Any C64 SID projects out there?

[LektroiD]

I loved my Commodore 64 back in the 80s, and still love the sound. I was wondering if a C64 SID project has ever graced the forum?

[b-funk]

Hi,

I don't know about any projects here at electro-music, but maybe you want to have a look at ucapps.de... Scroll down for the MidiBox Sid v2... This sure is the most powerful SID synth ever...

Best wishes,

Tobias

[Sebo]

Here is a picture of my Mini64, a MIDIbox SID V1.
(from http://www.ucapps.de/ of course).

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[LektroiD]

They look amazing!

However, what I had in mind was more along the lines of a DIY module with a single SID chip.

[Sebo]

[strategy]

I hadn't considered this project because I thought it would be too advanced for me (might be) but the scaled back version really appeals.

One question is I have several non functioning C64s, I've been saving them to rescue the SIDs and other components. Is there a chip testing protocol for these to make sure they're not fried?

I'd be more likely to go for this project if I knew the SIDs I have work...

[Sebo]

Hi strategy:
I don't know what is advance for you, but this project is intermediate, I
think.
The hard part is to burn the bootloader in the PIC, you need a burner to
do that. Today burners are cheap and you can use it for a lot other
projects. Or you can buy a pre-burned PIC. Also you can buy the PCBs
and parts kits. Or etch the PCBs yourself.
So in the end if you buy the pre-burned PIC, PCB and parts kit, is pretty
straightforward.
There is no way to check the SID until you have the Synth up and running.
Or you can check them in a working C64.

[strategy]

Hi Sebo thanks for your comment. By advanced I mean: most projects I've worked on have not had digital elements like PICs, MIDI, etc. I'm working on mainly kits for purely analogue synth modules, noise makers, etc. - starting simple and working my way up

I did see how friendly the kits are and so I have ordered part of what I'll need...

With any luck at least 1 of my 3 SIDs will be functional, if not then I'll find one!

[Sebo]

Great!!!
You won't regret it. I used the MB SID in almost all tracks of the new
album of my band, I love it.

[strategy]

Sebo:
What solution did you use for the powersupply?

The doc's recommend cannibalizing an original C64 PSU, but these are very old and have problems- which can lead to damage, even, of older Commodore original CPU's...It seems it's complex to power both the CORE and the SID modules without complexity- what was your solution?

[filterstein]

If you need sid chips, just sign up for the mega sale;
http://www.midibox.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=wilba_6582a_sid_mega_sale

[Sebo]

For the PSU I stuffed the componentes in the CORE PCB and the SID PCB,
in both there is space to fit the diode bridge, capacitors and regulators
(7805 in the CORE and 7812 in the SID).
Then I wired a 7.5V 500mA to the CORE and a 15V 300mA to the SID PCB.
Previously I tried with a 7.5+7.5V wiring one half to the CORE and the
extremes to the SID PCB, but I got humming in the audio, but could
be the CORE was demanding too much current (the LCD needs a lot).

[skrasms]

[Sebo]

Hi:
I used the -7.5 as ground (I don't think we can call it -7.5 because is AC).
Left wire from the transformer to both diode bridges, mid point to the
bridge of the 5V circuit and right wire to the 12V circuit.
But again, I think it was a matter of current consumption.