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Eprom Motorola MCM68766C replaces the C64/VIC-20 Rom

August 16th, 2013 No comments
Promenade C1 Eprom Burner

If you are the lucky owners of these eprom: Motorola MCM 68766C you can do something really cute, hardware permitting. Example: use this EPROM like a ROM for some Devices and Computers Commodore without using an adapter ;-D

I had to use the EPROM programmer Promenade C1 for Commodore 64 to burn these eprom because all my programmers don’t support these type of eprom.

Download:

HxC Floppy Emulator: Firmware Slim Version v2.1.2.24

August 15th, 2013 No comments

The HxC Floppy Drive Emulator is a software and hardware system created by jfdn aka Jeff.

The aim of this project is to replace the floppy disk drive by an electronic device emulating the floppy disk drive (list of supported Computer/Hardware).

There are two differents emulators:

  • A USB version which allows to connect the floppy disk drive interface of the computer to a PC via a USB cable.
  • A SDCARD version which allows to emulate floppy disks which images are stored in a SDCARD.

Firmware Slim SD HxCFloppyEmulator v2.1.2.24:

  • SD Access enhanced : Better handling, track buffer size increased.
  • Floppy interface mode enhanced : New Pin02/Pin34 Custom settings.
  • SDCard file system support enhanced : Now support FAT 12, FAT 16 & FAT 32 formatted SDCard ! Any SDCard size are now supported !
  • Direct access mode : New function to get and set easily the current index number in “file selector” & indexed mode.
  • Lots of internal code optimizations/improvements and corrections…
  • Write Support completely redesigned / reworked :
  • Low level track format support added !:
    • The host computer/machine can now do low level format of the disk images ! By this way the floppy disk image can be formatted with the right disk layout from the machine. All the tracks parameters used by the machine (sector size, interleave/skew, gap, format value, index mark…) will be written to the virtual disk tracks ! By this way the user have just to copy some blank HFE images to the SDCard, and format them with the host machine as with a real floppy disk to make them usable. Some blank disk images with various density will be available for download on the HxC2001 website.
    • SD/DD/HD sector write support : all sector sizes are now supported ! : 128B, 256B, 512B, 1024B, 2048B, 4096B, 8192B…
    • Unaligned track/sector write is now possible : Sectors of host formatted images and images imported from stream files (Kryoflux…) can now be written !

Download:

source: hxc2001.free.fr

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

FPGA Arcade new Homepage

August 15th, 2013 No comments

For retro computing fans, arcade enthusiasts and fpga developers, newbies and experts. The replay will let you relive and revive classics or develop new tech.

source: fpgaarcade.com

Categories: Event(s), News & Rumors, Today

New Donation: Microsoft Xbox (chipped) + RGB + Compatible Joypad

August 14th, 2013 No comments
New Donation - Microsoft Xbox (chipped) + RGB + Compatible Joypad
I thank my dear friend for the donation of the Microsoft Xbox (chipped) + RGB Video Cable and a Compatible Joypad

HxC Floppy Emulator: Firmware v1.8.2.24

August 14th, 2013 No comments

The HxC Floppy Drive Emulator is a software and hardware system created by jfdn aka Jeff.

The aim of this project is to replace the floppy disk drive by an electronic device emulating the floppy disk drive (list of supported Computer/Hardware).

There are two differents emulators:

  • A USB version which allows to connect the floppy disk drive interface of the computer to a PC via a USB cable.
  • A SDCARD version which allows to emulate floppy disks which images are stored in a SDCARD.

Download:

Firmware SD HxCFloppyEmulator v1.8.2.24:

  • Write Support completely redesigned / reworked :
    • Low level track format support added!
    • The host computer/machine can now do low level format of the disk images !
    • By this way the floppy disk image can be formatted with the right disk layout from the machine.
    • All the tracks parameters used by the machine (sector size, interleave/skew, gap, format value, index mark…)
    • will be written to the virtual disk tracks !
    • By this way the user have just to copy some blank HFE images to the SDCard, and format them with the host machine
    • as with a real floppy disk to make them usable.
    • Some blank disk images with various density will available for download on the HxC2001 website.
    • SD/DD/HD sector write support : all sector sizes are now supported ! : 128B, 256B, 512B, 1024B, 2048B, 4096B, 8192B…

    Read more…

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

C64SD V2 Infinity + ITS firmware update v0.10.3.8

August 14th, 2013 No comments
ITS TAP Module

A new version of the firmware for the interface C64SD Infinity + ITS Module by Manosoft is released.

Changelog:

  • Added support for the long filenames and the ones containing special characters.

Download: C64SD Firmware v0.10.3.8 (1445)

source: manosoft.it

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Restoration and Repair of a Sinclair Spectrum 128k +2A Arabic Version

August 11th, 2013 4 comments
Sinclair Spectrum 128k +2A (Black) Arabic Version

Autopsy:

This is the translation of the Arabic boot screen:

© 1987, 1988 Sinclair of Egypt
presented by Matsico Corp, an authorized dealer of Sinclair & Amstrad in Egypt
prepared by Dr. Nabil Nazmi
(Version 3)

The computer is arrived in pitiful condition. The inside of the computer and the keyboard were are full of sand and dirt.

Restoration and repairs that have been made:

  • Replaced the top case with a new one.
  • Replaced the bottom case with a new one, then replaced again with the old one to keep the original appearance. (the hole for the switch is standard in the Arabic version)
  • Replaced the tape recorder.
  • Replaced the motherboard with a issue #2 instead of issue #1 (was not convenient the repair)
  • Cleaned all keys and membrane.
  • Replaced all rusty springs of the keyboard.
  • General cleaning.
  • Moved the ROM/EPROM mod on the new motherboard.
  • Replaced the original switch with a new one, then replaced again with the old one to keep the original appearance.

from Wikipedia:

The ZX Spectrum +2 was Amstrad’s first Spectrum, coming shortly after their purchase of the Spectrum range and “Sinclair” brand in 1986. The machine featured an all-new grey case featuring a spring-loaded keyboard, dual joystick ports, and a built-in cassette recorder dubbed the “Datacorder” (like the Amstrad CPC 464), but was in most respects identical to the ZX Spectrum 128. The main menu screen lacked the Spectrum 128′s “Tape Test” option, and the ROM was altered to account for a new 1986 Amstrad copyright message. These changes resulted in minor incompatibility problems with software that accessed ROM routines at certain addresses. Production costs had been reduced and the retail price dropped to £139–£149.

The new keyboard did not include the BASIC keyword markings that were found on earlier Spectrums, except for the keywords LOAD, CODE and RUN which were useful for loading software. This was not a major issue however, as the +2 boasted a menu system, almost identical to the ZX Spectrum 128, where one could switch between 48k BASIC programming with the keywords, and 128k BASIC programming in which all words (keywords and otherwise) must be typed out in full (although the keywords are still stored internally as one character each). Despite these changes, the layout remained identical to that of the 128. The ZX Spectrum +2 power supply was a grey version of the ZX Spectrum+ and 128 power supply.

The ZX Spectrum +2A was a variant of the Spectrum +3 housed a black version of the Spectrum +2 case mouldings. The Spectrum +2A/+3 motherboard (AMSTRAD part number Z70830) was designed such that it could be assembled without the floppy disk controller or associated logic and a +2 style “datacorder” connected. Originally, Amstrad planned to introduce an additional disk interface for the +2A/+2B called the AMSTRAD SI-1, however this never appeared. If an external disk drive was added, the “+2A” on the system OS menu would change to a +3.

The power supply of the ZX Spectrum +2A used the same pinout as the +3. However, the power supply purchased with the +2A/B had “Sinclair +2″ written on the case.

source: wikipedia

1541 Ultimate II: New firmware v2.6h

August 10th, 2013 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the interface 1541 Ultimate II is released. This version runs only on the 1541 Ultimate II cartridge (new fpga).

Version 2.6h includes some new features and fixes:

  • Timing fixed for C64C
  • Newer version of built-in MOD player.
  • Bug fixes regarding USB stick removal.
  • Enhancements under the hood for networking support. Network support will be enabled later, is not part of this version!

Release notes:

  • Version 2.6h contains some small fixes on top of 2.6d.  This build is a DUAL DRIVE version with NO SID emulation.

Download: 1541 Ultimate II Firmware v2.6h (1420)

source: 1541ultimate.net

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Personal Computer IBM 5160 with Octek VGA and ADLib

August 8th, 2013 No comments
VGA ISA 8/16 BIT and ADLib ISA 8 BIT

I have upgraded my Personal Computer IBM 5160 by adding an 8-bit ISA Sound Card (adlib) and Video Card Vga 8/16 bit ISA from Octek.

Below some videos of the tests done:

Read more…

HxC Floppy Emulator: Software v2.0.16.0

August 7th, 2013 No comments

The HxC Floppy Drive Emulator is a software and hardware system created by jfdn aka Jeff.

The aim of this project is to replace the floppy disk drive by an electronic device emulating the floppy disk drive (list of supported Computer/Hardware).

There are two differents emulators:

  • A USB version which allows to connect the floppy disk drive interface of the computer to a PC via a USB cable.
  • A SDCARD version which allows to emulate floppy disks which images are stored in a SDCARD.

Release notes for the HxCFloppyEmulator software v2.0.16.0:

  • FAT12 Loader/generator : Files size, disk size & disk free size displayed, lots of sanity checks added.
  • TRS80 Writer : Bad free() removed.
  • General : Software passed with valgrind : Some memory leaks and possible issues corrected.

Download:

source: hxc2001.free.fr lotharek.pl

C64SD V2 Infinity + ITS firmware update v0.10.3.7

August 5th, 2013 No comments
ITS TAP Module

It was released a new firmware for the C64SD Infinity + ITS Module by Manosoft which fixes some minor compatibility issues present in the previous release with some C64 Filebrowser.

Download: C64SD Firmware v0.10.3.7 (1369)

source: manosoft.it

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

BFP (Baroque Floppy People) 2013: Official demo party results

August 4th, 2013 No comments

This is the official demo party results from BFP (Baroque Floppy People) Top 3 Entries only. See also the BFP homepage for more informations.

C64 Demo:

  • 1. Wonderland XII by Censor Design
  • 2. Scrollwars by Fairlight, Offence, Prosonix
  • 3. 20 Years Is Nothing by Hack n’ Trade

C64 Music:

  • 1. Da Cheese Cut by Scarzix
  • 2. Alice in Wonderland by Magnar Harestad
  • 3. Frozen Yoghurt by Qdor

C64 Graphics:

  • 1. The West Is Not Too Wild by Yazoo
  • 2. Fearless by Sphinx
  • 3. Skål by AcidT*rroreast

Download: BFP (Baroque Floppy People) full Party stuff (1025)

source: noname.c64.org/csdb BFP Homepage

C64 Game: Mysterix +1ED / Sheepoid DX +7HD / Scramble 1k +3 …

August 3rd, 2013 No comments

Atari Głuchołazy 2013 (2K13) party results

August 1st, 2013 No comments

This is the official demo party results from the Atari Głuchołazy 2013. See also the Atari Głuchołazy 2013 homepage for more informations.

Graphics Compo:

  • 1. Fred by Piesiu
  • 2. Glazy2013 by Rocky
  • 3. Pszczelak by Rocky
  • 4. Wampirek by Rocky
  • 5. Ogrodnik by Nosty

Music Compo:

  • 1. Chip Spring Tune by LiSU
  • 2. Far Away by stRing

Code Compo:

  • 1. Wielbłądy 2 by Lamers
  • 2. Lashes of flashes by TDC

Download:

source: atari.org.pl/party13/

Apple ][ Europlus (Apple II Europlus) Restoration and Repair

July 31st, 2013 1 comment

This gallery shows some stages of cleaning the computer Apple ][ Europlus, Apple Disk ][.

I have also made minor repairs which i describe below:

  • Replaced the Lamp of the power-on.
  • Removing the RIFA filter capacitor (the capacitor was exploded)
  • Fixed the center hub of the Apple Disk ][.