send in for some more boards form OshPark. Yes certainly I’ll be selling the boards both populated and raw so I can send a few your way. I might upload to OshPark community as well so keep posted. I’ll have details on my youtube channel johnnymorgansynthdreams shortly. Cheers!
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Nice!
Was planning on working up a copy of the OEM board, following the schematics and dimensions of the original Roland PCB. Our plan was to opensource the PCB design files (KiCad) to allow others to modify or order their own and assemble them, but seeing that you may be closer to production wouldn’t want to step on your toes or squash your market.
You might consider JLC PCB. Have always found that their quality is superior. Their prices are competitive and their turnaround time is very fast. A more affordable option for sure.
If you were open to collaborating on this project, would be willing to put up some Capital to help with a production run.
As far as design recommendations go, would encourage you to design the board with a 50-pin IDC, ( two row 2.45 mm pitch) for configuration options. Many people may want to mount a SCSI device inside the S550 as there is ample real estate, while the db25 option is also a good call, can’t see a disadvantage to building a board with both options. Another expantion, would be to build the board with the SCSI host integrated. We’ve got some host designs that could be easily integrated considering how much space is available on the PCB, layout should be easy. The ESP32S3 or STM32F4 are two options. The ESP has the advantage of making the device wireless. Running the wifi in AP mode can serve a handy Web interface to allow administration of the drive configurations. Lots of possibilities there.
PM if you’re interested in talking on collaboration more.
Cheers!
I definitely might do what you are saying and add a 50 pin connector as well so both options are supported. Interesting enough this version just showed up again - looks like they have more stock and at a pretty good price:
https://www.therapiesbay.store/detail/Hd5-if-Scsi-Interface-Replacement-Board-For-Roland-S-550-Sampler-sample-Library_f7hpqroutsvqwqq.html
Ahh, don’t think so.
That deff looks like a scam website.
I sort of thought the same. seems pretty dodgy.
Ok - I’m just updating my kicad layout right now with some improvements - I’m gonna add in the 50 pin scsi and db 25 so it’ll have both options as you suggested. Ok cheers
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I don’t know how good a line on the MB89352A’s you have. Beside the DIP encapsulation, there are flat pack PFQ variants. Might be better suited for a new design, and can be machine placed.
This link looks like a copy of an older EBay listing from mus1c_m4k3r. So probably a scam.
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I’ve just completed the Rev 2 board which now has both DB-25 and 50 pin scsi connections. Board should be ready in about 2-3 weeks!
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The Rev 2 board has been sent off for fab. Should have it in a few weeks. I added the 50 pin scsi to it as well, as there’s lots of room - the board is actually pretty sizeable as the mounting holes had to fit Roland’s original layout which was for some reason overly big. I’ve definitely thought about the possibility of doing an all-in design with a Zulu scsi system already integrated - I can certainly have a look at it as it’s probably not super difficult.
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This is brilliant! I’m definitely interested! Will this be open source or will/are you selling these? Big fan of your channel BTW, I adore your individual synth retrospectives.
Thanks Nuform! I’m currently selling these through eBay. Probably makes the most sense as I can keep costs relatively low by ordering the PCB’s in bulk, along with the scsi controller, ribbon cable and other parts like the DB-25. If you contact me through my channel I’ll give you a $10 discount as normally eBay takes a cut as well. ok all the best - Johnny
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Beautiful! I’ll reach out via YT, thanks!