This Century's First 100% New Commodore 64!

Retro Recipes・2 minutes read

A new Commodore 64 was built with 100 new parts, including keycaps from an Indiegogo campaign, a Mecca Board 64 shift lock circuit, and a transparent case from icomp.de. Challenges were faced in assembling the keyboard, particularly with the space bar, but the issue was addressed, and transparent red keys were used in the final design.

Insights

  • The new Commodore 64 project involves innovative components like a transparent case and a Mecca Board 64, offering customization options for users to configure chip voltages and amplifier upgrades.
  • Despite challenges in keyboard assembly, including sourcing CIA chips, the team overcame obstacles like a misaligned metal bar, showcasing a commitment to quality and improvement in future batches.

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Recent questions

  • What are the key components of the new Commodore 64 system?

    The new Commodore 64 system includes 100 new parts, keycaps from an Indiegogo campaign, a Mecca Board 64 for shift lock circuit, a transparent case from icomp.de, alternate color cases, a new power supply, the Evo 64 motherboard with various upgrades, Vic to video circuit, lumafix, dual Sid amplifiers, options for chip configurations, and components like PLA chip, 6510 processor, and EPROM.

  • What challenges were faced during the keyboard assembly process?

    The team faced challenges during the keyboard assembly, particularly with the space bar. They identified a metal bar as the issue, which was hand-bent and uneven, causing difficulties in the assembly process. Despite these challenges, they were able to complete the assembly by opting for transparent red keys reminiscent of the original Commodore 64 design.

  • How did the team address the sourcing issues with CIA chips for the system?

    The team encountered challenges with sourcing brand new CIA chips for the system. To address this issue, they explored potential solutions to ensure the availability of these essential components for the new Commodore 64. By seeking alternative sources or considering different chip options, they aimed to overcome the sourcing difficulties and ensure the completion of the system.

  • What improvements were made to the keyboard assembly process after identifying the issue?

    After identifying the issue with the metal bar in the keyboard assembly process, the team contacted the eBay seller who acknowledged the problem. The seller planned to improve accuracy in future batches to prevent similar issues from arising. By addressing the root cause of the problem and working with the seller to enhance the manufacturing process, the team aimed to streamline the keyboard assembly and ensure a smoother production process.

  • What unique features does the new Commodore 64 system offer?

    The new Commodore 64 system offers unique features such as a Mecca Board 64 for shift lock circuit, a transparent case made from original Commodore 64c molds, alternate color cases, a new power supply, the Evo 64 motherboard with various upgrades, Vic to video circuit, lumafix, dual Sid amplifiers, options for chip configurations, and components like PLA chip, 6510 processor, and EPROM. These features enhance the functionality and performance of the system, providing users with an upgraded and modernized version of the classic Commodore 64.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Reviving Commodore 64 with modern upgrades

  • Building a new Commodore 64 with 100 new parts, including keycaps from an Indiegogo campaign.
  • Previous attempt at creating a new Commodore 64 using Lego keycaps due to lack of original keycaps.
  • Introduction of the Mecca Board 64, a shift lock circuit for the new system.
  • New transparent case from icomp.de, made from original Commodore 64c molds.
  • Availability of alternate color cases and a new power supply for the new system.
  • Introduction of a new motherboard, the Evo 64, with various features and upgrades.
  • Integration of Vic to video circuit, lumafix, and dual Sid amplifiers on the new motherboard.
  • Options for configuring Vic chip voltage, Sid chip outputs, and amplifier upgrades.
  • Inclusion of PLA chip, 6510 processor, and EPROM for character set, basic chip, and kernel.
  • Challenges with sourcing brand new CIA chips for the system and potential solutions.

17:07

Keyboard Factory Worker Improves Quality Issue

  • The speaker worked in a keyboard factory in 1992 but was let go due to insufficient shifts.
  • They faced difficulty assembling a keyboard, particularly with the space bar.
  • Identified a metal bar as the issue, which was hand-bent and uneven.
  • Contacted the eBay seller who acknowledged the problem and planned to improve accuracy in future batches.
  • Completed the keyboard assembly, opting for transparent red keys reminiscent of the original Commodore 64 design.
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