Kai,

Thanks for the schematics & explanation.

May I criticise? I believe you won't take it wrong.

I try to be "Little Joe" (OK, the "symbolic" meaning, please don't discuss age :-) etc.)

The explanation might need more items, I will try to furmulate questions later.

I had a look at our local store's webpage (moreless the only one which sells for amateurs in little quantity over the counter here: although there are more mailing services available, I believe this a quite good "watermark" of availability) - www.gme.sk . I was surprised they do have both 74LS540 and 74HC541 (DIL) on stock in Bratislava (although the web and the reality don't match quite exactly... no wonder, they have several walls built of boxes indeed, plus shelves etc.). I'd expect most of the other parts readily available. The problem is with the Schottky: no 1N6263, and the recommended replacement 1N5711 is zero stock, too. Worse, both are labelled "exotic, orders only". They are not too cheap, either; compared to the IC's - a similar price, but you will need more of them... Tempting to get ANY Schottky: I see 1N5818 for a fraction of price, and available - but, will it be good enough? I don't know.

Also, I believe, MOST of the problems the newbies have DON'T arise from "the circuit". Please, go through my original post in this thread - I believe, for the newbie, ALL of them are crucial. You might have addressed some them, but I believe you could have valuable comments on more.

Anyway, Kai, thank you again for your time and devotion.

Jan Waclawek