modularSID – technical specifications
Width: 64hp
Weight: 900g
Power Consumption:
Depending on the installed SID we measured the following max. values:
| +5V | 180mA |
| +12V | 70mA |
| -12V | 30mA |
Please make sure your Eurorack meets these requirements.
Original vintage SID tend to require more power than modern replacements. On the +5V SwinSID and ARMSID used less than 100mA on the 5V rail.
PCB Overview
SID Voltage selector: the various SID versions require different voltages. Select the correct voltage for your SID! Choosing the wrong voltage can be harmful to your SID chip! See Installation.
ZIF Socket: the socket for your SID. Turn the lever upright to open the socket. Remove/insert SID and close the socket by turning the lever back into horizontal position. Always make sure that Pin1 of the SID is next to the lever. Inserting the SID the wrong way may be harmful! See Installation. ZIF means “zero insertion force” and this technology makes sure that your SID is not exposed to any physical stress during installation.
Filter DIP switches: different SIDs require different filter capacitors. Make sure to configure this correctly for your SID. However, it is unlikely that an error here causes any damage, it just may sound unexpected. But for safety: we strongly recommend using the correct configuration for your SID model only.
External I2C: the is an expansion connector for display modules. We use them inhouse only. But maybe in the future we might launch dedicated cross-product and cross-vendor display modules. If you are interested check out this technical proposal: GUI2C
Micro–USB connector: this connector can be used to flash new firmwares (see below).
BOOTSEL: this jumper makes it possible to replace the firmware (see below). This jumper must be open during normal operation!
5V Power selector: alternate 5V power between USB and Eurorack. This jumper must be set to Eurorack during normal operation.
Firmware upgrade
(minimal version)
The firmware upgrade is quite easy. We recommend you read all the following instructions before starting the process. After that: execute one step after the other:
Remove the module from the rack.
Remove all cables.
Turn the module around so you can operate the rear side.
Remove the SID Voltage selection jumper and use it to close the BOOTSEL jumper.
Change the Power jumper to USB position.
Connect the module to your computer using a Micro-USB cable.
The module will appear as external drive named RP2350. This works with any operating system like Windows, Macintosh or Linux.
Copy the new firmware to the RP2350 drive. Use whatever method your operating system offers (drag’n’drop, command line, …).
The RP2350 will disconnect automatically. Your operating system may display an error message indicating that the drive was removed improperly. That is fine. That is how it should be.
Remove the BOOTSEL jumper and set the SID power jumper according to the installed SID chip.
Return the Power Jumper to Eurorack position.
Mount the module in your rack and attach all cables.