The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer produced by Commodore Business Machines since 1982. It is also known as C64, C=64 and CBM64 and almost 20 million units were sold, in different versions, until 1994, when Commodore Business Machines declared bankruptcy.
The success of the Commodore 64 is to be attributed to several factors. It was certainly sold at a fairly affordable price. It was also distributed also in department stores and toys. Finally, there was a wide availability of video games and software for the C64, which could be used both at home and in the office.
From the memories I have of when I was a child, the Commodore 64 (breadbin) was the first computer to enter the house. I was still in elementary school. Unfortunately, that computer was not preserved, as it was sold to buy the next Commodore 128, which I still own.
To fill this gap, I decided to buy one at the beginning of 2020. The vintage computer was pretty bad, just bought. Two buttons were missing, the screen showed strange characters and no sound was heard.
The repair was quite fun: especially the repair of the memory of the Commodore 64.
Technical characteristics of the Commodore 64
CPU: MOS 6510, 0.985 MHz (PAL version) or 1.023 MHz (NTSC version)
ROM: 20 KB
RAM: 64 KB
Graphics: MOS VIC-II
Text mode: 40×25 characters (PETSCII)
Graphics mode: 320×200 at 16 colors
Audio: MOS SID
Keyboard: 66-key QWERTY, with function keys
Software included in ROM:
- BASIC 2.0
- Machine Language Monitor
Expansion ports:
- 1 IEC Serial
- 1 User Port
- 1 Expansion port (for cartridges)
- 1 Audio/Video (CVBS and S-Video composite video)
- 1 Antenna (RF connection to TV)
- 1 Datassette port (cassette player)
- 2 Joystick Ports
Emulation
It is possible to emulate the C64 on a common Windows PC, through the VICE and the CCS64. In this way, it is possible to try to start programs and games, as well as program the back computer, in a simple and comfortable way ... without even having the C64!
Commodore 64 power supply
The power supply of the C64 is external and has the following output voltages:
- 5V DC, 1.5A
- 9V alternating current, 1A
The power supply combined with the Commodore 64 (Breadbin or biscitone) is the one in the shape of a boot.
C64 boot screen
The startup screen of the vintage computer is blue. The image is available both at the Audio/Video output and RF Antenna (channel 36).
Papers
1. Commodore 64 User Manual (ITA)
4. C64 troubleshooting and repairing manual
5. Manuale di riparazione del C64 (ITA)
Collection entry date: 28/02/2020