motrucker

I hope I am not to late with this advice. There is a great SD card device that uses the user port, and can even work with the C-128. I bought one of the UK1541 devices just a short time ago, but I am quite pleased with it: http://www.retrocollect.com/News/sd-card-loading-uk1541-adapter-announced-for-commodore-64.html You may be interested too.

Here is an interesting cartridge for checking your keyboard or joystick circuits. I have dealt with this seller quite a few times, and know him from Lemon 64: http://www.ebay.com/itm/COMMODORE-64-64C-Keyboard-Joystick-Tester-Cartridge-/161697378210?hash=item25a5ea2fa2 I haven't used this myself, but boulderdash stands behind all of his products. After I modified the Sega pads (six button models no less) I decided I didn't like using them. I prefer real joysticks. I usually use TAC 2 or slickstick joysticks. These are some very hearty joysticks, and can usually be found on ebay and other places. THis is, of course, only my opinion - for what it's worth.

Congradulations. Glad to hear it. Oddly enough I bought a C-64 cartridge this weekend at a flea market, the Gateway to Apshai. It's an old game, but it's fun.The Lode Runner series are also good game cartridges. Hope this helps.

There are times I could word posts better - to that I can only plead guilty.

There is a new computer saver that has just been released by SkydivinGirl from www.amibay.com and e5frog from almost everywhere.both as a kit or as a finished unit. http://www.melon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=2413 You can contact SkydivinGirl on Melon 64 or Amibay for more info, or to order one.

You should know me well enough to know I am not singling out Vice, I just think all emulators are useless. I have had a working C-64 since 1983, and keep at least one setup working. I prefer using the real hardware, that all. This subject comes up on other forums, and my stand is always the same. I don't give people a hard time for using an emulator, it's just not for me.

Does that mean your C-128 has 64Kb of video RAM?

I think Ray Carlsen's power supplies may be the best on the market. I am still using a 1764 PSU for my C-64, and it delivers plenty of clean power for all of my extras. It's a shame so few of them exist. I hope that Jim Brain can get his C-64 PSU project going soon....

Stay away from Vice - it's crap. I've been using a C-64 off & on since 1983. These days I use a C-128, but it has a 64 mode that is extremely close to a real C-64. I also have a C-64 setup here to. I am mostly a hardware person. But I have been using these machines long enough to get to know them pretty well. They can be interesting, fun, and challanging - depending on what you are doing with them. Does this thread look familiar to you (moodorf): http://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=57600 I think you have been getting similar answers there too. I still think you should go for it.

Several posters have mentioned they use Vice. Even though I have much respect for Gropaz, I do not like, or use Vice. I have had the real hardware ever since 1983, so I saw no reason to use Vice. Vice does not do everything a real C-64/1541 setup can do, and Vice does not do several things correctly. Beside, with Vice, were do plug in your Ultimate 1541 II ? I will say that I now rather like the UK1541. It works quite well. I would still like to have a Ultimate 1541 II, if I can ever find one.

The PCB I used was an older CLD (Chip Level Designs) bought from a seller named Freeweb on ebay. That was before I knew about: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Commodore-128-64k-VDC-Plug-Upgrade-No-Soldering-needed-/380985152237?hash=item58b47c12ed Who I met on www.lemon64.com . These PCB make it so easy to install the extra RAM, the old method of replacing the RAM chips hardly makes sense. This extra RAM helps some good software work even better. This gives the C-128 a real advantage when it comes to being protuctive. It's an upgrade any C-128 should seriously consider.

Right. The C-128 model, or flat 128, only had 16Kb of video RAM, but the C-128Dcr came with 64Kb of video RAM. It's a shame Commodore didn't put 64Kb in all of the 128s. http://www.oldcomputers.net/c128d.html

I recently added more RAM to my C-128's video memory, taking it from 16Kb to 64Kb. Rather than use the old method of taking out the existing RAM chips and adding new, bigger chips I opted for PCB that was first released years ago. These are a no solder option. The video chip is removed, this board pressed into it's socket, then the chip replaced in the board. One source of these boards is from an ebay seller, who is also active on www.lemon64.com This upgrade can be used by GEOS, Maverick, and Super Snapshot, plus several graphics and DTP programs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Commodore-128-64k-VDC-Plug-Upgrade-No-Soldering-needed-/380985152237?hash=item58b47c12ed This upgrade makes the C-128 just like the C-128D(CR). The extra RAM can come handy with the programs I mentioned.

It does. The 1764 PSU is built along the lines of the C-128 power supply, but with slightly less output. It's an excellent solution if you can find one.

That just might be enough to make get the VIC 20 out of the closet. I was almost ready to order one of the 32K carts, but I can wait for a 64K

I sure agree that Ray Carlsen's PSU are expensive. I have built one 64 PSU, using a C128D CR PSU that was being sold (new units) cheap. These days I sort of cheat, and use a 1764 PSU for my C-64. Anything but that old black brick.

I am familiar with the sd2iec. Almost bought one for Jim Brain (a very good, hinest source of 8 bit devices). http://store.go4retro.com/uiec-sd/ But since I couldn't get a ultimate 1541 II for months, I went ahaed and got the UK 1541. We really do have a lot neat hardware today. It sure changes the way we all use our 8 bit machines, for the better.

The link worked when pulled it up just before posting it. Here's another that will work: http://www.retrocollect.com/News/sd-card-loading-uk1541-adapter-announced-for-commodore-64.html

This is the very reason I don't like the wall wart solution. Here a handy doc to keep around, just in case. http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/computers/c64/c64extps.gif

I had too hard of a time getting one of those, so I opted for one of these: http://www.indieretronews.com/2015/01/uk1541-latest-c64c128-product-but-is-it.html I saw these on www.amibay.com before they were released, and thought they were a good alternative then. These also work with a C-128 with no problems.

I already have this ordered: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ARCADE-GAME-CONVERTER-CGA-RGB-YUV-EGA-to-VGA-GBS-8220-Promotion-/250899701935?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item3a6ac9a0af and thanks to all of my other projects, I have loads of small PSUs. So I'm ready.

Considering the price of the unit you posted, and having to get extra parts, I'll just wait. Thanks for the idea.

well that stinks. This is an important device for 128 users. I knew I could not make the meeting, so I have been waiting to find out about availibility and price since then. I have a 1080 Amiga monitor on the C-128 right now, but I also have several VGA compatible monitors. I hope to find out details soon.

There will hopefully be another option soon, from Jim Brain and Bil Herd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yszGYBzxUDA This should be available from Jim Brain's Retro Innovations when it is finished. http://store.go4retro.com/