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TFW8b C64 Kung Fu Flash Cartridge by Kim Jørgensen

January 24th, 2021 No comments
TFW8b C64 Kung Fu Flash Cartridge by Kim Jørgensen

TFW8b C64 Kung Fu Flash Cartridge by Kim Jørgensen.

The Kung Fu Flash is a multi format C64/C128 Cartridge Developed by Kim Jørgensen and assembled by TFW8b.

The use is very simple, just copy your CRT, PRG or Dxx files onto a FAT formatted Micro SD and you are ready to go and also the firmware is upgradable via SD Card.

Built to the usual TFW8b high standards with the obligatory gold edge connector, served in our own injection molded case.

Kung Fu Flash Supported File Formats:

  • Cartridge (CRT)
  • Disk image (D64, D71, D81)
  • Program (PRG, P00)
  • Firmware update (UPD)

Kung Fu Flash Supported Cartridges Formats:

  • Standard CBM cartridge (8k, 16k, Ultimax)
  • Action Replay v4.x/v5/v6
  • KCS Power Cartridge
  • Final Cartridge III(+)
  • Simons’ BASIC
  • Fun Play, Power Play
  • Ocean type 1
  • Epyx Fastload
  • C64 Game System (C64GS), System 3
  • Dinamic
  • Zaxxon, Super Zaxxon
  • Magic Desk, Domark, HES Australia
  • Super Snapshot v5
  • Comal-80
  • EasyFlash

Gallery:

TFW8b C64 Kung Fu Flash Video:

source: KimJorgensen/KungFuFlash thefuturewas8bit.com

Some Cartridges for Commodore 64

December 21st, 2020 1 comment
Some Cartridges for Commodore 64

Thanks go to my friend Andrea Pierdomenico.

Some Cartridges for Commodore 64.

  • Tele-Data 64 by Handic
  • Cherry by Fruit Hardware System
  • Isepic (Clone)
  • Antiram by S.C.T. 1987 (Freeze Frame Clone)
  • Bandit (The Expert Clone)
  • Sykline S.A. by KAWA (Industria Argentina)
  • Niki II by O.M.Alfred
  • Unknown Cartridge (The Final Cartridge I Clone)
  • Hypra Disk II by Rex (9615)
  • 5531A1 by Koks Gesto BV Computers

Gallery:

Compulsive shopping syndrome without a shred of a brain

November 15th, 2020 No comments
The VIC20 - Game & Watch Super Mario Bros

The VIC20 – Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.

Advice for “not” purchases. Compulsive shopping syndrome without a shred of a brain.

Commodore Amiga A570 CD Interface (Boxed)

October 6th, 2020 No comments
Commodore Amiga A570 CD Interface (Boxed)

Before leaving you to the usual and boring description of the product which, among other things, was taken from Wikipedia, i add my opinion;

Among the many uneasy things to use that i own, the Commodore A570 is in the top 10 ranking. :-D

The Amiga A570 is a single-speed external CD-ROM drive for the Amiga 500 computer launched by Commodore in 1992. It was designed to be compatible with Commodore CDTV software as well as being able to read ordinary ISO 9660 CD-ROM discs.

The original designation was A690, and pre-production devices under this name were delivered to developers. The A690/A570 used a proprietary Mitsumi CD-ROM interface. It contained a header for an internal 2 Megabyte fast memory expansion, but this proprietary memory module was never put into production and only a few rare developer examples of this exist today.

It is also notable that by the time of the A570′s launch, the A500 computer had already been discontinued. The Amiga 600 (ostensibly the A500′s direct replacement) was, like the later A1200, incompatible with this external drive. Thus, Commodore were in the position of having launched a CD-ROM drive for a discontinued machine, while a similar device was unavailable for their current low-end Amiga. This move by Commodore marketing department could be justified by the fact that millions of A500 systems existed already, along with considerable demand for Commodore to release a more advanced data storage solution.

The device (like the Amiga A590 hard disk drive that was sold by Commodore for the A500) had no through connector, so it was not possible to connect both an A590 and an A570 to the computer at the same time. The A590, despite having an XT IDE hard disk, also carried a SCSI interface that allowed third-party hard disks and CD-ROM drives to be fitted. While these drives did not carry CDTV emulation, the lack of success of the CDTV format made this a null disadvantage for most users.

Gallery:

CompuThink Interface & Disk Drive 800k (DD DSK CTL P2)

September 17th, 2020 No comments
CompuThink Interface & Disk Drive 800k (DD DSK CTL P2)

CompuThink Disk Drive 800k + Interface (DD DSK CTL P2) + DiskMON ROM seems to be the FIRST EVER disk drive for the Commodore PET Computers ever made in 1979 in the United States, maybe even before the official CBM 2040 drive launched.


I have also a partially working  “clone” or “prototype” (see photo) of this Disk Drive interface that i have posted on the blog some years ago.

CompuThink Interface Original & Clone

As far as i could understand this interface works only with BASIC 1.0 and BASIC 2.0 because the DiskMON ROM has the starting address $B000 (SYS 45056).

My PET 2001-32 have the ROM of BASIC 4.0 and the UD5 socket where the DiskMON ROM is installed is already used by one of the BASIC 4.0 ROMs, to test the i had to program the EPROMs with BASIC 2.0. (see photo)

Also before testing the interface i had to replace almost all the tantalum capacitors because many were short-circuited.

Capacitors replaced:

  • 6 x 10uF/25v
  • 1 x 1.5uF/50v
  • 2 x 1uF/35v

Below a video and some photos documenting the full working operation.

Gallery:

Download:

Video:

Commodore VIC-Switch by Handic

September 6th, 2020 3 comments
Commodore VIC-Switch by Handic

The VIC-Switch allows up to 8 Commodore computers to connect to a single disk drive, printers, plotters etc.

The VIC-Switch keeps track of who is currently using the device and prevents access to all other computers who might be requesting it at the same time.
Once the first computer is done using it, the VIC-Switch will then give access to the next computer.

The peripheral was made in Sweden by Handic and some models carry the Commodore logo but it doesn’t look very Commodore style
and for that reason i think they were branded by Commodore but not manufactured Commodore .

Gallery:

Download: Commodore VIC-Switch by Handic Manual (607)

Compudata (Exidy) Sorcerer II (DP1000-4)

June 28th, 2020 No comments
Compudata (Exidy) Sorcerer II (DP1000-4)

The restoration of the Sorcerer II of the Compudata (Exidy) was very simple, it was enough to replace all the tantalum capacitors with electrolytics one and make a good cleaning.

I tried the Sorcerer with the software downloadable at this link and to do a better understand the idea of the long loading (average 7 minutes) i have recorded the WAV file of the tape format on a Tape Cassette and used an old recorder to load the software, everything worked perfectly on the first try.

from Wikipedia;

The Sorcerer is a home computer system released in 1978 by the video game company Exidy.

It was comparatively advanced when released, especially when compared to the contemporary more commercially successful Commodore PET and TRS-80, but due to company focus on the coin operated video game marketplace resources were restricted for personal computer expansion and a separate division of the company was created.

Exidy Data Systems was headed by Paul Terrell to expand the product line to include small business computing with international distribution and technology license agreements to supplement corporate funding.

Distribution agreements with Dick Smith Electronics in Australia and Liveport in the UK as well as Compudata which included a manufacturing license to build, market and distribute the Tulip line of computers in Europe. Exidy sold the PC division to a Wall Street firm, Biotech, in 1983.

Gallery:

Konami – PC Engine Core Grafx Mini

June 14th, 2020 No comments
Konami - PC Engine Core Grafx Mini

I’m here with yet another useless purchase (order dating back to 2019).

There is absolutely nothing to say, all the “mini” are practically identical, change the external box, the menu and some chips inside that for the occasion are the latest version (more or less).

Strangely i have tried the “thing” … usually i don’t do that.

I used an HDMI to Composite Video converter to try it with a CRT monitor.

source: konami.com/games/pcemini/gate

Commodore 1084S-D2 (Black CDTV Edition)

May 31st, 2020 No comments
Commodore 1084S-D2 (Black CDTV Edition)

First of all i have to thank Ralf Schmitz for this gift. (Grazie Ralf).

The Commodore 1084S-D2, which was originally developed for the Commodore CDTV is a very good colour monitor also for the Commodore 64.

With its many ports it can be used for connecting anything you want (S-Video / RGB / Composite)

The Commodore 1084S-D2 has a good, sharp picture with luscious colours and a also a nice Stereo Sound. All the important settings can be changed over regulators at the front or the back.

For testing i have used the U64 by Gideon with the RGB output.

Gallery:

Leedex (Amdek) Video 100 (12 inch Black & White Monitor)

May 19th, 2020 1 comment
Leedex (Amdek) Video 100 (12 inch BW Monitor)

Leedex Video 100 is  a 12 inch Monitor in Black & White, produced in the early 80′s was sold at a competitive price.

The monitor is 40 years old and not show any problem as you can seen from the photos.

Gallery:

Drean Commodore 64C & Cute 32

May 18th, 2020 2 comments
Drean Commodore 64C & Cute 32

I took advantage of the cleaning of one of my Drean Commodore 64C to try the Cute 32 (CBM Universal Tape Emulator) also with this version of the C64, i have nothing else to say except that it works perfectly.

The output video is in black and white because the DREAN is made in Argentina and uses the PAL-N standard.

Gallery:

Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next (Accelerated)

May 15th, 2020 No comments
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Next (Accelerated)

Exhausted and Old but always better than ever the Commodore 64 looks down the newcomer with immense scorn; the Sinclair ZX Spectrum NEXT (Accelerated Version).

Three years have passed since the campaign on Kickstarter was opened and although i’m a Commodore man i have decided to take this bad misstep.

Many things have changed in three years and in that period i did not have money problems to spend for these fucking lame things, now and probably in the future is no longer possible.

I don’t just like collecting but also owning, whether it is a beautiful or ugly, new or old, if attracts me for some obscure reason, it must be mine.

Tests and updates that have been made:

  • RAM upgrade from 1Mb to 2Mb
  • Added a Piezo Buzzer.
  • RGB/VGA Port Lock posts fitted.
  • Update to the latest firmware version from GITHUB (downloadable here).
  • VGA Video Output Test.
  • RGB Video Output (SCART) Test.
  • Loading Games/Demos from SD-CARD.
  • Loading Games from Cassette Recorder.
  • Testing new CORE.
  • CP/M OS.
  • 8BitDo Wireless Gamepad (Black Edition) Test.

I leave you with some photos of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum NEXT.

If you are interested in more information and photos go to the official support page.

Last minute:

After upgrading the Firmware and OS of the Spectrum Next from GIT (NextZXOS v2.06I / Firmware 1.29C / System/Next 1.3.2) the things are much better now.
Also an update of the piSend, the SID/XM/MOD… Audio Format Player has been released.
Player absolutely necessary and that could not miss going to make up for the bad audio of the AY/YM.

Gallery:

source: specnext.com

Cute 32 – CBM Universal Tape Emulator by Manosoft

Cute 32 CBM Universal Tape Emulator by Manosoft

Cute 32 – CBM Universal Tape Emulator by Manosoft

Has been passed a while since Manosoft (known for the C64SD, Princess and Princess Ultra) announced the arrival of the CUTE 32,
but now this jewel Made in Italy is finally available.

The group Manosoft consists of two people; Hawui1 (Andrea) takes care of the software part and Manosoft (Damiano) takes care of the hardware part.

The CUTE 32 is a CBM Universal Tape Emulator which means that it works with most Commodore machines.

  • Commodore 64
  • Commodore VIC-20
  • Commodore Plus4
  • Commodore C16/C116
  • Commodore PET

The heart of CUTE 32 is enclosed in a FABULOUS small-scale reproduction of a Commodore Datassette 1530 (C2N).

The finishing and the quality of the material used for the external box is something of spectacular both to the touch and aesthetically.

The ease of use is Manosoft style, which is all very intuitive; WIFI connection, File Management and options on the CUTE 32 Display and finally with the Windows application.

The main features are many and i try to summarize them very briefly, at the bottom of the page i leave you the official Link of the WEB page
where you can find the complete list of technical characteristics.

Main Technical Features:

  • Remote Control Console program that allows you to use all the functions of the CUTE32 from a PC via Wi-Fi.
  • CUTE32 has a display and a keyboard and can be used in all its functions even without a PC.
  • Ability to control multiple cards simultaneously from a remote device via the console.
  • Firmware update directly from CUTE 32 if connected via WIFI or via a file downloadable from the website www.manosoft.it.
  • Real Time clock with automatic update.
  • Fully digital, logarithmic volume adjustment of the buzzer.
  • Player compatible with TAP V0, V1 and V2 – DMP V0 and V1 – HTAP V0. All positioning functions are active on any file format.
  • Progress bar that allows you to understand where you are in the virtual tape.
  • PCB designed to reduce noise and RF interference, optimized impedance to minimize signal deformations.
  • Very high quality case printed with the latest 3D technologies (even better quality than a printed container) and designed with CAD / CAM
  • Visual Azimuth check functionality directly on the display with two levels of precision that allows accurate adjustment of the Azimuth of the recorder before grabbing.
  • .. and much more.

What is supplied with the CUTE 32:

  • 1 8-pole miniDin cable for connection to the Commodore 16/116/ Plus4.
  • 1 Tape adapter for connection to the Commodore 64 / VIC20 / PET.
  • 1 Micro USB cable for external power supply.
  • 1 A care leaflet for the precautions for use in Italian / English.
  • 1 User manual in Italian / English.
  • 1 Metal pin for Factory Reset.
  • 1 Sticker to replace the graphics of the CUTE 32 with one similar to the original of the Commodore Datassette 1530 (C2N).

I thanks Manosoft, it was really a pleasure and an honor to try the CUTE 32.

I tried the CUTE 32 with a U64 (Ultimate 64) and a Commodore PET and everything works perfectly.

Gallery:

Video:

source: manosoft.it

Commodore FM Sound Expander & Magic Voice Speech Module

Commodore FM Sound Expander & Magic Voice Speech Module.

Commodore Magic Voice Speech Module:

“Magic Voice” is an expansion cartridge for the Commodore 64 that can speak 235 predefined words.

Magic Voice does not combine words from phonemes, but contains 235 prerecorded words in a 16 KB ROM. It was meant to be used with tape, disk or cartridge based software that made use of the extension, but few titles were released.

Without any extra software, the speech features are accessible through added BASIC commands.

Commodore Expander FM Sound Module:

The Commodore Sound Expander or SFX Sound Expander is a sound synthesizer cartridge with 9 voices for the Commodore 64.

It was developed by Richard Watts. The synthesizer chip is a Yamaha YM3526 OPL, which can upgraded by a YM3812 OPL2 chip, which is also used by AdLib- and Soundblaster sound cards in PCs.

This cartridge was produced by Music Sales Limited in the UK and marketed as “Commodore SFX series” by Commodore world-wide.

Gallery:

source: pagetable.comc64-wiki.com

SIEL Sound Buggy Music Module Expansion (synthesizer)

May 3rd, 2020 2 comments
SIEL Sound Buggy Music Module Expansion (synthesizer)

The SIEL Sound Buggy system is a music module expansion (synthesizer) released around 1985 in Italy for Commodore 64.

VOICE Buggy interface transforms the Commodore 64 into an entry-level arranger for family: just plug the interface to the CMB64 then turn on your old retro beast and load the included software by tape or drive.

SYNTHESIS unit based on a M112B1 (SGS Thompson) organ tone generator already found on other synth like SIEL DK-70 able to generate only digital square waves.

DRUM up to 28 preset drum patterns styles are available like Rock, Samba, March, Swing, Tango, Beguine, Disco, Funky and more. Drum section is an indipendent circuits and generates 4 percussions instruments: kick, snare, hihat and rimshot.

SEQUENCER simples 2 tracks sequencer with arpeggiator that can be hooked to Midi interface system with special interface and master keyboard including SIEL CM K49.

MEMORY:

  • 14 patch presets
  • 14 free slots for edit
  • 500 events
  • 100 chords

Songs can be saved to disk or magnetic tapes.

Gallery:

Download:

source: polynominal.com