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Easy way to make a RGB cable for CBS ColecoVision

June 17th, 2024 No comments
Easy way to make a RGB cable for CBS ColecoVision

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:

ARMSiD by Nobomi New Firmware v2.16

June 16th, 2024 No comments

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

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic Firmware update v0.202

June 6th, 2024 No comments

.- 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

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic Firmware update v0.201

June 2nd, 2024 No comments

.- 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

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Ultimate U2+L v3.11a Firmware Update

May 20th, 2024 No comments

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

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic Firmware update v0.20

May 18th, 2024 No comments

.- 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

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

The return of the Hybrid Sid Player Firmware update v2.00

May 12th, 2024 No comments

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.

C64 B.G.Pack: Tapper 1.6 &DG,Slayer +8DH,Congo Bongo +5DGHM

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 (1501)

source: csdb.dk

eMPIA (EM2820 chipset) USB Analog Video Grabber

April 22nd, 2024 No comments
eMPIA (EM2820 chipset) USB Analog Video Grabber

After almost 18 years since the last time I had used this USB interface (eMPIA with EM2820 chipset) for acquisition of analog video signals i was curious to try if it still worked, especially due to a driver problem.

Well what can i say, it works perfectly with both video inputs Composite and S-Video, S-Video is the input that i’m using now with a Commodore 64.

Tested with Linux (Driver included in the Kernel) and with Windows 10 (Windows 8 drivers installed).

As a software i used Guvcview for Linux and VLC for Windows.

Gallery:

❤️ First love is never forgotten ❤️

April 19th, 2024 No comments

Commodore 1982 (VIC-20) and the choice of the alias 1985

Recap & Fix Shugart SA455-3AA (Motor JVC SS01AA)

April 5th, 2024 No comments
Recap & Fix Shugart SA455-3AA (Motor JVC SS01AA)

The Shugart SA455-3AA is a DSDD Floppy Disk Drive (360K).

The work that has been done:

  • Replacement of the Electrolytic Capacitors on the Motor PCB.
  • Greasing the head sliding rods with silicone grease.
  • Reconstruction of the pcb track corroded by the loss of the 10uf electrolytic capacitor.
  • Replacement terminals for selection with jumpers.
  • Ceramic capacitor replacement.
  • General cleaning.
  • Read/write test with GreaseWeazle interface.

List of replaced electrolytic capacitors:

  • 1 x 10uf 25v
  • 1 x 47uf 16v
  • 1 x 0.47uf 50v
  • 1 x 0.22uf 50v
  • 2 x 22uf 25v (non-polarized)

Gallery:

Download: Shugart SA455-SA465 Service Manual (235)

Amiga Power Supply 312503-03 Mean Well RPT-60B

March 28th, 2024 No comments
Commodore Power Supply 312503-03 Mean Well RPT-60B

I decided to replace completely the PCB of the Amiga Power Supply (312503-03) because although after replacing all capacitors 1 year ago (30/4/2023) the voltages are not always stable, especially the 5V which fluctuated between 5.2v and 6.9v.

Using a Gotek HXC drive as a floppy device has burned two USB sticks, i recovered one replacing a shorted smd capacitor.

So let’s retire the old power supply pcb and welcome to the Mean Well RPT-60B fully compatible about voltage and amperage.

I leave you the Aliexpress link.

Gallery:

Nightfall LAB – Commodore Rulez!

March 22nd, 2024 No comments

Nightfall LAB – Commodore Rulez!

The Recapping Day (A600 – A1200)

March 15th, 2024 No comments
The Recapping Day (A600 - A1200)

The usual boring replacement of all exhausted capacitors.

Gallery:

Kung Fu Flash Cartridge Firmware Update v1.50

March 11th, 2024 No comments

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

Changelog:

  • Fix loading via EF3 USB (since v1.49) #187 #189. Thanks stefagnani, mvancopp1, jperrin72

Download:

source: github.com/KimJorgensen/KungFuFlash

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today