Semplice realizzazione di un cavo RGB per ColecoVision

Easy way to make a RGB cable for CBS ColecoVision

Ho voluto rivedere un po’ i collegamenti RGB della mia console CBS ColecoVision e disegnare un nuovo schema per il collegamento dell’uscita video RGB.

Questa console veniva venduta con un modulatore esterno (CBS Electronics Adaptateur Antenne 7466 – 6F) che convertiva il segnale da RGB a RF, a quanto sembra non veniva fornito un cavo Scart per il collegamento diretto al televisore.

Il cavo originale ColecoVision da D-SUB DB15 a Scart in mio posesso non ha il pinout corretto ma funziona perfettamente con un’altro ColecoVision sempre con uscita RGB ma con un’encoder interno che converte i segnali Y (B-Y) (R-Y) a RGB (PAL Secam Converter A).

Questo fatto e’ veramente curioso, a quanto sembra esistono piu’ versioni con uscita RGB oltre che RF.

Ho deciso di rimuovere il vecchio cavo RGB che avevo saldato internamente circa 15 anni fa e sostituirlo con un cavo RGB connesso al connettore nativo del Coleco.

Il problema di fare questa operazione e’ sempre stato il connettore D-SUB DB15 che deve essere di una certa misura, altrimenti non entra.

Risolto brillantemente utilizzando una prolunga Joypad SNK NeoGeo, dove abbiamo un connettore D-SUB DB15 prefuso nella plastica dove vengono
utilizzati tutti e 15 i piedini (in teoria ne servono solo 14 per il Joypad NeoGeo, ma sono collegati tutti e 15).

Ho Tagliato il cavo dal lato connettore maschio joypad neogeo e saldato i fili sul connettore Scart e per il segnale di Fast Switching prima di collegarlo al piedino 16 della scart ho inserito in serie una resistenza da 100ohm, non ho utilizzato il segnale di Function Switching.

Ancora una cosa, il segnale Audio dal connettore RGB nativo della console e’ molto basso, dunque ho fatto un ponticello (vedi foto) per bypassare una resistenza e un condensatore ceramico, dunque ho prelevato direttamente l’audio dal PIN 7 dell’integrato SN76489 (Sound Generator).

Ovviamente tutto funziona perfettamente.

Galleria del lavoro che e’ stato fatto:

ARMSiD di Nobomi Nuovo Firmware v2.16

E’ stato rilasciato da Nobomi un nuovo aggiornamento firmware per l’ARMSiD.

News features and fixes in FW 2.16:

  • Fix for 2 MHz mode C128. Since this firmware ARMSID is functional for all modes and types of communication with C128 (even those incompatible with SID documentation).
  • Added to the configuration the possibility to use the EXT IN input (pin 26) as an analog input and connect it to the internal mixer, as on the original chip. You should expect a slight increase in noise background from this input, I recommend using it only when you really need this feature.
  • Also added to the configuration the possibility to change the emulation detection threshold of the 6581/8580 according to the input voltage (pin 28), so called autodetection. Originally this limit is set to 10.5V, what is below indicates 8580 emulation, what is above so 6581. With the new setting, this limit can be about 2V, so you can use logic levels of 5V or even just 3V for switching the emulation type (pin 28 is not used for power supply in ARMSID, only for voltage measurement, no power supply on this pin is required for function).

Download: ARMSiD v2.16 [PRG/D64/CONFIG] (426)

source: nobomi.cz github.com/nobomi/Arduino-ARMSID-configurator

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic Firmware update v0.202

.- the inexpensive dual-SID/FM replacement that you can build yourself -.

SIDKick pico di Frenetic è un sostituto del chip SID per C64 basato su microcontrollore. Gli ingressi analogici per paddle e mouse sono disponibili proprio come per il SID originale.

Changelog:

  • This release contains the fix for the NTSC-specific bug of firmware version 0.20 (and the fix for the bug I introduced with 0.201 :-)).

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 v0.202 (368)

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

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic Firmware update v0.201

.- the inexpensive dual-SID/FM replacement that you can build yourself -.

SIDKick pico di Frenetic è un sostituto del chip SID per C64 basato su microcontrollore. Gli ingressi analogici per paddle e mouse sono disponibili proprio come per il SID originale.

Changelog:

  • This release contains the fix for the NTSC-specific bug of firmware version 0.20.

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 v0.201 (323)

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

Ultimate U2+L v3.11a Aggiornamento Firmware

E’ stato rilasciato un nuovo aggiornamento firmware per l’Ultimate U2+L da Gideon.

Changes in 3.11a:

  • WiFi support – Now that the WiFi modules for the U2+L are available, you will need this firmware to enable it. In this zip there are two files; the firmware update for the cartridge itself (.u2l) file and the firmware file for the ESP WiFi module (.esp). They have to be applied in this order.
  • Ethernet fix – Improves compatibility with some switches and routers. The LAN should now work with these.
  • Garbled characters fix. – On some machines, especially on NTSC machines, the 3.11 firmware gave some timing issues. This build should fix that.
  • Ulticopy fix – In 3.11 Ulticopy was broken; it should work again – supposedly – not tested.

Due to “life” (e.g. house renovation) there has not been any time for testing this firmware for other hardware platforms. Will come soon.

Download: Ultimate U2+L v3.11a Firmware (442)

source: ultimate64.com github.com facebook

SIDKick-Pico by Frenetic Firmware update v0.20

.- the inexpensive dual-SID/FM replacement that you can build yourself -.

SIDKick pico di Frenetic è un sostituto del chip SID per C64 basato su microcontrollore. Gli ingressi analogici per paddle e mouse sono disponibili proprio come per il SID originale.

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 (332)

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

Nuovo firmware per The return of the Hybrid Sid Player v2.00

The return of the Hybrid Sid Player by xAD/Nightfall

Basato sul progetto di Markus Gritsch pubblicato negli anni 2011-2015 sul forum dangerousprotypes. Grazie 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

E’ stato rilasciato del nuovo Software per Commodore 64.

Titoli:

  • 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 (2146)

source: csdb.dk

Sega SC-3000 (Boxed)

Sega SC-3000 (Boxed)

Inanzitutto ringrazio il mio amico che mi ha regalato il suo Sega SC-3000 che ha ritrovato in soffitta.

Dopo un’accurata pulizia del connettore cartucce, contatti della tastiera e una pulizia generale della scocca interna/esterna il computer ha ripreso a funzionare perfettamente.

Galleria:

eMPIA (EM2820 chipset) USB Analog Video Grabber

eMPIA (EM2820 chipset) USB Analog Video Grabber

Dopo quasi 18 anni dall’ultima volta che avevo utilizzato questa interfaccia usb (eMPIA con chipset EM2820) per acquisizione segnali video analogici ero curioso di provare se funzionava ancora, sopratutto per un problema di driver.

Beh che dire funziona perfettamente sia con l’ingresso Video Composito che S-Video, S-Video e’ l’ingresso che sto utilizzando ora con un Commodore 64.

Testato con Linux (Driver incluso nel Kernel) e con Windows 10 (installati Driver per Windows 8).

Come software ho utilizzato il Guvcview per Linux e il VLC per Windows.

Galleria:

❤️ ll primo amore non si scorda mai ❤️

Commodore 1982 (VIC-20) e la scelta dell’alias 1985.

Recap & Fix Shugart SA455-3AA (Motor JVC SS01AA)

Recap & Fix Shugart SA455-3AA (Motor JVC SS01AA)

The Shugart SA455-3AA e’ un lettore Floppy Disk DSDD (360K).

Il lavoro che e’ stato fatto:

  • Sostituzione Condensatori Elettrolitici PCB Motore.
  • Ingrassaggio con grasso siliconico asticelle scorrimento testina.
  • Ricostruzione di una pista del pcb corrosa dalla perdita del condensatore elettrolitico da 10uf.
  • Sostituzione terminali per selezione con jumper.
  • Sostituzione condensatore ceramico.
  • Pulizia Generale.
  • Test lettura/scrittura con interfaccia GreaseWeazle.

Lista Condensatori Elettrolitici sostituiti:

  • 1 x 10uf 25v
  • 1 x 47uf 16v
  • 1 x 0.47uf 50v
  • 1 x 0.22uf 50v
  • 2 x 22uf 25v (non-polarizzato)

Gallery:

Download: Shugart SA455-SA465 Service Manual (308)

Amiga Power Supply 312503-03 Mean Well RPT-60B

Commodore Power Supply 312503-03 Mean Well RPT-60B

Ho deciso di sostituire completamente il PCB dell’alimentatore Amiga (312503-03) perche’ sebbene dopo la sostituzione di tutti i condensatori 1 anno fa’ (30/4/2023) i voltaggi non erano sempre stabili, sopratutto i 5V che oscillava tra 5.2v e 6.9v.

Utilizzando un drive Gotek HXC come periferica Floppy mi ha bruciato due chiavette USB, una lo recuperata sostituendo un condensatore smd in corto.

Dunque mettiamo in pensione il vecchio pcb dell’alimentatore e diamo il benvenuto al Mean Well RPT-60B pienamente compatibile sia come voltaggio e amperaggio.

Vi lascio il Link di Aliexpress.

Gallery:

Nightfall LAB – Commodore Rulez!

Nightfall LAB – Commodore Rulez!

The Recapping Day (A600 – A1200)

The Recapping Day (A600 - A1200)

La solita noiosa sostituzione di tutti i condensatori ormai esausti.

Gallery: