Subj : Re: Advice on C64, real old device vs BMC64
To   : Lalcaraz #76
From : Jimmy Mac #1@707.Wwivnet
Date : Tue Nov 28 2023 09:29 am



L> I went down the rabbit hole with retro computing but my story starts
L> with MS-DOS back in the late 90s. I'm typing this using my restored
L> W98SE machine and I'm happy with it. Then I found out about C64 and as a
L> modern developer it caught my attention. I was wondering if anyone has
L> experience in both BMC64 and a real old C64 device to advise on a
L> purchase. An app emulator is not enough for me, I want to have a device.
L> What is your advice? 

I currently have 8 Commodore 64's, 6 Breadbins, and two C64C's.

If I can give anyone advice, start with the power supply. WHile most of the  
C64's I've repaired over the years have had the Black Screen of death (PLA Chip 
 in most cases) the ones that I've seen that had the 5V rail suddenly jump to  
12v, sure messes up the RAM, PLA, SID, ROMS etc... On a board that doesn't  
already have sockets, that can be a lot of labor to repair.

So, in a nutshell, find one from a seller that has replaced the PSU with an  
after market, or at the very least has a Bob Carlsen "Saver" on the 64.

Then.. Once you have a solid C64, look into the SD2IEC unless you really want  
to use the bulky 1541's 1571's etc..  https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/sd2iec-in fo

Next, I would recommend looking into a WiFi adapter. These you can build  
yourself using the esp8266 along with FW availible on Git to emulate a Hayes  
modem. Or purchase one online, like the SrtikeLink. 

I took a StrikeLink and built it into a Commodore branded 300 baud modem. Looks 
 and works great!

There are also several ways to convert the Composite video to VGA and there are 
 even active converters/adaptors out there for HDMI.

Outta time! have to head to work, but good luck and have a blast!


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