Testing a SID? (Also some MB-6582 questions)

[jmph]

Hi all,

I've got a couple roadside-special C64s that I'd like to turn into a 6582. Problem is the SIDs (6581s) are soldered in. The computers themselves are pretty busted up looking but I haven't tried to power them on (one of them came from a friend and I know it doesn't work.)

Is there an easy way to test the SIDs in situ before I go to all the trouble to desolder them?

Also, has anyone built an MB-6582 in a breadbox C64 case? I measured it against a PT-10 and the dimensions are almost identical (except width, C64 is wider) but the board positioning might be an issue... I do like the tidy look of the PT-10 build though.

Thinking of ordering everything I can from Smash TV, have any Canadians done this and gotten dinged by customs? I don't mind having to pay HST/duty but if they tack on a whole bunch of brokerage fees that would be really irritating.

Thanks,

Jay

Edited August 7, 2012 by jmph

[orange_hand]

Hi,

I would try to get a desoldering iron in order to get the Sid out without a damage. You can then test them in a C64 with a socket for the Sid. Also there is th NAFTA (north america free trade asgreement) in place. Check out if there is any import Vat (GST, HST, QST, PST, FNT... hehe) or duty on electronic parts.

Cheers

orange

[smashtv]

Thinking of ordering everything I can from Smash TV, have any Canadians done this and gotten dinged by customs? I don't mind having to pay HST/duty but if they tack on a whole bunch of brokerage fees that would be really irritating.

Hi Jay,

USPS to Canada has the usual GST/HST/PST but no brokerage fee.

There is a fixed handling fee of $5 for airmail or $8 express that Canada Post adds for parcels subject to tax/duty.

The couriers have some crazy random brokerage fees!

Best regards

Tim

[jmph]

Hi Jay,

USPS to Canada has the usual GST/HST/PST but no brokerage fee.

There is a fixed handling fee of $5 for airmail or $8 express that Canada Post adds for parcels subject to tax/duty.

The couriers have some crazy random brokerage fees!

Best regards

Tim

Great Tim, thanks for that. I'll probably put the order in soon then!

[sparx]

OK, the way I have desoldered SIDs is to get Mrs Sparx wearing a glove and holding an IC extracter. I then use a regular Blowtorch (Butane/Propane mix) and heat the solder side until its out. She loves it and has become quite the expert! She even looks forward to it.....

Haven't damaged a SID yet but be as quick as you can. Oddly enough they didn't teach me this method at college.

Needless to say the C64 board is damaged beyond repair after this.

[Hawkeye]

Which C64 revision had the SIDs soldered in? Extreme cost-saving by Commodore, again... Only beaten by their PSU design :)

PS: Desoldering a SID with a butane blowtorch with your wife without damaging it... that is really something ;-)

Edited August 8, 2012 by Hawkeye

[jmph]

I think it's a pretty early revision. Khaki breadbox, boards say 1982 or 1983.

Edited August 8, 2012 by jmph

[sparx]

The breadbins sometimes had soldered in SIDs, so 6581. Don't think I've ever had to do that with an 8580, they've always been socketed. But yes you are right, cost cutting and they told us at college to always use an IC socket.

To answer the original question, unless the C64 is functioning, your pretty much stuck at trying to test the SID.

If the rest is in poor shape, then you have nothing to lose really.

Edited August 8, 2012 by sparx

[jjonas]

A quick question on MB6582 PCBs: are they only available at SmashTV, i.e. they're not available anywhere in the EU..? I was thinking of the possibility of replacing my modular rat's nest with something a bit more trustworthy, but offhand it seems shipping etc. to Finland costs almost as much as the PCBs.

[Hawkeye]

Available at SmashTVs shop only - he also helped in the creation of the MB6582 PCB and does great parts kits - highly recommended to buy a complete kit for a fun build without sourcing trouble :)

Many greets,

Peter