Plugs directly into IEEE of your PET / CBM Series Computer.

TFW8b and Tynemouth Software have once again brought the best of both worlds together, this time giving PET owners a high quality SD Card storage solution.

SD2PET Future:

• Plugs directly into PET IEEE-488 port.
• Powered from rear datasette port.
• SD Card accessible at rear of PET.
• Reset button and activity LED (Red/Green)
• Works with BASIC 2 & 4 Machines (BASIC 1 Machines can be upgraded with PET ROM/RAM)
• Supports PRG, D64, D80, D82 Disk Images.
• Simply plug it in your PET and it’s ready to go.

Supported Machines:

• Commodore 2001 (with BASIC 2 or BASIC 4 Upgrade)
• Commodore 2001N-XX (BASIC 2 or 4)
• Commodore 3008/3016/3032
• Commodore 4008/4016/4032
• Commodore 8032/8096/8296

Untested:

• Commodore CBM II 600/700
• Commodore SuperPet.
• Commodore VIC20/C64 with IEEE-488 Cartridge.

Unsupported (Due to different connectors):

• Commodore 8032-SK
• Commodore 8096-SK

Designed by Tynemouth Software & produced by TFW8b.

Gallery:

Video:

source: thefuturewas8bit.com blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 by Gideon is released.

Differences with previous release V1.20:

• Based on the Ultimate-II+ firmware Version 3.5a.

Bug fixes:

• Fixed UltiSid reset; should zero all registers to silence it.
• Fixed debug register for regression testing.
• Fixed directories that match file type extensions.

Download:

• U64/Ultimate-64 v1.21 (633)

source: ultimate64.com

ARM2SID SIDs (until 3) & SFX Sound Expander (OPL FM synthesis) emulator.

Nobomi still amazes us with the ARM2SID a new TWO or THREE SIDs and SFX Sound Expander (OPL FM synthesis) “emulator”.

The socket size of the ARMSID is DIP28 and is absolutely the same of the original chip and therefore fits perfectly in all situations.

The audio quality is really good for both; SFX Sound Expander (OPL FM) and the SID emulation.

It also possible add a second socket as the second SID if you have Stereo/U64/Reloaded adapter or connect wires directly to your Commodore computer.

• A next logical step after succesful ARMSID. ARM2SID is based on the same blocks as ARMSID but one step more advanced blocks.
• Thanks to them, it added the possibility of emulating up to two additional chips and / or FM synthesis with OPL2.
• Like ARMSID, ARM2SID is a replacement for the MOS6581 and MOS8580 circuits used in Commodore C64/C128. It comes again in a minimalist form, but it can do a lot more.
• It can replace up to 3 chips at the same time, it can also emulate SFX sound expander as well as the newer FM-YAM clone.
• SIDs emulation itself is the same as with ARMSID, so emulation features can be read on its page.
• Up to 12 channels music (two or three SIDs or FM or one SID and FM)!
• Works with all C64 and C128 boards (please read manual)
• Stereo in any combination of SID 6581 or 8580 models.
• Automatic fall-back to dual mono if second SID is not used.
• Configuration and upgrades by software utility in C64/C128.

More information can be found on the Nobomi website or RETROCOMP.cz

Gallery:

Video:

Bitt-Boy/LDK Game/8BCrat RestroStone my Open Source Retro Gaming Handhelds.

I’m always been fascinated by these small retro gaming handhelds consoles especially for the low cost except for the RetroStone which has a higher price.

These small consoles emulate quite well most games of consoles and computers and are supported by an active community of enthusiasts.

I don’t think it’s necessary to do the hundredth review of these portable consoles, i leave you with the technical specifications of each consoles and some useful links.

LDK Game Retro Gaming Handheld Technical Details:

Processor: JZ4760 Dual-Core 64Bit 528Mhz
Software Functions: Retro Gaming Emulation, Audio/Video Playback, Audio Recorder, E-Book
Pre-Installed Emulators: CPS1, CPS2, Neo-Geo, Megadrive / Genesis, Sega Master System, GameGear and so on.
Display: 2.6″ Inch Color Display (IPS) Adjustable screen brightness
Video Playback: Supports the following formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, MOV, FLV, ASF, DAT, MP4, 3GP, MPG, MPEG
RAM: 128MB DDR2
Storage: 16GB Fast-Accessing Storage
Storage Expansion: Micro SD Card Slot (For up-to 32GB)
Speakers: High Quality – Built IN
Audio Playback: Supports the following formats: APE, MP3, WMA, DRM WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC (Including: AAC-LC/AAC HE/AAC+V1/V2)
Audio Recording: Supports Audio Recording in .WAV (High Quality)
I/O: RCA Component for TV Output, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Micro USB Port, Micro SD Card/TF Card Slot
Languages: English
Battery: Li-Ion BL-5B 1020mAh Built-in
Product Dimensions: 7.60 x 8.80 x 1.70 cm / 2.99 x 3.46 x 0.67 inches
Product Weight: 120gr / 0.26lb
Package Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 5.5 cm / 4.70 x 4.70 x 2.16 inches
Package Weight: 220gr / 0.48lb

Link:

• CPU Datasheet
• Custom Firmware

Bitt-Boy (v3/v3.5) OpenDingux Retro Gaming Handheld Technical Details:

Processor: ALLWINNER F1C500S 408Mhz~900MHz
Software Functions: Retro Gaming Emulation, Audio/Video Playback, Audio Recorder, E-Book
Pre-Installed Emulators: CPS1, CPS2, Neo-Geo, Megadrive / Genesis, Sega Master System, GameGear and so on.
Display: 2.5″ Inch Color Display (IPS) Adjustable screen brightness with a tempered glass protector for the screen will effectively reduce the problem of screen scratching.
Video Playback: Supports the following formats: RM, RMVB, AVI, MKV, WMV, VOB, MOV, FLV, ASF, DAT, MP4, 3GP, MPG, MPEG
RAM: 32MB DDR2
Material: ABS
Memory card type: Micro SD
Storage: 8GB
Speakers: High Quality – Built IN
Audio Playback: Supports the following formats: APE, MP3, WMA, DRM WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, WAV, AAC (Including: AAC-LC/AAC HE/AAC+V1/V2)
Audio Recording: Supports Audio Recording in .WAV (High Quality)
I/O: RCA Component for TV Output, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Micro USB Port, Micro SD Card/TF Card Slot
Extra: Support vibration on games.
Fix: ghostkey problem fixed.
Battery: 700mAh lithium battery
Languages: English
Battery lasts 3–4 hours
Dimensions: 2.6 x 3.8 x 0.5 in (6.8 x 9.9 x 1.3 cm)

Link:

• CPU Datasheet 
• Custom Firmware
• Custom Firmware Installation
• Official Homepage

8BCrat RestroStone:

Processor: ALLWINNER H3 Quad-Core 64Bit @ 1.2Ghz
RAM: 1GB DDR3
Power: DC 5V @ 3A, 3000mAh 3.7V Li-Ion battery, energysquare
LCD: WidthxHeight (3.5″ X:Y)
Video Output: HDMI (Type A/B/C – full/mini/micro), VGA
Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone plug, HDMI, SPDIF, internal stereo speakers, internal speaker
Network    100Mbps Ethernet (Manufacturer device)
Memory card type: Micro SD
USB: 4x USB2.0 Host
Dimensions: 130 x 90 x 25mm

Link:

• CPU Datasheet
• Official Homepage
• Software

Gallery:

Robotron 2084 (TI-99/4a) – Cartridge by Fabrizio Corpetti [FACELE.EU]

I thank Fabrizio Corpetti [FACELE.EU] for giving me the assembled version of the PCB of Robotron 2084 cartridge for TI-99/4a through Ciro Barile [TI99IUC.IT].

As Ciro writes, this cartridge has never been released by AtariSoft, the only thing can you found on the net is the ROM DUMP.

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The new version of the PenUltimate+ cartridge even if apparently it seems identical to the previous version, is not, because the new version has some modifications and a software update made to support the DeadTest+ Diagnostic software.

All cartridges produced since December 2018 supports the DeadTest+ diagnostic software.

The DeadTest+ Diagnostic software can be lauched via the menu or by holding Reset button down for 10seconds at power on.

Compared to the first version this new one brings even more ROMs (70+) and a brand new user interface.

Some tfw8b games have been included (The Future Was 8Bit) including Cheese & Onion, RodMan, Pentagorat (Easier edition) and many others.

And of course, it’s still the best ram pack you’ll ever stuff into your VIC20. 3-35k expansion ram can be selected direct from the menu.

Many thanks to Dave Curran of Tynemouth Software and tfw8b (The Future Was 8Bit)

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First of all i have to thank Filippo Santellocco (Philsan) for this unexpected gift that i really appreciate.

AVGCART – SD multicart for 8bit Atari features:

• Supports CAR files up to 1MB (most bankswitching types are implemented)
• Supports XEX files.
• Supports ATR files (read/write) – support is limited due to cartridge port constraints.
• SIDE emulation (works with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
• Firmware is upgradeable via SD card.

Keyboard reference:

• arrows to navigate the list, with CTRL jump to beginning/end of page/list
• BACKSPACE for parent dir
• ENTER and letters choose item
• TAB to select multiple ATR files (right cart button to cycle them afterwards)
• ESC disables cart and resets Atari
• / for recursive search, use ESC to return to full navigation
• SHIFT-S enables SIDE CCTL registers and resets

Use left cart button to return to file selector (after reset), right cart button resets current cart’s bank (also cycles ATR files)

Titles of the songs in the video:

• AC/DC – Back in Black
• Narada Michael Walden – Tonight I’m Alright
• Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners – This Girl
• Sucker Punch (Dubstep Remix)

The songs are complete from beginning to end but for reasons of length of the video i have cut the songs.

The video can be only downloaded, because Youtube and Facebook have blocked the video streaming for copyrighted content, really ridiculous as the audio tracks are not complete and certainly not faithful to the original.

My personal note; the only two home computers that i follow with passion are Commodore & Atari.

…have a good listening

Download: AVG Cartridge PDM Player Atari Video (1172)

source: atariage.com

A new firmware update for the fpgaSID has been released by andi6510.

Below the changelog taken directly from the website.

Main changes:

• New 6581 bias setting range and curve. Per default the bias is now tuned to a brighter sound which is the most audible difference to revision 09.
• Some further improvements on the 6581 filters.

New Features:

• LEDs can be switched off now.
• The outputs can be switched to a mix of both SIDs allowing mono setups with a single speaker.
• The firmware flashing procedure has been improved to increase the success rate.
• FPGASID is now compatible to the EasyFlash 3 module.

Note:

• Important! Before updating the firmware, please read the documentation on flashing in the ConfiGuru manual.

Download: fpgaSID Firmware ver. 0A (942)

source: fpgasid.de

Nobomi has made a new revision of the ARMSiD PCB which however has the same hardware features as the previous one.

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

Below is the changelog taken directly from the website.

Differences between FW 2.8 and previous version:

• The start and the end of the bus data cycle (reading or writing) is now controlled by signal CS only (it was the same on the beginning of the cycle, but the end was controlled by 02 clock before), it can help with a bus stability in other systems than C64 a C128.
• Internal frequency generators are updated with precision of one 02 clock – about 1us (no audio signal phase changes after frequency retuning) !
• Correct polarity of the bandpass filter.
• Added emulation of internal filter voltage offset.
• Added the “Digi Boost” feature by software – an effect similar to adding 330kOhm resistor between EXTin and GND on the MOS8580.
• Other speed optimization.

Gallery:

Download: ARMSiD v2.8 (17/2/2019) (1005)

source: dzi.n.cz/8bit/armsid

Project born in 2017 for my SX-64++

I wanted to improve the schematics and make a PCB, the previous version was made on prototyping board pcb.

I have also added some features that i need when i will install the FPGASID in the SX-64++ and like the previous version the sidSwitcher integrates perfectly with the Overlay-64 & Keyman-64.

This circuit is not for sale. Schematics, Gerber and Atmel hex will be available soon for Download.

P.S: This project can also be used as a simple SPDT of analog audio signals. 2 INPUTS and 1 OUTPUT.

Features:

• Output for Overlay-64 (http://henning-liebenau.de/overlay64/)
• Input Push Button or Keyman-64 (http://henning-liebenau.de/keyman64/)
• Bicolor LED (SID1 GREEN / SID2 RED / SID1 + SID2 ORANGE)
• Output Mono or Stereo SID1 (LEFT+RIGHT / LEFT) / SID2 (LEFT+RIGHT / RIGHT) / SID1 + SID2 (LEFT+RIGHT / LEFT-RIGHT)
• Possibility to use the mute function.
• Jumper for configuration.

Schematics: (Prototype and Final):

The following photos are of the first version, second enhanced version, prototype breadboard and pcb.

The RGB LED strip (APA102C) is a feature that has been added since the firmware version V1.0D, this version will be released very soon.

In the photos you can see two different Keyboard Mount Set and Accessories, in the first 7 photos (Transparent case) i have used the KIT sold by PixelWizard.eu and in the following 10 photos (SX-64 style case) i have used the kit sold by corei64.com

Both KITs do their job and integrate perfectly with the case.

Just a note, but it was my error, i didn’t read the description written on the site, the kit sold by corei64.com is not compatibile with the U64 motherboards v1.0 because there is a keyboard adapter, i solved quite easily by cutting a piece of plastic of the right side keyboard support.

The two ULTIMATE 64 custom stickers with their S/N and the SX-64 Style C64C Case are on sale on PixelWizard.eu.

The transparent C64C case is no longer available and comes from an old campaign on Kickstarter.

Gallery:

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Video:

Easy Mod to add a single 64Mb simm to the Apollo 1260.

What is needed to be made this hack:

• Cover any area affected by heat of the Apollo 1260.
• Use a Hot Air Rework Station and carefully lift the mach socket away.
• Clean and tin the mach chip pads and the mach chip.
• Brush the pads with a good flux in cream.
• Position the mach chip back on the pads and reheat with a Hot Air Rework Station or Soldering iron.
• Remove foil / protection and inspect well the solder.
• Clean and test.
• Fit 64Mb Mod socket. (pins towards ram socket)
• Remove a resistor and solder wires to Marmes Mod PCB. (see photos)
• Clean & inspect.
• Fit the 64Mb RAM simm and test.

Gallery:

Download: Apollo 1260 64Mb Hack (first version not updated) (763)

source: amibay.com

This is a collection of old photos (2017) of an article that i wanted to publish and i never wrote and i will never do.

So i will briefly sum up, the PI2Scart for Raspberry 3B+ works very well but you have to configure the video settings for each emulators.

I tried the SCART RGB output with different monitors and it always worked very well also with a TAXAN Vision EX Monitor, which is not the top for RGB compatibility.

Gallery:

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source: arcadeforge.net pi2jamma.info/pi2scart

Ultimate-64 p0rn things.

• RGB Stereo Cable (DIN to SCART)
• Bicolor LED (C64 / C64C)
• SIDTap to Female 3.5 Jack Adapter.

Gallery:

This is the last batch of iNTY ZOE RGB v2.0. I just want to inform for those interested that i’m starting the assembling.