The Guinness Book of World Records lists the Commodore 64 as the best-selling computer model of all time. One of the C64’s most compelling features was it’s SID (Sound Interface Device) chip. This tiny, 3-voice synthesizer, created by Robert “Bob” Yannes is still loved and recognized today.
This Instructable will teach you how to build your own pocket-sized Propellerpowered SID player that you can even take on the go. This is a fun and easy-to-build project that will have you rocking out to SID tunes!
Requirements:
Your favorite Propeller board w/SD capability. (I’m using a Quickstart with a SAM Audio Kit)
An amplified speaker (A Veho or similar speaker)
I’ve created a full kit that has everything included for this project, but I’m also including full schematics, source code, and parts list for anyone wanting to “roll their own” Pocket SID Audio Player.
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Step 2: Insert the two 1.1k resistors into T9 to P19 and Q9 to P16 as shown Solder into place from the button and cut the excess leads. As you cut the excess leads, save them as we'll use them later. 1.1k resistors are BROWN, BROWN, RED
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It's time to add the SID tunes! The Commodore 64 uses .MUS and .SID files which contain 6502 code in them. That's a lot for a little microprocessor like the Propeller to have to handle, while reading the music from the microSD and generating the tones. A simple conversation program was written to convert .SID files into something very easy to process on the Propeller, making this SIDplayer possible. The good news is that a TON of SID tunes have already been converted for you! Here's two sources for them. Pick the ones you want from my personal collection: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qwhixzvtlrvp1u1/stJtXVM87I/SID%20DMP%20files Download the entire collection: http://depositfiles.com/files/43nohb5bf Create a folder on your microSD card called dmp and copy all of your SID .DMP files into this folder. SID Emulation: The Propeller is using an MIT licensed object called, SIDcog. SIDcog is a software emulation of the original SID chip written by Johannes Ahlebrand. SIDcog is an excellent sounding emulation, allowing many of the unique nuances of the 6581 to be replicated. More information about the SIDcog release can be found here.
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