frailn

nILS - your script doesn't do the full install? Curious to know what the difference is from full Ubuntu and your script. I was going to start installing some of the suggested programs for the Labuntu distro and start playing around with them using my live USB stick. But, before I do, I'm deciding if I should use my full install or re-install using your script so any unneeded programs are not installed. I followed these instructions for my install.

We just need 24 more chips on the list to make the order. Thanks to all those that have signed up so far! The current order will be for FIFTY chips. After we hit the FIFTY mark, the price will most likely go up. Fifty is all that my supplier has in stock at this moment, and if he orders more from Asia, he will get charged more since transportation costs have risen. So, get in now while these sound chips are at their cheapest! Here is the link to the sign up list, in case you missed it earlier http://midibox.org/dokuwiki/frailn_ay-3-8912_mini_sale

MINI SALE is officially open on the dokuwiki! http://midibox.org/dokuwiki/frailn_ay-3-8912_mini_sale Thanks for your help, ilmenator!

UPDATE 08/12/08: SALE IS CLOSED. If you are interested in purchasing AY-3-8912 chips, I recommend this site: url=http://mysite.verizon.net/res8aiig/ICparts/ICparts.htm#AY38912 __________________________________________________________________________________________ I'm going to run a MINI-SALE of fifty AY-3-8912 chips for the in-development module by Lemonhorse. I can get fifty chips for $3.99 USD each. Reference the forum article here. Reference the WIKI entry here. Not sure how to start a new WIKI page, I may not have rights? Can some assist? Please add your name and the quantity you would like to the WIKI page. I'll place the order once we get up to or close enough to fifty. Payment will be through PayPal. I'll put up more $$$ information on the WIKI once I get access to create a page.

Thanks for the info! My PSU is actually a third-party generic brand, not the official Commodore version. I checked the fuse and it was fine. Then, I plugged it into a C64 and tested the voltages on the power port, from inside the case, and the voltages are fine (5v and 9v). The builder of this PSU might have got the pin out wrong? But, I don't think so, since I'm able to fire up a C64 and use it normally. I think my issue is just that I'm OPSU building-challenged! But, I'll double check the voltages again against the pin-out of the OPSU schematic and see if I missed something. I ended up rebuilding an OPSU using a C64 disk drive power supply, and I've managed to get it to send the right voltages to the SID and Core modules and operate a one-SID synth with no issues. However, I do want to get an OPSU working correctly with a regular C64 power supply so that I can add more SID modules in the future.... This is good info. Maybe should add to an OPSU page in the WIKI!

LOL! YOU MUST BY MORE CHIPS. MANY YEAR TO COME FOR PROJECT. I just got a response from Kevin. So! the price is a little higher than originally quoted, but on quantities, the sky's the limit. At $3.99 each + $.42 PayPal fees, the cost per chip would be $4.41 USD or 2.94 Euro or 2.30 GBP or 4.95 AUD. Not sure on shipping, I need to study Wilba's shipping methods to make sure I keep that cost low. I'll cover the cost of the padded envelopes, I can get them cheap at the wholesale market (or five finger discount at the office). I'll set up a MINI-SALE WIKI page tonight or tomorrow to see how much interest we have! I know there's a bunch of midiboxers with C64 keyboards laying around just waiting to hook up to a Lemonhorse AY-3-8912 Synth!

Hey, nILS, can you send me that script when you get a chance? frailn [at] yahoo [dot] com I've been trying to install to USB using the long, complicated, manual steps, so that I can understand the process. But, it's not working out well. I'd like to try the script. Thanks! NEVERMIND. I got it working. Had to repair the master boot record, and now works like a charm. I'm posting from USB Ubuntu now! The PC is so quiet running from the USB stick. No CD ROM or Disk Drive noises. It's nice. Can't wait until the distro is ready. I'm available to help others on installation issues as much as I can...

I've been researching some other platforms that used this sound chip. The old Vectrex video game systems had the AY-3-8912 in an IC Socket, according to the tech manual - NO DESOLDERING. Ideally, getting my hands on a Vectrex and the test cartridge would work. The test cartridge plays a sound through each of the three channels, starting at a low frequency and going up to a high frequency. However, if I can just get a Vectrex, perhaps there is a video game that will run through all three channels. Finding the test cartridge would be hard to do. If anyone has knowledge of an available test cartridge for the Vectrex, let me know! I'm eyeballing some Vectrex auctions on eBay. It would be cool to own one to play with, in addition to using it to test sound chips.

That brings up the topic of me testing the chips from Kevin if I run a mini-sale. I'll have to build the midibox first in order to do that. Unless someone has a better idea for testing these... EDIT: I suppose I could buy a ZX Spectrum for testing purposes. Looks like the mother board is set up with a DIP socket, so I could plug in the chips and test each one. Nevermind - upon closer inspection, the sound chip is soldered to the board.

Nice score on the spectrum, Cam! Thanks for the recommendation, Buhler. I'm glad someone on the forum has worked with Kevin in the past! Well, Kevin has fifty of these IC's in stock for the price of 3.60 USD per chip. I'm guessing shipping to my house would be no more than 20 USD. Add in paypal fees, and it looks like the approximate price would be $4.00 USD per chip. I would follow the same procedure Wilba used on the SID's for shipping these domestically and internationally. So, you would also have to pay shipping to your location on top of that $4. I personally want four of these. That would leave 46 left. Is there enough interest for me to start a Mini-Sale? Anyone? Anyone? Buhler? Buhler? Anyone? If you guys are interested, I'll need to slap up a wiki page.

Do you want to wait and see what response I get from the US dealer I found regarding pricing and shipping? If he can come through with 150 or more, we're looking at 1.85 GBP/2.34 Euro/3.60 USD per chip. Of course shipping charges from the dealer to me will raise the price. Just waiting to see that that looks like....but based on conversations so far, that will be pretty darn cheap.

The guy at this site tells me that he will give us and additional 10% off on quantities greater than what is listed on his website. His site lists 10 chips for $3.99 each. So, addt'l 10% put them at $3.60 per chip. That's the cheapest I've seen yet. He says shipping depends upon weight, so I don't have an estimate. I've asked him how many chips he has available. Waiting for a reply.

;D A pleasurable replacement for the modulation matrix.

Don't tell the wife what I'm cooking up in the garage... <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTkX-2faAr4&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&fs=1"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTkX-2faAr4&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTkX-2faAr4&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Wow, a father and son midibox project, that's great! When you were asking me questions about the Prophet64, Wood, I knew you needed something much more interesting by the nature of your questions. I'm glad I was able to introduce you to Thorsten's projects. Now, you've inspired me to work on a midibox project with my 17 year old son! He plays electric bass and acoustic guitar....maybe an effects switcher. Hmm...much to think about and explore along this track. Thanks for the idea, Wood!

I smell a Mega-Sale in the air...

I'm checking on a couple of suppliers in the US. Considering the strength of the dollar these days, this could be a bargain for Euro and British midiboxers. Let you know what I find out.

There is no sign-up method for these PCB's. Just wait until an announcement is made here on the forum when they are available from SmashTV's shop.

Since I'm collecting different chips for projects, and I'm interested in this one, I might be willing to run the group buy if I can get some advice from Wilba or SmashTV on international shipping of IC's - how to keep the cost down, etc... I live in the USA, so if I purchased 100 of these IC's, shipping would be $77 USD to my address. Total cost for 100 chips would be $102.95. That comes out to $1.03 per chip. Then add on shipping charges to wherever purchasers live (that is where I would need assistance). Wilba since you have shipped SID's all over the world, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Smash - since you live in the US and ship internationally and domestically, you might have some good advice, as well. I would use the PayPal option, like other group buys. Most likely run it just like Wilba did the SID Mega-Sales. However, the only caveat would be testing the chips when they got here. Any ideas on how to test these once I received them? They only have one chip available. Someone please downgrade my forum status from "Midibox addict" to Midibox Retard, please.

According to this this site: 5.0 or 3.3V; 44.1kHz OPL3-L: OPL3 low voltage version in 44-pin QFP package. Operational temperature range from 0°C to 70°C. It appears to be a "low voltage" version???

Thanks, nILs! My guess is that there would be interest in two PCB versions: 1. allows room for desoldered C64 power port, switch and the two DSUB ports for banksticks, along with the metal facing that is removed from a C64. Along the lines of what Daniel Price did for his OPSU. 2. Simple version like m00dawg is designing for those not using C64 parts or a C64 case. I would definitely be interested in a self-etch version that uses the C64 parts. Any assistance I can provide, just let me know (measurements of C64 parts, etc..). I've never designed a PCB, so I'm following this thread closely to learn. I would use the design to etch a board and post feedback on the forum for others to follow.

m00dawg, are you considering running a PCB bulk order for these? I know it seems trivial since it's such a simple circuit, but for a lot of the newbies, it might come in handy. If not, I think I'll try my hand at DIY etching using this design. Always wanted to give that a try. While I'm at it, I might try using the same etching technique for a Front Panel, as well...maybe go for a steampunk look. See this article.

That's a bit high for non-US customers!

https://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16610

Hey, I just realized if you are going with Step B surface and multiple SIDS, you will need a DOUT board for the LED's.