motrucker

Add an REU. That will make GEOS worth using, and help to speed up CP/M. Get at least a 512Kb REU to make it worth while.

I had a B.I. 80 way back when, until I got a C-128 then 80 column mode was finally a dream come true. I never cared for the original PaperClip, but B.I. released a fair to middlin' 128 word processor that ran in 80 columns. Granted this solution was a bit more expensive, as upgrades go, but it still has some great advantages.

I currently use a 1764 PSU, but I know several people who use Ray Carlsen's power supplies, https://www.carlsenelectronics.net/ and are quite happy with them. They are an excellent choice.

The North American, 115V PSU are the most dangerous to your computer. There was a very early run of PSUs that were not encased in Epoxy, and could be rebuilt. They had screws in the bottom so you could get in. The newer the PSU, the worse they usually are. There is even a C-128 PSU that is dangerous! It apparently has a some what pyramid shape, with a label on the top. These were sold in Australia only, as far as I know (220v). There is a thread about these C-128 PSU on Lemon64; https://www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75530

There's an old school option. I just bought one of these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Commodore-64-128-Beyond-512k-Upgrade-PCB-For-1764-1750-RAM-Expansion-Unit-REU/383676971191?hash=item5954edf8b7:g:V7wAAOSw379cZqCI And am ready to modify a spare 1764 I have. Having 2Mb available isn't to shabby.

I also refuse to deal with Amazon. They ripped me off a few years back, and still refuse to acknowledge any problem. Unfortunately I used a gift card rather than Paypal or my credit card, so I have apparently just been taken, period. Hope that paltry $25.00 was worth it. To the "problem" at hand - If the ZOOM Floppy doesn't sound good to the OP, I also use a Pi 1541 with the originally suggested Raspberry Pi 3B. They work great, and aren't that expensive. So, with all of the other options, there are lots of choices here.

I was surprised that the ZOOM floppy wasn't mentioned for most of the thread. While there are a lot of different way to accomplish this feat, IMHO the ZOOM Floppy is the best. From RETRO Innovations they run $35.00. http://store.go4retro.com/zoomfloppy/

The cartridge port might need a thorough cleaning. Not an easy job, but...... This can happen on the C-64 and/or the VIC 20.

I also use a Pi 1541, since I had an Pi 3 here doing nothing. Makes a great drive for not much money, even if you have to buy the Pi.

Any one new to the C-64 should get the Commodore 64 User's Guide if it doesn't come with the computer. It's a about 150 pages of how to get started. "https://www.manualslib.com/manual/807274/Commodore-Commodore-64.html"

Looks like you're trying to start the old Cold War all over again 🤔.

Old Commodore power supplies kill more C-64s than any other single problem. Pulleeze, never use an old C-64 PSU you just bought or found! In the U.S., go to Ray Carlsen for excellent power supplies and repair work.

I got my mini for $29.95 here in the 'States, but I haven't turned it on in months. I still use my real C-64c and VIC 20. Still don't care much for this emulation.

Our local Barnes & Noble book store is open (sort of), for curbside pickup - and they have Mr Roach's books too;

I believe that perifractic is at the root of both of these ideas. Why is there any difference?

This thread sure took a nose dive when it was resurrected. I don't believe in using C-128 PSUs these days - leave them for the C-128s out there - It's to easy to build your own for your C-64 if you can solder. You can find components at stores like JameCo Electronics to roll your own.: https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/content/resource-center.html?CID=GOAW&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrezgwqWg6gIVB4bICh0v_ADZEAAYASAAEgKl6_D_BwE

I'm so old I still have real CMD ROMs for the C-128 and 1571. (which is rather amazing since so little of original stuff has survived) One of these days I'll upgrade the C-64c too.

Usually the CBM printers are not worth using, unless they are MPS 1000 or above. The older 1525, 1526, 801, etc. have such bad print quality, no one will use them.

The units that Ray Carlson makes are the best, specially if you live in the U.S. (shipping price considerations) https://commodore4ever.net/collections/power-supplies If you choose to go with a 1541 emulator, make sure to also get a real drive. I would avoid the 1541, and go with something like the Excelerator, or the 1541 II. Also add Jiffy DOS to your list to speed up loading times on any "drive" you end up with.

That is quite obvious. Still, you can find help for PETs there. There is also; www.vcfed.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?21-Commodore They say they work with everything from PETs to the Amiga, but it seems to be very PET oriented.

There's always Denial - the VIC 20 forum; http://sleepingelephant.com/ipw-web/bulletin/bb/index.php They have been having trouble with their server, but it might be ironed out. It's a great sight - specially for VIC 20 users!

It's really hard to see what's going on. Is it possible a pin is stuck, and not returning into the head? (thus pulling the ribbon along). I don't know what else could be happening. If it's not the head, it must be the ribbon. These are cheap - try a new one? Wish I could be more help.

I used to use an SG-10 for years, and never had a problem like this. Maybe a photo or two might help?

Strange as it may seem, it really is that simple. That was a very common setup way back when.......

It seems that a lot of people tend to go off "half cocked" these days. Unless you know a subject extremely well, it's dangerous to make assumptions in any situation. On the whole, people's manner's are really bad today. What has happened to us? The "problem" between PAL and NTSC should be well known by now, since it's a thirty year old, plus, problem.