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ODV-II (CVBS-SVideo to YPbPr) + OSSC (Open Source Scan Converter)

April 19th, 2023 No comments
ODV-II (CVBS-SVideo to YPbPr) + OSSC (Open Source Scan Converter)

I also wanted to try the ODV-II converter to be able to use the OSSC also with CVBS and S-VIDEO inputs (OSSC does not natively support this type of video inputs).

I have chosed this product and not others for three reasons:

  • The cost.
  • Video quality, absolute perfection wasn’t important.
  • Signal output converted to YPbPr.

The result went above expectations, works well, the output of the ODV-II is in component (YPbPr) so the SCART-RGB and VGA inputs remain free on the OSSC, furthermore the ODV-II has a third YPbPr input.

The ODV-II also has the possibility of selecting some Video filters via a small button, filters which i find absolutely embarrassing in fact i have configured it in pass-through mode and another small button to select the video inputs.

Below are the photos of some tests with the Commodore 64 where i have used the S-Video output and also the photos of the PCB because i didn’t find them on the net, i also attach the datasheets of the integrated circuits that are used.

Gallery:

Download:

ODV-II PDF Datasheet (208)

SD2Snes/FXPAK Pro Firmware v1.11.0 Final

April 16th, 2023 No comments

Ikari has released a new firmware for the SD2Snes / FXPAK Pro Flash Cartridge (Super Nintendo/Famicom). The upgrade instructions can be found here.

Sorry for the delay, but it just escaped me to post it here.

Features added:

  • First firmware release to support FXPAK Pro Rev. D
  • [All] USB (usb2snes) support by RedGuy.
  • [All] save state support (via USB/savestate2snes) by acmlm, total, Myria, RedGuy, FURiOUS, ikari_01
  • [All] stand-alone save state features by FURiOUS
  • [All] some compatibility improvements and optimizations for stand-alone save states by ikari_01
    • Add support for YAML list items for multiple savestate_fixes entries per game
    • Add support for simple bitwise operations on savestate_fixes patches
    • Add support for verbatim code execution on savestate_fixes patches – notably fixes Star Ocean (decompressed) save states (however the save state hook still needs CPU time optimization to prevent music glitches in Star Ocean.)
    • Add IRQ support on top of NMI for the save state hook – this enables save states on Out Of This World and possibly other games that only use IRQ. Also fixes controller input capture on a number of games so the game-specific input hacks could be eliminated.
    • Moved save state code outside of the USB hook area to make room for USB hook execution.
  • [All] SGB support by Redacted173.
  • [All] favorite games list by freelancer42

Fixes:

  • [All] Fixed savestates crashing occasionally when loading (and sometimes saving)
  • [All] Fixed Star Fox locking up during sortie sequence when in-game hooks are enabled.
  • [All] Updated FURiOUS’s Savestates Readme to reflect changes pertaining to In-game hook.
  • [All] Fixed data caching bug in MSU1 data extension which could cause wrong data to be streamed.
  • [All] Savestates: do not try to capture data that is already in cartridge space anyway (e.g. SRAM). Fixes text distortion in Near’s Bahamut Lagoon translation when loading a state.
  • [All] Fixed YAML config parser to support comment signs after list start items
  • [All] Fixed SNES open-bus contamination (fixes sprite flickering in Near’s Bahamut Lagoon translation, certain speed runs that rely on open bus behaviour)
  • [All] (hopefully) fixed rapid data line toggling sometimes resulting in address line glitches, causing random crashes in extreme cases, and occasional garbled graphics on SMRPG among others.
  • [All] Fixed data integrity problems when loading BSX games.

Known issues:

  • Due to integration of the savestate handler into the in-game hook, the SNES CPU cycle cost for the in-game hook has increased. This reintroduces some issues when in-game hook+savestates are enabled, such as a corrupted Equip menu in Final Fantasy III/VI. I am planning to do an overhaul of the savestate code which will address this issue as well.
  • When in-game savestates are enabled and set to the default button combination, pushing the buttons to temporarily or permanently disable the in-game hook will result in a crash. This happens due to overlap with the savestate button combination.
  • When in-game savestates are enabled and the “load state” button combination is pressed, the handler will try to load a state even if no state exists yet for the current game. This will lead to a crash and sometimes results in a still image being displayed from a previously played game’s savestate.

Download:

source: sd2snes.de

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Replaced my cheap SCART RGB to HDMI/DVI converter

April 16th, 2023 No comments

I have replaced my cheap SCART RGB to HDMI/DVI converter with the OSSC (Open Source Scan Converter)

I had been wanting to buy this interesting peripheral for some time and given the availability on Amazon with one day shipping with PRIME and the mature firmware and also the developing active, thanks to marqs, i did this crazy thing.

Some aspects of the software can certainly be improved but it already works just fine.

I’m not going to explain what this device does and doesn’t , you can find everything on the net.

Example:

Wiki: https://junkerhq.net/xrgb/index.php/OSSC
Firmware: http://www.infocult.com/m/ossc/fw/
Beta Firmware: https://videogameperfection.com/forums/topic/ossc-v1-xx-series-beta-firmware/
GitHub: https://github.com/marqs85/ossc

Texas Instruments PHA 2037 Connector FIX

March 26th, 2023 No comments
Texas Instruments PHA 2037 Connector FIX

Texas Instruments PHA 2037 Connector FIX

Defect:

  • Black Screen but sounds works.

Replaced parts:

  • 1 x 6 PIN DIN Male.

Gallery:

3 x Texas Instruments TI-99/4a Repair

March 26th, 2023 No comments

Texas Instruments TI-99/4A Repair #1

Defect:

  • Black Screen and deafening sound in background.

Replaced parts:

  • 1 x TMS9900NL CPU (U600)

Texas Instruments TI-99/4A Repair #2

Defect:

  • Wave/Raster Lines.
  • Garbage on Boot Screen.

Replaced parts:

  • 1 x Inductor 2 -> 4.5 μH (L100)
  • 2 x TMS4116-15 RAM

Texas Instruments TI-99/4A Repair #3

Defect:

  • Garbage on Boot Screen.

Replaced parts:

  • 1 x MOSTEK MK4116N RAM

Mattel Intellivision (PAL) Composite MOD

March 19th, 2023 No comments
Mattel Intellivision (PAL) Composite MOD

Video amplifier installation for Composite Video output including installation of the two female RCAs on the case.

I also made a simple fix of the metal PAD of the RESET that no longer stayed in place and consequently fell off inside the shell.

Gallery:

Amiga 1200 Recap and VP-101 DAC Repair

March 19th, 2023 No comments
Amiga 1200 Recap and VP-101 DAC Repair

You shouldn’t turn on an Amiga that has been off for about thirty years without first running the usual Recap, but also following this simple rule it is not said that everything works as expected.

After the Recap i have realized that the RGB / Composite and RF output were not working properly.

From the RGB output the BLUE color was missing while the composite video and consequently RF show only a black screen.

After various measurements i came to the conclusion that the VP-101 (U30) DAC had to be replaced.

Once the DAC was replaced, the RGB output started working perfectly again, while the Composite/RF video signal they still didn’t work.

The failed component for the Composite/RF video output is the Z222 delay line, bypassing the delay line on the pins of the same one i have a “decent” composite signal but it’s not good, unfortunately this component is not easy to find, it could be solved by performing a “hack” i.e. by installing a different RGB Encoder that doesn’t need the delay lines and with some modifications on the PCB.

The game is worth the candle ? when will we use the Composite/RF video output ? probably never.

Gallery of the repair:

Commodore 64 Repair Mix ASSY

March 19th, 2023 No comments

Commodore 64 (ASSY 250466) Repair

Defect:

  • Black Screen and then Black Screen :-D

Replaced parts:

  • 1 x Power Switch
  • 1 x PLA 906114 (U17)

Commodore 64 (ASSY 250407) Repair

Defect:

  • Garbled Screen and then No Sound.

Replaced parts:

  • 2 x MOS 7708 [74LS257] (U13/U25)
  • 1 x MOS 7709 [74LS258] (U14)
  • 1 x MOS 6581 (U18)

Commodore 64C (ASSY 250469 REV-A) Repair

Defect:

  • Garbled Screen.

Replaced parts:

  • 1 x 4066 (U21)

ARM2SiD v3.15 by Nobomi New Firmware

March 13th, 2023 No comments

A new firmware update for the ARM2SiD has been released by Nobomi.

ARM2SID firmware 3.15:

  • Please don’t forget to download also a new configuration program.
  • Fixed a bug with noise generation in the highest octave (reported for example in Crossroads II and Jumpman).
  • SID type detection with this algorithm returns the actual type setting from the ARMSID configuration.
  • Among other tracks, this allows you to play the last part of Wonderland XIII, at least if the ARMSID is set to emulate MOS6581. Prodigy rulez !
  • Fixed bad music timing in Turrican 2 – The Final Fight (audible in track 2).
  • Added undocumented playback of the “no” waveform, making, for example, the Boing Boom Tschak whistle significantly less (about 20dB down).
  • Modifications in the generation of combined waveforms (not only) for MOS8580 emulation, where they are more close to the original (as close as possible for chips that are themselves different from each other, also dependent on temperature, voltage and time).

Download: ARM2SiD v3.15 [PRG/D64/CONFIG] (225)

source: nobomi.cz

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

C64 B.G.Pack: Blade Runner +7DGM 101% / Knight’n'Grail +7D …

February 25th, 2023 2 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:

  • Dwarf Miner Preview +1D
  • The Last Snowball +1D
  • Inbread +2
  • Lordsfire +2D
  • Alternate Reality – The Dungeon +M (EasyFlash)
  • X-MasSacre V1.2 +
  • The Last Snowball +1D
  • Snake VS Bomb
  • Mike Quarter (Present Sorter) +3H
  • X-MasSacre V1.3 +2HD
  • Cruiser-X 79 – Full release
  • Santa’s Fall V3.2 +2
  • Snake vs Bomb +2D
  • Whirlybirds +D [framed version]
  • Muppet Adventure +1D
  • Spelling Werkwoordsvormen MES-8533 [dutch]
  • Piddle
  • Xmas Caper +1D
  • Czołgi
  • Czołgi +F
  • Dropzone +10DFGH (EasyFlash)
  • Samochodowy Wojownik +6M [seuck]
  • Whirlybirds
  • Whirlybirds +D [fullscreen version]
  • SWIV +12DFHIR [easyflash]
  • Buffalo Roundup +2DGH [HF]
  • Dr. Seuss Fix-Up the Mix-Up Puzzler +1D
  • Kaktus
  • IKTU +2H
  • Pongout +2
  • Counter Attack +2HDT
  • Meta Snake +H
  • Meta Snake 2 +1H
  • Piddle +
  • SpriteSnake
  • Horizon Shift 64 Preview +
  • The Bard’s Tale III (EasyFlash)
  • SpriteSnake +H
  • Ultima V Remastered V1.1
  • Ad Astra Preview 2 +D
  • Up´n Down +1DGH
  • Lester +2D
  • Lester +D
  • Nico’s Run +2D
  • Crazy Pong +
  • C=razy Pong
  • Lester +4D
  • Cab Hustle V1.2 +2D
  • Ad Astra +4D
  • Ad Astra +3D
  • Halcyon +7DGHF
  • Minesweeper V1.1.1 +JG [HF]
  • Underwurlde +4DG
  • Lester V1.1 +4D
  • Lupenio +4DGMT [HF]
  • Lester V1.1 +2
  • Lester V1.1
  • Ad Astra V1.01 +3D
  • 2kscrollerizer
  • Pak-Men Preview +3D
  • Knight’n'Grail +7DI
  • Lester V1.1 +5D
  • Knight’n'Grail +7D [EasyFlash]
  • Artillery Duel Deluxe
  • Pak-Men Preview 2 +
  • Horizon Shift 64 Preview 2 +
  • The Bard’s Tale III – Thief of Fate [tapecart]
  • Penny Postie
  • Pak-Men Preview 2 +3D
  • Green Beret Highscore Edition +3D [EasyFlash]
  • Corman +2DGT
  • Penny Postie +3
  • Kung-Fu Master +3 (2 Buttons)
  • Naughty Bytes &SMap
  • Stoneage64 Preview +
  • Horizon Shift 64 +1HD
  • The Dragnet Case (Re-Release) +D
  • The Mystery of Markham Manor +D
  • Co & Co +5DG
  • The Mystery of Markham Manor +DG
  • Magic Voice Classics (no logo) [EasyFlash]
  • SWIV +12DFH [tapecart]
  • Mysteriet hos Maffiga Marta [swedish]
  • Zeus +3DG [HF]
  • Centi-What? +
  • Person & Adressregister [swedish]
  • Kioskbokföring 64 [swedish]
  • Knight’n'Grail +7DI 100%
  • Knight’n'Grail +7D 100% [EasyFlash]
  • Svärdet [swedish]
  • Luffarschack [swedish]
  • Caim
  • Caim +2DS&Map
  • Caim +2D
  • Lady Pac V1.8 +2
  • Täby Galopp [swedish]
  • Survive [swedish]
  • Stoneage64 Preview 2
  • NewPong Preview +
  • Stoneage64 Preview 2 +2
  • Harpan [swedish]
  • Tetris +GM [HF]
  • Pongy Preview 2 +1J
  • Castle Shadowgate +DS
  • Mike Mech V1.2 +5D
  • Babylon’s Ark +DS&Map
  • Grey Preview 2 &D
  • Plants vs Zombies +2D
  • Grey Preview 2 +2D
  • Pong +J
  • Zuma +5D
  • Broken Puzzle
  • Flight Preview
  • Neptune’s Daughters +7DGHM 101%
  • Hyper Harvest +D
  • Hyper Harvest +1DH
  • Gomoku &D
  • Mån-Landare [swedish]
  • Gomoku &DJ
  • Game of Life Preview +D
  • Pongy V1.16 +1J
  • Kokotoni Wilf +3DG
  • Mr. T Jungle Stories +D
  • Killer Balls V1.0
  • Caim V1.1
  • Caim V1.1 +2DS&Map
  • Flight Preview 2 +D
  • Yauzeras +2DH [seuck]
  • Maze #96 +2
  • Pongy V1.2 +1J
  • Scout the Stray V1.1 +4D
  • Maziacs +3DG [HF]
  • Montrer-Donner-Accepter [dutch]
  • Verbes Reguliers et Irreguliers +D [dutch]
  • Math in a Nutshell +D [HF]
  • Killer Balls V1.0 +D
  • Crazy Kong +H
  • Grey Preview 3 +
  • Raceway +2
  • Alien-Easter-Cat Preview Repo +
  • Seawolf II +
  • Choplifter (2 Buttons)
  • Astroblast V0.6.0 +3D
  • Seawolf II
  • Blade Runner +7DGM 101% [HF]

Download: All Games in One Archive (2033)

source: csdb.dk

The return of the Hybrid Sid Player Firmware update v1.22

February 24th, 2023 1 comment

The return of the Hybrid Sid Player by xAD/Nightfall & Gianluca Renzi (RetroBit Lab)

Based on the Project and Hardware Schematic by Markus Gritsch released in the years 2011-2015 on the forum dangerousprototypes. Thanks Markus.

Changelog:

v1.22 – 6/2/2023

Note:

  • From this release the new versions will be developed and tested on the v2 prototype PCB and no longer on the Breadboard prototype.

Added:

  • Software implementation of the new audio Switcher.
  • Added a new value (0: Nothing) to the DEFAULT_SID_SOCKET in the configuration file (config.ini).

  # Choose the default SID Socket on bootup (0: Nothing – 1:Socket #1 – 2:Socket #2) – default: 1
  DEFAULT_SID_SOCKET=1

  • Added control via MCU of the power-up led. It might come in handy for future implementations.

Updated:

  • Updated label on the oled display for the “sid switch” mode, now “sidSet” is written and not just “sid”
  • Updated boot screen with the text “sorting files…” if the folder contains too many files (max 800).

Fixed:

  • The encoder cannot be used for manual SID SWITCH mode in case the SID tune played is multitunes because the encoder is used to select the songs, so although the “sidset” option will be displayed on the display in this  specific case the selection of the sid socket will not working.
  • Logic for the switch of the Socket SID with which to play the song and the consequent LED.
  • Default SID Socket if nothing is specified in the config file (config.ini)
  • Manual “sid switch” mode, the SID that was played with this mode would stop after 2 minutes and start over.

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0028 Firmware Update

February 12th, 2023 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

The AVGCART is a FPGA based multicart for 8bit Atari computers, extensible with SIO and/or ECI/PBI cables.

  • supports CAR (cartridge dump) files up to 1MB and most bankswitching types
  • supports XEX (executable) files
  • supports ATR (floppy image) files (read/write) – support is limited without an optional SIO or ECI/PBI cable due to Atari cartridge port constraints (e.g. SW that uses RAM under OS does not work)
  • supports ATX (protected floppy image) files (read-only, SIO cable required)
  • supports CAS (cassette) files (SIO cable required)
  • supports AVF (video) files
  • supports PDM (audio) files
  • fast file search, file shortcuts, randomizer and tons of other features
  • when used with optional ECI/PBI cable, it can expand ATARI memory to up to 576kB, it can also provide extra 48kB RAM to stock 16kB 600XL machines (some limitations apply)
  • firmware upgradeable via SD card (no additional hw needed)
  • SIDE2 emulation (compatible with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
  • ability to stack emulated cart with emulated SpartaDOS X cart, together with SIDE2 emulated HDD
  • unlike some other products, most of the functionality is running inside the cart and not on the host machine’s CPU which makes it faster and more versatile (it can do stuff in parallel with host machine without having to gain 6502 control and doesn’t require soldering extra internal upgrades like Ultimate 1MB for some basic functionality like ATR emulation or memory expansion)
  • compatible with 600XL, 800XL/XE, 65XE, 130XE, XEGS (cartridge shell is too wide for 1200XL, bare pcb will fit, it is also too tall for 800, can be used with cartridge door opened and door switch triggered)

Changelog (v0028):

  • Added type 75 (Atarimax 1MB “new”)
  • “About” (“?”) extended to show some useful information about current state/config.
  • Launching ROM files lets you choose cart type.
  • Menu (“CAPS” key)
  • Ability to choose bg/fg/border color.
  • OS choice (PBI/ECI cable), use included rompack.rpk to flash OS slots.
  • Most settings are now saved to a new config file so the old settings will be replaced with defaults.
  • Some random bugs fixed, some random bugs added.

Download:

source: atariage.com

ARMSiD by Nobomi New Firmware v2.15

January 16th, 2023 No comments

A new firmware update for the ARMSiD has been released by Nobomi.

News features and fixes in FW 2.15:

  • Fixed a bug with noise generation in the highest octave (reported for example in Crossroads II and Jumpman).
  • SID type detection with this algorithm returns the actual type setting from the ARMSID configuration.
  • Among other tracks, this allows you to play the last part of Wonderland XIII, at least if the ARMSID is set to emulate MOS6581. Prodigy rulez !
  • Fixed bad music timing in Turrican 2 – The Final Fight (audible in track 2).
  • Added undocumented playback of the “no” waveform, making, for example, the Boing Boom Tschak whistle significantly less (about 20dB down).
  • Modifications in the generation of combined waveforms (not only) for MOS8580 emulation, where they are more close to the original (as close as possible for chips that are themselves different from each other, also dependent on temperature, voltage and time).

Download: ARMSiD v2.15 [PRG/D64/CONFIG] (293)

source: nobomi.cz

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

High Voltage SID (HVSC) Collection Update #78

December 24th, 2022 No comments

The High Voltage SID Collection (HVSC) is a freeware hobby project which organises Commodore 64 music (also known as SID music) into an archive for both musicians and fans alike.

The work on the collection is done completely in the Team and contributors’ spare time and is proudly one of the largest and most accurate computer music collections known.

This update features (all approximates):

  • 890 new SIDs
  • 26 fixed/better rips
  • 0 repeats/bad rips eliminated
  • 217 SID credit fixes
  • 25 SID model/clock infos
  • 4 tunes from /DEMOS/UNKNOWN/ identified
  • 0 tunes from /GAMES/ identified
  • 26 tunes moved out of /DEMOS/ to their composers’ directories
  • 5 tunes moved out of /GAMES/ to their composers’ directories

After this update, the collection should contain 56,665 SID files!

Download:

source: www.hvsc.c64.org

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

December 24th, 2022 No comments