Posted on August 9, 2023June 28, 2024 by Sgw32NC — Leave a comment

UVGEN Amiga Genlock Engineering

I bought this device on eBay and decided to make a replica of it.

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:

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:

– 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.

Source and ROMs:

https://github.com/Sgw32/UVGEN_Genlock_Replica

Posted on August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 by Sgw32NC — Leave a comment

Manufacturer info page for Digifiz Replica for VW mk2

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:

https://vk.com/digifiz

Also, I’ve created a Telegram page of Digifiz Replica some time ago:

https://t.me/digifiz

Currently, here is an official Manual for Digifiz Replica on English:

https://disk.yandex.ru/d/JSVqGUKjwCQQrQ

Posted on August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 by Sgw32NC — Leave a comment

UltiSID is released

UltiSID is released publicly and is now tested:

https://github.com/Sgw32/UltiSID

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)

Video:

https://youtube.com/shorts/YMMjhMZqSjQ?feature=share – small video of new hardware and software working on a real C64.

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)

Posted on August 9, 2023August 9, 2023 by Sgw32NC — Leave a comment

Top 10 things from Aliexpress for Retro-engineer

1. Xgpro(MiniPro) TL866II/TL866-3G programmer

XGpro T48 is a better version and is available here:

http://alii.pub/6i5jff

2. Gotek Floppy emulator

Gotek can be modded to add I2C display and buzzer.

Most of new revisions come with STM32 clone – AT32, can be flashed using USB cable.

http://alii.pub/6i5jpx

3. Joysticks

http://alii.pub/6i5kny – SNES joystick

http://alii.pub/6i5k01 Atari-compatible joystick

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.

http://alii.pub/6i5k9d – GBSC

http://alii.pub/6i5k9y – GBS8200