Build your own Pocket SID Audio Player

Let's time travel back to the 80's again by creating your own Propellerpowered Pocket SID Audio Player.

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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 Servo & More Board)
•  An amplified speaker (A Veho or similar speaker)

Propellerpowered 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.


Here's what you can look forward to:  (SIDplayer in action.... and some tunes to help you build.)


SIDstickMedley by propellerpowered

Step 1: Schematics

The Quickstart is highly recommended as your starting point, as I'm using two of it's touchbuttons for controls, but isn't required, the player will work in "automatic" mode without requiring interaction.

If you are creating your own version of the Pocket SID Audio Player, you'll need to replicate two circuits:

• R/L Channel Audio out P16 and P19
• MicroSD (or SD) interface on P6-P9

Here's the parts list:

• 2- 0.1uf Capacitors
• 3- 10uf Electrolytic Capacitors
• 3- screwterminal connectors
• 2- 1.1k Resistors
• 4- 10K Resistors
• 1- SD adapter connection
• 1- Propeller board (Quickstart recommended for full features)
• 1- Breadboard or Prototyping board
• 1- Wire and basic tools

The next few steps use the "Servo and More" board from Propellerpowered, but may be replicated using a piece of "perf" board.  Keep in mind that your numbers may/may not match the SAM board and adjust accordingly as your build this project.

Comments

[tacticalninja]

I think it's better off with the buttons on top.

[amandaghassaei]

cool, I really like the bass sound that it makes. have you done other projects with this sid chip?

[Propellerpowered]

Remember the old SIDPLAYER program for the Commodore 64? I wrote a version of it that works on the Pocket Mini Computer project to a VGA screen. (Has the same piano keys screen). I've also done some instrument projects with this object.