The Commodore 128, also known as the C128, C-128, C= 128 is the last 8-bit home computer that was commercially released by Commodore Business Machines (CBM). Introduced in January 1985 at the CES in Las Vegas, it appeared three years after its predecessor, the bestselling Commodore 64.

The Commodore 128DCR model features a stamped-steel chassis in place of the plastic version of the C128D (with no carrying handle), a modular switched-mode power supply similar to that of the C128D, retaining that model’s detachable keyboard and internal 1571 floppy drive. A number of components on the mainboard were consolidated to reduce production costs and, as an additional cost-reduction measure, the 40 millimeter cooling fan that was fitted to the D model’s power supply was removed. However, the mounting provisions on the power supply subchassis were retained, as well as the two 12-volt DC connection points on the power supply’s printed circuit board for powering the fan. The C128DCR mounting provision is for a 60mm fan.

A significant improvement introduced with the DCR model was the replacement of the 8563 video display controller (VDC) with the more technically advanced 8568 VDC and equipping it with 64 kilobytes of video RAM—the maximum amount addressable by the device. The four-fold increase in video RAM over that installed in the “flat” C128 made it possible, among other things, to maintain multiple text screens in support of a true windowing system, or generate higher-resolution graphics with a more flexible color palette. Little commercial software took advantage of these possibilities.

The C128DCR is equipped with new ROMs dubbed the “1986 ROMs,” so-named from the copyright date displayed on the power-on banner screen. The new ROMs address a number of bugs that are present in the original ROMs, including an infamous off-by-one error in the keyboard decoding table, in which the ‘Q’ character would remain lower case when CAPS LOCK was active. Some software will only run on the DCR, due to dependencies on the computer’s enhanced hardware features and revised ROMs.

Despite the DCR’s improved RGB video capabilities, Commodore did not enhance BASIC 7.0 with the ability to manipulate RGB graphics. Driving the VDC in graphics mode continues to require the use of calls to screen-editor ROM primitives or their assembly language equivalents or by using third-party BASIC language extensions, such as Free Spirit Software’s “BASIC 8″, which adds high-resolution VDC graphics commands to BASIC 7.0.

Gallery:

source: wikipedia

The VIC-1010 or VC-1010 is an optional expansion to the VIC-20 manufactured by Commodore. It plugs into the VIC-20′s game/expansion/bus port, providing 6 more such ports along the top.

The rest of the unit sits behind and a bit off to the right of the machine, preventing any obstruction of the VIC’s other ports. Built into the 1010 is a 220v/110v power supply to supplement the computer’s supply.

Gallery:

This VIC 20 was one of the first model shipped in a rush from Japan to North America in early 1981 before production started in the US. Even the box art was just a quick rework of the Japanese VIC 1001 one.

Gallery:

source: oldcomputr.com

The Commodore VIC-1001 is the first computer in that series, being released only in Japan October 1980.

The computers that followed it, including the famous VIC-20, arrived in the American and European markets on the heels of its success. Aside from being first, the VIC-1001 also has the unique virtue of a modification from the standard Commodore PETSCII graphics set.

Being Japanese designed and born, this computer includes the Japanese “character” set, called “Katakana”.

The VIC-1001, like all other Commodore 8-bit computers, greets the user with a flashing READY prompt.

The operating system is built into the hardware of the computer, and the user interface is BASIC 2.0, a programming language Commodore purchased from Microsoft in the late 1970s.

The VIC featured 5 kilobytes of memory, and color graphics at a time when that was very uncommon, though it’s display is only capable of 22 characters per line.

The joystick port and game cartridge port are prominent features, as Commodore meant to market the VIC as a game console/computer hybrid. The cartridge port could also be used to expand the VIC-1001 memory.

Software on Cartridge:

• Programmers; Aid PacK (VIC-1212) [BOXED]
• Machine Language Monitor (VIC-1213)
• Rally-X (VIC-1903) Red Label [BOXED]
• Night Drive (VIC 1909) Red Label [BOXED]
• Omega Race (VIC-1924) [BOXED]

Memory Expansion Cartridges:

• 3K Ram Pack (VIC-1210) [BOXED]
• Super Expander + 3k RAM (VIC-1211M) [BOXED]
• 8k Ram Pack (VIC-1110) [BOXED]
• 16k Ram Pack (VIC-1111) [BOXED]

Gallery:

Download: Japanese Kernal and Characters (610)

source: zimmer.net

I could not miss in my Collection another failure of Commodore ; the Commodore 64 Game System (64 GS)

Practically a Commodore 64C (PCB ASSY NO. 250469) castrated, without keyboard or possibility of connecting external peripherals, the only ports available besides the Cartridge port are the Video (Composite/S-Video/RF) port, 2 Joystick ports and Power supply.

NOTE: The Narco Police cartridge is not included in the original package.

Gallery:

source: wikipedia

This is the Commodore MAX Machine (Ultimax/VC-10), as fascinating as it is useless and unusable.

The packaging of the Commodore MAX Machine is mint and nothing is missing, i could dare to say that it has never been used.

I don’t want to dwell on the technical features of the Commodore MAX Machine that can be easily found on the internet, so i leave you with the photos and a link at the end of the post.

Software on Cartridge:

• Mini Basic I
• Max Basic
• Wizard of Wor (Commodore 64/Max Machine)
• Super Alien
• Omega Race
• Radar Rat Race
• Avengers
• Road Race
• Mole Attack
• Jupiter Lander
• Kick Man (Missing Box)

Gallery:

Download: Max Machine 325565 Rev B Schematics (644)

Source: C64-Wiki.com Max Machine One Wire Video Mod

This is my collection of Drean Commodore.

The Drean company (household appliance manufacturer in Argentina) since 1983 bought the individual components from Commodore and to avoid the import costs has started to assemble the computers independently.

I wanted to make individual posts for each computers/devices also of the electronics pcb but the time is tyrant and i have postponed too many times, so i have decided to make a single post with all the models in my possession.

My Drean Commodore Computers:

• Drean Commodore 16
• Drean Commodore 64
• Drean Commodore 64c
• Drean Commodore 1541
• Drean Commodore 1531

Gallery:

12►

source: https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/drean.html

NEW TAG: C64 BIG GAME PACK

Some new games or tools (Cracked / Trained or Unrealeased) for Commodore 64 have been released from your favorites groups.

Titles:

• Wizard
• Star Race +3
• Bubble Bobble (Continue Fix)
• Bug Out 2019 [gkgm]
• Bug Out 2019 + [gkgm]
• Commando 2084
• Night Time
• Croaky +2HF
• Keystone Kapers
• Keystone Kapers +3D
• Mr T Tells the Time +D
• Keystone Kapers +1D
• Super Goatron V1.0
• Strider +5DHI
• Super Goatron V1.0 +6
• Arkadenoid
• Boulder Dash Junior III +2
• Eight Feet Under +D
• Bubble Mania Preview +
• Night Time
• Iceblox Plus +5HF [sales version]
• Unnamed Role-Playing Game Preview
• Micro Hexagon +HD
• Rocket ‘N Roll [seuck]
• Quasimodo – Herrscher der Kartanen [german]
• The Revenge of Moriarty +D
• Whiz Kid +2
• Danger Freak
• Danger Freak (V2)
• Let’s Make a C64 Game Preview 2
• Neon Sky Preview
• Tili-Toli
• Kissit +2DHT
• Space-Ball +2FDT
• The Last Warrior +2
• Platoon (The Tunnel System) [lightgun]
• Spy Hunt +
• Wizard of Wor (MAX V02) +3DGH
• Luna +1H
• Wizard of Wor +9DGH [c64 version]
• Wizard of Wor (MAX V01) +3DGH
• Luna +2HD
• Witch Day Preview
• Get Witchy +D
• Forgotten Forest V1.1 [seuck]
• Halloween-Breakout Preview
• Get Witchy +D
• Get Witchy
• Two Days to the Race V1.7 +D
• On the Queen’s Footsteps Preview
• Alien Research Centre 2
• Luna +3HD
• Two Days to the Race V1.7 +D
• Puralax! +1D
• Space Ache Preview +2
• Space Orbs
• Alien 8
• Space Orbs +D
• Bruce Lee – Duology
• Space Orbs &D
• Alien 8 +D

Download: All Games in One Archive (6837)

source: csdb.dk

Why make a Retr0Bright if you have a 130XE (mint) to sacrifice to replace the yellowed case and keyboard of an Atari 800XE ?

If we talk about collecting an atari 800XE is more important than a 130XE, especially if you have more than one.

I have replaced only the upper side of the case, the keyboard and the plastic piece of the led which in the 800XE is white and not red, the back side with the adhesive fortunately was in perfect condition.

I didn’t have to do any repairs except to calibrate the XC12 cassette recorder motor speed using an old but still valid speed calibration system, a music cassette, obviously only if you have a “good ear” and you know the music track perfectly.

NOTES: i have never seen the XC12 in a white box and miss it in my Atari collection.

NOTES 2: How did i listen the Billy Idol cassette? the Atari SIO connector supports Analog audio with a dedicated pin to this purpose.

Gallery:

123►

The monkey took me to collect all the Mini Consoles and Computers.

It all started when the NES Mini came out and then i have continued with all versions of NES and of Super Nintendo, PSX Mini, The C64 Mini and NeoGeo Mini.

And now … i fell again; Sega Mega Drive Mini, which includes the European, American and Japanese versions + Mega Drive Tower Mini (Japan).

What i can say about the Sega Megadrive Mini/Tower mini and about the Packaging ? aesthetically very beautiful, about the software? the usual soup, but i don’t like to play so the problem does not arise :-)

NOTE: The USB Joypad works perfectly under Windows 10, personally tested with the Dolhpin emulator (WII/Gamecube).

Gallery:

review: https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/12/20861085/sega-genesis-console-retro-mini-review-launch-games
wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis_Mini
official website: https://megadrivemini.sega.com

When you remove a chip with the screwdriver you have to be careful to lift the chip from the socket and not the socket from the PCB :lol:

That said and after bridged the broken pcb track of the GTIA and replaced a failed RAM the computer started working properly.

After the repair i have also make a improvement of the S-Video signal (XE series support the S-Video output).

This simple mod replaces/adds some resistors and capacitors that in the XE version are wrong for a perfect S-Video signal.

The instruction can be found in the link at the end of this article.

NOTE: The description of the STEP 4 is incorrect, it’s not Q2 but Q3 and in the STEP 5 is not Q3 but Q2.

NOTE2: Obviously after assemble the computer i have noticed the “B” key was stuck, the key piston have a crack, after replace it now the button work properly.

Gallery of the repair:

12►

Download: Svideo Atari 130XE Mod (473)

This is the same article of the previous one “Floppy Disk Cleaner” with the only difference that i have used a ALPS mechanics.

I have also connected the RED Led throught a 680 ohm 1W resistor to the 12v line.

Previous post:

Why throwing away a Commodore Floppy Disk Drive with a broken head it could become a great gadget to clean Floppy Disks.

How to do ? just disassemble the entire part that controls the movement of the head including the head itself.

The power supply used is 12v with at least 1A, you must connect the positive to the BROWN wire and the negative to the BLACK wire of the motor control PCB.

Good Cleaning.

Gallery:

This is the official demo party results from Zoo 2019. See also the CSDB ZOO 2019 section for more informations.

C64 Demo:

• 1 – Out of Contex by Artline Designs
• 2 – Void Mind 84% by Extend (*)        
• 3 – Able Marble by Accession
• 4 – Metadimension by Pers’ Wastaiset Produktiot
• 5 – Rebirth by Finnish Gold (*)        
• 6 – Rebels 1989 by Rebels
• 7 – Nine Rings by Dr. TerrorZ
• 8 – Odysseija by Wide Load
• 9 – Demo1988 by Codetsu
• 10 – Tales from the Crypt PETSCII Edition by wbochar
• 11 – Kolmiolaeaeke by Galtin Ballway (*)                
• 12 – Dobbelganger by Grue

(*) Missing

C64 Music:

• 1 – Cakewalk by Jangler
• 2 – Touch the Sky by Flex
• 3 – Ten Pokes by Jojeli
• 4 – Break Rulez by Apollyon
• 5 – Mala Gente by Zardax
• 6 – Sour & Salty by Juzdie
• 7 – The Wrath of Yamo by Abaddon
• 8 – Jälkilöyly by Deetsay
• 9 – Amazing Discoveries by LMan
• 10 – Smoke and Mirrors by Stinsen/dLx
• 11 – Shartnado! by Aomeba
• 12 – Agent of Lies by ocean
• 13 – Magical Shower by Warlord
• 14 – Zoo Much Information by TDM
• 15 – Banana Island Song by Flotsam
• 16 – The Scobble Lotcher by Vegard
• 17 – Atomshelter by Slimex
• 18 – Retrospect 130 by Ferrara
• 19 – I Held That Cheese for 2 Mins and Then I Ate It by Spider Jerusalem
• 20 – Lo-Fi in My Basement by Uneksija
• 21 – Hardware Malfunction by Proton
• 22 – Zooong by Barik        

C64 Graphics:

• 1 – Raster Split by Electric
• 2 – Phoenix by Facet
• 5 – New Messiah by L3nin666
• 6 – Crystaleyezed by Prowler
• 7 – Mayor of Candytown by Debris
• 8 – Escape from Zoo by Edi
• 9 – Stroll by ptoing
• 10 – High Hopes by Apollyon
• 11 – Resting Ronin by MisBug
• 12 – Kaiser Wieners Keg & Pickle by Mntrk
• 13 – Super Off Road Homage by ilesj
• 14 – Yksitoista by Debris
• 15 – Sauna Anyone? by Mr. Masterzeus
• 16 – Medusa by Fabs
• 17 – Hanami in Roihuvuori by Moraff
• 18 – Brazil Nuts by Moziz
• 19 – 8th Gate by Rail Slave
• 20 – Sweaty Pear by ptoing
• 21 – Spacesplash by Dr. TerrorZ
• 22 – Sunset in Varlaxudden by Moraff
• 23 – Ilbu by Ilbu

C64 Basic Demo:

• 1 – Basic V3 by Jupp3
• 2 – Necessity by Codetsu
• 3 – Sosialistinen tietokone by Jumalauta

C64 Disk Cover:

• 1 – Jack of Apes by Electric
• 2 – Damones at Zoo-Karaoke by Duce
• 3 – Void Mind by Duce (*)        
• 4 – Pääkallot by Ilbu
• 5 – Late Night Zoo by Junkie
• 6 – Death Trip by Hani
• 7 – Space Bar / Honey I’m Going to Zoo by Debris
• 8 – Young God by Sipsitjadippi
• 9 – Run U Fool by Sipsitjadipp    
• 10 – CCCCCCCCCCC by Manu

(*) Missing

Mixed Graphics:

• 1 – Swimming Pool by Exotic Men
• 2 – Ajattelija by Laserzone
• 3 – Grill Master by Extend
• 4 – Limpo by Fit
• 5 – Channel0 by Atlantis
• 6 – Soft Eagle by Extend
• 7 – Revenge! by Fit
• 8 – Madame by Panic
• 9 – Hardware by Yleisradio
• 10 – Elin by Yleisradio
• 13 – Light by Dr. TerrorZ
• 14 – Fast Blood by Panic
• 15 – The Muumio Is From the Ranch, From the Texas by HiRMU
• 16 – Ghost of the Zoo 19 by Hani
• 17 – Manga Cat by Alice Li
• 18 – Death by wbochar
• 19 – Dragon by BemaSoft
• 20 – Skull by wbochar
• 21 – Ilmeenikunzoo by Manu
• 22 – Örmi Ötökkä by Vilke
• 23 – Tupladiski by Laserzone
• 24 – Hampaat by Unkkubanaani

Download: Zoo 2019 Full Party Stuff (851)

source: zooparty.org

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 / U2+ / U2 by Gideon is released.

Difference with previous release V1.21 / V1.22 (Initial Elite release)

Changes / Improvements to the U64 FPGA:

• Added Drive B activity to the possible Case LED outputs.
• Increased the number of UltiSIDs from two to eight.
• Fixed Jailbar issue on HDMI output.
• Fixed a Ledstrip issue that slipped into one of the previous versions.
• Improved EMC performance.
• Added Paddle Swap for the U64 Elite.
• Increased application CPU performance.

Changes to the Ultimate 64 application:

• Added support for 8-SID configuations.
• Split the U64 configuration settings for better overview.
• Added possibility to load / save and reset configuration settings.
• Added the possibility to have temporary configuration settings.
• Added choice of which UltiSID causes the LED strip to light up.
• Added a Visual SID addressing editor.
• Added detection and real time configuration of FPGASID.
• Added detection and real time configuration of SwinSid Ultimate.
• Added detection and real time configuration of ARMSID.
• Fixed screen title when connecting to the machine through Telnet.
• Added joyswap to the configuration menu.
• Option to use Final Cart V1/V2 re-enabled.
• Upgraded the OS to a newer version.

Unreleased work:

• Flashing the ESP32 WiFi module from the file browser menu.
• “Drive C” – software 1581 emulation by Scott Hutter .

Planned work for the upcoming release:

• Keystrokes to quickly enable / mute audio channels
• Connection between the ESP32 and the C64
• A sample project for the ESP32, which can be used for others to port stuff like modem emulation.

Thanks go to Chris, Marty and Wilfred for providing various SID replacements to test with. Thanks to MarkusC64 for reviewing the FPGASID configuration code and providing useful feedback.

Ultimate 2+ Differences with previous release V3.4c

General Usability and Compatibility:

• Added possibility to load / save and reset configuration settings.
• Added the possibility to have temporary configuration settings.
• Improvements to the 6502 CPU for improved 1541 compatibility.

Improvements to SID player:

• Built-in SID player now supports MUS files as well (including stereo tunes) Music files can be found here: http://www.c64music.co.uk/
• Added support for toggling screen on/off in Sidplayer with S key.
• Added support for song length in SID header.
• Fixed correct SID model selection for SIDFX boards .

Various other bug fixes:

• Copying a file from a container now restores extension.
• Fixed issue of copying file from .t64 files.
• Added ‘Enter’ option for .t64 files.
• User Interface improvements / fixes.
• Fixed telnet connection – removing header upon connect (fixes random copy actions)

——————————————————————-

1541 Ultimate-II Differences with previous release V3.4c.

General Usability and Compatibility:

• Added possibility to load / save and reset configuration settings.
• Added the possibility to have temporary configuration settings.

Improvements to the 6502 CPU for improved 1541 compatibility:

• Improvements to SID player:
  • Built-in SID player now supports MUS files as well (including stereo tunes) Music files can be found here: http://www.c64music.co.uk/
• Added support for toggling screen on/off in Sidplayer with S key.
• Added support for song length in SID header.
• Fixed correct SID model selection for SIDFX boards.

Various other bug fixes:

• Copying a file from a container now restores extension.
• Fixed issue of copying file from .t64 files.
• Added ‘Enter’ option for .t64 files.
• User Interface improvements / fixes.
• Fixed telnet connection – removing header upon connect (fixes random copy actions)
• Changed default hostname to match target.

Dropped features:

• Support for the ISO9660 filesystem.
• The audio variant no longer supports recording TAP files. The dual drive version does.

Download:

• U64/Ultimate-64 v1.24 - U2+/U2 v3.6 Firmware (664)

source: ultimate64.com

This computer has kept for many years my BBS “Hidden Power / Nightfall HQ” up until closing, previously the BBS ran on the Amiga 1000 … then A500 and A2000.

I also publish two historical photos of my “BBS Room” where you can see this Amiga 3000 running.

I give a brief description of what was done and what i did today for this computer.

• Year 2001 i have removed the battery and one of the two SCSI Harddisks that was dead.
• Year 2010 i have cleaned the external/internal case and published the photos on the blog.
• Year 2018 i have cleaned the keyboard.
• Year 2019 i have carefully cleaned the motherboard that was covered with a sticky layer of Nicotine (in the BBS Room peoples likes to smoke a lot)
  • Cleaned the Floppy Drive covered inside and outside by a sticky layer of Nicotine, to repair it i had to completely disassemble it.
  • Replaced the Kickstart ROM 2.04 with version 3.1
  • Removed the last died SCSI Harddisk.
  • Installed “new” 250Mb Quantum Maverick SCSI Harddisk.
  • Installed WB 3.1 and MagicWB + a couple of Demos and of course Pinball Dreams Harddisk version.
  • Replaced the WD33C93A SCSI controller chip with AM33C93A-16PC.
  • Cleaned the Keyboard pcb and replacements of the rubber pad, more than 20 keys are died.
  • Removed the Zorro BSC / Alfa Data MultiFace Card 3 (multi Serial) card and installed the Village Tronic Ariadne II (Ethernet Card)

Everything works perfectly as you can see from the photos.

Gallery: