SFG-01/05 module clone

Guardian (3648)

09-08-2016, 14:56

We at RBSC are making a clone of the Yamaha SFG-01/05 module. The plan is to put the DIP40 socket on board so that it could be used with the original 2148 chip or with the small external board with Altera chip to emulate the 2148 functions. The alpha version of the 2148 emulation firmware for Altera is ready and needs testing. We are going to verify that it works properly on the original board and then we will order boards for the SFG clone.

We also have plans to have SFG as a normal MSX cartridge, but that would be a completely different design - mostly based on Altera Cyclone chip.

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Van meits

Scribe (6571)

09-08-2016, 15:13

great news
i bet the vgm guys will like it a lot

Van Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3648)

09-08-2016, 16:39

Why the heck I can't edit my own post after some time?!

Anyway, there will be a jumper with selection of SFG's bios - either 01 or 05. The module should work with 2151 and 2164 chips.

Van maxis

Champion (512)

15-08-2016, 15:49

IMHO, great project.
It would be awesome if reproducing this card could motivate the SW guys to port the game sound to SFG05 synth.
Another IMHO, instead of making 2 different SGF05 versions for MSX side slot and for the standard cartridge, just reproducing a simple Yamaha slot adapter UCN-01 will suffice.

One more comment: emulating completely the MKS chip (Yamaha YM2148) is not required, since Yamaha YKxx keyboards are obsolete, have neither pressure nor the velocity.
Only the MIDI UART and the IM2 interrupt vector control can be implemented for the compatibility.

Moreover, the MIDI UART and IM2 interrupt can be implemented in the small uC FW. Also, you can extend the MIDI functionality of the emulated YM2148 by receiving the MIDI key on/off messages and passing them over as they were actually pressed on the YKxx keyboard.

Van giangiacomo.zaffini

Champion (267)

06-11-2016, 15:06

@ Alexey
I'm craving ebay for SFG-0x likes modules and UCN-01 or the likes connectors, nonetheless I'm interested in listening to how these projects are growing, any update? Thank You.

Van Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3648)

12-11-2016, 20:58

The firmware for YM2148 emulator is being tested at the moment. Here's the picture of the YM2148 emulation device. This emulator is the only thing that needs to be completed before we start the SFG clone's implementation as physical hardware.

Van Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3648)

27-02-2017, 01:17

The firmware for the YM2148 replacement has been completed. Now MIDi works properly both ways. The SFG-01 module with 01 and 05 BIOS is now working correctly with the external music keyboard. We still need to test it on the real SFG-05 module, but I am pretty sure it will work.

So now we are planning to design the board for the clone. With a large probability this will be a board identical to the original SFG module's board, but with the Altera MAX chip as the replacement for the YM2148. We are also thinking of designing a standard cartridge board for this module where the YM2151, YM3012 DAC and EPROM will be present as physical chips and everything else will be emulated by Altera Flex or even Max (if fits).

If you are interested in such a clone, please post an answer down here and specify what board you would be willing to get.

Van sd_snatcher

Prophet (3675)

27-02-2017, 01:41

Depending on the price, I would be interested in the SFG-01 clone in a standard cartridge size, as long as it has the same features/connections as the original.

The MIDI connectors could be mini-DIN5 so they can fit in the cartridge, and the audio out connector probably will have to be changed to a 3.5mm TRS.

Van alexito

Paladin (761)

27-02-2017, 05:24

I would be interested in the SFG-01 clone (using Real YM2151) and if you guys can implement direct I/O access (using IN/OUT) to the YM2151 Audio Chip will be great because this add on allow us to adapt arcade music more easily for sure.

Van giangiacomo.zaffini

Champion (267)

27-02-2017, 11:49

@ alexito: do You think that I/O port mapped is better than I/O memory mapped? I know that Panamusement's FM-PAC has both addressing methods, and it is helpful to address two FM-PACs on the same MSX, and I also know that MSX-AUDIO BIOS can manage two MSX-AUDIO modules, but I don't know how it can do that. What's about SGF-0x BIOS ??

Van NYYRIKKI

Enlighted (6091)

27-02-2017, 11:54

Original cartridge with huge size and Yamaha specific connector is far from practical. If there would be more practical alternative I would definitely be interested as long as the price tag has less than 3 numbers. Unfortunately this device has only minimal 3rd party software support, but maybe these development steps will improve the situation.