The world s first Public Domain SID 6581/8580 replica chip available on the market
The "Public Domain SID" (PDsid) is a new compact, robust, and highly affordable SID chip that offers several advantages over the original and also expensive replica SIDs. When the reset button on the C64 is held for 3 seconds, the PDsid switches to 8580 mode, indicated by a short beep for 6581 mode and two beeps for 8580 mode (default is 6581 mode). This allows quick and easy switching between the two SID modes in real-time without a complicated configuration menu. Sound adjustments are unnecessary, as the PDsid was designed using original 6581/8580 SIDs as references, aiming for the closest possible approximation of their characteristic sound. Given the many different 6581 versions with vastly different sounds, it makes little sense to emulate every variant. Instead, the best universal characteristic was chosen, ensuring most music tracks sound good. The scratchy, excessive distortion of the 6581 SID was avoided, as it often disrupts the sound quality. Paddles are also supported with the PDsid as with the original SID.
The "Public Domain SID" will come fully soldered and is ready to use (Plug & Play).
Background:
This SID replica (6581/8580) was originally planned for release in 2022 under the project name "PICO SID," based on the RP2040 PICO chip (a video at the time already showed the completed circuit board). However, the project was delayed due to numerous other higher-priority projects. The UNI64 uLightBox64 also contains a PICO that analyzes the SID data and thus controls the RGB lights.
Now, almost three years later, it has been decided not to release the first generation and to move straight to the next step with the new RP2350 PICO 2 chip in its 2nd generation. This new chip is significantly more powerful than the old PICO generation.
What does Public Domain mean? True freedom. In stark contrast to the GPL prison (GNU General Public License), which contains a license with numerous prohibitions in the form of restrictions. Furthermore, with this GPL prison, one must always be prepared that if too much time is taken (a few weeks) to comply with the license conditions, this can suddenly attract antisocial people who act far from any reason. With Public Domain, on the other hand, usage is not restricted by license regulations, and can be easily used for other Public Domain projects without having to pay attention to restrictions from previous licenses. Thus, everyone can let their creativity run free and focus solely on it.
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