Commodore 64, biscuit breadbin case restoration memory repair, RAM, SID, CBM, C64

Commodore 64 (breadbin)

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.

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The success of the Commodore 64 is attributable to several factors. Surely it was sold at a fairly affordable price. It was also distributed in department stores and toy stores. 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.

Commodore 64, biscuit breadbin case restoration memory repair, RAM, SID, CBM, C64

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 Commodore 64 memory repair.

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

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Text mode: 40×25 characters (PETSCII)

Graphics mode: 320×200 at 16 colors

Audio: MOS SID

Commodore 64 C64 CBM64, internal board, mainboard, motherboard, assy 250425, 1984

Keyboard: 66-key QWERTY, with function keys

Software included in ROM:

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
How to turn the Commodore back on after so many years, diagnostic test 586220 C64, Kung Fu Flash CRT KFF
How to turn on the Commodore 64 ports joystick control port, power switch power supply

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 retro computer, in a simple and convenient way... without even owning 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
Pinout pins round DIN connector power supply power supply C64 Commodore 64 Vic20

The feeder combined with the Commodore 64 (breadbin) is the boot-shaped one.

Power Supply, Transformer, Commodore 64 C64,boot 5V 9V, part no 902 503 - 06, BV 830 810.01, ismet T40/E

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).

Commodore 64, Boot Screen, Initial Monitor, Basic V2, **** Commodore 64 Basic V2 ****, 64K RAM System, 38911 basic bytes free, Ready

Papers

1. Commodore 64 manuale d’uso (ITA)

2. Commodore 64 user's guide

3. C64 service manual

4. C64 troubleshooting and repairing manual

5. Manuale di riparazione del C64 (ITA)

Collection entry date: 28/02/2020

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