90% of what we see here (or more) is stuff many may already know. But to have this all in one location, in 1 really beautiful package with the list o’ links below is simply superb. Really nice boilerplate resource, even for ‘pros’ IMO. Thanks for your hard work in putting together this excellent resource. I've already shared it with a friend just getting back into the scene after being away for many years.
The one I'm using is an Eyoyo EM10 from Aliexpress, but it's a few years old and the model lineup keeps changing slightly. This appears to be the same one judging from the pictures, albeit at a higher price than it used to be: www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832652321825.html If you shop around they seem to have dozens of variants in different sizes and resolutions. This one is native 1920x1200 so it's not a perfect 4:3 and you'll get some black bars if you don't stretch the image. They do have a 1024x768 model as well but I think I prefer this one as you can get a 5x integer scale of 240p with only 2 black bars instead of a 3x scale with 4.
C64 is a phenomenal computer. Perfect for education. A machine in which I am constantly discovering something new for over 30 years. This computer really teaches how to program.
Yeah, this is really super appreciated! I grew up with the C64 and love it about as much as I love making music and studying physics. Those are my 3 greatest passions. I gave all my C64 stuff away decades ago. I miss it a lot! I never thought there'd be a second chance, but there's a lot more out there than I ever imagined. I do live in Europe, so hardware is harder to get and more expensive. I should probably look into retro enthusiasts around here and if htere isn't a way to get some US hardware to Europe cheaper. In bulk maybe, and start up a retro shop. I'd do it just for the love of it. If the costs are covered and I cut even and people enjoy it, that's all the profit I'd need! That's what I gave my C64 away for, and I'd do it again, just for that slim chance to "infect" another person with the love for the C64. Possibly, people ahve already done that. I guess my best chances are the demo scene in Germany. I usually just watch their demos on UA-cam. Maybe I should reach out and see what's possible here. Those people are nuts (about the C64), like me 🤣
This is such a great guide with great resources. I had no idea that the C64 scene is still so alive. Can't wait to get started again! It's been way too long. And the longer I wait, the worse I feel about having given away my old hardware. To be fair, the bad part is that I don't know how much fun was/is had with it because I lost touch with the neighbour whose tech savvy 6 yo I gave it to, and I don't know if they have any idea what they got. Heck, I didn't know. I figured it was old and I wouldn't use it for long, but then, 10 -20 years later you see that demo's are still made, even hardware is still made by enthusiasts, and you find yourself looking for C64 videos on a Saturday morning just to hear that SID chip again because some habits and passions just run really deep. C64 for life! 💜
This is what shocked me as well. The C64 (and other home computer retro communities) are really alive and kicking. And there are new games being developed for the system. Some quite good.
I’m a long-time Commodore owner / user having started with a VIC20 and Datasette in 1983. Still have it, and my original C64 & 1541, and C128 & 1571 & 1581 and software. Also have a C64C, 1541-II, C128D, Plus/4, SX64, and Amiga 500, 1702 & 1084s monitors. ALL still work although my SX64 keyboard needs a new membrane. This is an excellent video with great info for those interested in getting into Commodore 64 computers and many great links all in one place, kind of like a “Commodore 64 for Dummies” video! I even learned a few things as well as being reminded about some things I had forgotten about. Nicely done!
Nice re-introduction to the C=64. Last winter i started up my old brick, with a new powerumit. Monitor was asnearas dead, so plugged in an old smaller flat tv. My kid (9yo) oved it, and is learning his topografics for school on the old brick,and is training math with the old bingo-math cartridge 😁 He never wanted to use the Wii in the livingroom, but the old C= . . .
I bought the BackBit cartridge because as a progammer, you can create a special file (of up to 4 GB in size) and access any part of it from the C64! The potential of this alone had my head spinning. Two years later, I am still excited about the possibilities!
Excellent video trying to put everything on one place for new C64 user. However, few things are missing. First is GenAssister from US based Backbit - by far best C64 controller adapter you can think of using six-button Sega Genesis/MegaDrive controller, including wireless ones. All eight buttons on controller has function on C64 - dedicated buttons for jump, regular C64 2nd fire button, space (literally hundreds of games using it as additional button as second fire, pause etc.), rapid fire, automatic rapid fire, switch between ports... It's much comfortable to use joypad instead joystick these days - if you don't have problem with it, it's no brainer to buy for US citizens, for EU citizens is much expensive with postage and custom. You can still using regular C64 joystick with GenAssister with switch to change between Joy Port 1 and Port 2 on-the-fly. Second is Tapuino - for lovers of original tape files in TAP format to use instead datassette. Third is Tapecart SD - great storage device if you want to use PRGs only plus it has dedicated TCRT format having 2MB (only few games are converted to this plus few utils collection and original graphic collection). Fourth is MP32C64 adapter - it allows you to load PRGs in MP3 or WAV format directly from your mobile phone or MP3 player.
Thanks for the info! I was not aware of the GenAssister, will have to look into that as it sounds pretty great. Sorry that I only paid cursory attention to tape loading and didn't cover any of the modern solutions as I have no experience with them whatsoever. I'm aware other markets used tape extensively and therefore would have more nostalgia for it, which is one reason I prefaced the video by saying it was based on my experience as a North American user. If there's a new version of this in future years, I'll be sure to add more coverage of this subject!
I'm honestly glad to see there seems to be a renewed interest in the good old breadbin. I owned what I used to consider the ultimate C64 setup: C64C, 1541-II disk drive, Final Cartridge III, MPS-801 printer, all hooked up to a dedicated composite monitor (not a Commodore one, it was branded Buffetti which is an Italian office supplies company and it had a weird PET like shape). Of course now I know it was far from ultimate but at the time I didn't know any better. Still I was very proud I could do actual computing on it and enjoyed a lot of utility and productivity programs and not just games. And while I don't really feel like rebuilding a setup like the one I had, I'm going the Maxi route for convenience.
I love this presentation. I had CBM64 around 1984-1987, then Amigas ... untill last year I got the "slim" c64 model + 1541-2. I bought a new dual PSU for those, got a video adapter .... and ... still a black screen. But hell yeah, I'll get back there, step by step.
Damn...I am a new C64 owner who has never use a C64 before. Only got my hands on one late last year. This one video would have told me what I need to know in months of scourging info and there's still some things here which I don't know. At one point I was thinking to get the Ultimate 64 board, but it has been out of stock since forever. Because I have been trying to repair my C64 since last year. Glad to say, I have finally fixed it with some CIA chips I got from ebay (and touch wood no further problems! I have bought so many parts...ARMSID, new PSU, new AV cable, and a couple of carts...). Maybe a next video you can make is a more technical one and dive into all the chips and potential failures. Thanks for a great video!
36 here, I literally grew up with games starting with the atari 2600 (I may have been 3 or 4 at the time) and went all the way up to a PS5 i bought this year. I still love modern gaming but there’s an unbeatable charm with classic games that makes me always want to come back, kinda like magnets. So now I’m here watching this as the definitive guide to buy my first C64 ever (btw I’m way too much into C64 music thanks to the chiptune scene which has provided me with hidden musical gems that i keep listening while either programming or making 3d art; both crafts that I picked up thanks to games)
This is really a good video, I am sure it will help a lot of people. One follow up suggestion if I may, how about making a video on versions of mainboards? Many variations of longboards have their pros and cons, even some very early ones are best to be avoided. Shortboards don't have so many variations but still enough to include too.
11:25 the 5-pin c64s actually can output chroma/luma video without a mod. They still have monochrome output so the composite signal is used for chroma. It’s not as clean as a separate chroma pin but it’s still cleaner than composite.
I was only 6 in 1988 when my father showed me how to load games on our C64. I didn't pay much attention to anything else (I was only 6!) I have been interested in revisiting the platform a little more seriously lately and this is definitely going to help in getting a decent setup. I am really interested in building one maybe even cannibalize a mostly dead one.
I worked as a tech at a Commodore dealer starting in the late 80's. There is no guarantee of the PCB on a breadbin. Commodore was only supplying shortboards to dealers so if the PCB needed to be replaced then it was getting one.
Great that you talked about replacement power supplies. I have the original PS, but won't plug it in for fear of damage. So I use the 3rd party versions.
Great seeing your machines. I have 2 nostalgic commodore c64 machine versions. I have 2 bread bin c64(my first computer), , I have SX-64(never owned as kid, but really wanted one) & finally a c64 maxi & mini. I thought I would include those. Other commodore computers in my collection are the A500 & VIC 20 original & Maxi, & a PET 4032(I did not own as a kid, but we had them in my school) What memories. And I still use them on occasion. :). And of course 1541 white Vic 20 drive, and 1541 Tan commodore drive. And 2 cassette players
An awesome comprehensive video that should be a must-watch for any fledgling retro newbie - but even those that have been at it for a while will learn some things. At the end of the day, most causual retro computing enthusiast will find The C64 Maxi the way to go. Is very affordable, has a very faithful reproduction of the physical case and keyboard, and nicely integrates into the modern world (e.g., can directly connect to an HDMI display, use USB game controllers, etc.). It even has support for things like the RAM Expansion Unit and can thus play Sonic the Hedgehog. So one gets a faithful experience without all the headache, expense, and risk of attempting to own and operate a vintage C64.
I have both...one thing you can't do in the Maxi/TheC64 is to have a Paddle controller (not sure USB based paddle with analog to digital signal ic will work or not). Right now I am in process of making my own gamepad and paddle for the C64. The SID chip allows 2 paddles per port. And somehow, having the ori C64 running even on an older LCD with less than perfect images unlike on PC emulators or TheC64 has some aura of authentication to it. 🙂
Great video buddy. Very thorough and informative. I have a 64 maxi clone from Retro Games UK, but if I was getting into original hardware this would be my go-to video.
Nice vid, but you missed one of the best emulation solutions out there! BMC64 offers, tape, cartidge, and disk mounting from an SDCARD, Can emulate 1 or 2 SIDs (both old and new SIDs too), supports both PAL and NTSC games, can use USB keyboard/mouse/joystick or Original C64 Keyboard and Joystick (allowing you to drop inside an original 64). and can work flawlessly from a Pi3. Added bonus, it can do almost Every other 8Bit Commodore with a flick of an option (VIC20, Plus4, C128, All the PETS too). BMC64 is Randy Rossi's project (Vic-II Kawari fame), but I'm sure every here knows!
Ah yes I almost even tried it on my Pi400 a long time ago but it was still beta or something and not publicly available. I should give it a try one of these days!
@@retrobitstv Also forgot another choice for the ultra cheap set up. modded c64 DTV. :P I have one I bought for 20 bucks, and it does very well for me with my pi1541.
I recently dug the old 128 out the family loft and didn't want to power it up. But now feel I can as you said its not known to have power brick issues. My next issue will be my new TV does not have any of the ports I require.
Thanks for mentioning the Kawari, I actually found a place which had stock...........................................finally! There was nothing new for me but still an enjoyable video or for me, a recap.
I was able to get an order in the other day as well! Looking forward to testing it out and having a real 64 that can switch between video standards so easily!
This was exactly what I needed. Now, if only I knew where to start. LOL I just wish my sister didn't throw out the contents of our attic when she bought my parents house. I could probably take a year off on ebay sales alone!
You should take a look at the Turbo Charmeleon by Individual Computers. It has all the features of the Ultimate II but it's also providing a SuperCPU feature and can clock your C64 with up to 20 MHZ.
Just rewatched. One of these days. Question though, I am planning to get a Mssiah cartridge to play music, and they offer a dual chip converter so that you can get 6 voices instead of 3…If I have one of those expander artridges you mentioned that has dual stereo SID chips in, do I need one still or does that cover it?
I haven't used a mssiah myself but you need the sid2sid in order to get the full 6 voices. If you already have some other dual-sid expansion then you don't need the sid2sid as long as what you have allows you to set the 2nd sid's base address to something the mssiah can use.
My personal suggestion for a joystick is the TAC-2. It's built like a tank, the short motion movement of the stick itself saves your wrist lots of stress, and it's ambidextrous. It's long been my go to for 9 pin joysticks, for just about any retro system that uses them. Everybody gushes about the WICO, and yes, it is a fine controller, but the TAC is usually cheaper and overall built better.
Definitely played on a TAC-2 back in the day. Don't have one now though. Agreed, the Wico requires too much force to move and has a long handle so it constantly torques itself out of your hand. I pretty much prefer the Genesis pad for everything these days.
A well made video with some good warnings I wasn't aware of, I might've tried to fire up my old C64 at some point if I can find the original power supply and if I could hook it up to a modern tv. Not knowing about the power supply issue. I have to admit those Ultimate II+ cartridges are extremely tempting as they do everything seemingly, even stuff I never was able to find at thrift stores/garage sales/flea markets growing up. My only problem with the emulator back the last time I used one years ago is not having the commodore keyboard layout memorized so trying to hit the right key on a modern keyboard is a little tricky. But I think an emulator is probably the safer and cheaper option rather than frying my original hardware.
The VICE emulator has both positional and symbolic keyboard settings; the latter can be helpful if you can't find, e.g. the * key. The manual has nice images of the keyboard layout which I found to be so useful I saved the image to my PC! vice-emu.sourceforge.io/vice_1.html
You don't have to modify the floppy device hardware to change the drive number if you want to do that temporarily. There are a few lines of code you can write to temporarily change the drive number of any Commodore floppy drive.
wow! it's such a great video about C64. I'd like to add my experience of ESD problem on joystick port. recently I just 'unplugged' a joystick from C64 while it was on.... that joystick port is no longer working. doh!! I am guessing that CIA chip is gone. I saw some ESD protection socket for CIA chip from Italy on ebay but.. I am not so sure if that works really.
The SX 64 doesn't have a cassette port either so you can't load any tape based games. The 64 shortboards can be more difficult to repair since there are no modern replacements for the short board PLA.
Very old user here😊 Well, maybe not that old. Born in the seventies, my C64 was my first great love😅 Unfortunately, my mother decided to scrap it when I got my Amiga. The graphics were abysmal, but I will never forget the sound.
From my experience with people untouched by (and not only) the 64 before: If you don't have the C64 in your heart from your childhood, you can't suddenly start loving it. The good old memories are missing.
I would disagree but perhaps I’m an exception to the rule. But I’ve only recently gotten into it simply because I did miss out on it in my childhood. And I went in on a EVO64 to fill that nostalgic gap. Last year I also picked up a Vectrex for the same reason, and I also got a Neo Geo AES because I could afford one now. (It was way out of my league back in the day.) For me part of the joy of collecting these things now is to appreciate what was out of reach in those formative years.
Great video! Regarding electrolytic capacitors in the C64 machines... I agree 99%. I've recapped a few C64 machines and during testing, the capacitors I removed were all OK. That 1% is an exception in the KU-14194HB boards where the electrolytic capacitors in the VIC-II/Clock shielded area leak and corrode PCB tracks. This happened on my original KU-14194HF machine and I've read of others with this PCB having issues with the same capacitors. Not sure if it was a bad batch or the elevated temperatures in the sealed box. My ceramic PAL 6569 VIC-II gets mighty hot during operation.
Thanks for the info! I haven't had any problems with the 64s that have passed through my hands but they've all been pretty common later board revisions.
Not a complete newbie but not a seasoned guy either and i rather enjoyed this overview. I'm using a THE C64 at the moment but eventually I'd like to get an old one or one of the new clones to use original hardware with. Oh, and if i recall correctly, the LOAD"fileName",8,1 (with the trailing 1 parameter) is to load something into the same place in memory where it was saved from.
I thought that might happen when I was editing it together. The original camera footage has me asking the question before answering it but I cut it down trying to be all clever :P
Commodore's late-80s design language was too short-lived. The 128D, the A1000, and their external drives all followed a single style that was distinctly their own just like Apple was doing, and they threw it all away to make machines that looked like PC clones.
@@initial_kd The Amiga 1000 was clearly the best looking computer of the 1980s. The keybord garage was a brilliant stroke; with a bit of cord management, the only cable you saw was the mouse.
Tiny correction: The Max Machine doesn't have a different kernal. It has no kernal. No ROMs at all. And there are a few C64 cartridges it can play, but they were specifically designed to run on both.
In addition to the C128 power supply, the one that was supplied with the C64 REU is practically identical (switching, fails safely)... and you don't even need to modify the plug. It's by far my favorite and most trusted stock C64 PSU. Granted, those are a bit harder to find.
Ah good point! I presently only have the 1750 for the 128 so it didn't come with a PSU. I did have a 1700 at one point but it did not come with the original supply either. I do have a modern square din to round din adapter to use the regular 128 supply with the 64. It's at least another option, since I've seen 128 supplies sell for as low as $15 on eBay.
I haven't played games for years, even though I have watched UA-cam and read Retro Gamer. I have decided to start and have been looking at various systems. I could go to the PC games way and use Steam or use my Raspberry Pi's. The prices for original hardware has made me think. I didn't own computers at the time and played consoles. I think I start with a ZX81, since I remember using one. Then go up to a C64 and ZXSpectrum for example.
I've been into C= since the VIC20 and I can say this is a great guide for anybody up to the hardcore level. That said, I'm not particularly in to replacing much of the internals, especially FPGA solutions. May as well emulate at that stage.
I could be wrong and please correct me if I am, but I thought for some reason S-Video does NOT carry audio and you need a separate audio cable for that
Found our old Commodore64 along with the joystick , power supply, monitor connections and a vicmodem model 1600 in our attic when we moved and listed it on marketplace with no interest lol
A quick search on eBay shows over a dozen C64s for sale in the "buy it now" format for under $150, some with boxes and some with drives even. I just picked up a working breadbin w/1351 mouse locally for $40 from FB Marketplace, although that's an exceptionally rare find these days.
The 1350 mouse is actually very nice to have, because since it works like a joystick, you can play games like Maniac Mansion with it. While limited to 8 directions and linear speed, it makes every game in which you move a cursor around better to play.
You may know this already but you can also put the 1351 mouse into joystick mode. Then it can be used as a 1350 if you are into torture. haha. Just kidding. Like you said it does have some use cases but a proportional mouse is so much more useful.
It's been a long time since I've used a joymouse but I don't think it's an experience I'd like to repeat. If the game is rigged for joystick input, I'd rather just use a joystick.
@@retrobitstv What's a manual? LOL. I have to admit my younger self used to appreciate the manuals they put in our favorite tech toys back then. I brought them to school and browsed them during history and social studies... ;-)
As an interesting side bit, I own an old style breadbox with a new motherboard, The computer was stickered as a C64G with a similar sticker that was used with C64Cs
I've also seen old breadbox style and color drives with 1541-II internals, making me think these were either anniversary/retro editions or for more conservative markets like Germany
As for joysticks go (awkward name) the Suncom TAC2 was the unbeat master of joysticks. Micro switches was what market tried to sell you... wrong, they make you slow and needs a lot of force, large movement until something happens. Sure they were reliable, but nowhere as fast as a TAC2 which is instant with small movements The TAC2 had two flaws where one was fixable. 1. The rubber grommit holding the stick could fail, leaning to one side - not fixable. 2. Fire buttons required both contacts in one switch to conduct, with some age and corrosion they will fail. Can be corrected by re-routing wires so either contact conducts.
I definitely used a TAC2 back in the day but I don't remember if I ever owned one myself. Agreed about the Wico, takes too much effort to hold it down too.
@@daw7563 With all the publicity Hall-effect thumbsticks are getting these days, I wonder if anyone's started making retro joysticks that use those sorts of mechanisms, maybe with a sensitivity slider for the digital-stick emulation mode.
90% of what we see here (or more) is stuff many may already know. But to have this all in one location, in 1 really beautiful package with the list o’ links below is simply superb. Really nice boilerplate resource, even for ‘pros’ IMO. Thanks for your hard work in putting together this excellent resource. I've already shared it with a friend just getting back into the scene after being away for many years.
Of course now I'm curious which Aliexpress 10" monitor you're using in the NTSC/PAL section, which wasn't in the description. :P
The one I'm using is an Eyoyo EM10 from Aliexpress, but it's a few years old and the model lineup keeps changing slightly. This appears to be the same one judging from the pictures, albeit at a higher price than it used to be: www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832652321825.html If you shop around they seem to have dozens of variants in different sizes and resolutions. This one is native 1920x1200 so it's not a perfect 4:3 and you'll get some black bars if you don't stretch the image. They do have a 1024x768 model as well but I think I prefer this one as you can get a 5x integer scale of 240p with only 2 black bars instead of a 3x scale with 4.
C64 is a phenomenal computer. Perfect for education. A machine in which I am constantly discovering something new for over 30 years. This computer really teaches how to program.
It's not so much that C64's history is long, we're just still waiting for it to finish loading.
Mines still loading from 1984
Good one
can you make a video: "how to burn a c64 ..."
Watched this from beginning to end. Clearly a lot of effort went into making this video. Thank you so much for taking the time!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Yeah, this is really super appreciated! I grew up with the C64 and love it about as much as I love making music and studying physics. Those are my 3 greatest passions. I gave all my C64 stuff away decades ago. I miss it a lot! I never thought there'd be a second chance, but there's a lot more out there than I ever imagined.
I do live in Europe, so hardware is harder to get and more expensive. I should probably look into retro enthusiasts around here and if htere isn't a way to get some US hardware to Europe cheaper. In bulk maybe, and start up a retro shop. I'd do it just for the love of it. If the costs are covered and I cut even and people enjoy it, that's all the profit I'd need! That's what I gave my C64 away for, and I'd do it again, just for that slim chance to "infect" another person with the love for the C64.
Possibly, people ahve already done that. I guess my best chances are the demo scene in Germany. I usually just watch their demos on UA-cam. Maybe I should reach out and see what's possible here. Those people are nuts (about the C64), like me 🤣
This is such a great guide with great resources. I had no idea that the C64 scene is still so alive. Can't wait to get started again! It's been way too long. And the longer I wait, the worse I feel about having given away my old hardware.
To be fair, the bad part is that I don't know how much fun was/is had with it because I lost touch with the neighbour whose tech savvy 6 yo I gave it to, and I don't know if they have any idea what they got. Heck, I didn't know. I figured it was old and I wouldn't use it for long, but then, 10 -20 years later you see that demo's are still made, even hardware is still made by enthusiasts, and you find yourself looking for C64 videos on a Saturday morning just to hear that SID chip again because some habits and passions just run really deep. C64 for life! 💜
This is what shocked me as well. The C64 (and other home computer retro communities) are really alive and kicking. And there are new games being developed for the system. Some quite good.
That has to be the most complete comprehensive guide of our beloved computers out there. What a great resource
Excellent! This can be a huge value for anyone not familiar with Commodore computers or the modern solutions.
Great video man. This is a much better reference than some of the other vids out there.
I’m a long-time Commodore owner / user having started with a VIC20 and Datasette in 1983. Still have it, and my original C64 & 1541, and C128 & 1571 & 1581 and software. Also have a C64C, 1541-II, C128D, Plus/4, SX64, and Amiga 500, 1702 & 1084s monitors. ALL still work although my SX64 keyboard needs a new membrane. This is an excellent video with great info for those interested in getting into Commodore 64 computers and many great links all in one place, kind of like a “Commodore 64 for Dummies” video! I even learned a few things as well as being reminded about some things I had forgotten about. Nicely done!
Nice re-introduction to the C=64.
Last winter i started up my old brick, with a new powerumit.
Monitor was asnearas dead, so plugged in an old smaller flat tv.
My kid (9yo) oved it, and is learning his topografics for school on the old brick,and is training math with the old bingo-math cartridge 😁
He never wanted to use the Wii in the livingroom, but the old C= . . .
I bought the BackBit cartridge because as a progammer, you can create a special file (of up to 4 GB in size) and access any part of it from the C64! The potential of this alone had my head spinning. Two years later, I am still excited about the possibilities!
Excellent video trying to put everything on one place for new C64 user.
However, few things are missing.
First is GenAssister from US based Backbit - by far best C64 controller adapter you can think of using six-button Sega Genesis/MegaDrive controller, including wireless ones. All eight buttons on controller has function on C64 - dedicated buttons for jump, regular C64 2nd fire button, space (literally hundreds of games using it as additional button as second fire, pause etc.), rapid fire, automatic rapid fire, switch between ports... It's much comfortable to use joypad instead joystick these days - if you don't have problem with it, it's no brainer to buy for US citizens, for EU citizens is much expensive with postage and custom. You can still using regular C64 joystick with GenAssister with switch to change between Joy Port 1 and Port 2 on-the-fly.
Second is Tapuino - for lovers of original tape files in TAP format to use instead datassette.
Third is Tapecart SD - great storage device if you want to use PRGs only plus it has dedicated TCRT format having 2MB (only few games are converted to this plus few utils collection and original graphic collection).
Fourth is MP32C64 adapter - it allows you to load PRGs in MP3 or WAV format directly from your mobile phone or MP3 player.
Thanks for the info! I was not aware of the GenAssister, will have to look into that as it sounds pretty great. Sorry that I only paid cursory attention to tape loading and didn't cover any of the modern solutions as I have no experience with them whatsoever. I'm aware other markets used tape extensively and therefore would have more nostalgia for it, which is one reason I prefaced the video by saying it was based on my experience as a North American user. If there's a new version of this in future years, I'll be sure to add more coverage of this subject!
At last a really good video about the C64 for newbies and fans needing a refreshment about all basics and more.
+1 for the Epyx 500XJ joystick. Thanks for compiling this information into a single reference.
This is, so very helpful. I just got a Commander 64C and this helps me. Get it back up and running. Thank You 👍🤠
I'm honestly glad to see there seems to be a renewed interest in the good old breadbin. I owned what I used to consider the ultimate C64 setup: C64C, 1541-II disk drive, Final Cartridge III, MPS-801 printer, all hooked up to a dedicated composite monitor (not a Commodore one, it was branded Buffetti which is an Italian office supplies company and it had a weird PET like shape). Of course now I know it was far from ultimate but at the time I didn't know any better. Still I was very proud I could do actual computing on it and enjoyed a lot of utility and productivity programs and not just games. And while I don't really feel like rebuilding a setup like the one I had, I'm going the Maxi route for convenience.
This is the most extensive video I've seen. I had 2 original 64's and an Amiga 500. Miss that stuff. Awesome video.😊
Still new info I still keep learning of even after all these years - well done
Quality of your videos never dissapoint. Even if I know everything mentioned in this video I still watched it twice.
Great video - earned a sub. I'm an Commander X16 owner... but C64's have a place in my heart!
Thanks and welcome!
So much thought and effort went into this video. Absolutely excellent work!
I love this presentation. I had CBM64 around 1984-1987, then Amigas ... untill last year I got the "slim" c64 model + 1541-2. I bought a new dual PSU for those, got a video adapter .... and ... still a black screen. But hell yeah, I'll get back there, step by step.
This is one of the best "all-in-one" summaries I've seen to date. Very well thought out!
Damn...I am a new C64 owner who has never use a C64 before. Only got my hands on one late last year. This one video would have told me what I need to know in months of scourging info and there's still some things here which I don't know. At one point I was thinking to get the Ultimate 64 board, but it has been out of stock since forever. Because I have been trying to repair my C64 since last year. Glad to say, I have finally fixed it with some CIA chips I got from ebay (and touch wood no further problems! I have bought so many parts...ARMSID, new PSU, new AV cable, and a couple of carts...). Maybe a next video you can make is a more technical one and dive into all the chips and potential failures. Thanks for a great video!
Great video! Tons of new information.
However, a year later and most of the prices listed have doubled. The demand must be crazy higher these days.
36 here, I literally grew up with games starting with the atari 2600 (I may have been 3 or 4 at the time) and went all the way up to a PS5 i bought this year. I still love modern gaming but there’s an unbeatable charm with classic games that makes me always want to come back, kinda like magnets. So now I’m here watching this as the definitive guide to buy my first C64 ever (btw I’m way too much into C64 music thanks to the chiptune scene which has provided me with hidden musical gems that i keep listening while either programming or making 3d art; both crafts that I picked up thanks to games)
You selected Gorf... Great choice
I only used the tape drive on my Vic-20 and that was really only to save programs I typed in from Computes Gazette
This is really a good video, I am sure it will help a lot of people. One follow up suggestion if I may, how about making a video on versions of mainboards? Many variations of longboards have their pros and cons, even some very early ones are best to be avoided. Shortboards don't have so many variations but still enough to include too.
11:25 the 5-pin c64s actually can output chroma/luma video without a mod. They still have monochrome output so the composite signal is used for chroma. It’s not as clean as a separate chroma pin but it’s still cleaner than composite.
Ah neat, I've never come across a 5-pin 64 and didn't know they had a mono pin!
34:34 best monolog sound IMO Friend! Nice video
Best c64 info video I've ever seen, answered a lot of questions good job
Great overview without going into too much detail. You have a subscriber!
I was only 6 in 1988 when my father showed me how to load games on our C64. I didn't pay much attention to anything else (I was only 6!) I have been interested in revisiting the platform a little more seriously lately and this is definitely going to help in getting a decent setup. I am really interested in building one maybe even cannibalize a mostly dead one.
One guide to rule them all! Great work, Matt!
Okay, glad I watched. Didn't know about the adapters for safe Sega Genesis pad usage. Saves me the rewiring I was going to do to mine
I worked as a tech at a Commodore dealer starting in the late 80's. There is no guarantee of the PCB on a breadbin. Commodore was only supplying shortboards to dealers so if the PCB needed to be replaced then it was getting one.
thanks for this. was exactly what i was looking for
Great that you talked about replacement power supplies. I have the original PS, but won't plug it in for fear of damage. So I use the 3rd party versions.
Great work on this guide man! And bonus points for ring cap!
The Mega65 is also an option. It is an FPGA recreation of the never released C65 but also has a C64 core available
Great seeing your machines. I have 2 nostalgic commodore c64 machine versions. I have 2 bread bin c64(my first computer), , I have SX-64(never owned as kid, but really wanted one) & finally a c64 maxi & mini. I thought I would include those. Other commodore computers in my collection are the A500 & VIC 20 original & Maxi, & a PET 4032(I did not own as a kid, but we had them in my school) What memories. And I still use them on occasion. :). And of course 1541 white Vic 20 drive, and 1541 Tan commodore drive. And 2 cassette players
Sounds like a great collection! I also lusted after the sx-64 back in the day and finally got one 30 years later 😁
An awesome comprehensive video that should be a must-watch for any fledgling retro newbie - but even those that have been at it for a while will learn some things.
At the end of the day, most causual retro computing enthusiast will find The C64 Maxi the way to go. Is very affordable, has a very faithful reproduction of the physical case and keyboard, and nicely integrates into the modern world (e.g., can directly connect to an HDMI display, use USB game controllers, etc.). It even has support for things like the RAM Expansion Unit and can thus play Sonic the Hedgehog. So one gets a faithful experience without all the headache, expense, and risk of attempting to own and operate a vintage C64.
I have both...one thing you can't do in the Maxi/TheC64 is to have a Paddle controller (not sure USB based paddle with analog to digital signal ic will work or not). Right now I am in process of making my own gamepad and paddle for the C64. The SID chip allows 2 paddles per port. And somehow, having the ori C64 running even on an older LCD with less than perfect images unlike on PC emulators or TheC64 has some aura of authentication to it. 🙂
@4:35: You neglected to mention that the C-128 also has a Z-80 CPU for C/PM mode.
Great video buddy. Very thorough and informative. I have a 64 maxi clone from Retro Games UK, but if I was getting into original hardware this would be my go-to video.
Hey, Matt. Great video - as always! 👍
Nice vid, but you missed one of the best emulation solutions out there! BMC64 offers, tape, cartidge, and disk mounting from an SDCARD, Can emulate 1 or 2 SIDs (both old and new SIDs too), supports both PAL and NTSC games, can use USB keyboard/mouse/joystick or Original C64 Keyboard and Joystick (allowing you to drop inside an original 64). and can work flawlessly from a Pi3. Added bonus, it can do almost Every other 8Bit Commodore with a flick of an option (VIC20, Plus4, C128, All the PETS too). BMC64 is Randy Rossi's project (Vic-II Kawari fame), but I'm sure every here knows!
Ah yes I almost even tried it on my Pi400 a long time ago but it was still beta or something and not publicly available. I should give it a try one of these days!
@@retrobitstv Also forgot another choice for the ultra cheap set up. modded c64 DTV. :P I have one I bought for 20 bucks, and it does very well for me with my pi1541.
Excellent curation of information for the Commodore 64. 👍
I recently dug the old 128 out the family loft and didn't want to power it up. But now feel I can as you said its not known to have power brick issues. My next issue will be my new TV does not have any of the ports I require.
Thank you for making this guide! Believe it or not, some of us are still only just getting into the C64! Better late than never! 😅
No problem! It's a great time to get into them, so much development both hardware and software these days!
Thanks for mentioning the Kawari, I actually found a place which had stock...........................................finally! There was nothing new for me but still an enjoyable video or for me, a recap.
I was able to get an order in the other day as well! Looking forward to testing it out and having a real 64 that can switch between video standards so easily!
I am looking forward to your works. Thanks for nice video.
Thanks for watching!
This was exactly what I needed. Now, if only I knew where to start. LOL I just wish my sister didn't throw out the contents of our attic when she bought my parents house. I could probably take a year off on ebay sales alone!
Hah yea, we all have regrets about the stuff we tossed out 30+ years ago :P Good luck getting back into it!
You should take a look at the Turbo Charmeleon by Individual Computers. It has all the features of the Ultimate II but it's also providing a SuperCPU feature and can clock your C64 with up to 20 MHZ.
Played buck rogers game on this bad boy many years ago! Best memory’s !!!
Just rewatched. One of these days. Question though, I am planning to get a Mssiah cartridge to play music, and they offer a dual chip converter so that you can get 6 voices instead of 3…If I have one of those expander artridges you mentioned that has dual stereo SID chips in, do I need one still or does that cover it?
I haven't used a mssiah myself but you need the sid2sid in order to get the full 6 voices. If you already have some other dual-sid expansion then you don't need the sid2sid as long as what you have allows you to set the 2nd sid's base address to something the mssiah can use.
My personal suggestion for a joystick is the TAC-2. It's built like a tank, the short motion movement of the stick itself saves your wrist lots of stress, and it's ambidextrous. It's long been my go to for 9 pin joysticks, for just about any retro system that uses them. Everybody gushes about the WICO, and yes, it is a fine controller, but the TAC is usually cheaper and overall built better.
Definitely played on a TAC-2 back in the day. Don't have one now though. Agreed, the Wico requires too much force to move and has a long handle so it constantly torques itself out of your hand. I pretty much prefer the Genesis pad for everything these days.
Well that is a lot I'm not new to the commodore 64 but don't claim to know it all you opened up my eyes and showed a lot of great resources thanks
I have the 128K version, U can go C64 by command line or boot to 64 OS straight away
Amazing video, explained so much! I hope you do an equivalent video for the c128 :)
Fantastic break-down! Thank you!
Very informative, great video thanks 👍
loved my c64 learned so much ran a bbs had a 5 mb hard drive crazy !
A well made video with some good warnings I wasn't aware of, I might've tried to fire up my old C64 at some point if I can find the original power supply and if I could hook it up to a modern tv. Not knowing about the power supply issue. I have to admit those Ultimate II+ cartridges are extremely tempting as they do everything seemingly, even stuff I never was able to find at thrift stores/garage sales/flea markets growing up. My only problem with the emulator back the last time I used one years ago is not having the commodore keyboard layout memorized so trying to hit the right key on a modern keyboard is a little tricky. But I think an emulator is probably the safer and cheaper option rather than frying my original hardware.
The VICE emulator has both positional and symbolic keyboard settings; the latter can be helpful if you can't find, e.g. the * key. The manual has nice images of the keyboard layout which I found to be so useful I saved the image to my PC! vice-emu.sourceforge.io/vice_1.html
You don't have to modify the floppy device hardware to change the drive number if you want to do that temporarily. There are a few lines of code you can write to temporarily change the drive number of any Commodore floppy drive.
wow! it's such a great video about C64. I'd like to add my experience of ESD problem on joystick port. recently I just 'unplugged' a joystick from C64 while it was on.... that joystick port is no longer working. doh!! I am guessing that CIA chip is gone. I saw some ESD protection socket for CIA chip from Italy on ebay but.. I am not so sure if that works really.
The SX 64 doesn't have a cassette port either so you can't load any tape based games.
The 64 shortboards can be more difficult to repair since there are no modern replacements for the short board PLA.
Very old user here😊
Well, maybe not that old. Born in the seventies, my C64 was my first great love😅
Unfortunately, my mother decided to scrap it when I got my Amiga.
The graphics were abysmal, but I will never forget the sound.
Also checkout the uni64 diy boards and machines. They have ATX C64 models with slots, or small ones that fit in a micro atx case.
Cool, thanks for the heads up!
WOW. Amazing video!
I have dreamt of having a Commodore 64 in front of my face, as a 15 year old I wish to relive the retro days.
From my experience with people untouched by (and not only) the 64 before: If you don't have the C64 in your heart from your childhood, you can't suddenly start loving it. The good old memories are missing.
So true have that problem with atari consoles just can't get in to them
I would disagree but perhaps I’m an exception to the rule. But I’ve only recently gotten into it simply because I did miss out on it in my childhood. And I went in on a EVO64 to fill that nostalgic gap. Last year I also picked up a Vectrex for the same reason, and I also got a Neo Geo AES because I could afford one now. (It was way out of my league back in the day.) For me part of the joy of collecting these things now is to appreciate what was out of reach in those formative years.
For me as a newcomer, it was Lazy Jones that was the hook.
EXCELLENT video! - Thank You so much 🙂
Great video! Regarding electrolytic capacitors in the C64 machines... I agree 99%. I've recapped a few C64 machines and during testing, the capacitors I removed were all OK. That 1% is an exception in the KU-14194HB boards where the electrolytic capacitors in the VIC-II/Clock shielded area leak and corrode PCB tracks. This happened on my original KU-14194HF machine and I've read of others with this PCB having issues with the same capacitors. Not sure if it was a bad batch or the elevated temperatures in the sealed box. My ceramic PAL 6569 VIC-II gets mighty hot during operation.
Thanks for the info! I haven't had any problems with the 64s that have passed through my hands but they've all been pretty common later board revisions.
Not a complete newbie but not a seasoned guy either and i rather enjoyed this overview. I'm using a THE C64 at the moment but eventually I'd like to get an old one or one of the new clones to use original hardware with.
Oh, and if i recall correctly, the LOAD"fileName",8,1 (with the trailing 1 parameter) is to load something into the same place in memory where it was saved from.
Great video. A lot of new info for me.
Glad it was helpful!
9:30 - I was listening and not watching the screen so when you said "short answer, no" I had no idea what you were talking about.
I thought that might happen when I was editing it together. The original camera footage has me asking the question before answering it but I cut it down trying to be all clever :P
C128D is the most beautiful computer design ever created
The 128DCR is my favorite 8-bit computer ever released... by Commodore or anyone else.
Commodore's late-80s design language was too short-lived. The 128D, the A1000, and their external drives all followed a single style that was distinctly their own just like Apple was doing, and they threw it all away to make machines that looked like PC clones.
@@initial_kd The Amiga 1000 was clearly the best looking computer of the 1980s. The keybord garage was a brilliant stroke; with a bit of cord management, the only cable you saw was the mouse.
I said in the late 80s that the C64 would never die.
Tiny correction: The Max Machine doesn't have a different kernal. It has no kernal. No ROMs at all. And there are a few C64 cartridges it can play, but they were specifically designed to run on both.
Cool, good to know thanks! I've had my eye out for a Max Machine of my own but no luck finding one at a reasonable price so far :)
@@retrobitstv I have two. 🙂 Wonder if anyone's ever networked them....
Thanks so much for this tremendously helpful resource.
In addition to the C128 power supply, the one that was supplied with the C64 REU is practically identical (switching, fails safely)... and you don't even need to modify the plug. It's by far my favorite and most trusted stock C64 PSU. Granted, those are a bit harder to find.
Ah good point! I presently only have the 1750 for the 128 so it didn't come with a PSU. I did have a 1700 at one point but it did not come with the original supply either. I do have a modern square din to round din adapter to use the regular 128 supply with the 64. It's at least another option, since I've seen 128 supplies sell for as low as $15 on eBay.
@@retrobitstv I completely forgot about those square/round adapters. I need to get a few of those. Thanks!
Kung Fu Master was the first game I owned and played on my C-64.
I haven't played games for years, even though I have watched UA-cam and read Retro Gamer. I have decided to start and have been looking at various systems. I could go to the PC games way and use Steam or use my Raspberry Pi's. The prices for original hardware has made me think. I didn't own computers at the time and played consoles. I think I start with a ZX81, since I remember using one. Then go up to a C64 and ZXSpectrum for example.
Great content. Just subbed.
Thanks and welcome!
Very interesting, and not only for new user
I've been into C= since the VIC20 and I can say this is a great guide for anybody up to the hardcore level. That said, I'm not particularly in to replacing much of the internals, especially FPGA solutions. May as well emulate at that stage.
Great video. This is the ultimate guide. Approve:)
I could be wrong and please correct me if I am, but I thought for some reason S-Video does NOT carry audio and you need a separate audio cable for that
You are correct, the S-Video mini-DIN connector does not carry audio and normally comes paired with additional RCA connectors for that purpose.
Found our old Commodore64 along with the joystick , power supply, monitor connections and a vicmodem model 1600 in our attic when we moved and listed it on marketplace with no interest lol
"marketplace" being the key word there. You limited your audience to entitled boomers
great overview. But not all old TFT wit SVideo works with C64. The RetroTINK mini should do the job for much less than the 5x.
I am curious where are you finding these in those price rangers here in North America? I find a C64 in the 400 to 500 range.
A quick search on eBay shows over a dozen C64s for sale in the "buy it now" format for under $150, some with boxes and some with drives even. I just picked up a working breadbin w/1351 mouse locally for $40 from FB Marketplace, although that's an exceptionally rare find these days.
GREAT Video Thank you!
I just joined the club. I had to lose my last N64 in the box, but I love to tinker with computers, so I think it was well worth it.
Amazing content 😍
Thank you.
Thank you very much sir
The 1350 mouse is actually very nice to have, because since it works like a joystick, you can play games like Maniac Mansion with it. While limited to 8 directions and linear speed, it makes every game in which you move a cursor around better to play.
You may know this already but you can also put the 1351 mouse into joystick mode. Then it can be used as a 1350 if you are into torture. haha. Just kidding. Like you said it does have some use cases but a proportional mouse is so much more useful.
It's been a long time since I've used a joymouse but I don't think it's an experience I'd like to repeat. If the game is rigged for joystick input, I'd rather just use a joystick.
I did not know that! Will have to look into it. Probably what I get for not having read a manual in my entire life :P
@@retrobitstv What's a manual? LOL. I have to admit my younger self used to appreciate the manuals they put in our favorite tech toys back then. I brought them to school and browsed them during history and social studies... ;-)
I wanna LODGE A PROTEST....... YOU talking about the C64 for an hour is still not long enough. :)~
As an interesting side bit, I own an old style breadbox with a new motherboard, The computer was stickered as a C64G with a similar sticker that was used with C64Cs
I've also seen old breadbox style and color drives with 1541-II internals, making me think these were either anniversary/retro editions or for more conservative markets like Germany
Every internet c64g ive seen has been beige, mine is brown with black keys
As for joysticks go (awkward name) the Suncom TAC2 was the unbeat master of joysticks. Micro switches was what market tried to sell you... wrong, they make you slow and needs a lot of force, large movement until something happens. Sure they were reliable, but nowhere as fast as a TAC2 which is instant with small movements
The TAC2 had two flaws where one was fixable.
1. The rubber grommit holding the stick could fail, leaning to one side - not fixable.
2. Fire buttons required both contacts in one switch to conduct, with some age and corrosion they will fail. Can be corrected by re-routing wires so either contact conducts.
Wico joysticks were popular too, bet they needed too much force for extended play.
This is also my main complaint with the new "The C64". Microswitches is not a feature. It will make youre gaming worse.
I definitely used a TAC2 back in the day but I don't remember if I ever owned one myself. Agreed about the Wico, takes too much effort to hold it down too.
@@daw7563 With all the publicity Hall-effect thumbsticks are getting these days, I wonder if anyone's started making retro joysticks that use those sorts of mechanisms, maybe with a sensitivity slider for the digital-stick emulation mode.