Thanks to Matze’s Galdurino (https://gitlab.com/MHeinrichs/galdurino) project I was able to dump one of GAL16V8 ICs in Macrosystem Vlab video digitizer
Galdurino and Macrosystem VLab
Before that, I connected it to my Amiga 2000 and used it to dump the picture from “composite” from A2000.
It worked OK with PiStorm(see picture)
VLab software
Here you can check Zorro II id’s of VLab:
Zorro Ids
I was able to dump Lattice GAL16V8 by applying 17V on pin 2, however STs GAL16V8S were not able to be dumped. There were other boards with the same chips by Lattice. I’ll try to take one.
I bought this device on eBay and decided to make a replica of it.
UVGEN Genlock for Amiga
An internal genlock for the Amiga which plugs into the video slot (OCS/ECS style). This genlock appears to have been developed for use with the A2000 clone called the Sneak Prevue, a system for broadcasting programming information. The genlock was used to supply video from the Laser Disc Player. (https://bigbookofamigahardware.com/bboah/Product.aspx?id=440)
I bought this device on eBay and decided to make a replica of it. I did not found any other open source genlocks for Amiga so it would be nice to have something in this niche.
First of all, WARNINGS:
KiCAD UVGen genlock
1) The project is completely untested. I plugged in the original card, but it is not a correct test. This project may not work at all, because there are many copper traces.
2) UVGEN Genlock works on A2000 NTSC machines only, you need to modify circuit for PAL(and I am not sure it is possible to do that)
3) FPGA onboard has its own ROM and it was dumped. EEPROM dump is provided only for home and non-commercial usage. If you want to sell this – write your own ROM for XC2018.
4) Of course, I am not responsible for any loss, damage, or other things caused by this project to your expensive Amiga desktop.
5) If you successfully managed to start up this card – please tell me, if I need to do any changes in the project files. Your help will be much appreciated.
6) Inductor values should be inspired from the datasheet
UVGEN genlock consists of video overlay IC MC1378P. See its datasheet: https://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/download/168761/MOTOROLA/MC1378P.html
This IC is controlled by FPGA with OEM ROM which makes all the necessary signals. There are also 4 switches(and thus 16 modes) of Genlock. I do not know how it works. From what I’ve seen on a screen – it chooses signals from Amiga for gen-locking and overlaying.
HOW IT WAS USED:
UVGen connection
– To add Teletext to videos + some effects
– To add captions and credits list
– To make music videos
Original UVGEN Genlock was used for Sneak Prevue TV broadcasting system.
IDEAS ON HOW TO USE IT:
1) Make retro wave videos using composite Amiga video and other video source
2) Make original and 90s-like video clips for music
3) Output composite video from new Amiga 2000s, Amiga 2000 EATX (from jasonbeer, my respect)
I’ll share the original files within several months but first I want some orders to appear from PCBWay to generate some income from my work. Next, I’ll share original schematics and board files too. Please support my work.
I also plan to make a small SMD-based board with the same functions.
This post will be extended and improved while there is more info
As we sold many Digifiz Replica units on behalf of Duplux Production (https://www.instagram.com/duplux_production/) there are many common questions and corresponding answers should be. There will be some more info regarding the device.
As a Russian development, the original page of Digifiz Replica is on the Russian social network VK, here:
You can also order PCBs almost assembled using JLCPCB order files provided in the repository. New UltiSID is highly inspired by Kung Fu Flash – and commonly, it is a Kung Fu Flash with a special firmware(Kung Fu SID, included as a submodule)
By the way, I have 4 extra chips and I can send/sell them somewhere if someone wants to check them out. As it was declared initially, UltiSID is completely free and open-source even for commercial purposes (GPLv3 license) I will be happy if someone will improve the project or add some new functions to it. It still lacks paddles, but new hardware supports it. As well, there is an OpAmp on output cascade, and output is completely generated by DAC, not PWM as on SwinSID – which ensures smooth and good generation of sound. I still need some optimization of code.
There are no hard flaws as it was before on the previous revision of the hardware. It processes data and it is possible to read it back, it works stable.
I would also be happy for any donation: PayPal is unfortunately banned in Russia, as Russia resident I am unable to use it, even if I’m not in Russia actually(as it is) 0xeDc17cb23241eACe19DF3617291aa7d2d92E62DC – USDT/ETH ERC20 TKSPmVWoCgQky8umDUcR7oivJKNzAXueSB – USDT TRC20 0x77c411fdedc72b034432571ae9aee10330b72d6c – USDT BSC20 https://www.cgtrader.com/u2606411 – or buy something here(my 3d models of C64 for 3d printing)
This joystick will help to work on Commodore 64/Amiga/Atari machines, but it can be rewired for any other machine (MSX, ZX Spectrum).
4. GBS8200 and GBSC upscalers/scandoublers
This thing is very useful if you want to have a good quality of your image and use your primary monitor while working with retro computer. Personally I’ve tested it on Commodore Amiga.
In this tutorial, I’ve used information from http://www.tolaemon.com/nss/ as well as my own experience for testing.
You’ll not only know how to assemble & flash SwinSIDs, but how to do it almost automatically.
SwinSID is a microcontroller-based clone of the SID, the audio chip used in nearly all 8-bit Commodore computers in the 80s, and later in some chiptune synths like SIDStation. The original SID ( Sound Interface Device) was designed by the engineer Robert Yannes and produced by MOS Technology under the names MOS 6581 and MOS 8580 from the early 80’s to the early 90s. Despite the production of the original SIDs stopped years ago, you still can find spare units of unknown origin on some internet sales sites, but they are very expensive and usually have some of their parts damaged ( it is not strange to find units with malfunctioning filters or oscillators ).
Pinout of SID(and SwinSID too):
SID pinout
Ordering boards
Here we’ll order boards that they will become partly(or fully) assembled.
To order fully assembled boards I do prefer PCBWay (use https://pcbway.com/g/Cc53D7), however you can use any other manufacturer.
Select necessary board number and select color of boards:
Turn on assembly service, enter necessary amount of boards and click “save to cart”, after that, you’ll be requested to update BOM, Pick and Place and gerber files.
Here they are(for full assembly):
Here they are(for manual header soldering, part assembly):
Payment, shipping and delivery
PCBWay accepts ordinary debit cards, PayPal and wire transfer. It is also possible to order for a company, they provide all the necessary documents.
Shipping using E-packet takes almost one month to Europe and USA(almost everywhere)
In Europe you can pay VAT while the order and receive items with simplified customs clearance.
Soldering partly assembled boards
This is how assembled boards look from the factory
If you’ve ordered boards without DIP assembly, you’ll need 2.54 round gold-plated headers:
