New C64 Project (Ultimate 64)

[deibit]

Here my WIP project, again C64 based, this time with Ultimate64. An almost pure FPGA based clone, the only non FPGA component is the SID.

--> https://ultimate64.com/Ultimate-64

For this project I used the ARMSID clone, a much better clone than SwinSID or even SwinSID ultimate (and much better of course any emulated or FPGA'd digital solution)

--> http://dzi.n.cz/8bit/armsid/index_en.php

I still have some spare 8850 and 6581 original SIDs, maybe I put one in the secondary slot.

The case is a Pixelwizard C64 case with U64 mounts.

--> https://shop.pixelwizard.eu/en/commodore-c64/37/c64c-case-classic-beige?c=12

Some preview pics:

 

[KalessinDB]

My brother had a C64 when I was a kid, good memories... I might consider building one of these, but where did you get the keyboard?

 

[deibit]

the keyboard needs to be sourced from a broken C64... they use to pop up in Ebay from time to time.

There are projects to produce compatible mechanical keyboards (for c64 and amiga), but I'm not sure the price makes them worth it.

 

[Darksoft]

Nice one @deibit. As soon as I sell more of my PCBs and get more space I'll definitely get into it.

 

[dr_myslihiiri]

For this project I used the ARMSID clone, a much better clone than SwinSID or even SwinSID ultimate (and much better of course any emulated or FPGA'd digital solution)

I've been eyeing the recently released FPGASID (which is supposed to sound really great), but the ARMSID seems an attractive (and much lower-priced) alternative. It's a shame it's currently out of stock.

 

[deibit]

you need to be patient with the ARMSID, just send him an email, asking that you want to be added to the waiting list, and you would will get an email once the slots are open.

FPGASID looks quite intriguing.. specially because there are not many reviews around we can't really know if they got the analogue part right.

We need someone to make a comparison like this but with the FPGASID:

http://kompjut0r.blogspot.com/2018/04/sid-8580-vs-armsid-vs-swinsid-ultimate_12.html?m=1

 

[Kundi]

The FPGASID is quite expensive BUT it can emulate 2 SIDs at once!
I got two of these here, and I can't tell them apart from a real SID.

 

[Asure]

How much is that ARMSID?
I have a C64S with 8850 but i have been hunting for a breadbox with 6581 because i love that old 'warm' feeling of the 6581 tunes. The older games seem less hot on a 8850 and i always got bothered by the low digi volume back in the days. Demo scene and 8850 optimized stuff is great, but things like Dragon's lair or Commando (or anything older 'Rob Hubbard' stuff) feels 'off' on the 8850 to me

 

[deibit]

The ARMSID costs 27€+VAT