Commodore 64C (ASSY 250469) Repair

November 2nd, 2017 1 comment
Commodore 64C (ASSY 250469) Repair

Commodore 64C (ASSY 250469) Repair

Defect:

  • Black Screen.

Replaced parts:

  • 2 x NEC D41464D RAM (U10/U11)

Note:

  • The two broken RAMs reached 70 degrees.

Gallery of the repair:

Released the latest version of DiagROM v1.0

October 27th, 2017 No comments

What is DiagROM?

DiagROM is a diagnostic tool for the amiga computers.

And it is to be used on defective machines, trying to help no-boot situations etc.

You simply replace the Kickstart roms in the Amiga with the DiagROM. and when poweron. your Amiga will start a diagnostic software. It will try to dump info on the serialport (and actual menus etc aswell) while also trying on the screen.

Changelog:

  • RTC Test improved with OKI Chipset support (but RTC test still is kind of buggy)
  • Remade the autoconfig handling for much better ZorroIII support etc.
  • Possability to turn on/off cache in manual memortedit (this WILL crach your machine on 68000/68010)
  • Added an experimental “no chipmem” screen to try to figure out biterrors with rasterbars. (dark bar=dead bit, light bar=working bit)
  • Added support for Amiga 1000 with a limited version of DiagROM.
  • Parallel and serialporttests using SysTest compatible loopback adapters.
  • Diskdrivetests.
  • And.. some internal changes and stuff I actually forgotten.

Updatehistory:

  • 2017-10-01:
    • Long time since last time:
    • Added tests for Parallel and serialporttesting using SysTest compatible loopbackadapters
  • 2017-07-30:
    • Added possability to run on A1000 as bootstraprom. I have removed moduletesting and gfx test-screemn to save space.
    • Some additional bugfixes.
  • 2017-07-06:
    • Fixed a bug, when setting DTR high I accidentally put Dikdrive motor on!
    • when no chipmem is foundand no fastmem, instead of just flashing a green screen, it now checks memaddr $400 and shows in stripes biterrors. bright color=bit working, dark=bit error. evbery 15 frame it flashes and steps +4 bytes of memaddr to check
  • 2017-06-17:
    • Oh! yes long time. Now DiagROM is opensource avaible at https://github.com/ChuckyGang/DiagROM
    • Totally rewritten Autoconfig, now handles Z2 and Z3 and should be working. if you get stuck in a loop (autoconfig not working) it
    • will halt after 32 “boards”. Also in ManualEdit mode, I have inlcuded a function to turn on/off cache. to debug cacheissues on CPU Cards.
    • BE CAREFUL! this WILL crash if you run it on a 68000/010
    • Also fixed bug of garbage in menus.

Download: DiagoROM v1.0 Stable (980)

source: diagrom.com

Categories: Hardware, News & Rumors, Today

Gotek HxC Firmware v3.0.33.4a (CPC DSK images now are supported)

October 27th, 2017 No comments

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

Release notes Firmware USB HxCFloppyEmulator v3.0.33.4a:

  • CPC DSK / RAW DSK : If not a CPC DSK file, open it as a RAW image.
  • RAW Image : *.DSK and *.OUT files support added.
  • System tick optimization.
  • OLED screen support : Characters generator code speed optimization.
  • Config-Less Mode :
  • More CPC DSK format variant support.(again !)
  • More CPC DSK format variant support.
  • Amstrad CPC EDSK & DSK : Fix some DSK identification issues.
  • Amstrad CPC EDSK & DSK : Fix file type detection with CPC File selector v2.5
  • Amstrad CPC EDSK & DSK : Write Support working !
  • Amstrad CPC EDSK & DSK support : Fix issues with non-standard sector size images (Midline Process…).
  • Amstrad CPC DSK direct support added (Old and new format) : Read only for the moment.  Write support and simple copy protection support incoming ;).
  • New setting menu item : auto selection setting. You can now set the desired timeout for the auto selection function or disable it.
  • Normal mode : Fix random “Bad file” and IMG read issue at power up/USB stick change.
  • Some optimizations.
  • Write pipeline issue fixed.
  • Fix : IMG/IMA/DSK and ST files are now visible in normal/direct browsing mode.
  • Rotary support added. Connections points : Clock -> J7 pin 2,Direction -> J7 pin 1.

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here.

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.0.33.4a (818)

source: hxc2001.com

C64 Big Game Pack: Lightforce +8HD / Rubicon +4DGHF / X-Out …

October 16th, 2017 No comments

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

Titles:

  • C=Rex Offline
  • C=Rex Offline ATL
  • C=Rex Offline +H
  • Vortex Crystals +10D [2017 full version]
  • Vortex Crystals [2017 full version]
  • Street Defender – Game for VR64
  • CCGMS 2017 V6 [easyflash]
  • The Town Dragon
  • Street Defender +4D
  • X-Out +6DH
  • Giana-Sisters 30th Anniversary Preview
  • Tombstones – Retirement Day
  • Assembloids Basic V2.0
  • Rumpelball
  • Lightforce +8HD [easyflash]
  • Assembloids Basic V2.0 [compiled]
  • Lightforce +8HD
  • Kings of the Beach +PD
  • Lunar Lander
  • Giana Sisters 30th Anniversary Preview +9
  • Lunar Lander +1MH
  • Pirate Island
  • Shoot Em Up Destruction Set 2 +2H [seuck]
  • Rubicon +4DGH
  • Crazy Comets & Mega Apocalypse [easyflash]
  • Kobo64 (r221) +4D
  • Doctor Doom’s Revenge [easyflash]
  • Crazy Comets & Mega Apocalypse [easyflash]
  • Bug Splat
  • Rubicon +4DGHF
  • Kobo64 (r221)
  • Cross Chase +2
  • Quod Init Exit V1.8
  • Quod Init Exit V1.8 +2D
  • Kikstart II The Construction Set +HD [Easyflash]
  • Dinosaurs +D
  • Neoclyps +4DG
  • The Fallen Special Edition
  • QWAK 1.3 +
  • QWAK 1.3

Download: All Games in One Archive (4593)

source: csdb.dk

 

ZOO 2017: C64 – Official demo party results *UPDATED*

October 8th, 2017 No comments

This is the official demo party results from ZOO 2017. See also the CSDB ZOO 2017 section for more informations and download.

C64 Demo:

  • Beertime One by Dekadence
  • Double Trouble by Siesta
  • Gorilla    
  • Toka kerta pohjalla by Wide Load    
  • Tribute to Twin Peaks by Grue

C64 Music:

  • Night Ride by Juzdie
  • El Corazon Segundo by Zardax
  • Yes by Flex
  • Disco Inferno by Apollyon
  • Cosmic Interstate by Warlord
  • Al Gore Rythm by Fegolhuzz
  • Advection 1 by Jangler
  • Filtterikokeilu by Yzi
  • Dreaming High by Rock
  • Kikkomen by Ferrara    
  • Raveloop14.xm by Deetsay
  • Run and They’ll never find you by Uneksija
  • A simple day by Uctumi
  • Moncholo by Los Pat Moritas
  • Random Bed by Agemixer
  • Fall is on its way by Spider Jerusalem
  • Such6strday by Barracuda
  • Dance it by Technotron
  • Dancer by Spiikki
  • Juhon Faijan Kupla by Laserboy
  • A Stroll in The Woods by naavis

C64 Graphics:

  • Sovjet Sentrifug by Duce
  • Rastermind by Electric
  • The Eye of Shlarm by ptoing
  • Nootka sound is not for sale by Jok
  • Post Singularity by ptoing
  • Dance of the Technowitches by MekaSkull
  • Nightriders by Electric
  • Infestation by Dr. TerrorZ
  • Patricia by Edi
  • Pond life by Fedja
  • Skrolli by Bass Cadet
  • Spaceman by Fabs
  • Road to Ranua by iLKke/Animal Bro
  • कमलम् by Rail Slave
  • Imogen – Aria by Rail Slave
  • HolyHarrows by Fabs
  • Zoo’17 compopic by Aomeba
  • Tyttö ei tykkää painovoimasta by Matteus
  • Zoo Runner by naavis
  • Genie by Debris
  • And what are you by Mirsku
  • I see you by visy
  • Guardian of the Crimson Sphere by cos
  • Cyberjudas by Codise
  • Are you keeping up with the… by Thihi        
  • Raf timez ahead by Haluttu maksullinen nainen

WiLD Demo:

  • Star Wars Petscii by Debris, Deetsay
  • Synthesis by Mixer
  • Analoque by ocean, phObos team

C64 Basic Demo:

  • Back to Basics
  • Here by New Basic Group
  • Whatchamacall-it by Terwiz
  • 2 Fingers by Dr. TerrorZ

C64 Disk Cover:

  • Elementary Zoo by Electric
  • Spice Up Your Sketchlife by Duce
  • Zoo Manboobs by Junkie
  • Croc by Sweetdisasterr
  • Cranberry Sour Mocktail Made Me Do It by Scapegoat

Mixed Graphics:

  • Hairy by Electric
  • Strindberg by Electric
  • Intercourse by Exotic Men
  • Nallukka by b
  • Fly Agaric by Shine
  • Pennywise by Terwiz
  • Paradrone by Dr. TerrorZ
  • To judge and execute by H7    
  • Eye Can CU by Debris
  • Tehkää omat hunajanne hibzzterit by Fit
  • Konversiooh by Terwiz
  • Taideteos
  • Left and Right by Fit

Productions released outside compos:

  • Modular Sounds 10 by Artstate (Music Collection)
  • Murphy’s Law by Mayday! (One-File Demo)

Download:

source: zooparty.org

Soft Carry Cover for Atari 1050 Disk Drive

October 8th, 2017 No comments
Soft Carry Cover for Atari 1050 Disk Drive

Soft Carry Cover for Atari 1050 Disk Drive.

Gallery:

Atari 2600 Dark Vader Defender Pack (Boxed)

October 8th, 2017 No comments
Atari 2600 Dark Vader Defender Pack (Boxed)

The Atari 2600 (or Atari Video Computer System before November 1982) is a home video game console by Atari, Inc. Released on September 11, 1977, it is credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor-based hardware and ROM cartridges containing game code, a format first used with the Fairchild Channel F video game console in 1976. This format contrasts with the older model of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware, which could only play the games that were physically built into the unit.

For five years, 1977 until late 1982, the system was officially sold as the Atari VCS, an abbreviation for Video Computer System. Following the release of the Atari 5200 in November 1982, the VCS was renamed to the “Atari 2600″, after the unit’s Atari part number, CX2600. The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a game cartridge: initially Combat, and later Pac-Man.

Gallery:

source: wikipedia

Atari Paddle Controllers CX 30-04 Retail Box

October 8th, 2017 No comments
Atari Paddle Controllers CX 30-04 Retail Box

A paddle is a game controller with a round wheel and one or more fire buttons, where the wheel is typically used to control movement of the player object along one axis of the video screen.

A paddle controller rotates through a fixed arc (usually about 330 degrees); it has a stop at each end.

Atari Joystick CX-40-04 Retail Box

October 8th, 2017 No comments
Atari Joystick CX-40-04 Retail Box

The Atari CX40 joystick was the first widely used cross-platform game controller. The original CX10 appeared on the Atari 2600 in 1977, and was considered such a great advance over other controllers that it became the primary input device for most games on the platform. The CX10 was replaced after a year by the much simpler and less expensive CX40. The addition of the Atari joystick port to other platforms cemented its popularity, and millions were produced and used on almost every game console and home computer of the era.

The CX40 was so popular during its run that it became as iconic for Atari as its “Fuji” it remains a common staple in video game iconography to this day, and is commonly referred to as the symbol of 1980s video game system design. The CX40 has been called “the pinnacle of home entertainment controllers in its day”, and remains a staple of industrial design discussions.

source: wikipedia

Atari Multi System Deluxe Joystick Controller CX24 (Boxed)

October 8th, 2017 2 comments
Atari Multi System Deluxe Joystick Controller CX24 (Boxed)

Of all of the Joysticks Atari ever made over the years they were in business, our two least favorite Atari controllers were the 7800 CX24 Slim line Deluxe Joystick (sometimes called the Atari Proline Joystick) and the ill fated Atari Space Age Joystick, which had an internal flex circuit problem from the start and caused it to be dropped by Atari very fast.  Now Atari Space Age Joysticks are a very rare Atari collector item.

The main reason why the Atari CX24 dual fire button Joystick was not one of our favorite Atari controllers made, was the left, right fire button PCB’s and Main X / Y PCB would fail very fast. 1st the left and right fire buttons PCBs would fail and second the main X / Y PCB would fail next with any kind of normal use.  

You can read more about this joystick here

Atari Trak-Ball CX-80 (Boxed)

October 8th, 2017 No comments
Atari Trak-Ball CX-80 (Boxed)

The Atari Trak-Ball is a pointing/movement device consisting of a ball held by a socket containing sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axis-like an upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls the ball with the palm of the hand while using the fingertips to press the two large buttons.

The Atari Track-Ball is mainly used with games like Centipede, Missile Command, Crystal Castle, etc.

Gallery:

Atari Program Recorder Model XC11 (Boxed)

October 7th, 2017 No comments
Atari Program Recorder Model XC11 (Boxed)

The Atari Tape Recorder Model XC11 can save or load programs/data from magnetic media (audio cassette).

The transfer rate is 600bits per second, so you can record about 100,000 bytes of data on a regular 60 minute cassette.

Unlike the new XC12 model in the XC11 we find the SIO pass through connector so this device can be connected anywhere in the SIO chain.

The power is supplied from the I/O Serial cable (SIO).

Gallery:

Atari Program Recorder Model 410 Boxed (early model)

October 7th, 2017 No comments
Atari Program Recorder Model 410 Boxed (early model)

I did not find much information about this specific Atari Tape Recorder Model 410, probably is one of the first models that have been produced for the Atari 400/800 series and does not have the SIO passtrough to connect other external peripherals.

General informations:

The Program Recorder was well built and study with built in power supply and SIO cable, the 410 didn’t need a bukly external power pak like most other Atari 400/800 components, how the SIO cable being built in and the Program Recorder having no daisy chain port on the unit meant that it had to be placed at the end of the SIO chain.

The original idea of the SIO (Serial I/O) port on the Atari computers was that it was to be used only for the Data cassette drive, however its functionality was extended so that it could use all Atari peripherals including disk drives, printers and modem.

The Atari 410/410a had a unique feature exclusively used by Atari. They could play two seperate tracks on a tape, this proved very useful for interactive programs where a user would run a program and would hear audio music/speech while the other track would load the next part of the program.

Gallery:

source: atarimuseum.com

Atari 600XL Repair & Memory Upgrade

October 7th, 2017 2 comments
Atari 600XL Repair and Memory Upgrade

Atari 600XL Repair & Memory Upgrade

Defect:

  • Keyboard unresponsive – Dead.
  • Keyboard “A” Key Dead.

Repair:

  • Replacing 2 x CD4051 (U22/U23)
  • Sprayed R-11 Contact Cleaner inside the push button of the “A” key.

Enhancements:

  • Upgraded the RAM memory from 16k to 64k (memory upgrade requires 3 short lengths of wire and two memory chips: HM50464P or equivalent 4464 to provide a full 64K).

Gallery:

Some interesting things to close my personal Atari collection

October 7th, 2017 No comments
Some interesting things to close my personal Atari collection

Some interesting things to close my personal Atari collection.

Description:

  • Atari Program Recorder Model 410 (early model)
  • Atari Program Recorder Model XC11.
  • Atari 2600 Dark Vader Defender Pack.
  • Atari Joystick CX-40-04 Retail Box.
  • Atari Paddle Controllers CX 30-04 Retail Box.
  • Atari Multi System Deluxe Joystick Controller CX24.
  • Atari Centipede (Atari)
  • Atari Trak-Ball CX-80.
  • Music Construction Set (Electronic Arts)
  • Atari 1050 Disk Drive Soft Cover.