I looked into what it would take to replace the OM-4t circuits with
a new processor, like TI's processor, which has on-board A/D,
can power down to very low current, etc. The tricky part is to
find a photo diode sensor like what is in the OM's. With newer
chopper stabilized OP amps, many of the OM circuits could be
simplified, remove potentiometers, calibrate digitally, provide
user customization. A serial interface to the bottom contacts,
... I pulled most of the schematics for the OM-4 from the patents
a few years ago.
By the time you add it all up, you have serious development time
and you might as well find a camera company to make a new
body with faster shutter. Or become a camera company.
If you want to download 45mB in files contact me off list.
Wayne
At 02:47 AM 7/23/2004, you wrote:
>Exactly, Moose. Duplicating the board as it is would probably also
>infringe something, somewhere. :-) So much better to "black box" it like
>was done with IBM BIOS chips "way back when". As long as the inputs and
>outputs match the function of the original Olympus board, the camera
>won't know the difference.
>
>Because of when the boards for the 4T had to have been designed, I
>expect what took custom chips then might well be reproduced with
>off-the-shelf programmable stuff now. Seriously impractical? Maybe now.
>But when the last of the 4T boards are gone... It'll be much less
>seriously impractical for anyone that wants to resurrect one.
>
>---
>Scott
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