Building a new C64 in 2020
Jan Beta・40 minutes read
Jan Beta is reconstructing a Commodore 64 using replica boards with added functionality and new parts, donated by various contributors. The build involves meticulous soldering, troubleshooting for video output and CPU issues, testing for flawless functionality, and future upgrades such as an ARM SID for sound emulation and a clear case display.
Insights
- Jan Beta is meticulously building a Commodore 64 by using reverse-engineered replica boards, incorporating new parts like replacement chips, and salvaging components from spare boards to complete the build.
- The process involves careful soldering techniques, utilizing IC sockets for stability and ease of replacement, selecting efficient regulators, securing connectors before soldering, and troubleshooting issues like video output problems and faulty CPUs to ensure flawless functionality.
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Recent questions
How is Jan Beta building a Commodore 64?
Jan Beta is building a Commodore 64 using replica boards that are reverse engineered versions of the original boards, some with added functionality. He plans to populate the boards with newly made parts, such as replacement chips for proprietary Commodore 64 chips like the SID sound chip and clock chip. Jan is using a revision 250466 clone board provided by Rob Taylor and kits from Gopher that include various components needed for the build.
What components are included in the kits for the Commodore 64 build?
The kits for the Commodore 64 build include connectors, ceramic capacitors, logic chips, RAM, and more. Additionally, the kits come with sockets for ICs, which should be aligned with notches on the board for proper orientation. Soldering pins on opposing sides of the IC sockets before completing the rest ensures stability during the process.
How does Jan Beta troubleshoot issues during the Commodore 64 build?
Jan Beta troubleshoots issues during the Commodore 64 build by identifying and rectifying problems systematically. For instance, when encountering a video output issue due to a missed ground pin, he rectifies it with a soldered wire. Troubleshooting revealed a faulty CPU, which was replaced with a spare one, leading to successful functionality.
What sound emulation chips are used in the Commodore 64 build?
Initially, a nano SwinSID, powered by an ARM processor, is used for sound emulation in the Commodore 64 build. The individual plans to upgrade to an ARM SID, a more sophisticated sound emulation chip, provided by Martin. The ARM SID impresses with its accurate sound emulation and auto-configuration capabilities for different SID chip versions.
What are the future plans for Jan Beta's Commodore 64 build?
Future plans for Jan Beta's Commodore 64 build include upgrading the keyboard with a new switch, seeking suggestions for modern replacement parts, and expressing gratitude to supporters for donations and assistance in building more C64 boards. Additionally, he plans to replace the keyboard with new keycaps and standoffs, showcasing the components in a clear case.
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Summary
00:00
Building Commodore 64 with replica boards and parts.
- Jan Beta is attempting to build a Commodore 64 using replica boards that are reverse engineered versions of the original boards, some with added functionality.
- He has been donated nearly all available boards, including the 250466 clone board, his favorite revision.
- Jan plans to use newly made parts, such as replacement chips for proprietary Commodore 64 chips like the SID sound chip and clock chip.
- He will populate the boards with these new parts and test their functionality.
- Jan is using a revision 250466 clone board provided by Rob Taylor, who also sells parts kits with smaller components labeled in bags.
- Gopher also offers kits with connectors, ceramic capacitors, logic chips, RAM, and more for the build.
- Edu Arana's website features a C64 parts locator that helps identify where components go on the board.
- Jan starts soldering with components of the lowest profile, like resistors, diodes, and ceramic capacitors, gradually building up height.
- He uses an app called Resistor to determine color codes for resistors and measures values with a multimeter for accuracy.
- Jan salvages some parts, like zener diodes, inductors, transistors, and capacitors, from spare boards to complete the build.
20:22
Soldering IC sockets for efficient circuit assembly.
- The kit includes sockets for ICs, which should be aligned with notches on the board for proper orientation.
- Soldering pins on opposing sides of the IC sockets before completing the rest ensures stability during the process.
- Using IC sockets prevents damaging the actual ICs during soldering and allows for easy replacement in the future.
- Care must be taken to avoid solder bridges and stray solder blobs while soldering IC sockets.
- Switching regulators are recommended for voltage regulators due to their efficiency and lower heat production.
- The bridge rectifier should be carefully chosen for optimal performance.
- The kit includes connectors, fuse holders, and a power switch for convenience.
- Joystick ports should be secured before soldering to prevent damage.
- Connectors for the keyboard and power LED should be soldered next, followed by electrolytic capacitors.
- An RF modulator replacement board can be used for improved video output quality.
39:57
"Reviving C64 with Plankton and ARM SID"
- The individual plans to use a C64 and replace the PLA with plankton, utilizing the original VIC-2 from 1986.
- They intend to incorporate the original 6510 processor and CIA chips (6526) in the build.
- The plan involves using original ROMs instead of more modern alternatives like EPROMs or flash ROMs.
- A nano SwinSID, powered by an ARM processor, will be initially used for sound emulation.
- The individual encounters a video output issue due to a missed ground pin, which is rectified with a soldered wire.
- Troubleshooting reveals a faulty CPU, replaced with a spare one, leading to successful functionality.
- The C64 undergoes extensive testing with various games and demos, proving its flawless operation.
- The individual plans to upgrade to an ARM SID, a more sophisticated sound emulation chip, provided by Martin.
- The ARM SID impresses with its accurate sound emulation and auto-configuration capabilities for different SID chip versions.
- The C64 build is completed with a clear case, showcasing the components, and the individual plans to replace the keyboard with new keycaps and standoffs.
57:37
"DIY LED assembly for Commodore 64"
- The temporary solution involves using a salvaged green LED for a power LED assembly, filing down the sides to fit, confirming polarity with a multimeter, soldering wires, and creating a connector for a pin header.
- The LED assembly is connected to a three-prong connector on the board, with the middle pin as ground and the outer pins as positives, allowing for reversible insertion.
- The LED lights up, albeit dimly due to voltage differences, indicating successful assembly for a working Commodore 64.
- Future plans include upgrading the keyboard with a new switch, seeking suggestions for modern replacement parts, and expressing gratitude to supporters for donations and assistance in building more C64 boards.
