Commodore C116 and drive repair, 240V to 120V conversion
The 8-Bit Guy・16 minutes read
Three rare pieces of Commodore equipment are being prepared for an upcoming episode of Commodore history, including conversion to US voltages and troubleshooting display and keyboard issues. The equipment faces challenges such as mechanical problems, damaged parts from shipping, and the need for conversion from PAL to NTSC for compatibility with US monitors, with successful repairs documented in detail.
Insights
- The process of preparing rare Commodore equipment for an episode of Commodore history involves troubleshooting and repairing various components, including disk drives and monitors, to ensure compatibility and functionality.
- Converting PAL equipment to NTSC for use in the United States involves intricate steps such as changing the kernal ROM and clock crystal, showcasing the technical expertise required for adapting different systems to work together seamlessly.
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Recent questions
What is the process of converting PAL to NTSC?
Modify kernal ROM and clock crystal.
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Summary
00:00
Rare Commodore Equipment Prepared for US Conversion
- Three rare pieces of Commodore equipment are being prepared for an upcoming episode of Commodore history.
- The 1570 disk drive was bought from Italy in unknown condition, the unit from Europe was working but suffered shipping damage, and the one from Hungary was listed as not working.
- The PAL unit from Europe needs conversion to NTSC for compatibility with US monitors.
- The internal power supplies of the two drives require conversion from 240 volts to 120 volts for use in the United States.
- Testing the drives begins with the 1570 disk drive, which successfully loads a directory from device 8.
- The 1551 drive, different from most Commodore drives, fails to load due to a mechanical problem likely from shipping damage.
- The C116 monitor does not display anything, requiring troubleshooting.
- A 1541 drive is used as a donor drive to transplant parts for conversion to US voltages.
- The logic board, frame with transformer, and drive mechanism are transplanted to convert the 1570 and another drive to work with US voltages.
- The 1551 drive is repaired by moving parts to a new chassis with a working drive mechanism and fixing a broken plastic piece.
12:22
Reviving Commodore 116: Troubleshooting and Repair
- The text describes troubleshooting and repairing a Commodore 116 computer that initially appeared dead. The power LED did not turn on, indicating a potential issue with the fuse, likely caused by using the wrong power adapter. By jumping the fuse holder with alligator clips, the computer was successfully powered on, revealing a PAL display on an NTSC monitor.
- To convert the unit from PAL to NTSC, the kernal ROM and clock crystal needed to be changed. The ROM was sourced from a flooded C16 computer, and the clock crystal was successfully replaced despite some corrosion on the solder joints.
- Despite resolving the display issue, a new problem arose with half the keys on the keyboard not functioning properly. Disassembling the keyboard proved challenging, requiring breaking it apart for repair involving painting new conductive material, a project for a future video.
