Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.1.2.0a -> v3.1.8.1a Cumulative Changelog:

• Raw files : Write sector performance increased. / Near Real time sectors write !
• Low level Floppy IO optimizations.
• Raw *.IMG PC Files : Use the DOS 6.22 disk layouts.
• And as always some code optimizations.
• Cache flush fix : Do you not reorder the cache when not needed ( e.g when the track fit the cache size )
• CFG File V1 fix (Autoboot mode) : slots support now file images with 2 characters filename extension…
• More code Speed optimizations. (again ! :) )
• More Code Speed optimizations.
• RAW MFM & FM Images (IMG/ST/…) : More Write speed improvement. / Sector Data cache prefetch.
• RAW MFM & FM Images (IMG/ST/…) : Write speed improvement. / Track cache workflow improvement. / Code optimization (CRC16, MFM 2 BIN…).
• *.ST 720KB Files : Switch to the TOS 1.62 Disk Layout.
• RAW files loader : Internal enhancement.

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here.

Software HxCFloppyEmulator v2.1.8.0:

• New Loader : Atari ATR file image loader.
• New Write & Loader : HFE V3 : variable bitrate and other proctections support. / (Experimental ! The file format definition is not yet finished !)
• Kryoflux raw files Writer : Fix dead lock with tracks without pulse.
• Amiga DOS image browser : 85 tracks AmigaDos image support.
• Disk Image browser (FAT & AmigaDOS) : Fix null-sized file import issue.
• Disk Image browser (FAT & AmigaDOS) : Can now delete folders.
• All image loaders : Fix possible track skew calculation error.
• Emax image loader : GAP fixed to 30.
• Thomson *.FD loader : Sector interleave set to 7
• Command line tool : -uselayout option can be now used to specify external xml disk layout file.

Download:

• USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.8.1a (1528)
• Software HxCFloppyEmulator v2.1.8.0 (1281)

source: hxc2001.com

A new version of the firmware for the interface 1541 Ultimate II+and 1541 Ultimate II is released.

Release notes Ultimate-II & II+ v3.2:

• Completely rewritten SID player, by Wilfred Bos.
• Enhanced version of FC3, by Daniël Mantione.
• Added Tape Index function, as suggested by Tom Roger Skauen.
• Added UCI interface to access the network (TCP/IP and UDP/IP) through Ultimate Command Interface (documentation pending)
• Many additions and bug fixes by Henning and Markus, including Home Directory, REU load on startup, EasyFlash write support (manual save), and more.
• Some enhancements in FTP server.
• Additional bug-fixes.

How to update?

• For the 1541 Ultimate-II:
  • Navigate to the unzipped file ‘update_audio_3.2.u2u‘ or ‘update_dual_drive_3.2.u2u‘ and select “Run Update”
• For the 1541 Ultimate-II+:
  • Navigate to the update_3.2.u2p file, and select “Run Update”.

Download: 1541 Ultimate-II / Ultimate-II+ v3.2 Firmware (1039)

source: facebook.com 1541ultimate.net

Commodore CBM 8032 (HP Early version [1980]) Motherboard Repair (ASSY 8032030)

Defect:

• Garbage screen.

Repair:

• Replaced 4 x 2114 Static RAM (UC4 / UC5 / UC6 / UC7)

Note:

As you can see from the photos this computer is already been repaired by a butcher. The butcher did not use the sockets after replacing the static ram ones and the pads had already suffered from the previous desoldering and soldering, probably using an unsuitable soldering station.

Gallery of the repair:

Commodore CBM 8032 (HP Early version [1980]) PCB Monitor Repair (ASSY 321448)

Defect:

• Dead. Missing High Voltage from Flyback Transformer (LOPT)

Repair:

• Replaced 2 x burned resistors of 56Ohm 1/4w (R752 / R753)

… and now let’s move on to the second defect. :-)

Gallery of the repair:

Hoxs64 written by David Horrocks is a Commodore 64 emulator for Microsoft Windows 2K/XP/Vista/Seven (DirectX 9+)

The emulator substantially reproduces this legacy machine in minute detail.

Changelog:

• CIA ICR interrupt regression fix that was broken in v1.0.9.6 that prevented the game International Karate from working.
• Fixed audio clock sync that was causing slow downs in windowed mode VBL sync.

Download:

• Hoxs64 32/64 bit v1.0.9.7 (969)

source: hoxs64.net

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

Release notes Firmware STM32 USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.1.1.2a – v3.1.1.4a:

• Config file “Load last loaded floppy” flag is now supported in indexed and file selector mode.
• Normal mode Fix : ST files are visible again !
• “Load Last selected image” : Save & Restore previous folder position.

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here.

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.1.4a (955)

source: hxc2001.com

Tomasz “Tebe” Biela has released an update of the program Graph2Font v4.0.2.1 and the Atari Graphics Studio v3.0.1.

This project began many years ago as a simple graphics converter for Atari but over the years the features are significantly increased. The converter runs under Windows.

Download:

• Graph2Font v4.0.2.1 (Full) (1105)
• Graph2Font v4.0.2.1 (Lite) (996)
• Atari Graphics Studio v3.0.1 (1028)

source: g2f.atari8.info

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:

• Captain Cloudberry – Episode IV: “Helium”
• Athena +7DG
• Megatanoi Preview V2 +D
• Starfysh
• Starfysh +6HD
• Boray Gammon V2.21
• Sam’s Journey +2 Trainer
• Pullout +3H
• Pullout
• Space Crumpets [seuck]
• Delta Run RX [seuck]
• Dark Destroyer 2117 RX [seuck]
• Silkworm 64K CRT
• Swords and Sorcery
• Monster Combat
• Dungeon of Htam
• Subterranea +4DH
• Spooky Preview +2
• Hektik! Preview
• Frantic +2
• Sentence +3
• Comic Bakery +1FD
• Black Thunder USA +2P
• Delta Patrol +
• Tom and Jerry USA
• Thing on a Spring USA +D
• Express Raider USA +
• Rambo: First Blood Part II USA +1D
• Sanxion USA +
• Jetboys USA +1P
• Skate Crazy USA +1D
• Retaliate Preview +2
• Microwave64 Preview +D
• Viljo +3FT
• Astex 64 +3TD
• Blok Copy RX +3D
• Blok Copy RX +
• Blok Copy RX
• Future Knight USA +1D
• Shackled USA +1D
• The Games Winter Edition
• Space Conquest +3TD
• Squad 1 +6HF
• McDonald Land
• Instant Music
• Lunar Lander
• Iceblox Plus
• Iceblox Plus +
• Interlox
• Pullout +4H
• Iceblox Plus +3H
• The Castles of Doctor Creep +2 (IDE64 Release)
• Impossible Mission (IDE64 Release)
• Sydney Hunter Preview
• Sydney Hunter Preview +
• Lunari +3F
• 8192 V0.3 alpha
• Iceblox Plus +3HF
• Pengo(+) +2D
• Minecave
• Iceblox Plus +4HD
• Zulp Preview
• Mindshadow [1581]
• Ski or Die [REU]
• 8192 Preview 2
• Cauldron USA +1D
• Death Sword +1PD
• Budokan +3D
• Minecave +4M
• Space Crumpets +2DH [seuck]
• Iceblox Plus [update 2018-01-16]
• Jake the Snake V2.1
• Budokan +3D
• Tor Cars Preview +1DF
• Tetris MP
• Tetris MP 1.1

Download: All Games in One Archive (7057)

source: csdb.dk

This is a program that can playback .SID files found in the HVSC collection on a real Commodore 64/128.

Make sure you have the most recent HVSC version for your sid files. It was designed for both PAL and NTSC computers, and will play all sid songs at correct system speed.

Versions of the program:

• sidplay64-normal.prg – Standard version for 1541, 1571, 1581 and clones.
• sidplay64-sd2iec.prg – SD2IEC version.
• sidplay64-reu-1541u2cmd.prg – 1541 Ultimate II version with REU.
• sidplay64-reu-sd2iec.prg – SD2IEC version with REU.
• sidplay64-reu-1541u-netdrive.prg – 1541 Ultimate & Netdrive with REU.
• sidplay64-reu-iec-cmd-ide64.prg  – CMD drives, IDE64 devices & other IEC devices, with REU.
• sidplay64-sidfx-reu-normal.prg – Sidfx and REU version for 1541, 1571, 1581 and clones of these.

(Again : The 1541U2 software iec mode has been disabled for this build.)

SIDPLAY 64 v1.21 (15/01/2018):

• Updated SIDFX card detection.

SIDPLAY 64 v1.20 (29/09/2017):

• Added SIDFX card support. Software control for switching beween 6581 or 8580.
• Sidplay64 detects the sidfx card. The sid chips. And will then ask you to center Switch 1 to allow for software control of the sid chips.
• Added Chameleon support for two emulated sid chips.
• Software control for switching between 6581 or 8580.
• Sidplay64 will switch to correct sid type when you load sids.

Download: SIDPlay 64 v1.21 (1249)

source: sourceforge.net

Video Composite modding:

• Removed the RF modulator.
• Removed one pin of the 3 resistors (see photo) for the video composite output, you can get a better image (contrast and color) (see photo)
• I have used the same hole of the RF cable for the composite video and audio cable.

Gallery of the Video Composite mod:

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

Release notes Firmware USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.1.1.1a:

• Fix broken Rotary support in normal mode. (Connection points reminder : Clock -> J7 pin 2,Direction -> J7 pin 1)

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here.

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.1.1a (812)

source: hxc2001.com

CBM prg Studio Version 3.12.0 is released. There are a lot of new features in this version. I’d really appreciate it if you report any bugs you find or have any suggestions/comments.

CBM prg Studio allows you to type a BASIC or Machine Code program in using a nice Windows environment and convert it to a ‘.prg’ file which you can run on an emulator, or even a real C64 / VIC20 or PET if you’re feeling brave and have the right kit.

CBM prg Studio is the result of merging C64PrgGen and VIC20PrgGen. Adding new features and fixing bugs in two apps which were 95% similar was a bit of a nightmare so merging them made sense.

It was also a good opportunity for a face lift and to add some new features, such as:

• Programs are project based, meaning all related source files, sprite files etc. are kept in one place and multiple source files can be linked more easily.
• Tabbed MDI.
• Syntax highlighting.

What CBM prg Studio isn’t is a front-end for tok64, cbmcnvrt, bastext or any other tokeniser / detokeniser / assembler. It’s all been written completely from scratch.

New features in v3.12.0:

• Assembler:
  • SaveBlock directive.
  • Repeat..EndRepeat directive.
  • Improved “IfDef” directive.
  • Start address can be a label.

• Screen Editor:
  • New export options for assembly and BASIC programs.

• General:
  • “Go to” dialog can now use BASIC line numbers.
  • Cursor colour can be changed.
  • Cursor blinking can be turned on/off.

• Debugger:
  • Variables can be watched.
  • Separate windows for the stack, breakpoints and watches.
  • Stack pointer shown in stack window.
  • Support for the “C64 Debugger”. See here for details of this debugger.

Bugs Fixed:

• Assembler:
  • A comma in quotes as a text or byte directive was not being generated.
  • Reformatting text issues.
  • Global variables appearing twice in the autocomplete list.
  • Forward references for local labels in macros not assembling.

• BASIC:
  • Incorrect ‘Jump to destination’ and ‘return from jump’ with ‘similar’ line numbers.

• Screen Editor:
  • Screen mode not being saved/recalled properly.
  • Binary file export problems.

• General:
  • Crash when using certain mono fonts.
  • Bad formatting of output from data generator tool.

See the help for a complete list of new features and fixed bugs.

Note In this version, each target machine can have its own default project directory. If you are upgrading from a previous version (before version 2.5.1) of CBM prg Studio you may be asked to set up your project directories again. Your current projects will not be affected.

Download: CBM prg Studio v3.12.0 (987)

source: ajordison.co.uk

SNDH archive v4.7 released – 323 new/updated SNDH files (1209 subtunes) – (total 10238 tunes)

Ever since the birth of the Atari ST, different chip music formats have had different ways to use them. If you are coding a chip music player for the Atari ST you would have to use dozens and dozens of special ways to replay music.

But in the mid 90′s, BDC of Aura crew became tired of this inelegant system and decided to fix the issue once and for all. He then created the ‘SNDH’ file format. SNDH is actually the original songfile and replaycode with a header bolted on top of the music and replayer. The header has a unified calling interface no matter what type of chip music is hidden beneath it, and it has extended datas about the music.

Download: SNDH Atari ST YM2149 Archive v4.7 (1580)

source: sndh.atari.org

Hoxs64 written by David Horrocks is a Commodore 64 emulator for Microsoft Windows 2K/XP/Vista/Seven (DirectX 9+)

The emulator substantially reproduces this legacy machine in minute detail.

Changelog:

• CIA old timer B bug timing fixes for Wilfred Bos’s alternate version of the dd0dtest.
• Updated 8580 SID combined wave with slightly improved samples from a real C64C CSG 8580R5.
• Added a new joystick setting to enable the use all fire buttons.
• Added separate VBL sync or line sync options for both Direct X full screen and windowed mode.
• Fixed the “Stretch with border clip” in some resolutions to provide a more optimal zoom.

Download:

• Hoxs64 32/64 bit v1.0.9.6 (816)

source: hoxs64.net

Sega Game Gear (Boxed) Full Recap.

Defect:

• Dead but the Power LED is turned ON.

Repair:

• Replaced all capacitors (Main / DC-DC / Audio)

Gallery of the repair: