C64 Desk setup and play

[+laz455]

New user to the C64, I was lucky enough to buy a system lot and gathering some new mods for it.

 

1. C64 saver........https://www.etsy.com/listing/1296235459/c64-saver-2-a-commodore-64-power-supply?ref=yr_purchases    , I did test the voltage on the power supply which is in spec's, looking to rebuilt my original or buy a new one.

 

2. new video cable from Retro Computer Shack https://www.ebay.com/itm/250925966106

 

3. SD2IEC card reader, not use yet.https://www.ebay.com/itm/115480868511

 

The first test is with PAC-MAN Game working great.

I did notice that the F1 key was not working correctly to start the game but the other F keys worked smoothly. I discover that by pressing the fire button on the joystick it worked flawless.

 

Question is the fire button the normal thing to do when starting these type of games ?

 

Thanks for viewing !

[carlsson]

It depends on the game. There is no standard start button. You can test the function keys in BASIC by typing PRINT" and then press the various keys. You will get graphic symbols for every key that registers, but no output from the PRINT statement if you execute it.

 

Joystick port #1 shares lines with the keyboard, meaning if you wiggle the joystick and in particular press fire, various characters including space will appear. For that reason, many games default to port #2 if keyboard input also is desired.

[DragonGrafx-16]

I'd recommend getting a modern PSU redesign and not event attempt to repair the OEM one. Also I quite like using a Sega Master System (avoid Genesis/Mega Drive controllers cause it can damage the system, SMS is safe) instead of using a joystick though for some games a joystick would be better, 

[carlsson]

If you go for rebuilding, this device probably matches your needs.

https://www.tindie.com/products/thedarkforest/powerup-64w-pro/

[+OLD CS1]

34 minutes ago, carlsson said:

If you go for rebuilding, this device probably matches your needs.

https://www.tindie.com/products/thedarkforest/powerup-64w-pro/

Quote

so called "saver"

Ooooh, fightin' words.

[carlsson]

Everyone make their own choices. I still use my original PSUs, fully aware those are ticking bombs. So far nothing happened. But like Magnus writes in his advert, the 9VAC transformer in those old devices very rarely is a problem, it is the circuit to produce the DC voltage that is. Those who prefer to build or buy a brand new PSU using a brand new transformer can do so, those who trust a 40+ year old transformer can replace the troublesome part with minimal external differences.

[+OLD CS1]

2 hours ago, carlsson said:

But like Magnus writes in his advert, the 9VAC transformer in those old devices very rarely is a problem, it is the circuit to produce the DC voltage that is.

Yeah, I have not looked at one in a long time, but those transformers seem to be the old-school, built-like-a-tank types which rarely have any kind of internal breakdowns (like short between primary and secondary.)

 

Personally, I have put my faith in my old Commodore bricks long enough.  I have been replacing them with modern builds.  Good stuff.

[+laz455]

I have the old PSU brick, those are not repairable you will need to replace with a new unit or have your original rebuilt. I found this guy who does both. but does more of the new units.

 

see info below, he does a good job doing these 

 

https://theoasisbbs.com/the-new-nu-brick-64-power-supply/

[motrucker]

It depends on where you're located. The North American Commodore PSU is not safe to use, period. I have seen more than a few "purists" try the rebuild, but it usually costs them several RAM chips, maybe the PLA, and a few assorted other parts, and then a new power supply. It's far less expensive to either build a new power supply, or buy one. The North American Epoxy filled PSU just is not safe to use!

The European PSUs were build a little better, and at least can be rebuilt.

There is a fellow in Washington State (I think) who also makes great power supplies. He may be scaling back though.....

 

 

 

 

Edited October 20, 2023 by motrucker

[Boschloo]

On 9/12/2023 at 6:18 PM, OLD CS1 said:

Yeah, I have not looked at one in a long time, but those transformers seem to be the old-school, built-like-a-tank types which rarely have any kind of internal breakdowns (like short between primary and secondary.)

 

Personally, I have put my faith in my old Commodore bricks long enough.  I have been replacing them with modern builds.  Good stuff.

So what do you do when you attach a REU to the C64? 

[eightbit]

On 9/12/2023 at 3:03 AM, DragonGrafx-16 said:

I'd recommend getting a modern PSU redesign and not event attempt to repair the OEM one. Also I quite like using a Sega Master System (avoid Genesis/Mega Drive controllers cause it can damage the system, SMS is safe) instead of using a joystick though for some games a joystick would be better, 

 

I know the SMS controller is said to be safe, but I will never use one with a Commodore again. A few years back I plugged one into a working C128 and afterward I had a faulty CIA. This could be (and probably IS) a shear coincidence, but it stirred me up enough after having to source a CIA replacement that I will never use one of those controllers again in these machines

 

As for the Genesis controller, I use it daily. And safely. With the GenAssister:

 

https://store.backbit.io/product/genassister/

 

This device is absolutely awesome. Push the start button and it flips between joy 1 and joy 2. And it adds additional functionality to games (2nd button for Jump/UP, etc.)

[+OLD CS1]

2 hours ago, Boschloo said:

So what do you do when you attach a REU to the C64? 

I always had third-party PSUs for my C64/64C with an REU.  Then I moved to the 128 and 128D, no worries.  These days I do have modern PSU replacements.  Though I also have a metric shyte tonne of the old bricks I am "planning" to do something with.  Probably gut them and send them to one of the guys who retrofits them.  You know... when I get a round tuit.  (Gonna have to be soon, I need to down-size.)

[Boschloo]

1 minute ago, OLD CS1 said:

I always had third-party PSUs for my C64/64C with an REU.  Then I moved to the 128 and 128D, no worries.  These days I do have modern PSU replacements.  Though I also have a metric shyte tonne of the old bricks I am "planning" to do something with.  Probably gut them and send them to one of the guys who retrofits them.  You know... when I get a round tuit.  (Gonna have to be soon, I need to down-size.)

I just bought a REU 1764, it comes with a power adapter and I'm actually afraid to plug it it. Do you think my Keelog C64 PSU will suffice to run both my C64 and REU?

[+OLD CS1]

42 minutes ago, Boschloo said:

I just bought a REU 1764, it comes with a power adapter and I'm actually afraid to plug it it. Do you think my Keelog C64 PSU will suffice to run both my C64 and REU?

Yes.