Had a Commodore C64 with a failing SID 6581 sound chip that was missing high notes. Replaced it over the weekend with this new Raspberry Pi Pico solution called the SIDKick. Purchased it assembled for $25. Very happy with the results. github.com/frntc/SIDKick #c64 #retrocomputing
October 30, 2024 at 1:46 AM
Had a Commodore C64 with a failing SID 6581 sound chip that was missing high notes. Replaced it over the weekend with this new Raspberry Pi Pico solution called the SIDKick. Purchased it assembled for $25. Very happy with the results. github.com/frntc/SIDKick #c64 #retrocomputing
Oh .. I need to update my SIDkick firmware 😲
September 23, 2026 at 5:26 AM
Oh .. I need to update my SIDkick firmware 😲
Commodore 64 Demo: Censor Design - Wonderland XIII (2016)
Recorded with new SIDKick Pico firmware v0.30B, released earlier today.
Recorded with new SIDKick Pico firmware v0.30B, released earlier today.
August 25, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Commodore 64 Demo: Censor Design - Wonderland XIII (2016)
Recorded with new SIDKick Pico firmware v0.30B, released earlier today.
Recorded with new SIDKick Pico firmware v0.30B, released earlier today.
Just ordered the smaller form factor SIDKick Pico replacement for the C64 SID sound chip. www.retro8bitshop.com/product/sidk... #c64 #sid #sidkick
SIDKick-Pico 2040 by FRNTC - Retro 8bit Shop
The SID-Kick Pico 2040 is a cheap alternative to replace the 6581 or 8580 SID chip. Based on a Raspberry Pi Pico and the ReSID emulation, added with a load of extra features it really packs a punch. ...
www.retro8bitshop.com
January 6, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Just ordered the smaller form factor SIDKick Pico replacement for the C64 SID sound chip. www.retro8bitshop.com/product/sidk... #c64 #sid #sidkick
der otto waakles ork will die sidkick hobbits fressen
December 25, 2025 at 9:37 PM
der otto waakles ork will die sidkick hobbits fressen
SIDKick Pico, shout-out to dicemaN (Pete) on our RHD discord who assembled it! Legend.
January 8, 2026 at 9:15 PM
SIDKick Pico, shout-out to dicemaN (Pete) on our RHD discord who assembled it! Legend.
Hi friends, I haven't posted in over a week as I wanted to have a short break from socials, but I'm back!
I'm currently testing out my new
*SIDKick Pico (inexpensive dual-SID-replacement for the C64 and C128)* 🤘
Project Link: github.com/frntc/SIDKic...
Check it out!!!! 👇
I'm currently testing out my new
*SIDKick Pico (inexpensive dual-SID-replacement for the C64 and C128)* 🤘
Project Link: github.com/frntc/SIDKic...
Check it out!!!! 👇
January 8, 2026 at 6:27 PM
Hi friends, I haven't posted in over a week as I wanted to have a short break from socials, but I'm back!
I'm currently testing out my new
*SIDKick Pico (inexpensive dual-SID-replacement for the C64 and C128)* 🤘
Project Link: github.com/frntc/SIDKic...
Check it out!!!! 👇
I'm currently testing out my new
*SIDKick Pico (inexpensive dual-SID-replacement for the C64 and C128)* 🤘
Project Link: github.com/frntc/SIDKic...
Check it out!!!! 👇
SIDKick Pico stand-alone PCBs have arrived. This might beat me actually, but as one of the people who asked Carsten to create it, I have to give it a try.
November 21, 2024 at 8:37 PM
SIDKick Pico stand-alone PCBs have arrived. This might beat me actually, but as one of the people who asked Carsten to create it, I have to give it a try.
Holy sh*tballs! The SIDKick Pico firmware just got updated, adding filter curve adjustment options and - get this - presets! I have never seen a SID replacement with presets before.
Set it on 6581R4AR and fired up my go-to test from the late, great Peter Clarke. Have a listen for yourself. 🎧
Set it on 6581R4AR and fired up my go-to test from the late, great Peter Clarke. Have a listen for yourself. 🎧
December 31, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Holy sh*tballs! The SIDKick Pico firmware just got updated, adding filter curve adjustment options and - get this - presets! I have never seen a SID replacement with presets before.
Set it on 6581R4AR and fired up my go-to test from the late, great Peter Clarke. Have a listen for yourself. 🎧
Set it on 6581R4AR and fired up my go-to test from the late, great Peter Clarke. Have a listen for yourself. 🎧
SIDKick pico v0.30b Beta Adds Custom Waveforms and Pseudo-Stereo
#SIDKickPico #Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDChip #Ultimate64 #C64Ultimate #RetroComputing
theoasisbbs.com/sidkick-pico...
#SIDKickPico #Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDChip #Ultimate64 #C64Ultimate #RetroComputing
theoasisbbs.com/sidkick-pico...
SIDKick pico v0.30b - The Oasis BBS
SIDKick pico v0.30b adds custom waveforms, pseudo-stereo, EasyFlash updates, improved audio output, and several compatibility fixes.
theoasisbbs.com
September 1, 2026 at 12:52 PM
SIDKick pico v0.30b Beta Adds Custom Waveforms and Pseudo-Stereo
#SIDKickPico #Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDChip #Ultimate64 #C64Ultimate #RetroComputing
theoasisbbs.com/sidkick-pico...
#SIDKickPico #Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDChip #Ultimate64 #C64Ultimate #RetroComputing
theoasisbbs.com/sidkick-pico...
Built the latest version of SIDKick Pico from scratch. This is the version with the DAC.
Unlike my build last year with no experience of soldering QFNs, these worked first time.
Unlike my build last year with no experience of soldering QFNs, these worked first time.
April 1, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Built the latest version of SIDKick Pico from scratch. This is the version with the DAC.
Unlike my build last year with no experience of soldering QFNs, these worked first time.
Unlike my build last year with no experience of soldering QFNs, these worked first time.
Repaired this Commodore 64 today. The 250407 RevB board booted fine but had some bum keys & no sound. Cleaned up the Mitsumi keyboard contacts with some 99% IPA & it is now fully functional. Removed the SID, soldered in a socket, & replaced it with a SIDKick Pico. #retrocomputing #c64 #repair
March 8, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Repaired this Commodore 64 today. The 250407 RevB board booted fine but had some bum keys & no sound. Cleaned up the Mitsumi keyboard contacts with some 99% IPA & it is now fully functional. Removed the SID, soldered in a socket, & replaced it with a SIDKick Pico. #retrocomputing #c64 #repair
Building a SIDKick Pico DAC
#Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDKick #RetroComputing #C64
theoasisbbs.com/building-a-s...
#Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDKick #RetroComputing #C64
theoasisbbs.com/building-a-s...
Building a SIDKick Pico DAC - The Oasis BBS
Build a SIDKick Pico DAC for the Commodore 64 and C128. Affordable SID chip replacement with stereo sound and built-in game loading.
theoasisbbs.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Building a SIDKick Pico DAC
#Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDKick #RetroComputing #C64
theoasisbbs.com/building-a-s...
#Commodore64 #Commodore128 #SIDKick #RetroComputing #C64
theoasisbbs.com/building-a-s...
Game changer.
From the same dev as SIDkick Pico.
Cheap, easy build. Very versatile.
REU + geoRAM + lots more. #C64
github.com/frntc/RAD?ta...
From the same dev as SIDkick Pico.
Cheap, easy build. Very versatile.
REU + geoRAM + lots more. #C64
github.com/frntc/RAD?ta...
March 3, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Game changer.
From the same dev as SIDkick Pico.
Cheap, easy build. Very versatile.
REU + geoRAM + lots more. #C64
github.com/frntc/RAD?ta...
From the same dev as SIDkick Pico.
Cheap, easy build. Very versatile.
REU + geoRAM + lots more. #C64
github.com/frntc/RAD?ta...
Finally got around to making an audio breakout cable for the SIDKick Pico 2040DAC. Since these devices were so hard to assemble, I wanted to at least hear them properly! 😄
May 7, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Finally got around to making an audio breakout cable for the SIDKick Pico 2040DAC. Since these devices were so hard to assemble, I wanted to at least hear them properly! 😄
I post a lot about replacement SID chips, but something very special arrived today. This is the as-yet unreleased SIDemu, to which the creator was kind enough to grant me early access.
I love ARMSID and SIDKick, but everything about this thing feels next-level.
I love ARMSID and SIDKick, but everything about this thing feels next-level.
April 23, 2026 at 10:52 PM
I post a lot about replacement SID chips, but something very special arrived today. This is the as-yet unreleased SIDemu, to which the creator was kind enough to grant me early access.
I love ARMSID and SIDKick, but everything about this thing feels next-level.
I love ARMSID and SIDKick, but everything about this thing feels next-level.
Found an image online of the actual 6581 chip that my preferred SIDKick preset is based on. This makes me happy, sad old geek that I am. 😅
Source (really interesting article with die shots):
retronn.de/imports/comm...
Source (really interesting article with die shots):
retronn.de/imports/comm...
May 7, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Found an image online of the actual 6581 chip that my preferred SIDKick preset is based on. This makes me happy, sad old geek that I am. 😅
Source (really interesting article with die shots):
retronn.de/imports/comm...
Source (really interesting article with die shots):
retronn.de/imports/comm...
Here is a video of the SIDKick Pico in action on this repaired c64. Not a bad option for replacing a 6581 SID chip on a Commodore 64. #SID
March 8, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Here is a video of the SIDKick Pico in action on this repaired c64. Not a bad option for replacing a 6581 SID chip on a Commodore 64. #SID
Building some more SIDKick Pico boards with the built-in DAC. These have a lot more components than the v0.1 boards, yet I didn't order a stencil.
Having to hand solder all the passives is not fun, but we sold[i]er on.
Having to hand solder all the passives is not fun, but we sold[i]er on.
February 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Building some more SIDKick Pico boards with the built-in DAC. These have a lot more components than the v0.1 boards, yet I didn't order a stencil.
Having to hand solder all the passives is not fun, but we sold[i]er on.
Having to hand solder all the passives is not fun, but we sold[i]er on.
Updated my PCB design for a 24-pin compatible flash ROM from years ago. This can replace the ROMs in long-board C64s. Adds a bank switch and breaks out the address lines used by SIDKick Pico.
These 64K PLCC chips are not so easy to find nowadays, but you can still get them.
These 64K PLCC chips are not so easy to find nowadays, but you can still get them.
September 14, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Updated my PCB design for a 24-pin compatible flash ROM from years ago. This can replace the ROMs in long-board C64s. Adds a bank switch and breaks out the address lines used by SIDKick Pico.
These 64K PLCC chips are not so easy to find nowadays, but you can still get them.
These 64K PLCC chips are not so easy to find nowadays, but you can still get them.
I have a C64C but the sound chip doesn't hit like a Breadbins does.
The lovely Mr. @dantootill.bsky.social has very kindly built and sent me a SIDKick Pico! 😲
I'm rather looking forward to testing it out this weekend. 😍
The lovely Mr. @dantootill.bsky.social has very kindly built and sent me a SIDKick Pico! 😲
I'm rather looking forward to testing it out this weekend. 😍
February 26, 2025 at 5:11 PM
I have a C64C but the sound chip doesn't hit like a Breadbins does.
The lovely Mr. @dantootill.bsky.social has very kindly built and sent me a SIDKick Pico! 😲
I'm rather looking forward to testing it out this weekend. 😍
The lovely Mr. @dantootill.bsky.social has very kindly built and sent me a SIDKick Pico! 😲
I'm rather looking forward to testing it out this weekend. 😍
Playing with the new SIDKick Pico firmware and getting slightly obsessed with 6581 filter curves, and the work of Antti S. Lankila. His web site has been offline for a while, but the Wayback Machine saves the day:
web.archive.org/web/20220916...
web.archive.org/web/20220916...
January 4, 2026 at 11:13 AM
Playing with the new SIDKick Pico firmware and getting slightly obsessed with 6581 filter curves, and the work of Antti S. Lankila. His web site has been offline for a while, but the Wayback Machine saves the day:
web.archive.org/web/20220916...
web.archive.org/web/20220916...
SIDKick Pico 2040DAC attempt 2. Solder paste layer and placement is absolutely as good as I can do.
If these don't work, I'm pretty much stuffed. 😄
If these don't work, I'm pretty much stuffed. 😄
March 26, 2025 at 3:30 PM
SIDKick Pico 2040DAC attempt 2. Solder paste layer and placement is absolutely as good as I can do.
If these don't work, I'm pretty much stuffed. 😄
If these don't work, I'm pretty much stuffed. 😄