Scali wrote:Would it be possible to design this in a way that you can easily switch between SID types using a jumper or something?
I can imagine that people may want to swap between a 6581 and a 8580 from time to time.
I think current board is final.
I'm thinking about another SSI-2001-compatible board: smaller, SMD, more SID clock options and easily configured. But that's just a thought right now.
Beegle wrote:I have ordered my SID chip, and I was told to be super careful with it, apparently they're super sensitive to static electricity.
Aside from grounding myself when touching and manipulating it, anything else I should know or do?
Well, common precaution working with ESD-sensitive devices. Wear minimum clothes from synthetic fabric, minimize fast motions of your body. Use grounding strap or regularly touch grounded parts with your hand (PC case, back of power supply) before touching everything else inside PC. Store and handle ESD-sensitive device (SID) in static-dissipative package and/or with shorted legs (put them in metal foil).
Typical scenario:
1) You take package with your SID (presumably packed into static-dissipative, "silver" packet) with one hand;
2) Go to your test PC with your replica, down touch it yet;
3) With another hand touch case of your PC or power supply casing (shortest path to grounded power outlet): warning, spark may occur! 😈
4) While touching grounded part (keeping potential of your body near ground level, also SID in you other hand will be equalized with that potential safely as well) sit down and put your SID onto PC.
5) While regularly contacting your body with grounded part, unpack your SID and put it in the board; avoid fast motions of your body;
6) Put the board into PC;
7) Done!