Hybrid SID Player with a real SID 8580R5 running on Olimex PIC32-T795.

After trying the sid player of Bakisha and have added some features (es: Big LCD ILI9341 / Real Sid) of course with the help of Bakisha, thanks Branko

I also wanted to try the Hybrid SID Player by Markus Gritsch. The schematic (omitting some components) and the firmware are untouched and released some years ago (2011-2012) by Markus Gritsch on the forum of Dangerous Prototype.

Since the CUI32 DEV Board where is born the Hybrid SID Player is no longer available from many years, i have used the DEV Board PIC32-T795 from Olimex based on the same MCU the PIC32MX795F512H.

I have made a hack on the PIC32-T795 development board because the two pins used for the rotary encoder are not available because they are used for the RTC, i just had to remove the MHz Crystal and two capacitors from the PIC32-T795 board, so i have solder two wires directly on the dev board pcb.

The purpose of all these experiments is make some hardware changes and new implementations to the final project that i will choose and then make an all-in-one pcb and make it public to anyone who wants to build it.

Gallery:

Video:

Not completely satisfied of the previous purchase, the Eakins cam with a 100x C-Mount LENS, i wanted to try another model of cam at low-cost always of Eakins with a 150x C-Mount LENS.

I am very satisfied with this latest purchase.

Strengths that are missing in the previous cam:

• 16:9/16:10/4:3 selection (important because i use a 4:3 monitor)
• Also works with monitors with DVI input (HDMI to DVI cable), the previous one don’t work.
• Many more options for image adjustment, including an important one which is the Adjustment of the Reflection of the light, the welds Reflect the light significantly.
• Two standard 1/4″-20 holes for fixing.
• CAM sensor much more sensitive, it could also be used without additional light.

Gallery Eakins 100x Previous cam:

source: aliexpress.com

Gallery Eakins 150x New cam:

source: aliexpress.com

TFW8b C64 Kung Fu Flash Cartridge by Kim Jørgensen.

The Kung Fu Flash is a multi format C64/C128 Cartridge Developed by Kim Jørgensen and assembled by TFW8b.

The use is very simple, just copy your CRT, PRG or Dxx files onto a FAT formatted Micro SD and you are ready to go and also the firmware is upgradable via SD Card.

Built to the usual TFW8b high standards with the obligatory gold edge connector, served in our own injection molded case.

Kung Fu Flash Supported File Formats:

• Cartridge (CRT)
• Disk image (D64, D71, D81)
• Program (PRG, P00)
• Firmware update (UPD)

Kung Fu Flash Supported Cartridges Formats:

• Standard CBM cartridge (8k, 16k, Ultimax)
• Action Replay v4.x/v5/v6
• KCS Power Cartridge
• Final Cartridge III(+)
• Simons’ BASIC
• Fun Play, Power Play
• Ocean type 1
• Epyx Fastload
• C64 Game System (C64GS), System 3
• Dinamic
• Zaxxon, Super Zaxxon
• Magic Desk, Domark, HES Australia
• Super Snapshot v5
• Comal-80
• EasyFlash

Gallery:

TFW8b C64 Kung Fu Flash Video:

source: KimJorgensen/KungFuFlash thefuturewas8bit.com

I wanted to try Bakisha SID Player also with the STM32F407VET6 (previous post: STM32F401CCU6) ARM Cortex-M4 32bit MCU based Development Board which runs at frequencies up to 168MHz.

After some hardware and software changes i was able to use the SD Card support, buttons and LED on the pcb.

What i would like to do is install a TFT LCD screen compatible with this DEV Board and modify the software to display the various information that is now are sent via serial.

The MCUs that uses this DEV Board reaches a frequency of 168 Mhz and consequently i should not have problems of CPU overload taking away precious cycles times of the SID Player.

I leave you with some photos and a video.

Gallery:

SDCARD SDIO (Native) to SPI1 Pins:

Video:

source: github.com/Bakisha/STM32-SID-PLAYER

STM32 (Arm Cortex MCUs) SID Player by Bakisha.

SID chip (6581 and 8580) and 6502 CPU emulator for STM32 (Arm Cortex MCUs). Compiled with Arduino IDE and uploaded with ST-LINK V2.

NOTE:

I have added to the original code of Bakisha the visualization of the 3 SID voices via 3 x Green LED.

Useless to write more about this, watch the video and the photos.

Special thanks goes to Bakisha for his work.

Components used for this project:

• 1 x BreadBoard.
• 1 x STM32F401CCU6 (STM32 Black Pill) or STM32F407VET6
• 18 x BreadBoard jumper.
• 1 x SD Card Module.
• 3 x Green LED.
• 1 x Resistor (100 Ohm)
• 1 x Capacitor (100 nF)
• 1 x Capacitor (10 uF – 16v)
• 1 x Potentiometer (10KOhm)
• 1 x Jack Audio 3.5 Female.

You can found the schematic here.

Gallery:

Video:

source: github.com/Bakisha/STM32-SID-PLAYER

The UnoCart is an Atari 2600 cartridge emulator at low price and open source under a GPL license. It supports cartridges with up to 64k of ROM and 32k of RAM with extensions; BIN, ROM or A26.

It comes with a 3D printed case and it works on PAL & NTSC systems! It will also run on most 7800 machines (but will not run 7800 ROMs).

Most games and demos, including Pitfall II, runs fine on 99% of systems. The firmware has been updated, we are on version 17 released in September 2020 to maker sure of maximum compatibility.

Recent homebrew releases, like Galaga, The End and some others that require DPC or DPC+ commands will not work yet.

Gallery:

Video:

Download:

• DirtyHairy GitHub Repository (1017)
• Complete (PAL & NTSC) - Sorted by company (778)

Atari 2600 UNO Cart Shell: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4580701

Two new mounting system for the optional RGB controllable 24 LED light strip for inside the 64c case.

Angled mount version:

This mounting design attaches to the top of the metal shield surrounding the cartridge port. Its angle allows the light of the RGB LEDs to exit through the ventilation slots of the C64c case.

Keyboard mount version:

This mounting design attaches to the back lip of the keyboard through existing factory holes using black oxide screws and heatsets. It is a two piece system with a left and right component.

Like the previous version, the RGB LED light comes out through the ventilation slots of the C64c case.

Note:

This version is not fully compatible with my keyboard mount that i’m using on the left side. I had to remove with the hacksaw a piece of plastic to solve the problem. (see photo)

Gallery:

source: corei64.com

Not fully satisfied of the Pi2SCART purchased a couple of years ago i also wanted to try the RGB-Pi (Scart & Jamma) interface and i must say that in combination with the RGB-Pi OS software it does his dirty work.

What i liked about the RGB-Pi OS software is the extreme facility to adjust the size and position of the screen and all games (vertical or horizontal) adapt perfectly.

The Software also includes other enhancements that you may like or dislike.

Monitor used: TAXAN Vision EX Monitor.

Gallery:

12►

source: rgb-pi.com

Pocket-Go (Bitt-Boy Landscape version) / LDK Game (Landscape version) Open Source Retro Gaming Handhelds.

I’m always been fascinated by these small retro gaming handhelds consoles especially for the low cost.

These small consoles emulate quite well most games of consoles and computers and are supported by an active community of enthusiasts.

I don’t think it’s necessary to do the hundredth review of these portable consoles, i leave you with the technical specifications of each consoles and some useful links.

LDK Game Retro Gaming Handheld Technical (Landscape Version) Details:

• Processor: JZ4760B Dual-Core 64Bit 528Mhz
• Software Functions: Retro Gaming Emulation, Audio/Video Playback, Audio Recorder, E-Book.
• Pre-Installed Emulators: CPS1, CPS2, Neo-Geo, Megadrive / Genesis, Sega Master System, GameGear and so on.
• Display: 2.7″ Inch Color Display (TFT) Adjustable screen brightness.
• Resolution: 320×240.
• Video Playback: Supports the following formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, MOV, FLV, ASF, DAT, MP4, 3GP, MPG, MPEG
• RAM: 128MB DDR2.
• Storage: 16GB Fast-Accessing Storage.
• Storage Expansion: Micro SD Card Slot (For up-to 128GB)
• Speakers: High Quality – Built IN.
• Analog Stick.
• Audio Playback: Supports the following formats: APE, MP3, WMA, DRM WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC (Including: AAC-LC/AAC HE/AAC+V1/V2)
• Audio Recording: Supports Audio Recording in .WAV (High Quality)
• I/O: RCA Component for TV Output, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Micro USB Port, Micro SD Card/TF Card Slot.
• Languages: Multi.
• Battery: Li-Ion BL-5C 1020mAh Built-in.
• Dimensions (cm): 12.9 x 8.8 x 1.7
• Package: Consoles, USB Cable, USB-SD Card Adapter, User Manual, 32GB SD Card.

Link:

• CPU Datasheet
• Custom Firmware

Pocket-Go (Bitt-Boy Landscape version) OpenDingux Technical Details:

• Processor: ALLWINNER F1C100S ARM9 up to 900MHz
• Software Functions: Retro Gaming Emulation, Audio/Video Playback, Audio Recorder, E-Book
• Pre-Installed Emulators: CPS1, CPS2, Neo-Geo, Megadrive / Genesis, Sega Master System, GameGear and so on.
• Display: 2.4″ Inch Color Display (IPS) Adjustable screen brightness with a tempered glass protector for the screen will effectively reduce the problem of screen scratching.
• Resolution: 320×240.
• Video Playback: Supports the following formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, MOV, FLV, ASF, DAT, MP4, 3GP, MPG, MPEG
• RAM: 32MB DDR2
• Material: ABS
• Memory card type: Micro SD
• Storage: supported up to 128GB
• Speakers: High Quality – Built IN
• Audio Playback: Supports the following formats: APE, MP3, WMA, DRM WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC (Including: AAC-LC/AAC HE/AAC+V1/V2)
• Audio Recording: Supports Audio Recording in .WAV (High Quality)
• I/O: RCA Component for TV Output, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Micro USB Port, Micro SD Card/TF Card Slot
• Extra: Support vibration on games.
• L,R Buttons.
• Battery: 1000mAh lithium battery
• Languages: Multi.
• Battery lasts 3–4 hours
• Dimensions (cm): 12.3 x 5.6 x 1.4
• Package: Consoles, USB Cable, USB-SD Card Adapter, User Manual, 8GB SD Card, Nintendo Style Buttons Replacements.

Link:

• CPU Datasheet 
• Custom Firmware
• Custom Firmware Installation
• Official Homepage

Gallery:

Plugs directly into IEEE of your PET / CBM Series Computer.

TFW8b and Tynemouth Software have once again brought the best of both worlds together, this time giving PET owners a high quality SD Card storage solution.

SD2PET Future:

• Plugs directly into PET IEEE-488 port.
• Powered from rear datasette port.
• SD Card accessible at rear of PET.
• Reset button and activity LED (Red/Green)
• Works with BASIC 2 & 4 Machines (BASIC 1 Machines can be upgraded with PET ROM/RAM)
• Supports PRG, D64, D80, D82 Disk Images.
• Simply plug it in your PET and it’s ready to go.

Supported Machines:

• Commodore 2001 (with BASIC 2 or BASIC 4 Upgrade)
• Commodore 2001N-XX (BASIC 2 or 4)
• Commodore 3008/3016/3032
• Commodore 4008/4016/4032
• Commodore 8032/8096/8296

Untested:

• Commodore CBM II 600/700
• Commodore SuperPet.
• Commodore VIC20/C64 with IEEE-488 Cartridge.

Unsupported (Due to different connectors):

• Commodore 8032-SK
• Commodore 8096-SK

Designed by Tynemouth Software & produced by TFW8b.

Gallery:

Video:

source: thefuturewas8bit.com blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 by Gideon is released.

Differences with previous release V1.20:

• Based on the Ultimate-II+ firmware Version 3.5a.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed UltiSid reset; should zero all registers to silence it.
• Fixed debug register for regression testing.
• Fixed directories that match file type extensions.

Download:

• U64/Ultimate-64 v1.21 (544)

source: ultimate64.com

ARM2SID SIDs (until 3) & SFX Sound Expander (OPL FM synthesis) emulator.

Nobomi still amazes us with the ARM2SID a new TWO or THREE SIDs and SFX Sound Expander (OPL FM synthesis) “emulator”.

The socket size of the ARMSID is DIP28 and is absolutely the same of the original chip and therefore fits perfectly in all situations.

The audio quality is really good for both; SFX Sound Expander (OPL FM) and the SID emulation.

It also possible add a second socket as the second SID if you have Stereo/U64/Reloaded adapter or connect wires directly to your Commodore computer.

• A next logical step after succesful ARMSID. ARM2SID is based on the same blocks as ARMSID but one step more advanced blocks.
• Thanks to them, it added the possibility of emulating up to two additional chips and / or FM synthesis with OPL2.
• Like ARMSID, ARM2SID is a replacement for the MOS6581 and MOS8580 circuits used in Commodore C64/C128. It comes again in a minimalist form, but it can do a lot more.
• It can replace up to 3 chips at the same time, it can also emulate SFX sound expander as well as the newer FM-YAM clone.
• SIDs emulation itself is the same as with ARMSID, so emulation features can be read on its page.
• Up to 12 channels music (two or three SIDs or FM or one SID and FM)!
• Works with all C64 and C128 boards (please read manual)
• Stereo in any combination of SID 6581 or 8580 models.
• Automatic fall-back to dual mono if second SID is not used.
• Configuration and upgrades by software utility in C64/C128.

More information can be found on the Nobomi website or RETROCOMP.cz

Gallery:

Video:

Bitt-Boy/LDK Game/8BCrat RestroStone my Open Source Retro Gaming Handhelds.

I’m always been fascinated by these small retro gaming handhelds consoles especially for the low cost except for the RetroStone which has a higher price.

These small consoles emulate quite well most games of consoles and computers and are supported by an active community of enthusiasts.

I don’t think it’s necessary to do the hundredth review of these portable consoles, i leave you with the technical specifications of each consoles and some useful links.

LDK Game Retro Gaming Handheld Technical Details:

Processor: JZ4760 Dual-Core 64Bit 528Mhz
Software Functions: Retro Gaming Emulation, Audio/Video Playback, Audio Recorder, E-Book
Pre-Installed Emulators: CPS1, CPS2, Neo-Geo, Megadrive / Genesis, Sega Master System, GameGear and so on.
Display: 2.6″ Inch Color Display (IPS) Adjustable screen brightness
Video Playback: Supports the following formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, MOV, FLV, ASF, DAT, MP4, 3GP, MPG, MPEG
RAM: 128MB DDR2
Storage: 16GB Fast-Accessing Storage
Storage Expansion: Micro SD Card Slot (For up-to 32GB)
Speakers: High Quality – Built IN
Audio Playback: Supports the following formats: APE, MP3, WMA, DRM WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC (Including: AAC-LC/AAC HE/AAC+V1/V2)
Audio Recording: Supports Audio Recording in .WAV (High Quality)
I/O: RCA Component for TV Output, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Micro USB Port, Micro SD Card/TF Card Slot
Languages: English
Battery: Li-Ion BL-5B 1020mAh Built-in
Product Dimensions: 7.60 x 8.80 x 1.70 cm / 2.99 x 3.46 x 0.67 inches
Product Weight: 120gr / 0.26lb
Package Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 5.5 cm / 4.70 x 4.70 x 2.16 inches
Package Weight: 220gr / 0.48lb

Link:

• CPU Datasheet
• Custom Firmware

Bitt-Boy (v3/v3.5) OpenDingux Retro Gaming Handheld Technical Details:

Processor: ALLWINNER F1C500S 408Mhz~900MHz
Software Functions: Retro Gaming Emulation, Audio/Video Playback, Audio Recorder, E-Book
Pre-Installed Emulators: CPS1, CPS2, Neo-Geo, Megadrive / Genesis, Sega Master System, GameGear and so on.
Display: 2.5″ Inch Color Display (IPS) Adjustable screen brightness with a tempered glass protector for the screen will effectively reduce the problem of screen scratching.
Video Playback: Supports the following formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, MOV, FLV, ASF, DAT, MP4, 3GP, MPG, MPEG
RAM: 32MB DDR2
Material: ABS
Memory card type: Micro SD
Storage: 8GB
Speakers: High Quality – Built IN
Audio Playback: Supports the following formats: APE, MP3, WMA, DRM WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC (Including: AAC-LC/AAC HE/AAC+V1/V2)
Audio Recording: Supports Audio Recording in .WAV (High Quality)
I/O: RCA Component for TV Output, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Micro USB Port, Micro SD Card/TF Card Slot
Extra: Support vibration on games.
Fix: ghostkey problem fixed.
Battery: 700mAh lithium battery
Languages: English
Battery lasts 3–4 hours
Dimensions: 2.6 x 3.8 x 0.5 in (6.8 x 9.9 x 1.3 cm)

Link:

• CPU Datasheet 
• Custom Firmware
• Custom Firmware Installation
• Official Homepage

8BCrat RestroStone:

Processor: ALLWINNER H3 Quad-Core 64Bit @ 1.2Ghz
RAM: 1GB DDR3
Power: DC 5V @ 3A, 3000mAh 3.7V Li-Ion battery, energysquare
LCD: WidthxHeight (3.5″ X:Y)
Video Output: HDMI (Type A/B/C – full/mini/micro), VGA
Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone plug, HDMI, SPDIF, internal stereo speakers, internal speaker
Network    100Mbps Ethernet (Manufacturer device)
Memory card type: Micro SD
USB: 4x USB2.0 Host
Dimensions: 130 x 90 x 25mm

Link:

• CPU Datasheet
• Official Homepage
• Software

Gallery:

Robotron 2084 (TI-99/4a) – Cartridge by Fabrizio Corpetti [FACELE.EU]

I thank Fabrizio Corpetti [FACELE.EU] for giving me the assembled version of the PCB of Robotron 2084 cartridge for TI-99/4a through Ciro Barile [TI99IUC.IT].

As Ciro writes, this cartridge has never been released by AtariSoft, the only thing can you found on the net is the ROM DUMP.

Gallery:

The new version of the PenUltimate+ cartridge even if apparently it seems identical to the previous version, is not, because the new version has some modifications and a software update made to support the DeadTest+ Diagnostic software.

All cartridges produced since December 2018 supports the DeadTest+ diagnostic software.

The DeadTest+ Diagnostic software can be lauched via the menu or by holding Reset button down for 10seconds at power on.

Compared to the first version this new one brings even more ROMs (70+) and a brand new user interface.

Some tfw8b games have been included (The Future Was 8Bit) including Cheese & Onion, RodMan, Pentagorat (Easier edition) and many others.

And of course, it’s still the best ram pack you’ll ever stuff into your VIC20. 3-35k expansion ram can be selected direct from the menu.

Many thanks to Dave Curran of Tynemouth Software and tfw8b (The Future Was 8Bit)

Gallery: