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 (253)

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 (1690)

source: csdb.dk

Sega SC-3000 (Boxed)

April 25th, 2024 No comments
Sega SC-3000 (Boxed)

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:

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 (256)

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

C64 B.G.Pack: The Last Ninja +12DGI,Edd the Duck +6DFGH,Pitfall …

March 3rd, 2024 No comments

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:

  • Snail +2
  • Paku Paku C64 +1HD
  • The Spirit Preview +2M
  • Delve Deeper V1.2 +1FD
  • Metal Gear +8DFR
  • The Last Ninja +12DGI *Hokuto Force*
  • Schreckenstein 64 RC1 +2
  • Metal Gear +8DFR V2
  • Dig Dug +5D
  • Stunt Car Racer +6D [cartridge version]
  • Befana vs Balloons Beta +3HD
  • Binary Battle V1.01
  • Astro Rescue +
  • Mugwump +
  • Mugwump
  • Astro Rescue
  • DRAK 101% +3D
  • Leberkäse +3R
  • Psychedelia II
  • Binary Battle V1.01 +4
  • Krakatoa! &S&Map
  • Alone and Dangerous Preview 2 +1J
  • Schreckenstein 64 RC1 +2T
  • Caverns of Eriban +4HD V2
  • Arctic Fox +8DIRS V2
  • Shamus +6HD
  • Shamus: Case II +6D
  • Fort Apocalypse +4HD V2
  • Paku Paku C64 +2HDI
  • Huck on the Mississippi +2DF
  • Yewdow +6HD
  • Edd the Duck +6DFGH *Hokuto Force*
  • Orange Squash +15D
  • Metal Piramid +4M
  • Elevator Action +2DHP
  • The Secret of Monkey Island Bundle (D64/D81/CRT) English/German
  • Cavern 512
  • Kid Niki To The Rescue +6DHI *Hokuto Force*
  • Cavern512 +
  • Pains ‘n’ Aches +6MD 101% [easyflash]
  • Vexed +1D
  • Pegged +
  • Minesweeper
  • Minesweeper +G
  • Petsciinoid +1D
  • Nesterin Trail +DS
  • Corescape +D
  • Snake Escape 64 Preview 3 +
  • Mega Wizards Preview 2 +D
  • Rainbow Chaser +G
  • Encounter +4DGHM
  • Cruisin’ For A Bruisin’
  • Arena 3000 +G
  • SnowBalls +D
  • King Solomon’s Mines &S&Map
  • Grey Preview 7 +4D
  • 2112 V3.1 *Digital Monastery, Hokuto Force*
  • Rock n’ Bolt Enhanced
  • Phantomas III: The Return of Brok Preview +2
  • Survivor +3DG
  • The Runner +1D
  • Tiny Quest
  • De Sekte +DSMap [dutch]
  • Murder On The Zinderneuf +4DFIR
  • Grid Pix – The New Levels +2D
  • Fizz V1.0.5 +DI
  • Labyrint (DK) [cartridge]
  • Santa’s Troubles V1.1 +9D
  • Skier-64 +3D
  • Tiny Quest 1.1
  • Tetris 256
  • Blockout255
  • Lumberjack 256 [256 bytes]
  • Giana Power [cartridge]
  • Pitfall +3DGHJM
  • Ad Astra 2420 +4D
  • Sherlock Holmes Returns &DSol
  • SeaWorld +5D
  • The Darkest Hour &DS&Map
  • Double Tap
  • Delve Deeper V1.3 +1FD
  • Ballance +F
  • Scorpion +6DHF
  • Potato World +
  • Out Run (U.S. Gold * clean like genuine)
  • Castle Quest &S&Map
  • Pakacuda +2DH
  • Pakacuda +2DH V2
  • A Bee’s Trip +1D *Hokuto Force*
  • HazePad +D [dutch]
  • New Escape MCP +4DH *Hokuto Force*
  • Get to the Point &D
  • Spritrunner +H
  • The Search For The Holy Grail +2 *Hokuto Force*
  • Farmer’s Life + *Hokuto Force*
  • Spritrunner
  • Annihilator +5DH
  • Caverns Of Xydrahpur +3D *Hokuto Force*
  • Lock’n'Chase +3D

Download: All Games in One Archive (2298)

source: csdb.dk

My SID Player plays SID tunes with the SIDKick-pico

January 28th, 2024 No comments

I wanted to try the SIDKick pico also with my SID Player, everything is ok, it works as well as i expected.

The green LED just below the SID Socket indicates that the SIDKick is playing.

Video:

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic

January 27th, 2024 2 comments

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.

SIDKick pico uses firmware similar to its “big brother” SIDKick. However, the pico variant is based on the Raspberry Pi Pico board that uses the RP2040 microcontroller which is much cheaper and has better availability than the Teensy that is used by the normal SIDKick.

Technical features:

  • Dual 6581 and/or 8580 emulation based on reSID 0.16 (optional: extension for digi-playing techniques).
  • 2nd-SID address at $d400, $d420, $d500, $d420 + $d500 simultaneously, $de00, $df00 ($d500 is not available on the C128), or any address when an external chip select signal is used (e.g. on Ultimate 64 boards).
  • Paddle/Mouse support.
  • Built-in configuration menu (launch with “SYS 54301″/”SYS 54333″, also from C128-mode).
  • Sound output via PWM (mono) through the C64/C128 mainboard, or in stereo using a PCM5102A-DAC-board.
  • Flashing RGB-LED (WS2812) on GPIO 23 (installed on some Pico-clones)

My personal opinion:

My personal opinion as an inveterate purist is that no emulation or implementation will have the sound performance of the native SID (6581/8580).

I can accept as a good implementation the FPGASid and ARMSid where the developers have done a really good job.

SIDKick defends itself well and is low cost, furthermore it’s Open Source, also has a nice feature that i appreciated a lot, it has integrated configuration software that can be run with a simple SYS in both C64 and 128 modes.

So my final opinion is most people will never notice any difference, but i assure you that the differences are there, so i recommend it to everyone unless you are a SID purist.

Note:

The audio output and emulation improves if you use the PCM5102A-DAC add-on card, in my test i chose not to use it because i wanted to show you a plug’n'play without too many cables, jacks and patches. Maybe it was better to include this additional module directly on the SIDKick PCB? probably yes.

The KIT was purchased from restore-store.de, fast shipping and impeccable service.

Gallery of the shipping box:

Gallery:

Video:

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

C64 B.G.Pack: Purple Heart +13DHI / Ghouls’n'Ghosts +14DFGHI …

January 6th, 2024 No comments

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:

  • Diamond Geezer Preview +1D
  • Ghosts’n Goblins +5DH [any drive fix]
  • Diamond Geezer Preview +1D
  • Rocky & Co Christmas Demo +
  • Rocky & Co Christmas Demo
  • Den galne professoren [norwegian]
  • Purple Heart +13DHI *Hokuto Force*
  • Dagon’s Awakening
  • El Despertar de Dagón [spanish]
  • El Despertar de Dagon [catalan]
  • Przebudzenie Dagona [polish]
  • Dagonovo Prebujenje [slovenian]
  • Il Risveglio di Dagon [italian]
  • L’Éveil de Dagon [french]
  • Dagons Erwachen [german]
  • Rozen’s Last Quest Preview +D
  • Ewe Woz ‘Ere DX 1.3
  • Mystax 4-pack [swedish]
  • BMX Simulator Trilogy +D (EasyFlash)
  • Xerons +5DGHJM
  • Vampire Vengeance +6D
  • The Halley Project +2DP
  • Tower of Evil +2HDG
  • Penguin Tower +
  • Penguin Tower
  • Ghouls’n'Ghosts +14DFGHI *Hokuto Force*
  • Single Screen Dash
  • Savage USA +3P
  • Yewdow +2D
  • Savage Europe +3P
  • Rapid-Copy V2.0 +D [german]
  • Balloon Rescue +7DG
  • Soul Crystal +TFDS (EasyFlash)
  • Soul Crystal +FDS [german] (EasyFlash)
  • Devolution: Global Warming +1D
  • Devolution: Global Warming +D
  • Shoop +
  • Blastopia DX (Special Edition)
  • Blastopia DX – Special Edition +6D
  • Tetris Recoded
  • The Prisoner &S
  • Roguebot +2D
  • Roguebot +4D
  • Tetris Recoded +
  • Eventyrland [norwegian]
  • Roguebot +5D
  • Galaxian: Return of Compressed Poo-Balls!
  • Pillars (2 Buttons)
  • Galaxian: Return of Compressed Poo-Balls +1D
  • Connect 4 Preview
  • Sorcery 64 Preview
  • Santa’s Workout III +2D
  • The Legend of Zelda Preview +
  • Race ‘N’ Smash
  • Race’n'Smash +1HF
  • Santa’s Workout III +4D
  • Forest of Loom 1985 +
  • Sorcery 64 +
  • Chef 2023 +1D
  • The Secret of Monkey Island [d42]
  • SPRITEtris
  • SPRITEtris +D
  • Santa’s Troubles +4D
  • Santa’s Troubles +2
  • SPRITEtris +1DJ
  • Leaping Larry +3D
  • Lucky Six Basic
  • Fragile Gamebert
  • Oracle +2S&Map
  • SprWall
  • Sprite Tron +1D
  • Sprite Tron
  • Fragile Gamebert +2D
  • SprWall +
  • Kick of the Spear 2: Return of Anubis +5D
  • Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves +4D
  • Santa’s Troubles +9D
  • Pong &GM *Hokuto Force*
  • Trainyard 64 +
  • Trainyard 64 +3
  • Strażak Sam +5 [seuck]
  • Evening Star Enhanced
  • Valkyr
  • Valkyr +2
  • Code Quest &D
  • Archer Maclean – Salvage Pack
  • Valkyr +
  • Forest Saver +5G *Hokuto Force*
  • Bug Blaster +2DH V2
  • Binary Battle
  • A China Miner Christmas +2D
  • Paperback Writer
  • Cybertron Mission +3H V2
  • Hard Hat Mack +4D V2
  • Snokie +4HD
  • Binary Battle +
  • Cohen’s Towers +5D
  • Live and Let Die +6DFH
  • Gary Linekers Superskills +5D
  • Flying Shark +7DH V2
  • Zolyx +3HD
  • A China Miner Christmas +3D
  • A China Miner Christmas +2D
  • Knight Rider +5D V2
  • Defender of the Crown +9D V2
  • MoonLander +2G *Hokuto Force*
  • The Secret of Monkey Island V1.1 [d42] (EasyFlash)
  • The Secret of Monkey Island V1.1 [d42]
  • Dig Dug Revival V1.3 +3D
  • Binary Battle +2
  • Lunar Pilot +1
  • Pinball Arcade +1
  • Space Observer Recruitment Test
  • Dig Dug Revival V1.2 Special Enhanced +6DG
  • Space Game +2GT *Hokuto Force*
  • Street Slaughter +2 [seuck]
  • AstroWave +3G *Hokuto Force*
  • C64 Dungeon Preview +1GJ *Hokuto Force*
  • Power Drill &D
  • Lemonade Stand
  • A Little Adventure &S
  • Space Belt +
  • Who Dares Wins Preview &G *Hokuto Force*
  • A Little Adventure
  • Minesweeper V.58.5 &G *Hokuto Force*
  • Penguin Tower +4
  • Snortal Preview &G *Hokuto Force*
  • Zuma +5DF *Hokuto Force*
  • Picture Place! +D *Hokuto Force*
  • Space Station 23 +7D (EasyFlash)
  • The Secret of Monkey Island CRT 1.1 bugfixed [d42] (EasyFlash)
  • Dig Dug +4D
  • Dig Dug Revival V1.4 +3D
  • Super GP 64 +1D
  • 2112 V3.0 *Hokuto Force*

Download: All Games in One Archive (2704)

source: csdb.dk