The A8PicoCart is a very cheap multi-cart for the Atari 8-bit (XL/XE) which you can make at home with only basic soldering skills.

The cartridge supports the following file formats: ROM/CAR/XEX and a limited support for ATR files.

Instruction manual, firmware, gerber & STL files and other documentation can be found on Robin Hedwards github page.

You can see a short video i made click here.

Gallery:

This is a short story of the Roland MT32 Midi repair.

The MT32 MIDI interface had an annoying audio problem (you can listen to the audio files attached to this post).

It seemed like the classic problem of exhausted electrolytic capacitors, but instead it was due to the ROM ROLAND R15449121 (TC534000P) position IC37.

To replace the original ROM it would have been enough to use an OTP Eprom 27C040 which however i didn’t have in the laboratory so i used a FLASHROM AM29F040 by modifying some connections.

The filename of the file used to program the FLASHROM is “r15449121.ic37.bin” which you can find in the archive attached to this post.

Below is the documentation how to adapt the AM29F040 instead of a 27C040.

• Atmel AT27C040 – 4Mb (512K x 8) OTP, EPROM (32-pin Package)
• Amd AM29F040 – 4Mb (512K x 8) FLASHROM (32-pin Package)

Tie 29F040 WE (PIN 31) and connect to VCC (PIN 32)
Tie 29F040 A18 (PIN 1) and connect to PIN 31 on Socket or PCB

Monkey Island Audio difference before and after repair:

• Before the Repair (205)
• After the Repair (192)

Gallery:

Download: Roland MT32 (various OS and extra ROMs) (242)

source: Synth Eprom Dumps

NEW TAG: C64 BIG GAME PACK

Some new games or tools (Cracked / Trained or Unrealeased) for Commodore 64 have been released from your favorites groups.

Titles:

• Score or Die +1D
• Warzone +D *Hokuto Force*
• Warzone V1.01 +2D
• Pursuing Tom Ram +DS
• Broken Mirror Preview +D
• Mortal Flames II +
• Mortal Flames +
• Ball Bin +1D *Hokuto Force*
• The Hobbit
• Shift
• Shift Preview +
• Cave of the Word Wizard +3D
• Broken Mirror +D
• Batmio Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Batmio Preview +2
• Ghostbusters 40th Anniversary [cartridge]
• Joe’s Crazy Adventure +2
• Beyond Death Teaser
• Sky Saviour Preview +2
• The Black Hole
• Cat Scratch Preview &G *Hokuto Force*
• Ghostbusters 2021 Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Sky Saviour Preview + *Hokuto Force*
• Inspector *Hokuto Force*
• Ghostbusters 2021 Preview +2D *Hokuto Force*
• Tapper V1.6 +2
• Tron Deadly Discs Preview
• Enduro Preview +D
• Sky Saviour +2D
• The Banana Game +2
• Cybernoid +14DHGF
• Sky Saviour +2HD
• First Blood +1FD
• Die Kaufmannsgilde +D
• Swim To Survive! +1G *Hokuto Force*
• Trailblazer √2
• Shift
• Shift +1P
• Track & Field +2HDG
• Snake Escape C64 Preview 4
• Captain Ishtar 2 Preview +2 [seuck]
• Ceti 22 +2H [seuck]
• Tetris Recoded V1.1b
• Broken Mirror +DS
• Black Hole +1D
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom +3DGHI *Hokuto Force*
• IO’s Enigma +
• IO’s Enigma
• Cybernoid II +17HDF (V2)
• Orac Draughts +D
• Fluid City Musical
• Excalibur +S [english/italian]
• La Casa +S [english/italian]
• Magic Math V1.1 +
• Fluid City Musical +D *Hokuto Force*
• Enduro Preview 2 +D *Hokuto Force*
• Die Polarstation V1.2 [german]
• Tron Deadly Discs Preview 2 +D *Hokuto Force*
• Bakemono no Sekai – World of Monsters
• Big Tube!
• Mars Saga +2RDI
• Concours Hippique +DT
• Fluid City Musical +1D
• Big Tube! + *Hokuto Force*
• Big Tube! +1H
• Survivor +4HD
• Zeppelin +6D
• Zaxxon +6HD (Synapse)
• Xevious II [seuck]
• Huestack V1.0
• Huestack +2D
• Huestack +2DF
• Desolator +4DGHI *Hokuto Force*
• Threshold +6HD
• Learn to Read with Prof, Level 1…
• Static: Flowerhorn Attack Preview 2 +2D
• Arthur Remastered [hungarian]
• Die Kaufmannsgilde V2 +D
• Mr. Cool +5HD
• Lunar Leeper +5D
• Crossfire +3HD
• Block Stack Basic
• Legend of Wilf V1.1.0 +2D
• Legend of Wilf V1.1.0 +2D
• Chicken Farm +2D
• Iowa Jack and the Crystals of Chaos
• Iowa Jack and the Crystals of Chaos (C128)
• Drip II +
• Treasure in the Depth
• Mars Patrol +2HD
• Treasure in the Depth Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Tron Deadly Discs RC5
• PETSCII Wizard of Wor
• Rungvoid +1D *Excess/Hokuto Force*
• PETSCII Wizard of Wor +1D
• Tritopia [austrian]
• Carmilla’s Castle +2D *Excess/Hokuto Force*
• PETSCII Wizard of Wor +
• Tritopia [german]
• Mecha City +2 *Excess/Hokuto Force*
• The Job Interview +S *Excess/Hokuto Force*
• Rat Race +1D *Excess/Hokuto Force*
• Beach Cleanup +1D *Excess/Hokuto Force*
• Gridrunner +4HD V2
• Pinball Spectacular +3HD V2
• Drip II +4HPD
• Scuttle +6HDG
• Memory Man +1F
• Soko64+ &D *Hokuto Force*
• Tron Deadly Discs &D *Hokuto Force*
• RandomPac +
• RandomPac +2D
• 2112 V3.2
• Sire Fire &S [english/italian]
• RandomPac + *Hokuto Force*
• Sire Fire +S [english/italian]
• Raingame +2TD
• 4Gravity! +D
• Quest Four Two
• Quest Four Two +
• RandomPac V1.1 +2D
• The Blob Preview
• 1nvader V1.03 +
• Chopper +4DGH *Hokuto Force*
• Shooting Stars +
• Nesterin Trail V1.0.1 +DS
• Petscii Shooter Preview
• 2^11 Preview 3 V1.7 &D

Download: All Games in One Archive (1324)

source: csdb.dk

A new version of the firmware for the Kung Fu Flash Cartridge by Kim Jørgensen is released.

Changelog:

• Support MACH 5 cartridge. Thanks Lord Kopromaster.

Download:

• Kung Fu Flash Firmware v1.51 (278)

source: github.com/KimJorgensen/KungFuFlash

SD-1000/PiCOLECO/PiRTO-II are Flash Multicarts for Sega SC3000/SG-1000,CBS ColecoVision,Mattel Intellivision by Andrea Ottaviani based on the cheap version of the Raspberry Pi Pico clone (purple PCB).

I wanted to try and assemble this interesting project and i must say that i was very satisfied. I also contacted Andrea for a small problem of loading the ROMs for the Multicart Intellivision and he was immediately available even though it was Sunday lunch time :-)

I assembled two Multicarts for each console model because as soon as i informed my friend Andry about this project he wanted them too :-D

The Multicarts you see in this article are NOT for sale, for more information about firmware,flashing fw,gerber,3D case model i recommend you visit the github site where these projects are published.

• SD-1000: https://github.com/aotta/SD-1000
• PiCOLECO: https://github.com/aotta/PiCOLECO
• PiRTO II: https://github.com/aotta/PiRTOII

How much did i spend for each multicart?

• 6 x Raspberry Purple Pi Pico clone (Aliexpress): €18.12
• 5 x JLCPCB PiCOLECO PCB: €1.87
• 5 x JLCPCB PiRTO II PCB: €3.74
• 5 x JLCPCB SD-1000: €3.74
• 1 x JLCPCB Shipping Charge: €6.66
• 1 x JLCPCB Customs duties & taxes: €3.52
• 1 x JLCPCB PAYPAL FEE: €0.47
• 6 x Diode 1N4148 (spare parts)
• 2 x Transistor BC547 (spare parts)
• 2 x Angled Push Button (spare parts)
• 4 x Push Button (spare parts)

More or less for each single Flash Multicart complete with all components you will spend around €6.00.

This includes the components that i already had at home and the minimum order from JLCPCB for each PCB which are 5 pieces, as a result i did the division on the JLCPCB invoice total.

Download the ROMs for Sega SC3000/SG-1000, ColecoVision, Intellivision (including CFG mappers) fully renamed and divided into folders in alphabetical order here.

Flash Multicarts Cartridge Case Shell Cover:

The last photo with a small modification of the hole to insert colored button covers.

 

How to update the firmware with the case closed? You have to press the button on the PI Pico Purple while inserting USB-C for firmware updating.
Totally excluded unscrewing and retightening the screws each time, so 1.5mm micro hole in the right position, perfect.

 

 

Gallery:

12►

I purchased the Texas Instruments Grillo Parlante Più (Super Speak & Spell) for a few euros and fully aware that the contact plates for the batteries due to an acid leak has been destroyed (see photo).

After testing it if actually still worked, i did a good cleaning of the battery compartment, body and display.

I replaced the contact plates for the batteries with similar ones recovered from an old dead and defunct cassette recorder.

The final result is perfect, it looks like the original, even better because i put the battery negative spring in the correct side, the original has the springs all on one side, both for the positive and negative of the battery.

Gallery of work done:

Video:

I wanted to remake the RGB connections of my CBS ColecoVision console a bit and design a new diagram for connecting the RGB video output.

This console was sold with an external modulator (CBS Electronics Adaptateur Antenne 7466 – 6F) that converted the signal from RGB to RF and it seems a Scart cable was not provided for direct connection to the television.

The original ColecoVision D-SUB DB15 to Scart cable that i have doesn’t have the correct pinout but it works perfectly with another ColecoVision always with RGB output but with an internal encoder that converts the Y (B-Y) (R-Y) to RGB signals (PAL Secam Converter A).

This fact is really curious, apparently there are more versions with RGB output as well as RF.

I decided to remove the old RGB cable that i soldered internally about 15 years ago and replace it with an RGB cable connected to the Coleco native connector.

The problem with doing this operation has always been the D-SUB DB15 connector which must be of a certain size, otherwise it won’t fit.

Brilliantly solved using a SNK NeoGeo Joypad extension cable, where we have a DB15 D-SUB connector pre-cast in the plastic where all 15 pins are used (in theory only 14 are needed for the NeoGeo Joypad, but all 15 are connected)

I cut the cable from the neogeo joypad male connector side and soldered the wires to a Scart connector and for the Fast Switching signal before connecting it to pin 16 of the scart i used a 100ohm resistor in series, i did not use the Function Switching signal.

One more thing, the Audio signal from the console native RGB connector is very low, so i made a jumper (see photo) to bypass a resistor and a ceramic capacitor, therefore i took the audio directly from PIN 7 of the SN76489 (Sound Generator).

Of course everything works perfectly.

Gallery of work done:

A new firmware update for the ARMSiD has been released by Nobomi.

News features and fixes in FW 2.16:

• Fix for 2 MHz mode C128. Since this firmware ARMSID is functional for all modes and types of communication with C128 (even those incompatible with SID documentation).
• Added to the configuration the possibility to use the EXT IN input (pin 26) as an analog input and connect it to the internal mixer, as on the original chip. You should expect a slight increase in noise background from this input, I recommend using it only when you really need this feature.
• Also added to the configuration the possibility to change the emulation detection threshold of the 6581/8580 according to the input voltage (pin 28), so called autodetection. Originally this limit is set to 10.5V, what is below indicates 8580 emulation, what is above so 6581. With the new setting, this limit can be about 2V, so you can use logic levels of 5V or even just 3V for switching the emulation type (pin 28 is not used for power supply in ARMSID, only for voltage measurement, no power supply on this pin is required for function).

Download: ARMSiD v2.16 [PRG/D64/CONFIG] (313)

source: nobomi.cz github.com/nobomi/Arduino-ARMSID-configurator

.- the inexpensive dual-SID/FM replacement that you can build yourself -.

SIDKick pico by Frenetic is a microcontroller-based C64 SID replacement. Analog inputs for paddles and mice are available just as for the original SID.

Changelog:

• This release contains the fix for the NTSC-specific bug of firmware version 0.20 (and the fix for the bug I introduced with 0.201 :-)).

Note:

There are different .uf2-files are firmware files with PWM and/or DAC output, flashing (RGB-)LED on/off AND for hardware revision 0.1 and 0.2.

Review:

My SID Player plays SID tunes with the SIDKick-pico.
SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic.

Download: SIDKick-Pico Firmware v0.202 (244)

source: c64-wiki.com github.com/frntc/SIDKick-pico restore-store.de

.- the inexpensive dual-SID/FM replacement that you can build yourself -.

SIDKick pico by Frenetic is a microcontroller-based C64 SID replacement. Analog inputs for paddles and mice are available just as for the original SID.

Changelog:

• This release contains the fix for the NTSC-specific bug of firmware version 0.20.

Note:

There are different .uf2-files are firmware files with PWM and/or DAC output, flashing (RGB-)LED on/off AND for hardware revision 0.1 and 0.2.

Review:

My SID Player plays SID tunes with the SIDKick-pico.
SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic.

Download: SIDKick-Pico Firmware v0.201 (222)

source: c64-wiki.com github.com/frntc/SIDKick-pico restore-store.de

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate U2+L by Gideon is released.

Changes in 3.11a:

• WiFi support – Now that the WiFi modules for the U2+L are available, you will need this firmware to enable it. In this zip there are two files; the firmware update for the cartridge itself (.u2l) file and the firmware file for the ESP WiFi module (.esp). They have to be applied in this order.
• Ethernet fix – Improves compatibility with some switches and routers. The LAN should now work with these.
• Garbled characters fix. – On some machines, especially on NTSC machines, the 3.11 firmware gave some timing issues. This build should fix that.
• Ulticopy fix – In 3.11 Ulticopy was broken; it should work again – supposedly – not tested.

Due to “life” (e.g. house renovation) there has not been any time for testing this firmware for other hardware platforms. Will come soon.

Download: Ultimate U2+L v3.11a Firmware (281)

source: ultimate64.com github.com facebook

.- the inexpensive dual-SID/FM replacement that you can build yourself -.

SIDKick pico by Frenetic is a microcontroller-based C64 SID replacement. Analog inputs for paddles and mice are available just as for the original SID.

Changelog:

• FM emulation
• built-in PRG launcher
• Some bugfixes, better stability (e.g. paddle/mouse handling).

Note:

There are different .uf2-files are firmware files with PWM and/or DAC output, flashing (RGB-)LED on/off AND for hardware revision 0.1 and 0.2.

Review:

My SID Player plays SID tunes with the SIDKick-pico.
SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic.

Download: SIDKick-Pico Firmware v0.20 (227)

source: c64-wiki.com github.com/frntc/SIDKick-pico restore-store.de

The return of the Hybrid Sid Player by xAD/Nightfall

Based on the Project and Hardware Schematic by Markus Gritsch released in the years 2011-2015 on the forum dangerousprototypes. Thanks Markus.

Changelog:

v2.00 – 11/5/2024

Added:

• Added a new parameter in the configuration file (config.ini).
  • Now you can also choose the FPGASid as well as the ARMSID for SID auto switching.

Below is an excerpt from the “config.ini” file.

# FPGASid/Armsid Auto Switching (0:Disabled – 1:Socket #1 – 2:Socket #2) – default: 0
# When you use this mode the other socket it does not activate automatically.
FPGASID_SOCKET=0

• Implemented auto switching for the FPGASid.

When choosing this mode the FPGASid must be installed ONLY in one of the two sockets,  you must also choose which socket to use for the FPGASid by editing the configuration file.

When configuring auto switching for the FPGASid during boot the SID Player is displayed the message “FPGASid Socket #” followed by the socket number where the FPGASid was configured in the configuration file.  This message is intended only to inform you that the configuration has been correctly activated.

*** Please read if you want to use the FPGASid in Auto Switching mode ***

The status LED indicating the SID that is used to play the song will remain fixed on the socket where the FPGASid was installed, therefore it will not change between Socket #1 and Socket #2.

The display of the SID model from the music track being played will consequently be displayed Only on the display.

The ‘sidSet’ mode will work exactly as before, the only difference is that if no SID is installed in the other Socket no sound will be played :-D while if a SID model 6581 or 8580 is installed you will be able to compare the fidelity of the FPGASid by switching between the two SIDs (obviously better if the same model).

The configuration of the model of the Sid with which to play the piece of music in the configuration file although working in this case it is to be considered Virtual because we would no longer have a change of state between Sockets for each SID model, therefore i decided to assign a static numbering to the SID.

• Write 1 for the SID 8580 model
• Write 2 for the SID 6581 model

For files in DMP format (conversion from RSID to RAW) playback is automatically forced with the 8580 SID of the FPGASid.

Jumpers to configure if the FPGASid is installed:

• Filter capacitors (JP4/JP5 or JP6/JP7): Does not matter.
• SID voltage 9v/12v (JP2 or JP3): Does not matter.
• Resistor 1k (JP10 or JP15): Better to remove.

Updated:

• Slightly fixed timing for SID song playback. Unnoticeable problem :-D

Fixed:

• Config.ini Parser BUG. The “ARMSID_SOCKET” parameter was not read correctly.

NOTE: The SID Player currently only supports the FPGASID for SID auto switching.

NEW TAG: C64 BIG GAME PACK

Some new games or tools (Cracked / Trained or Unrealeased) for Commodore 64 have been released from your favorites groups.

Titles:

• Stranded &S
• Cybernoid II +17HDF
• T.G.I.F.
• Lykkehjulet [danish] [cartridge/floppy]
• Hidden Key +3H *Hokuto Force*
• Hidden Key
• Space Rendez Vous +3D
• Uridium +7DH [any drive fix]
• Castle Wolfenstein +8DG *Hokuto Force*
• Hermanos +2DG
• The Secret of Monkey Island V1.3
• Spediteur +D
• Protector II +8HD
• The Deep +7DGHI *Hokuto Force*
• Scuttle +6DG
• People Eage’s Reloaded Enhanced +4
• The Chaos Engine Preview
• Incrediball 10
• Dan The Digger 10
• Freax Preview +1J
• The Chaos Engine Preview +1D
• Cybertron Mission +3HD V3
• WoordSpel [dutch]
• The Shining +1FD
• The End Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Junks Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Blob Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Asteroids Preview *Hokuto Force*
• 8bit Wars Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Freax Preview 2 +1J
• Steel +2HFD V2
• The Buried Citadel &SMap
• Congo Bongo +5DGHM 101%
• Night Mission Pinball Extended
• Saunakeppijumppa
• Bagman Comes Back V1.3 +3D
• Lady Pac V1.9 +2
• Night Breed +6DGI *Hokuto Force*
• Kuusneppis Preview
• Bagman Strikes Back V1.3 +3D
• Looter – Haunted Castle Preview 2 +
• Static: Flowerhorn Attack Preview +2D
• Slayer +8DH *Hokuto Force*
• A1RL0CK
• 6Fourdle &G *Hokuto Force*
• Avventura 1 (Fantasy) – Versione Commerciale
• Herby +3D
• The Chaos Engine Preview 2 +1D
• Kondi Krush +1D
• Tunnelrun!
• Tunnelrun! +1G *Hokuto Force*
• Power Pong +D
• Legend of Wilf +1D
• Mike Mech V1.3 +4D
• Escape the Room +S
• Tutankham Returns V1.1 +5D
• Key Maze +3DT
• Tutankham V1.1 +5D
• Mutant Master +G
• Quests +
• Metal Mayhem +
• Spy Agent Deathmatch Preview +D
• Spinning Image +1D
• Alpacalypse
• Alpacalypse +8CD
• Mike Mech V1.3 +4D
• Legend of Wilf V1.0.1 +2D
• Cats ‘n Critters +3D
• Cats ‘n Critters +1D
• Hexapawn +TD
• Hammurabi
• Kazik in the Underworld of Tema +3D
• Orc Attack +3DGH *Hokuto Force*
• The Elves of Maroland +DS&Map
• Phantomas III: The Return of Brok Preview 2 +2D
• Phantomas III: The Return of Brok Preview 2 + *Hokuto Force*
• Stack Jump Preview *Hokuto Force*
• AntiAir +3
• AntiAir +1D
• Jawbreaker Preview *Hokuto Force*
• FPS Preview *Hokuto Force*
• Santa’s Troubles V1.2 +9D
• Identity Wars – Amiga vs Atari ST +D
• Elasto Mania (bugfixed) +D
• Transylvania +DIW *Hokuto Force*
• Luftschaffner
• The Siege +G
• Hexapawn V1.8 +TD
• Maze Thriller +2D
• BasicBlok [dutch]
• Old Mansion Preview +D
• Gacek Preview +3
• Tutankham V1.1 +6D
• Pancho +5HDG
• Spinning Image V1.1 +1D
• Tutankham Returns V1.1 +6D
• Castle Belmar [english/spanish]
• SEUCK Left Scroll
• The Meteorologist +1D
• Bronx +S
• Tanks Preview &G *Hokuto Force*
• Music Painter +D
• Drip +5HD
• Cash 2000
• Drip +4D
• Labyrinth Adventure &D
• Impossible Mission Revised
• Tapper 1.6 &DG *Hokuto Force*
• Frantic Freddy +3D

Download: All Games in One Archive (1502)

source: csdb.dk

First of all, i thank my friend who gave me his Sega SC-3000 found in the attic.

After a thorough cleaning of the cartridge connector, keyboard contacts and general cleaning of the internal/external case, the computer started working perfectly again.

Gallery: