Defect:

• Background noise (AC) and doesn’t reproduce sound from the cassette.

Repair:

• Replacement of two electrolytic capacitors of 22uf and 100uf  (see photo)
• General cleaning.

Gallery of the repair:

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.3.2 – Changes:

• Increases the length of displayed USB filenames in Media Access and the File loader.
• Fixes an issue where filename flags are not detected if the USB filename contains multiple dots/periods/full stops.
• Fixes an issue with the saved states location where multiple spaces are found in the USB filename.
• Fixes the saved states location used on a USB stick to be unique per filename. Note that this may change the saved states location from previous firmware versions if the filename contains multiple dots/periods/full stops.

Previous changes included in version 1.3.2:

• v1.3.1 – Fixes an issue when using Left Shift key and top-left arrow key for opening/closing THEC64 Menu from BASIC.
• v1.3.1 – Fixes an issue regarding the current computer model setting and different model requirements specified in a cjm file.

Download:

• TheC64 Firmware v1.3.2 (1667)

source: retrogames.biz

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

Changelog (v0018):

• Run AUTORUN.(CAR|XEX|AVF) on power-on if present in /_AVGCART/ directory.
• Added type 44 (OSS 8 KB cartridge)
• Added type 53 (Low bank 8 KB cartridge)
• Added types 54, 55, 56 (SIC!)
• Fix bank reenabling for some OSS carts.
• Fix cursor position after running file from search results.
• ESC exits search results instead of disabling cart.
• Cart initialization speedup to remove the need to manually reset the machine upon power-on on certain configurations (e.g. QMEG OS)

Download:

• AVGCART [0018] (816)

source: atariage.com

This is a little update of Super Mario Bros for the Commodore 64 from Zeropaige.

Changelog:

• Fixed sprites on wrong pages in manual.
• Removed debug border color change.

Download: Super Mario Bros 64 v1.2 (8646)

This is a little update of Super Mario Bros for the Commodore 64 from Zeropaige.

Changelog:

• Fixed detection of Schnedler Systems Turbo Master CPU.
• Fixed player-brick bounce issue.
• Joystick/keyboard routine made even more robust.
• Various small visual fixes.
• Gameloop runs slightly faster.

Download: Super Mario Bros 64 v1.1 (1447)

Tomasz “Tebe” Biela has released an update of the program Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 and the Atari Graphics Studio v3.5.4.

This project began many years ago as a simple graphics converter for Atari but over the years the features are significantly increased. The converter runs under Windows.

Download:

• Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 (Full) (857)
• Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 (Lite) (794)
• Atari Graphics Studio v3.5.4 (773)

source: g2f.atari8.info

The High Voltage SID Collection (HVSC) is a freeware hobby project which organises Commodore 64 music (also known as SID music) into an archive for both musicians and fans alike.

The work on the collection is done completely in the Team and contributors’ spare time and is proudly one of the largest and most accurate computer music collections known.

This update features (all approximates):

• 507 new SIDs.
• 146 fixed/better rips.
• 3 repeats/bad rips eliminated.
• 356 SID credit fixes.
• 103 SID model/clock infos.
• 10 tunes from /DEMOS/UNKNOWN/ identified.
• 3 tunes from /GAMES/ identified.
• 33 tunes moved out of /DEMOS/ to their composers’ directories.
• 15 tunes moved out of /GAMES/ to their composers’ directories.

Download:

• HVSC Update #72 (933)
• Complete HVSC #72 (954)

source: www.hvsc.c64.org

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:

• Alien 8 V1.10
• Bruce Lee – Duology V1.1
• The Hut +DS
• Alien 8 V1.10 +D
• Offello
• Space Orbs V1.1 &D
• Frostbite +4D
• Frostbite
• Filmation Quadrilogy [EasyFlash]
• Space Orbs +1D
• Rose’s Curry Clicker +D
• RobotFindsKitten
• Frostbite +5D
• Bat Attack +2DGH
• From Out of the Snow +DS
• Donkey Kong Jr. Game & Watch Preview
• Donkey Kong Jr. Game & Watch Preview +2
• Stopper +
• Pas De Deux
• Tethered
• Ninja Hamster +4DGHI
• Lily Lander Preview +H
• Caveman +2
• Caveman +4
• Lily Lander Preview
• Verschiebefaxen +1JDT
• Lily Lander Preview 2
• Lily Lander +H
• Paccie 64 +1D
• Hypochondriac +DS
• Centipede +HG
• Ninja Invasion Simulator Preview V3 +2
• Samurai Pizza Cats Preview +
• Crack Down +2
• Santron +3
• Tron 2020
• Santron
• Santron +2
• Santron +6HD
• Santron +2D
• Santron +3
• Math Busters +4DF
• Florida Man Preview
• Ping-Pong Classic +T
• Perilous Swamp
• Methodist [german]
• Snokie ReM
• Energy Auction
• Duo Box
• The Queen’s Footsteps Preview 2 +D
• Jai Alai [spanish]
• Illuminated 64 Preview
• Streets of Rage Preview
• Curtles Preview
• R1-D1 Unit Attack +5DGH
• Krakens +1J
• Where in Europe Is Carmen Sandiego? + [EasyFlash]
• Where in the USA Is Carmen Sandiego? + [EasyFlash]

Download: All Games in One Archive (6919)

source: csdb.dk

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

Difference with previous release V1.24 / V3.6:

• This is the factory image of the latest production, with support for 1.4 board revision.
• Support for Super Games cartridge.
• Fixed KCS cart at boot time.
• Swapped audio channels, thanks Siegried.
• Improved cartridge timing which corrects the ARMSID detection.

 Download:

• U64/Ultimate-64 v1.26 - U2+ v3.6a (989)

source: ultimate64.com github.com

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.3.1 – Changes:

• Fixes an issue when using Left Shift key and top-left arrow key for opening/closing THEC64 Menu from BASIC.
• Fixes an issue regarding the current computer model setting and different model requirements specified in a cjm file.

Download: TheC64 Firmware v1.3.1 (1256)

source: thec64.com

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 (866)

source: zimmer.net