High Voltage SID (HVSC) Collection Update #73

July 2nd, 2020 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):

  • 558 new SIDs.
  • 52 fixed/better rips.
  • 1 repeats/bad rips eliminated.
  • 242 SID credit fixes.
  • 25 SID model/clock infos.
  • 21 tunes from /DEMOS/UNKNOWN/ identified.
  • 2 tunes from /GAMES/ identified.
  • 25 tunes moved out of /DEMOS/ to their composers’ directories.
  • 9 tunes moved out of /GAMES/ to their composers’ directories.

Download:

source: www.hvsc.c64.org

Gubbdata 2020 – C64 Party results

June 28th, 2020 No comments

This is the official demo party results from Gubbdata 2020. See also the CSDB GUBBDATA 2020 section for more informations.

C64 Demo:

  • 1 – Diagonality by Genesis Project
  • 2 – The Residents by Atlantis
  • 3 – Listen to Your Eyes by Booze Design
  • 4 – 5 Shades of Grey by Lethargy
  • 5 – Oblique by Hoaxers, Wrath Designs
  • 6 – One by Censor Design
  • 7 – The Magic of Ben Daglish by Censor Design
  • 8 – Social Distancing by Triad
  • 9 – ShadowMind by Hokuto Force
  • 10 – Say What? by Desire
  • 11 – Moving by Software of Sweden
  • 12 – Flashparty 2020 Invtro by PVM
  • 13 – Häva veva åka Volvo by Esl0w
  • 14 – GubbLITCH [62b] by Jammer

C64 Music:

  • 1 – On the Waves by psych858o
  • 2 – Lundia by Flex
  • 3 – Antikrundan Allstars by Fegolhuzz
  • 4 – No Conocida by Zardax
  • 5 – Wrong Kind of Young by Mahoney
  • 6 – Dynamite by Jangler
  • 7 – Lets Do It Figge Style! by Klegg
  • 8 – Arpalooza by Mr.Death/Stinsen
  • 9 – Lonely Planet by Dane
  • 10 – A Night in Sunny Skåne by Juzdie
  • - The Dream Child by Xiny6581
  • 12 – Chipohoy! by Mythus
  • 13 – Take Your Time, Babe by Jammer
  • 14 – The Dense Poppy Cake by Haschpipan
  • 15 – Theorizing by GH
  • 16 – Glass of Water by Proton
  • 17 – Narrow Hallway 96% by ZZAP69
  • - All Roads Lead to UIT by chuinho
  • - Mega… Bugs! by Flotsam
  • 20 – Talespinner by DAM
  • - Odd Summer by isocosa
  • 22 – Turrican Autofire by Shogoon
  • 23 – Boogeyman by SIDWAVE
  • 24 – From Dusk Til Schweiger by Stabile Altbauten

C64 Graphics:

  • 1 – Atropine by The Sarge
  • 2 – Streampunk’d by Mikael
  • 3 – Diagonality End by Facet
  • 4 – The Mightiest Hunter by Carrion
  • 5 – Stand Your Ground by Mythus
  • 6 – Vid ålaboden by Twoflower
  • 7 – Sidereal by Rail Slave
  • 8 – Phantasy Nature II by Almighty God
  • 9 – Help! Cablesalad! by Titus
  • 10 – Vger Attacks by Fabs
  • 11 – Calico Cat by Viljan
  • 12 – Kuchi Kopi by Cupid
  • 13 – Say Hello to My Little Friend by Tucker
  • 14 – Angry Man by Braves of Scotland
  • 15 – Shit Bird with Lerppu by Braves of Scotland

WiLD Demo:

  • 2 – Tank Girl by Fairlight
  • 3 – Predator Cut Out Scenes Starring Hedning by Fairlight
  • 5 – Chucky by Hokuto Force

Mixed:

  • 1 – Slabbarp by Hack n’ Trade (Demo)
  • 2 – Midsommarblot by The Sarge (Graphics)
  • 3 – Blepps Blersson by Klegg (Music)
  • 4 – När Danmark blir skånskt igen by Joe (Graphics)
  • 5 – Scaniakråkan by Moroten (Graphics)
  • 6 – 15 minuter från Eslöv by Zapac (One-File Demo)
  • 7 – Angeldog by Zeta (Music)
  • 8 – Skåneland by Båtsman (Graphics)

Mixed Graphics:

  • 1 – Old Man Yells at Old Computer by Archmage
  • 2 – The Boars Head Tavern by Triad
  • 3 – Reflection by isocosa
  • 4 – LLP Street 2 by Hokuto Force
  • 5 – Abejävel by Hardcore Mofokkahz
  • 6 – Cabinet by Hokuto Force
  • 7 – FightdPwr PETSCII by Triad
  • 8 – Krokodil PETSCII by The Gumpa Brothers
  • 9 – Charlie by Hokuto Force
  • 10 – Long Live Gubbdata by Level 64
  • 11 – Zenigada by Hokuto Force
  • 12 – Fuy Gawkes by Insane
  • 13 – Robot Mind Trip 2020 by Nah-Kolor
  • 14 – Mazinga by Hokuto Force

Mixed Music:

  • 1 – The C= Is Mine by Genesis Project
  • 2 – Fargo by Lft
  • 3 – It’s a Beautiful Life by Digital Crackers
  • 4 – Kernkraft 400 by Latex
  • 5 – F.R.I.E.N.D.S by Software of Sweden
  • - Come as You Are by Atlantis
  • 7 – Friend Like Me by Software of Sweden
  • - It’s a Fine Day SIDtrance Remix by Finnish Gold
  • 10 – Bananas in Pyjamas by Hokuto Force
  • 11 – Bananas in Pyjamas by Latex

Mixed Demo:

  • 1 – Expand by Bonzai

Productions released outside compos:

  • Colours Explained by Genesis Project (Graphics)
  • Intro Show 2020 by The Seventh Sector (One-File Demo)
  • John Stormont’s Electrosound History Book by Onslaught (Music Collection)
  • Monty on the Run – D’n'B Edit [2sid] by Samar Productions/MultiStyle Labs/Genesis Project (Music)
  • Propaganda by Latex (One-File Demo)
  • Roblox Sid Remix Selector by Software of Sweden (Music Collection)
  • Show This First or Else.. by Vivo (BBS Graphics)
  • Thanos by Genesis Project (Graphics)

Download: Gubbdata 2020 Full Party stuff (877)

source: gubbdata.se

Compudata (Exidy) Sorcerer II (DP1000-4)

June 28th, 2020 No comments
Compudata (Exidy) Sorcerer II (DP1000-4)

The restoration of the Sorcerer II of the Compudata (Exidy) was very simple, it was enough to replace all the tantalum capacitors with electrolytics one and make a good cleaning.

I tried the Sorcerer with the software downloadable at this link and to do a better understand the idea of the long loading (average 7 minutes) i have recorded the WAV file of the tape format on a Tape Cassette and used an old recorder to load the software, everything worked perfectly on the first try.

from Wikipedia;

The Sorcerer is a home computer system released in 1978 by the video game company Exidy.

It was comparatively advanced when released, especially when compared to the contemporary more commercially successful Commodore PET and TRS-80, but due to company focus on the coin operated video game marketplace resources were restricted for personal computer expansion and a separate division of the company was created.

Exidy Data Systems was headed by Paul Terrell to expand the product line to include small business computing with international distribution and technology license agreements to supplement corporate funding.

Distribution agreements with Dick Smith Electronics in Australia and Liveport in the UK as well as Compudata which included a manufacturing license to build, market and distribute the Tulip line of computers in Europe. Exidy sold the PC division to a Wall Street firm, Biotech, in 1983.

Gallery:

U64/Ultimate-64(Elite) v1.34

June 22nd, 2020 1 comment

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 (U64/U64E).

Difference with previous release V1.33:

  • RESTORE key to boot with default config: Implemented.
  • Bootloop problem with flashed CRT: Fixed.
  • C64 Hangup problem with reading debug register (D7FF): Fixed.
  • C64 Hangup when disabling SID socket: Fixed.
  • ARMSID config not working when UltiSid is in the same range: Fixed.
  • CIA2 I/O (UserPort) not working: Fixed.
  • Sprite collision in Antiriad: Fixed.
  • RGB mode sync polarity: Fixed.
  • PIO register fault: Flimbo’s Quest now working! (Thanks to Tom Roger Skauen, for his debugging efforts!)

Known issues:

Corrupted disk access with some loaders, when bus bridge is not on “Quiet” mode, and badlines are disabled. We know this affects Geos MP3. Still under investigation.

Download:

source: ultimate64.com github.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

CBM prg Studio v3.14.0 released

June 17th, 2020 No comments

CBM prg Studio Version 3.14.0 is released. There are a lot of new features in this version. I’d really appreciate it if you report any bugs you find or have any suggestions/comments.

CBM prg Studio allows you to type a BASIC or Machine Code program in using a nice Windows environment and convert it to a ‘.prg’ file which you can run on an emulator, or even a real C64 / VIC20 or PET if you’re feeling brave and have the right kit.

CBM prg Studio is the result of merging C64PrgGen and VIC20PrgGen. Adding new features and fixing bugs in two apps which were 95% similar was a bit of a nightmare so merging them made sense.

New features:

  • Git integration.
  • BASIC 7 abbreviations.
  • Connect SID tool to MIDI devices.
  • Screen editor digitiser tool.
  • Sprite editor character import.
  • Resize VIC20 screen designs.
  • Screen compression.

Bugs Fixed:

  • Too many to list here, see the help for a complete list of new features and fixed bugs.

Download: CBM prg Studio v3.14.0 (856)

source: ajordison.co.uk

U64/Ultimate-64(Elite) v1.33

June 14th, 2020 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 (U64/U64E).

GIDEON Message:

* DO NOT FLASH .CRT FILES WITH THIS VERSION! *

Difference with previous release V1.28:

  • Turbo Mode… The 6510 CPU can now be run faster than 1 MHz.
  • Support for Nordic Power cartridge.
  • Faster application processor for smoother file browsing experience.
  • Significant lower noise floor when using real SIDs.
  • From MarkusC64: For Geos 64 – Download D41, D71, D81 and DNP files directly from the file browser into a RAMDISK of the same type.
  • From MarkusC64: For Geos 64 – Save RAMDISK to USB in the appropriate format, directly from the file browser.
  • Added freeze function with USB menu (F11 key)

Bug fixes/improvements:

  • 6522 VIA fixes from gyurco/master.
  • Fixed 1541 floppy formatting – sometimes caused read errors.
  • Fixed an issue that may have caused network instability.
  • Issue #62: FTP server does not check if a directory exists when changing directory.
  • Issue #109: Soft IEC seq file reading issue with GET#
  • Issue #121: 1541-C ROM issues (Track 0 sensor issue)
  • Issue #131: SuperGames-Cartridge issue.
  • Issue #132: Builtin FC3 monitor hangs from freezer.
  • Issue #136: Epyx Fastloader fails sometimes (Example: Space Taxi)
  • Issue #147: Data loss on eject if save fails.

Download:

  • Download link temporarily removed as there is a possibility to get into a boot loop with the wrong settings. Will be superseded with 1.34.

source: ultimate64.com github.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Konami – PC Engine Core Grafx Mini

June 14th, 2020 No comments
Konami - PC Engine Core Grafx Mini

I’m here with yet another useless purchase (order dating back to 2019).

There is absolutely nothing to say, all the “mini” are practically identical, change the external box, the menu and some chips inside that for the occasion are the latest version (more or less).

Strangely i have tried the “thing” … usually i don’t do that.

I used an HDMI to Composite Video converter to try it with a CRT monitor.

source: konami.com/games/pcemini/gate

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) Firmware v3.4.16.4a

June 13th, 2020 No comments

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.4.4.6a -> v3.4.16.4a cumulative changelog:

  • v3.4.16.2a regression fix : Fix file selector issue on fast Amiga machines (>= A1200).
  • CPC DSK : Fix ZX spectrum “Rolling Thunder” protection support (and this probably also fix others games).
  • RAW files : Stream unformatted track when trying to read above the image max track.
  • Custom firmware page : Fix an internal memory alignment issue with some particular settings.
  • New custom firmware page options : HFE blind write mode support. (Don’t check/ignore sync words) – GCR encoding method write mode support.
  • Stream encoder : Amiga demo “Eon by The Black Lotus” random crashes fixed.
  • OSD : Atari ST High resolution (Horizontal refresh rate : 35.8KHz) : Fix horizontal front porch delay.
  • STARTUPA.HFE power up auto select : Fix v3.4.11.1a regression.
  • Last selected file image auto load : Restore the file browser folder position.
  • New custom firmware page option : Bitrate override.
  • Version code / splash screen : Now shows you if you are using the QuickDisk firmware variant or not.
  • Quickdisk : 64 bytes (“Very short”) Read emulation pipeline buffer size option added to the custom firmware page.
  • USB stick browser Fix : “No file image found !” printed when no folder and no floppy image are found on the usb stick.
  • Roland machines : w30,s50,s33,s55 files direct support added.
  • E-mu ESI / EOS : img,ima,dsk files direct support added.
  • New system family raw file support : E-mu ESI / EOS. (7 digits display menu entry -> 01B)
  • Autoboot/file selector : Old style HxC config files support fixed. (long names issue)
  • QD support : Support malformed third-party QD files.
  • OSD : Optimizations.
  • Custom firmware page OSD options simplified – New resolutions selections : 20×24 and 40×24 characters for PAL/NTSC or 640×480 VGA display types.
  • OSD : Default OSD size increased to 21×2 characters.
  • OSD : New embedded OSD file selector in full screen mode (21×24 characters).
  • OSD : Faster scroll text.
  • OSD : Config menu -> The OSD screen position can now be set in the settings menu.    (press both buttons to enter the menu)
  • Autoboot File selector mode : Fix long name issue regression.
  • QuickDisk support : Better ready timings.
  • QuickDisk support : Support Roland /RY signal behavior. (Firmware QuickDisk\HxCFEUSB_V3_4_7_11a_Roland_QuickDisk.UPD)
  • QuickDisk support : Fix MB87013 based QD machines support (Akai S700/x7000, Roland…) -> Now support the special MB87013 sync method.
  • New custom firmware page option : Ignore/disable /SIDE1 input.
  • QuickDisk support : Fix the /Reset input behavior : The /Reset input doesn’t stop the motor if this /Motor-on is asserted but always clear the ready signal.
  • New direct raw format support : BAS Embroidery machines format (*.IMG,*.DSK) (System Family menu : “BAS” / 7 digits display menu entry -> 01A )

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)

The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.4.16.4a (741)

source: hxc2001.com

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

C64 Big Game Pack: Drol +3DGI / Mario’s Cement Factory +1D …

June 13th, 2020 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:

  • Super Cycle +3D
  • T-Rex 64 Preview +
  • Space Fire +2HF
  • The Curse of Rabenstein (R11) +DS
  • Color Selection Basic
  • Archon
  • Frightmare +3DG
  • Creatures +10DFHIR [easyflash]
  • Psion Attack (Remake) Preview +
  • Sniper +
  • Survival Messenger
  • Poster Paster +5DGH
  • Las Aventuras de Rudolphine Rur
  • Maze Eater Preview +
  • Juanje Juega in Sinverland Preview
  • Paperboy +2
  • Survival Messenger V1.1
  • One on One Preview 2
  • Spatial Billiards +D
  • Miami Dice +D
  • CAVOID-64
  • Paradroid 2020
  • Roulette +D
  • Break Out +
  • KruisWoord +1DG [dutch]
  • Neptune Lander Preview 3 +2M
  • Flying Saucers Preview 2 +
  • Bucket Wars 1.3 Triple
  • Bucket Wars 1.3 +2
  • 8Bit Goblin Preview
  • Tubes’n'Balls Preview
  • T-Rex64 Preview 2 +
  • Colors +4DHT
  • Space Mission &DS
  • Trailblazer 20
  • CrossWords V1.1 +1DG
  • AngiePuffy Quest +2
  • Grandtorismohmiteinblock64
  • One Block Racer
  • AngiePuffy Quest +4
  • cc65 Chess V1.01 &D
  • cc65 Chess V1.01 +D (2-in-1 Version)
  • Mega Tank Blasta [seuck]
  • Mega Tank Blasta +2H [seuck]
  • Boulder Dash Junior IV +2H
  • Derby Dash Remake Preview +
  • Storm Chase +4HD
  • Crown +TD
  • Knoix [505 bytes]
  • The Old West World +2 [seuck]
  • Left 2 Die (Version 2) +2 [seuck]
  • Left 2 Die Part 2 +2 [seuck]
  • The Forever Extending Hungry Snake +1D
  • The Forever Extending Hungry Snake
  • CrossWords V2 +1DG
  • Empire of Karn +DMW
  • Alien War Reload [499 bytes]
  • Torreoscura
  • Mario’s Cement Factory +1HD
  • Mario’s Cement Factory +1D
  • Miner Prophet Preview
  • Drol +3DGI
  • Fuck-Man +
  • Ahlienwahr Schuter +
  • Dungeon of Rott +2 [seuck]
  • Cybo-Cop +2 [seuck]
  • Zambeezi +2H
  • Alien 8 V1.20
  • Alien 8 V1.20 +D
  • One Man and His Droid +6HD
  • Basic Pack 01

Download: All Games in One Archive (5414)

source: csdb.dk

Hoxs64 Commodore 64 Emulator Updated v1.1.0.3

May 31st, 2020 2 comments

Hoxs64 written by David Horrocks is a Commodore 64 emulator for Microsoft Windows (DirectX 11+)

The emulator substantially reproduces this legacy machine in minute detail.

Changelog (v1.1.0.1 -> v1.1.0.3):

  • Fix broken command line relative path handling.
  • Improved performance of quickspeed from the 100Hz mode.
  • Remove possibly uncommon VIC bug such that a sprite with x-position 0×163 gets drawn at 0×164. Some but not all real C64s have this bug.
  • Use the new DirectX flip model if using Windows 10.
  • Fix null pointer access start up crash on Windows 7.
  • Automatically position the ImgUI popup when out of bounds.
  • Automatic mini-dump file creation with the application folder for application crashes.

Download:

source: hoxs64.net

Atari U1MB/Side2/AVG Firmware Update to the latest version

May 31st, 2020 No comments
Atari U1MB/Side2/AVG Cart Firmware Update to the latest version

Atari U1MB/Side2/AVG Cart Firmware Update to the latest version.

Gallery:

Download:

 

Categories: Firmware, News & Rumors, Today

Usual boring repair of a Texas Instruments TI-99-4A

May 31st, 2020 No comments
Usual boring repair of a Texas Instruments TI-99-4A

Texas Instruments TI-99/4A Repair.

Defect:

  • Garbage boot screen.

Replaced parts:

  • 2 x TMS4116-15 RAM (U102 / U105)

Gallery of the repair:

Commodore 1084S-D2 (Black CDTV Edition)

May 31st, 2020 No comments
Commodore 1084S-D2 (Black CDTV Edition)

First of all i have to thank Ralf Schmitz for this gift. (Grazie Ralf).

The Commodore 1084S-D2, which was originally developed for the Commodore CDTV is a very good colour monitor also for the Commodore 64.

With its many ports it can be used for connecting anything you want (S-Video / RGB / Composite)

The Commodore 1084S-D2 has a good, sharp picture with luscious colours and a also a nice Stereo Sound. All the important settings can be changed over regulators at the front or the back.

For testing i have used the U64 by Gideon with the RGB output.

Gallery:

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0019 Firmware Update

May 23rd, 2020 No comments

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

Changelog (v0019):

  • Various speed-ups (SD card and FS handling rewritten.

Download:

source: atariage.com

Leedex (Amdek) Video 100 (12 inch Black & White Monitor)

May 19th, 2020 1 comment
Leedex (Amdek) Video 100 (12 inch BW Monitor)

Leedex Video 100 is  a 12 inch Monitor in Black & White, produced in the early 80′s was sold at a competitive price.

The monitor is 40 years old and not show any problem as you can seen from the photos.

Gallery: