Commodore SID arduino shield PCBs for anyone who wants one

wobzilla1 · 04-01-2017 8:06pm #1

I recently put together one of these https://github.com/atbrask/RealSIDShield
It's basically a shield for the Arduino Uno that allows you to control a Commodore SID chip (6581 or 8580).
It's a pretty cool project if you've an old SID chip lying around.
You load a sketch onto the Arduino that makes it emulate a MOS 6510 (C64 CPU) and then stream SID files through USB using a python script.

Anyway, I got 10 of the PCBs made and only used 1 (I ended up getting one 8580 while collecting 8 6581s for a midibox project.)

So if anyone would like one just lot me know and just give us the €2 or whatever for posting.

I've also lots of the resistors and caps and inductors left over and 2 or 3 audio jacks and 1 buck converter so the first few people can get these too.

Note that nearly all the components are SMT so make sure you can solder these. Also some of the components are different depending on whether you use a 8580 or 6581.

Everything's at the github link. The net file has the components needed and their footprints.

You'll also need to use the older version of python (2.7 or whatever) for the script to run.

Here's a crappy little video of me playing "Monty on the run" through mine.
I made a little java program to load the python script because I got fed up of typing tune names and locations into the command prompt

https://youtu.be/Vo5ahVfdsu8

The Last Bandit · 04-01-2017 9:25pm

Yep I'm interested in messing with one, send me a PM with your paypal and I'll throw you a few quid for it

KeRbDoG · 04-01-2017 9:35pm

I'd also be interested - PM me also

Dr Bob · 04-01-2017 10:53pm

Hi , that sounds great , send me on a PM if you can .
cheers

CiDeRmAn · 04-01-2017 10:58pm

I have no idea what to do with one so I don't want one, but fair play to you for passing them on to the unwashed bunch hereabouts!

Doge · 11-01-2017 3:32am

Hey Wobzilla!
This is Smithy from the MIDIbox forums.

Was it a MB-6582 you built with the Pactec PT-10 enclosure and a front panel from Schaeffer?

Managed to pretty much finish mine, just have 3 feedback pots left to put in now.

You can count me in for a board also! It would be a quick and easy way of testing SIDs!

The Last Bandit · 11-01-2017 10:01am

Got the board, thanks very much

Now, just need to root around in the attic to find a suitable SID

wobzilla1 · 11-01-2017 2:23pm

It actually took me a while to figure out running the python script once I built it.
You need to install the old version of python (2.7).
Then you need to add python's location to your path environmental variable.
You then have to get py65 and pyserial from pypi and install them.
Then you can go to the location of the Realised.py file in command prompt and run

python RealSID.py COM4 track.sid

Replace COM4 with whatever com port your arduino is on (check device manager) and track.sid is the sid file you want to play.
You'll have to type the full location.
You can also put a -s 1 or -s 2 or whatever after the RealSID.py to select a track if the sid has more than 1.

I'll upload the java program I made somewhere as you can just click the file you want rather than type the full name.
If you download the hvsc sid collection, the file names are pretty long and the directory structure is a bit of a cluster****

wobzilla1 · 12-01-2017 9:16pm

Alright, the java jar file is here

The source files are here if anyone wants to dick round with them. It could probably be made a whole lot better, I only ever did java as a hobby and haven't used it in years.

There's a few prerequisites to using the java program besides the obvious having java installed.
1: You need to put the RealSID.py file in C:\sid\
2: You need to put a sid file that starts with silence into C:\sid\ and name it reset.sid

The reason for 2 is that when the python script is killed, the Arduino keeps sending the last instructions to the SID chip and so the SID keeps outputting the same note until you load a new tune.
I got around this by loading a file with silence (or a sid file that doesn't work) and then killing the script after 1 second. This should ensure when you press the stop button, the SID stops making sound.

I used the ghouls n ghosts sid file from the HVSC collection

Doge · 17-01-2017 1:26pm

Hey wobzilla, just to let you know that the your package came safe and sound today.

Now I feel like ive robbed you with all the stuff thrown in there!

Thanks a million for being so generous to the forum, this will serve me nicely as an authentic sid player and also to practice my SMD soldering skills.

wobzilla1 · 17-01-2017 7:36pm

No problem, I wouldn't have used the components anyway.
I rarely need smt components for a project.
Just be aware that the electrolytic caps are a bit big for the footprint on the board. I had to pull off the plastic Base to be able to solder it.
Just ordered the board set for the MB-6582 there as well.
Time to start hunting for components now

Doge · 17-01-2017 7:59pm

wobzilla1 wrote: »

No problem, I wouldn't have used the components anyway.
I rarely need smt components for a project.
Just be aware that the electrolytic caps are a bit big for the footprint on the board. I had to pull off the plastic Base to be able to solder it.
Just ordered the board set for the MB-6582 there as well.
Time to start hunting for components now

Awesome stuff.

For the interconnecting wires between both mb-6582 PCBs I would advise using these flexible kind of wires Hawkeye and I used, as opposed to the stiff ribbon cable Wilba mentions in his guide:

http://midibox.org/forums/topic/14564-building-the-mb-6582-control-surface-photo-tutorial/?do=findComment&comment=129752

post-7895-089852200%201282899260.jpg

I had problems with the Control surface and found myself opening the case a lot and the stiff ribbon cables broke on me.

It looks a bit messier but it will resist strain much better.

Also if I had my time back I wouldn't bother with the JB Weld solution for mounting the PCB standaoffs to the Front Panel.

I had the standoffs come loose from the weld after opening up the case so many times.

Even though it may not look as pretty, i would make use visible screws that go through the front panel ,(like the 4 in the corners) with a nut at the other end of the screw to hold the PCB in place, you could always use black screws to make it look neater.

I'm pretty sure a user did this instead of using JB Weld so there may even be an .FPD file for this option on the forum somewhere.

Doge · 17-01-2017 8:19pm

Here's one user that just used the 4 corner holes and no hex stand offs to mount the board to the front panel and case:

http://midibox.org/forums/topic/14564-building-the-mb-6582-control-surface-photo-tutorial/?do=findComment&comment=173994

Doge · 21-01-2017 1:28am

Hey guys,

Im after making a component list on Google Sheets for the SID Shield, with links to Farnell for most of the parts.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CIJ_7EiK3G0lqSWOhu66NV5Nq_EtbsGzNIktknhh1fw/edit?usp=sharing

It was pretty time consuming trying to make sure the values and footprints of each part were okay! Good practice for me though. And put my digital calipers to good use!

If anyone wants to scrutinize it feel free!

Might do a proper BOM then when its confirmed okay.

KeRbDoG · 21-01-2017 12:03pm

Doge wrote: »

Hey guys,

Im after making a component list on Google Sheets for the SID Shield, with links to Farnell for most of the parts.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CIJ_7EiK3G0lqSWOhu66NV5Nq_EtbsGzNIktknhh1fw/edit?usp=sharing

It was pretty time consuming trying to make sure the values and footprints of each part were okay! Good practice for me though. And put my digital calipers to good use!

If anyone wants to scrutinize it feel free!

Might do a proper BOM then when its confirmed okay.

I went through that painful process two weeks ago

now to find a clear space and time to get it all together

Doge · 31-01-2017 12:51am

EDIT: Resolved this issue, see my next post.

wobzilla1 wrote: »

Alright, the java jar file is here

The source files are here if anyone wants to dick round with them. It could probably be made a whole lot better, I only ever did java as a hobby and haven't used it in years.

There's a few prerequisites to using the java program besides the obvious having java installed.
1: You need to put the RealSID.py file in C:\sid\
2: You need to put a sid file that starts with silence into C:\sid\ and name it reset.sid

The reason for 2 is that when the python script is killed, the Arduino keeps sending the last instructions to the SID chip and so the SID keeps outputting the same note until you load a new tune.
I got around this by loading a file with silence (or a sid file that doesn't work) and then killing the script after 1 second. This should ensure when you press the stop button, the SID stops making sound.

I used the ghouls n ghosts sid file from the HVSC collection

Right guys, everything is soldered and SID voltages tested fine.
Python 2.7 is installed.

However I'm trouble trying to install py65.
When i run "python setup.py install" in the py65 directory in command prompt I get this error:

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "setup.py", line 16, in <module>
    from setuptools import setup, find_packages
ImportError: No module named setuptools

So I downloaded setuptools, and tried to install that it returned this error:

ImportError: No module named packaging.version

So i install packaging, then setuptools needs pyparsing. I install that.

Then when i try to install setuptools again i get this error:

File "C:\Python27\lib\site-packages\packaging\requirements.py", line 59, in <module>
    MARKER_EXPR = originalTextFor(MARKER_EXPR())("marker")
TypeError: __call__() takes exactly 2 arguments (1 given)

Absolutely lost now as it doesnt ask for another module to install! :pac:

Anyone manage to install it okay?

Doge · 31-01-2017 1:23am

Fixed the issue above by installing the x86 version of python 2.7 instead of the 64-bit version,
and then downloading the setuptools installer specifcally for version 2.7.

It appears setuptools is not backwards compatible so you need to download the correct version for your version of pyhton.

Anyway managed to get it to play but with a very loud noise as you can hear in the first part of the video.

The noise seemed to have settled down afterwards and went more high pitched.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1OGcqUseLw

One possible issue is that the middle 2 pins on one side of U3 the DC to DC converter chip were connected.

Not sure if this is meant to be or if theres a short underneath somewhere.

If anyone wants to check those for continuity I'd be delighted!

Doge · 31-01-2017 1:29am

Just got the fright of my life after playing back your video wobzilla and this one came on next! :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaBh4ZYE_Ck

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JM5hNB5CG4

What sort of creature is that little dude?

Thought it was something out of Aliens when I saw it first! :pac:

wobzilla1 · 31-01-2017 8:56am

I'll check the boost converter on mine when I get home today.
I only had to install py65 and pyserial myself and they both worked off the bat. I've a 64 bit version of Windows and I just used the default installer.

That lad's an axolotl, I forgot how much of a fat shît he was when I had him in the small tank.
They're a type of amphibian that doesn't develop lungs and stays aquatic as adults.
Apparently they're just about extinct in the wild now but loads of the albino ones in captivity.
They're pretty cool, they can regrow limbs and even parts of their head apparently

wobzilla1 · 31-01-2017 2:38pm

Pins 6 and 7 show continuity, there's actually a resistor between them but it's only 1 ohm.

Not sure what could be causing the noise, mine just hisses softly when it's not playing something.
Do you have another sid to try?

Where did you get your front panel made for the MB-6582 btw?

Doge · 01-02-2017 12:58am

wobzilla1 wrote: »

Pins 6 and 7 show continuity, there's actually a resistor between them but it's only 1 ohm.

Not sure what could be causing the noise, mine just hisses softly when it's not playing something.
Do you have another sid to try?

Where did you get your front panel made for the MB-6582 btw?

Thanks a lot for testing that for me dude!

Sonething weird happened with your post today, couldnt view it for ages, and im only seeing it now. My usercp kept highlighting the thread for new posts also! Odd.

Not so sure what I did wrong, I did use a different value cap as mentioned in the readme. Might exchange that for the value you sent me. Not too concerned anyway since it works and it shows i can solder smd.

I used Schaeffer for the front panel.

https://www.schaeffer-ag.de/en/

The front panel they sent me didnt have the paint infilled properly, it was a but blotchy in places. Nothing major but a minor inconvenience.

So after showing them photoe they decided to send another one out for free by express ups, which I gave to a member on the forum.

So they're very professional and I'd highly recommend them.

KeRbDoG · 11-02-2017 9:38pm

Just got around to building this now - right at the end to discover I've the wrong footprint 330uH inductor

one ordered up.
I've learned that I'm not amazing at SMD soldering, I've checked connectivity of all pins/legs but it just doesn't look pretty.

Doge wrote: »

One possible issue is that the middle 2 pins on one side of U3 the DC to DC converter chip were connected. Not sure if this is meant to be or if theres a short underneath somewhere. If anyone wants to check those for continuity I'd be delighted!

I believe pins 2 & 4 are connected on the PCB underneath the IC, and pins 6 & 7 from the 1ohm resistor as mentioned.
Pic of the board here from the github site.

KeRbDoG · 17-02-2017 12:58am

OK, inductor installed so I (without the SID installed) started to buzz out some of the input pins and somehow I have the 5V line of the Uno connecting to GND on the SID shield - no idea how/where

Any suggestions Doge/wobzilla1?

The Last Bandit · 17-02-2017 4:17pm

Sega Megadrive version

https://hackaday.io/project/13361-sega-genesis-native-hardware-chiptune-synthesizer

KeRbDoG · 19-02-2017 8:24pm

KeRbDoG wrote: »

OK, inductor installed so I (without the SID installed) started to buzz out some of the input pins and somehow I have the 5V line of the Uno connecting to GND on the SID shield - no idea how/where

Any suggestions Doge/wobzilla1?

Was this the correct inductor to use?

Doge · 20-02-2017 2:06am

KeRbDoG wrote: »

Was this the correct inductor to use?

It matches the spec and brand of the one I bought,
330uH, 0.6A.

Im not sure whats causing the connection between 5V and GND.
Have you all components soldered?

Is there any tests you would like us to do?

I just measured the voltages to the SIDs IC socket using the pinout on Wikipedia.

Commodore SID arduino shield PCBs for anyone who wants one

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