ytsestef

ok, that's kind of relieving... if it means i didn't do anything wrong. :-\

Hi everyone again! I managed to build the OPSU, the core and sid module, wired the lcd, uploaded everything i needed, today i played my first notes ;D I connected only one SID module, i wanted to check if everything works, then i was going to connect the second SID module for stereo setup... After I made sure that the system works, I swapped SID modules to check if the second SID module works as good as the first one. The module once again worked perfectly, with even better sound (the two 6581s are identical, even the manufacture date is the same), then, after 2 minutes the sound went ''chipmunky''. It sounded like there was some sort of permanent ring / frequency modulation, causing every note to sound way higher pitched than normal. I touched the SID and it was burning hot! I switched off, I took it off and put it on the other module. It produced the same chipmunked sound and it never worked again like normal... :'( Is it possible that this chip was broken? Or did it get toasted due to bad SID module? (I checked the voltages and it is ok). I'm too frightened to put the working SID in the other module where the other got burned. At least I would know that the module is ok and i only need a ''new'' SID. What's your opinion? Is it possible for a SID to play for 2 minutes, then die? ???

Thanks a lot for your reassuring answer, i was worried that i needed another psu. However, the schematic for the optimizing circuit seems a bit complicated for a noob like me with the 2 switches meaning different pins of one switch (i guess), and the 2 pins of 5V DC (is one of them ground?), and the power led socket which i don't need and don't know how to remove... :'(

I bought everything i need (at least i hope so), and i noticed that the PSU reads: "Output: 5V - 1.7A 9V~1A 18VA" But it is known that the 6581 needs 12V instead of 9V (8085) :-\ I have two 6581 i'm gonna use for a stereo setup. Will this psu work??? I will be really pissed if i have to buy another one ???

I just bought one from ebay. You are right, I bought it for 1 pound (1,5 Euro), but the final cost was 31 Euros including shipping :-\ Anyway... the thing is: I finally got one. ;D

Thanks guys! You convinced me, I bought a C64 PSU from ebay ;D

Hmm, hadn't thought about that... I already ordered all the components I needed (except for the buttons, the knobs, the sockets and the plugs, which I'm going to purchase from a local store, I guess) including the LCD. I hope I will succeed in making a properly functioning Midibox SID :D PS: Still haven't figured out how to power the whole thing... :'( (c64 psu almost impossible to find at a price lower than 50 euros incl. shipping :o )

Thanks for answering! I live in greece... The thing that gets on my nerves most of all is that i used to own a C64C when I was young and sold it! So, now I have to search all over the world to find the SIDs (thank god i found 'em) and the PSU... It would have been a lot easier if I had my C64... :-\ anyway. Back in reality: It makes perfect sense that an ATX PSU isn't at all audio-optimized, but then again how do these professional PCI soundcards have such a perfect audio output? Isn't there any power optimization circuit known? (like the one that minimizes noise on the C64 PSU)

Hi again, i promised i would return soon with another newbie question :P I am not having any luck finding a c64 psu and i was wondering if a can use a standard ATX pc power supply (which has seperate 5V and 12V outputs). By the way i'm using 6581 so i need 12V instead of 9V. Theoritically i could connect the 5V output to the core module and the 12V output to the SID module. Am I missing something? Will this work? I am not sure because I haven't seen this idea implemented in any existing MBSID... ??? Thanks again and sorry if i'm being too stupid with my questions :P

Oh i get it (the parallel port). Actually i have to choose between the white and this one: http://www.matrixorbital.com/product_info.php?pName=mopal202cbftw&cName=lcd-mop-character-lcds I think i'm going for the white one. I hope that it isn't too power-hungry (i don't have a c64 psu and i don't want to get the regulator hot). Anyway, i'll see what i can do. Wait for more newbie questions in the future :P Thanks a lot guys! :)

wow, that was quick! thanks a lot... i was just confused with the ''parallel'' thing... (and i still am). if anyone else knows about it or has even seen it in any midibox i would be most happy to hear from them. :D

Hi everyone! I'm willing to start my own Midibox SID project. I already ordered two 6581 (2385) and the pcb's and parts from avishowtech. It's gonna be a stereo setup (single core, two sid modules) with a step a control surface. I have a question: Is this lcd suitable? http://www.matrixorbital.com/product_info.php?pName=mopal202cbgfw&cName=lcd-mop-character-lcds It is hd44780 compatible, but i get confused because the company produces serial and parallel (?) displays... I could not see the difference (newbie), the only thing i noticed is that parallel is cheaper :-\ Will this one work? Please help! Thanks a lot in advance. Cheers! S.