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I've begun to make a little cheatsheet for picoloop, you can get the first version there:

http://pdfsr.com/pdf/picoloop-manual (desktop PC version)

http://pdfsr.com/pdf/picoloop-manual-pocketchip-version (pocket chip version)

http://pdfsr.com/pdf/picoloop-manual-1 (PSP version)

I've used Schismtracker especially for MOD creation, but now I see there is the AdLib emulation as well, I should have a new fresh look on it (the version in my distribution is 2011-01-01). Thanks for the new releases!

You're right marcb0t, but I think the Genesis sound is mostly praised for its FM chip. The PSG part (square wave sounds), SN76489, is cool too and I like it much, but it was probably originally added for a compatibility with the Sega Master System.
The YM2151 is not the same chip, but it bears much similarities. You can use the logic used in the creation of a YM2612 instrument to recreate it quite accurately on the 2151 (and also on other yamaha FM chips). I'm working on a simple converter (a spreadsheet) for converting between several sound definitions. You can also convert the instruments with Deflemask (load one format and change the system).

The YM2151 arduino shield is very fun to use, even if different to use than a tracker.

Now back on the subject, I'd also recommend to use DefleMask, it's perfect for Megadrive music! (and it's cool you can export it to a megadrive binary you can use on real hardware)

4mhz... my board has a 3.57mhz crystal, it's probably the reason for the pitch difference. But if I remember well on my board the pitch is higher, so if the crystal is slower it should sound lower shouldn't it?

For the knobs, why not, but I think we still need the board to be connected to a PC for making the sounds so it can't be an independent instrument? I have a master keyboard with knobs, so I thought to change the arduino sketch to support it, but I fear it might be too complicated for my usage, I don't know...

@Charbot, what is the value of the oscillator you're using on your board?
Will you make and sell the PCB for your version (I've just ordered the parts)?

To transfert to a zx spectrum it's pretty easy, just export the song ("compile song") to a .tap file format with basic loader. Then there are some applications which can convert from .tap to .wav (tapir ? On Unix I'm using tape2wav which is provided by the fuse emulator). Then plug using a monophonic jack from a computer or a smartphone into the "ear" socket on the Spectrum. Type "j" it will display 'load', then "symb shift" (ctrl with an emulator) + p, it will display ", do it a second time so it will display

load ""

Then play your wav file (at a quite loud volume), so it will start loading data. After 2-3 minutes (depending on the data to be transfered) you will be able to record from the "mic" socket.

It's true ZX spectrum can be quite pricey now
I've got mine for around 50 €, and it has a color display default (but I don't care) so the price was a bit reduced in comparison to others.

This one looks quite ok:
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/ZX-Spectrum-Vint … SwaB5Xnbun

maybe zx + are a bit less reliable, but it's according to wikipedia so I don't know:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZX_Spectr … pectrum.2B
On original ZX spectrum, the rubber keyboard is not very reliable

this one is not in fresh condition but is described as working: http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Sinclair-Spectru … SwmmxW3z37

if you can get a zx 128 or 2+, you'll get also an AY-3-8910 chip, which is cool to compose music for (with Vortex Tracker II for example).But you can also plug a quite cheap extension on a 48 for this purpose: http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=40

You can't change engines during play.

For stopping a note during the play, type "A" (or "Q" I don't know, I'm using azerty keyboard not qwerty), it should display a R-- which cut the note.

for the last question which I don't understand well, about effects, some engines allows to tweak a bit the sound, but several other don't. For example with qchan you can only change sustain (in a pattern). It's 1-bit sounds, so it's different from what you can get from a dedicated soundchip, but it doesn't prevent to be creative, I hope: https://garvalf.bandcamp.com/album/one-myth

Don't forget there are many cool Beeper engine, you can get a list: http://randomflux.info/1bit/viewtopic.php?id=25
Beepola is easy to use. As said above, just try different engines, they are very different to each other. Qchan and Tritone are among the most popular because they have drums and sounds rather well.

The output from Beepola is quite close to the sound you can get from a real Spectrum. Of course it'll be a bit different and probably a bit warmer on the Spectrum.