MBSID V1.7xxx or MBSID V2 ??

[SLP]

hi,

I'm planning to build a stereo SID with a 6581 and a 8580, but I don't know if it's better to build the MBSID V1.7xxx now or if it's better to wait some months until TK has released the MBSID V2 as this only needs 1 core to control 2 SIDs and as it's got more advantages than the old version.  ???

a solution would be to use the V1.7xxx with only one SID and add the second SID as soon as the V2 is released, but I don't know wether the h/w is the same  :-\

could someone please help me ??

thanks,

matthias

[Wilba]

If you have one 6581 and one 8580, even in V2 it would require two cores, because as far as I know, the "stereo" support in V2 will be focused on two SIDs of the same type connected to one core, thus simplifying stereo effects (like the left and right channel having different LFO phases, but using the same patch). Different SIDs on the one Core would not work well for a lot of reasons - different filters, different noise levels, etc. Also, as far as I know, two SIDs connected to one Core will not have the same features as two Cores - you won't be able to do bassline sequence on one SID and a lead on the other SID if there is only one Core.

The hardware will be the same, so if you build a two-core V1.7 setup now, you will be able to migrate to the V2 setup, and you could always add more SID modules later for two "stereo" channels.

[SLP]

ok. I think I'll go for the stereoSID V1.7xx now, but I've still got 2 questions concerning the PICs:

1. the V2-core will require a newer PIC18F4620. can I use the V1.7-core with the same PIC?

2. Do the V2-Slave-cores also run with an old PIC16F877?

matthias

[TK.]

1. the V2-core will require a newer PIC18F4620. can I use the V1.7-core with the same PIC?

yes, the V1 firmware runs also on a PIC18F4620, only MIOS and the bootloader are different

In other words: the core module is the same, microcontroller and MIOS are different, the application is binary compatible

2. Do the V2-Slave-cores also run with an old PIC16F877?

I guess you mean firmware: no, neither the most current V1 nor the future V2 will run on a PIC16F877, this uC is obsolete

Best Regards, Thorsten.

[SLP]

yes, the V1 firmware runs also on a PIC18F4620, only MIOS and the bootloader are different

In other words: the core module is the same, microcontroller and MIOS are different, the application is binary compatible

... and where can I download the PIC18F4620-MIOS and the PIC18F4620-bootloader?

matthias

[TK.]

... it's part of the MIOS update package, just have a look into the pic18f4620 folder

Best Regards, Thorsten.