Great intro video for the Mega65. What I would reeeeely love to see would be a tutorial for those who now own one showing how to change cores, load our own programs, connect to the internet etc. How about it????
i just released a c++ C64 emulator for Android from scratch… and i was amazed from his great engeneering. i want to develope something on mega65, hmmm i want to port my javascript webOS to it. i will buy one soon!
I love that this excited another developer. No need to buy one. Check out my other videos that describe how to install an emulator and get developing now. Here's a recent video where I talk about at XEMU, the MEGA65 emulator. ua-cam.com/video/fAqiFEEvZDc/v-deo.html Also, be sure and join the MEGA65 Discord to chat with other developers.
Tell me more. What do you mean by "forwards-compatible?" Do you mean will the C64 mode receive modifications or continued compatibility with original software titles?
What about Commodore drives to it. And can you use the Commodore, 64/ 128 fast load cartridges on it. Also, does it have different mold? Like the 128 and Vic 20 can you play the games from all those devices on it?
It does include an IEC port for Commodore drives. Unsure about the low\high cartridge but assume with the C64 core and .CRT support, it should be possible. New cores are sure to come so you can run software from other systems.
I just discovered this literally days ago. I'm curious, but it's been so long since I've used a c64 that I've forgotten everything and am unwilling to download and organize all the software I had used over the years.
And now you can store all that goodness on an SD Card! Sure makes things easier. Let me know if you have any other "curious" types of questions and thanks for the comment.
My machine is due for delivery within next few days and so far so confused with the machine and its features. Guess it will make sense once I use it but been a long wait and since ordering I got a Vampire v4+ and ZX Spectrum Next so will give it a try and plod along and see if it offers more than I already got.
It will make much more sense when you have one. Just remember. Two modes. MEGA65 and C64. Much like a C128. You might also want to check out my MEGA65 resource page at: www.retrocombs.com/mega65
A few comments: 1. As I understand it, cartridges go in the Expansion Port. The User Port isn't implemented on the Mega65, though there is a case cutout if you want to build one. 2. Some of the rapid cuts to a side view (matter of taste, I guess) felt too short, and distracting by disorientation. 3. I understand not going for the kibi/mebi prefixes (for powers of 2, not 10) but something irks me when seeing small b used for byte. Perhaps part of that is as a hardware engineer, because we do count memories in kibibits. Still hoping to purchase a Mega65 ASAP. :)
My replies… 1. That's correct. 2. Sorry about that and see what you mean. 3. Yep! Should have been KB and MB. I also see internationally kB is often preferred. Good tips for version 3. Thanks for the great input!
What also puzzles me: no connector for a TV? Why is there no 15 KHz RGB out on this thing? If I want 8-bit like games over HDMI, I'll just boot Pico-8 on a modern OS.
This would still be possible with a breakout board on the FPGA. Just needs to be enough demand and someone to champion the design. Thanks for suggesting!
Super Video, hope for more. I love see a Video how to install other Roms and Run a c64 maybe with abfadt loader. I Like Copy my floppy Disks to SD also
For additional computers, you would update the core. As more cores become available, I might demo that option. I showed off the C64 core in one of my livestreams. As for how to copy a floppy to and SD card, this technique works but in reverse: ua-cam.com/video/ATUwOYtJA2Q/v-deo.html
Interesting presentation. Few comments, that not necessarily need to be included in "Intro" but are confusing in current one: 1. "Community ... Add additional hardware" - how, are there expansion slots? 2. 386kB RAM accessible to VIC - How much is actually RAM and how much is VRAM. 3. Hyper RAM - are you talking about ATI's hyper ram or banked RAM or ,,,,? 4. Games are huge selling point, but not convincing here. Showdown/Turicane is C64 level games. Hibernated title looks good, but it is text adventure that could be played on every computer. Nothing to makes me want to grab Mega65 and play or code for it. With VIC 4 and 40MHZ you would expect much, much more (at least SNES level).
I'll do my best here: 1. Yes, there are PMOD ports on the board. You can get specifics in the Discord community and I believe the MEGA65 book contains hardware information (files.mega65.org?id=d668168c-1fef-4560-a530-77e9e237536d). 2. 128KB available to VRAM. 3. I'm not sure about this one. Hoping someone else might have the answer, but I may have to look in the MEGA65 book for that answer too (just don't have a copy with me at the moment). 4. Agree, the MEGA65 is still in its infancy and as more developers get their hands on this device, we'll see more titles. Already seeing some cool demos in the Discord community. We must remember that this device makes an amazing C64 game machine too (if you need a modern recreation with expansion capabilities, beyond TheC64). And if you really want SNES-level games, I'm sure that core is on its way, but again, I'm stoked about MEGA65 titles that are on their way. Great questions and thanks for watching!
@@retroCombs Thank you for he answers! Somehow I missed the PMODs. About Hyper RAM I guess it is bank (aka window) switching on a fly. BTW When I said "SNES-level games" I didn't mean actual SNES games, rather ones that have graphic comparable to SNES and definitely better then what C64 is capable :) From technical prospective that is not possible (SNES has 15bits color vs 12bits, that is 8x more colors), but with clever usage and artistic design, things might be even for naked eye.
Can you let me know what browser you're using? Looks like you're on MacOS... Anyway, looks like cool custom colors. Like the tabs too. I mainly use Safari and Orion. (Firefox if necessary...)
@@retroCombs Ah cool! Too bad Chrome seems to require a few more resources than I care to feed it... plus I just like my Safari/Orion combo. Good to know though, thanks!
It is. This is a small batch and includes a lot of tech that the chip shortage and logistics issues that drive up the cost. This is also a community funded project hosted by a non-profit. It's a different model than a Kickstarter or commercial product, but has created a vibrant community. As things get back to normal and more units produced, the price should drop. For me though, the experience and computer are well worth the price. But I'm not your average retro computer consumer. 😂
If it wants to be the best, it needs a better C64 Basic: On the fly switching 40/80 column, white text on black background, EDIT command to modify lines of code, normal insert bahaviour at the cursor position, proper load commands and tape/disk index functions and above all: ditch PETSCI in favour of default upper/lower case text without case sensitivity for BASIC commands. It maybe incompatible with existing software, as long as it delivers a proper way to use the hardware out of the box for newbies to write programs. And we need a non-cream-white version. The plastic colours were the worst aspect of any Commodore computer.
It has BASIC65 which is an enhanced version of BASIC10 with many new commands for graphics, music etc. If I'm not mistaken it is capable 40/80 columns switching. I am not sure what you mean by "proper" load commands but the load commands are updated compared to the C64. There is an upper/lower case basic development environment called ELEVEN, I am not sure about the case sensitivity of it.
@@gabor222 I would expect that if one device is connected, load"name" is sufficient, and that the BASIC figures out the device number. Also a "DIR" command. I know Basic 7 has CATALOG, but that is too much typing. Column switching I mean on the fly, as you can switch to 80 column, run "commando" and see that on the left half of the screen. Like if the key on the C128 works instant, instead of just with a reset. Is insert-behaviour fixed, and an EDIT command available? So you can type EDIT 1110, which shows line 1110, and then you can insert characters when you move the cursor to the left and start typing.
@@lovemadeinjapan DIR command exists in the Mega65 and when using the DLOAD command you can omit the device and unit numbers and the system will use default the numbers (so you can use DLOAD "filename" or even RUN"*" commands). There is an EDIT command but I am not sure about how it works as I don't have the physical device yet and did not try it. I was just playing with the emulator (XEMU) to learn a bit about the system before buying. Switching between 40 and 80 column mode works with ESC+X key combination. If you are interested in it you can download the documentation (for example the mega65 basic reference or the user guide). These documents are very detailed and well-made in my opinion.
I'll be covering all of this as I continue my MEGA65 users guide series. You can watch the first two chapters now and hoping get to chapter 3 posted by next weekend.
Yes to both. But if it is just games you plan to play, TheC64 (amzn.to/3gL0Eme) may be a better value at the moment. But if you want the closest thing to a real Commodore computer with an amazing keyboard, the MEGA65 is the way to go.
That is the price. These were created by a small non profit organization and a community of developers. They custom created these in batches and the startup costs were huge. In time, costs will lower. For now, cost is being subsidized by early adopters.
Yes it is expensive but if I can choose from spending that amount for a new iPhone or for a Mega65 then I am sure that the Mega offers more fun to me. Unfortunately the FPGA technology is expensive. What is the amount that you think would be fair? 600 Euros? That is the around the price of a Foenix 256K which is a nice machine but it does not offer C64 (or any other system) software compatibility as far as I know. 4-500 Euros? That is about the cost of a completed Ultimate64 with a Mechboard (which has less sound and graphic capabilities, no documentation, no other cores, less speed and which you have to assemble yourself). 300 GBP like the Spectrum Next? The main userbase will be 40+ / 50+ years young people who most likely work in IT or related professions and I think that with 20+ years work experience in IT they should be able to afford to spend this amount on their hobby even if the price is not comparable to mass produced products.
Great, keep the C64 alive. The next version should include a boot over to Linux. You would have no problem selling a computer that could boot in the original C64, the new advances of C65, and the open source world of Linux.
I'm betting a core that supports Linux would not be a stretch for someone now; albeit a very lightweight implementation. That's the great thing about a FPGA; you can add a new core to the current hardware for added functionality. Thanks for the comment!
I liked this. Good for folks that want to quickly know what our universe is like, well done man! :)
Much appreciated and as Martin said, there will probably be a version 3 in our future to add suggestions others make.
I FINALLY got my Mega65! This is gonna be fun.
Congrats! You are in for a great time.
Very well done! I love the way you show what and how things can be connected; clean and clear. Not much to add, you covered the important aspects well
Thanks, Maurice!
Great video, professionally made ! Reading about Mega 65 now :) Looks like very promising platform!
Thank you for the kind comments. The MEGA65 gets better each day and I continue to enjoy my time with this retro recreation.
Thanks!
You are welcome.
Great intro video for the Mega65. What I would reeeeely love to see would be a tutorial for those who now own one showing how to change cores, load our own programs, connect to the internet etc. How about it????
Stay tuned. I do have some of that already on my resource page at: retrocombs.com/mega65
@@retroCombs Tuned in.
ua-cam.com/play/PLRVBh2hjFTomDGwIT7uPMJv4zH9JAUSVG.html&si=5FDLjq25X6wxiqBj
Very nicely done sir!
We'll thank you so much!
i just released a c++ C64 emulator for Android from scratch… and i was amazed from his great engeneering. i want to develope something on mega65, hmmm i want to port my javascript webOS to it. i will buy one soon!
I love that this excited another developer. No need to buy one. Check out my other videos that describe how to install an emulator and get developing now. Here's a recent video where I talk about at XEMU, the MEGA65 emulator.
ua-cam.com/video/fAqiFEEvZDc/v-deo.html
Also, be sure and join the MEGA65 Discord to chat with other developers.
You should mention whether C64 would be forwards-compatible with the MEGA65 roms, disk images, music, and other files.
Tell me more. What do you mean by "forwards-compatible?" Do you mean will the C64 mode receive modifications or continued compatibility with original software titles?
@@retroCombs I mean can the C64 (emulator or original hardware) play MEGA65 games?
Nope. The MEGA65 has advanced features and BASIC. Think of it as, you can't play C128 software on a C64. Hope that helps.
What about Commodore drives to it. And can you use the Commodore, 64/ 128 fast load cartridges on it. Also, does it have different mold? Like the 128 and Vic 20 can you play the games from all those devices on it?
It does include an IEC port for Commodore drives. Unsure about the low\high cartridge but assume with the C64 core and .CRT support, it should be possible. New cores are sure to come so you can run software from other systems.
I just discovered this literally days ago.
I'm curious, but it's been so long since I've used a c64 that I've forgotten everything and am unwilling to download and organize all the software I had used over the years.
And now you can store all that goodness on an SD Card! Sure makes things easier. Let me know if you have any other "curious" types of questions and thanks for the comment.
My machine is due for delivery within next few days and so far so confused with the machine and its features. Guess it will make sense once I use it but been a long wait and since ordering I got a Vampire v4+ and ZX Spectrum Next so will give it a try and plod along and see if it offers more than I already got.
It will make much more sense when you have one. Just remember. Two modes. MEGA65 and C64. Much like a C128. You might also want to check out my MEGA65 resource page at: www.retrocombs.com/mega65
@@retroCombs ... Thanks for the videos and a link to the guide. Few days into using and loving the new computer.
@@simber71 Glad it is helpful and you are welcome!
I had no idea you could get all that software for the Mega 65 already!
And there's a ton more at files.mega65.org.
A few comments:
1. As I understand it, cartridges go in the Expansion Port. The User Port isn't implemented on the Mega65, though there is a case cutout if you want to build one.
2. Some of the rapid cuts to a side view (matter of taste, I guess) felt too short, and distracting by disorientation.
3. I understand not going for the kibi/mebi prefixes (for powers of 2, not 10) but something irks me when seeing small b used for byte. Perhaps part of that is as a hardware engineer, because we do count memories in kibibits.
Still hoping to purchase a Mega65 ASAP. :)
My replies…
1. That's correct.
2. Sorry about that and see what you mean.
3. Yep! Should have been KB and MB. I also see internationally kB is often preferred.
Good tips for version 3. Thanks for the great input!
What also puzzles me: no connector for a TV? Why is there no 15 KHz RGB out on this thing? If I want 8-bit like games over HDMI, I'll just boot Pico-8 on a modern OS.
I want to think composite out is coming on the expansion board. Could be wrong so don't quote me.
@@retroCombs Composite out is not acceptable. RGB or nothing. We want to lay behind the history of rotten output on the C64.
This would still be possible with a breakout board on the FPGA. Just needs to be enough demand and someone to champion the design. Thanks for suggesting!
Super Video, hope for more. I love see a Video how to install other Roms and Run a c64 maybe with abfadt loader. I Like Copy my floppy Disks to SD also
For additional computers, you would update the core. As more cores become available, I might demo that option. I showed off the C64 core in one of my livestreams. As for how to copy a floppy to and SD card, this technique works but in reverse:
ua-cam.com/video/ATUwOYtJA2Q/v-deo.html
Interesting presentation. Few comments, that not necessarily need to be included in "Intro" but are confusing in current one:
1. "Community ... Add additional hardware" - how, are there expansion slots?
2. 386kB RAM accessible to VIC - How much is actually RAM and how much is VRAM.
3. Hyper RAM - are you talking about ATI's hyper ram or banked RAM or ,,,,?
4. Games are huge selling point, but not convincing here. Showdown/Turicane is C64 level games. Hibernated title looks good, but it is text adventure that could be played on every computer. Nothing to makes me want to grab Mega65 and play or code for it. With VIC 4 and 40MHZ you would expect much, much more (at least SNES level).
I'll do my best here:
1. Yes, there are PMOD ports on the board. You can get specifics in the Discord community and I believe the MEGA65 book contains hardware information (files.mega65.org?id=d668168c-1fef-4560-a530-77e9e237536d).
2. 128KB available to VRAM.
3. I'm not sure about this one. Hoping someone else might have the answer, but I may have to look in the MEGA65 book for that answer too (just don't have a copy with me at the moment).
4. Agree, the MEGA65 is still in its infancy and as more developers get their hands on this device, we'll see more titles. Already seeing some cool demos in the Discord community. We must remember that this device makes an amazing C64 game machine too (if you need a modern recreation with expansion capabilities, beyond TheC64). And if you really want SNES-level games, I'm sure that core is on its way, but again, I'm stoked about MEGA65 titles that are on their way.
Great questions and thanks for watching!
@@retroCombs Thank you for he answers!
Somehow I missed the PMODs. About Hyper RAM I guess it is bank (aka window) switching on a fly.
BTW When I said "SNES-level games" I didn't mean actual SNES games, rather ones that have graphic comparable to SNES and definitely better then what C64 is capable :)
From technical prospective that is not possible (SNES has 15bits color vs 12bits, that is 8x more colors), but with clever usage and artistic design, things might be even for naked eye.
Glad to help and get it now. Thanks foe the clarification!
Can you let me know what browser you're using? Looks like you're on MacOS... Anyway, looks like cool custom colors. Like the tabs too. I mainly use Safari and Orion. (Firefox if necessary...)
Yes, that's Chrome with a theme called retro. It's pretty sweet looking.
@@retroCombs Ah cool! Too bad Chrome seems to require a few more resources than I care to feed it... plus I just like my Safari/Orion combo. Good to know though, thanks!
Safari in Mac will definitely extend battery life and I switch between the two. I'll have to check out Orion. Not familiar with it.
This is the first time I've seen all the RAM specs in one place.
Lifted right from the manual. Thanks for tuning in and great to hear from ya again.
Is thing thing selling for $800?
It is. This is a small batch and includes a lot of tech that the chip shortage and logistics issues that drive up the cost. This is also a community funded project hosted by a non-profit. It's a different model than a Kickstarter or commercial product, but has created a vibrant community. As things get back to normal and more units produced, the price should drop. For me though, the experience and computer are well worth the price. But I'm not your average retro computer consumer. 😂
Was that the voice of TLA? Say "hello" for me, will you? Tnx... BTW, I started playing Lottery, so I can pre-order the MEGA 65...
That was TLA. Her first vocal on the channel. Let me know when you win the lottery!
If it wants to be the best, it needs a better C64 Basic: On the fly switching 40/80 column, white text on black background, EDIT command to modify lines of code, normal insert bahaviour at the cursor position, proper load commands and tape/disk index functions and above all: ditch PETSCI in favour of default upper/lower case text without case sensitivity for BASIC commands. It maybe incompatible with existing software, as long as it delivers a proper way to use the hardware out of the box for newbies to write programs.
And we need a non-cream-white version. The plastic colours were the worst aspect of any Commodore computer.
It has BASIC65 which is an enhanced version of BASIC10 with many new commands for graphics, music etc.
If I'm not mistaken it is capable 40/80 columns switching.
I am not sure what you mean by "proper" load commands but the load commands are updated compared to the C64.
There is an upper/lower case basic development environment called ELEVEN, I am not sure about the case sensitivity of it.
@@gabor222 I would expect that if one device is connected, load"name" is sufficient, and that the BASIC figures out the device number. Also a "DIR" command. I know Basic 7 has CATALOG, but that is too much typing.
Column switching I mean on the fly, as you can switch to 80 column, run "commando" and see that on the left half of the screen. Like if the key on the C128 works instant, instead of just with a reset.
Is insert-behaviour fixed, and an EDIT command available? So you can type EDIT 1110, which shows line 1110, and then you can insert characters when you move the cursor to the left and start typing.
@@lovemadeinjapan DIR command exists in the Mega65 and when using the DLOAD command you can omit the device and unit numbers and the system will use default the numbers (so you can use DLOAD "filename" or even RUN"*" commands). There is an EDIT command but I am not sure about how it works as I don't have the physical device yet and did not try it. I was just playing with the emulator (XEMU) to learn a bit about the system before buying. Switching between 40 and 80 column mode works with ESC+X key combination. If you are interested in it you can download the documentation (for example the mega65 basic reference or the user guide). These documents are very detailed and well-made in my opinion.
I was just going to write the same thing.
I'll be covering all of this as I continue my MEGA65 users guide series. You can watch the first two chapters now and hoping get to chapter 3 posted by next weekend.
"unobtanium"... except for today when one Mr Piper has expressed an interest in selling 3 (!) of his.
I know! I just tweeted that same thing and he reached out apologizing! 😂
As someone who would probably only play games on a MEGA 65, it seems like a good compromise between modern convenience and authenticity. Tempting...
Yes to both. But if it is just games you plan to play, TheC64 (amzn.to/3gL0Eme) may be a better value at the moment. But if you want the closest thing to a real Commodore computer with an amazing keyboard, the MEGA65 is the way to go.
Into the official site, the price is 666.66 € (793.33 € gross) Is this a joke?
That is the price. These were created by a small non profit organization and a community of developers. They custom created these in batches and the startup costs were huge. In time, costs will lower. For now, cost is being subsidized by early adopters.
Yes it is expensive but if I can choose from spending that amount for a new iPhone or for a Mega65 then I am sure that the Mega offers more fun to me.
Unfortunately the FPGA technology is expensive. What is the amount that you think would be fair?
600 Euros? That is the around the price of a Foenix 256K which is a nice machine but it does not offer C64 (or any other system) software compatibility as far as I know.
4-500 Euros? That is about the cost of a completed Ultimate64 with a Mechboard (which has less sound and graphic capabilities, no documentation, no other cores, less speed and which you have to assemble yourself).
300 GBP like the Spectrum Next?
The main userbase will be 40+ / 50+ years young people who most likely work in IT or related professions and I think that with 20+ years work experience in IT they should be able to afford to spend this amount on their hobby even if the price is not comparable to mass produced products.
@@gabor222 "What he said!" ⬆
It is a joke. It is a wink to the price of the original Apple 1 computer in 1976.
Great, keep the C64 alive. The next version should include a boot over to Linux. You would have no problem selling a computer that could boot in the original C64, the new advances of C65, and the open source world of Linux.
I'm betting a core that supports Linux would not be a stretch for someone now; albeit a very lightweight implementation. That's the great thing about a FPGA; you can add a new core to the current hardware for added functionality. Thanks for the comment!
No, the best 8-bit computer is the ZX Spectrum Next. 😁 ... Yay! 8-bit computer wars are back! 😄 ... Although 40MHz beats 28MHz... boo! 😅
Keeping the rivalry alive. I love it! They both have their strengths and I have to say, they both are the best retro recreations going!