C-64 'SIO2PC' Type Cable

[Tempest]

Is there an SIO2PC type solution for the C-64 like there is for the Atari 8-bit? I've seen several types of 1541 cables, but I don't know which one I need, how compatible it is with disks, and if it will work with my computer. I know there's a virtual disk drive type device, but it's about $200 and that's way too much.

 

Tempest

[+wood_jl]

My understanding of Commodore 64 is extremely limited. However, I believe lots of C64 "loader" schemes utilized the 6502 (6510? 6507?) inside the 1541 itself. As such, that's the reason for the "1541 Ultimate" device (the expensive thing you alluded to) in that it works with everything. The "uIEC" is another SD card device that is MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper - won't load everything - but from what I understand (don't have one) will load lots of things - and maybe stuff has been "cracked" where it will work. I opted for the big-boy expensive Ultimate as I am new to C64 and just wanted the full experience with minimal trouble. However, the uIEC thing looks to be a really great deal.

 

Those are both stand-alone SD devices, which I find I prefer (even on my Ataris) over the PC tether which didn't bother me at first, but became a chore.

 

There was a "C64 to PC" device on Ebay quite regularly some time ago - from somewhere like Turkey (I think). I had begun my modern C64 quest by asking about that, but nobody (not a soul) had much to say about it, and it was at that time that I learned of the other devices I mentioned and about the need to emulate the CPU in the actual drive - for some stuff. I have no regrets about the one that I got, and I enjoy the C64 with it.

 

Others may correct my information, and certainly can tell you more than I.

[Tempest]

Looks like I'll need to get the Ultimate. I don't want something that can't handle the multi-load and more complex games. $175 is a bit steep though (reminds me of the Cuttle Cart II). Maybe my wife will get it for me for my birthday?

 

Tempest

[Hatta]

I think the X1541 cables are for hooking 1541 drives up to your PC. You then dump the .d64 onto a floppy and use that with your C64. That should be highly compatible. I don't think there's anything that will hook up to a PC and emulate a 1541 in software.

 

I too have ordered a 1541U. This is a good time to get in on it as the new revision is coming out. It even comes with a case!

[Tempest]

I think the X1541 cables are for hooking 1541 drives up to your PC. You then dump the .d64 onto a floppy and use that with your C64. That should be highly compatible. I don't think there's anything that will hook up to a PC and emulate a 1541 in software.

 

I too have ordered a 1541U. This is a good time to get in on it as the new revision is coming out. It even comes with a case!

That could work (I do something similar with my Apple IIe), but it would be time consuming.

 

Tempest

[+wood_jl]

I have the Ultimate and I am waiting on Ultimate 2. Ultimate 2 is the one for sale now. The Ultimate 2 comes with a case, unlike the first variant, and may do more. I am **extremely** impressed with it. Take comfort in the fact that if you decide you don't want it anymore, you can always sell one on Ebay for pretty good money. Probably will in the future when he quits making them. Better hurry and get in on the order as these are made in batches and he won't make them forever.

 

Recent ebay'd ones:

 

 

[TMR]

Looks like I'll need to get the Ultimate. I don't want something that can't handle the multi-load and more complex games. $175 is a bit steep though (reminds me of the Cuttle Cart II).

 

Part of the cost is because the 1541U isn't purely a drive simulator (although that takes up a lot of it's resources) and it can also play at being a RAM expansion (which is great for the cracks that support RAM caching) and an Action Replay or Retro Replay freezer/fastload cartridge.

 

I don't think there's anything that will hook up to a PC and emulate a 1541 in software.

 

There are Server64 and 64HDD, but neither is an actual emulation of the drive electronics so many fastloaders won't play; Server64 breaks with something as relatively simple as the Action Replay fastloader, so 64HDD is the better bet.

[Mirage]

I have that device that wood_jl mentioned, the 64tPC (at least I think this is what he is referring to):

 

http://cancarpet.com/saymantek/c64tpc_en.html

 

I did use it for awhile, and I have good and bad to say about it. Well, not bad, just limitations. I found it to be well-made and the software well-programmed and very nicely thought out. It's easy to use. It works great to just play around with, do stuff on your own, and play some games.

 

The bad is that it's not very compatible. Pretty much anything that uses anything beyond the basic functions of the 1541 will not work. Some cracked games will work, but not all. And forget about anything copy-protected or that has a fastloader. There was talk about upgrading the software to make it more compatible, but it hasn't happened yet. Seems like it's still stuck at v1.1, which is what I had when I got it. So, it's a nice device, but I really can't recommend it for most people. For hardly any more, you could get the Brain uIEC, which from what I read, is far better.

 

Myself, I'm waiting for my ordered 1541-ultimate-II, as I want 100% compatibility and functionality. Plus, since it's FPGA based, who knows what else the genius behind it will do with it. There's some pretty crazy-good rumors, so we'll see what's true.

[Herbarius]

I think the X1541 cables are for hooking 1541 drives up to your PC. You then dump the .d64 onto a floppy and use that with your C64. That should be highly compatible. I don't think there's anything that will hook up to a PC and emulate a 1541 in software.

Look here for more information on the subject: The X1541-series interfaces

 

I don't know if that "hook the C64 up to your PC and emulate the 1541 in software"-approach has ever been done. However I've read the argument, that it's propably impossible to implement using a multi-tasking environment (on the PC) because of timing issues. So it maybe could be done using DOS, but not Windows or another modern, multi-tasking OS.