New Commodore 128 for 64 case

[+sm3]

http://www.the128rm.com/index.php?id=home

 

or here if you speak/read German:

 

https://www.forum64.de/index.php?thread/81460-the128rm-the-128-remastered/&postID=1254330#post1254330

 

So I suppose it will be something like the 64 Reloaded but for the 128 and of course not from icomp.de

 

The 128 Remastered.

[+OLD CS1]

Son of a ... my wallet hates me.

[MaDDuck]

Germans...

 

I'll be keeping my eye on this project!

[7800fan]

With or without built in disk drive? The few 128 games I have loads pretty dang fast vs C64 mode with anemic serial transfer.

[RobertB]

Scene World Podcast Episode #47 - The 128 Remastered with Peter Reichenbach

 

https://sceneworld.org/blog/2018/05/16/128rm/

 

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network - http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan
June 9-10 Pacific Commodore Expo NW 2018 - http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex
Aug. 11-12 Commodore Vegas Expo v14 2018 - http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

[+sm3]

 

Scene World Podcast Episode #47 - The 128 Remastered with Peter Reichenbach

 

https://sceneworld.org/blog/2018/05/16/128rm/

 

Truly,

Robert Bernardo

Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm

Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network - http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan

June 9-10 Pacific Commodore Expo NW 2018 - http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex

Aug. 11-12 Commodore Vegas Expo v14 2018 - http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex

 

 

Thanks Robert.

[Arnuphis]

Looks interesting. Is there really a big desire for a 128 though? They are awesome but they really didn't take off. If it means a lot of 128 only software being written then great. Otherwise if people are just going to type 'GO64' on it then I'm not so sure.

[+sm3]

With or without built in disk drive? The few 128 games I have loads pretty dang fast vs C64 mode with anemic serial transfer.

 

This is made to fit inside the 64C case so no built-in drive. There are plans for SD2IEC.

[motrucker]

Really bright idea to use a 64 case, so you don't have all the proper keys or keypad.

 

 

[+sm3]

Really bright idea to use a 64 case, so you don't have all the proper keys or keypad.

 

 

 

I wouldn't say that, since we have lots of new 64C cases out there, why not take advantage of it?

 

Also, we don't really need a dedicated number pad. Any of the other keys that are needed will be remapped. Also a USB connection (I think) to use an external keyboard.

 

You'll have to listen to the podcast linked by RobertB for the info.

[motrucker]

 

I wouldn't say that, since we have lots of new 64C cases out there, why not take advantage of it?

 

Also, we don't really need a dedicated number pad. Any of the other keys that are needed will be remapped. Also a USB connection (I think) to use an external keyboard.

 

You'll have to listen to the podcast linked by RobertB for the info.

I couldn't sit through the podcast - it covers to much other none 128RM stuff. I went to Forum64 to see whats up. It looks like there will be switches implemented for things like the 40/80 display. There may be an extra port for an external keyboard, but it sounds like this hasn't been finalized. There will also need to be some hacking on the case for some of the ports. I am still not that excited about using the C-64C case, but I'll wait until the final product is ready. I am glad to see some serious interest in the 128.

[carlsson]

Elsewhere it was reported that Dallas Moore who unearthed the C64C molds eventually acquired by Jens and restored for production runs of new shells, also had access to C128 and Plus/4 molds. How much of that is the truth and which condition those molds would be in is unknown to me, and perhaps even if the molds exist, to restore them and make a production run of new C128 shells would be cost prohibitive given the much smaller market compared to the C64. Besides one would need new keyboards too which is an additional cost, which perhaps it why people try to cram in C128 functionality in the C64 form factor.

 

What could be interesting are something-ATX form factor C128 boards with interface for at least PS/2, perhaps USB keyboard. You would lack some of the keys specific to the C128, but you could easily make your own tower C128 with very little overhead.

Edited May 31, 2018 by carlsson

[norm8332]

It does need all the vintage chips, this is why I don't think it's practical. Why not just buy a C128?

[+sm3]

It does need all the vintage chips, this is why I don't think it's practical. Why not just buy a C128?

 

While it's true, you will need chips from a donor 128, a couple benefits I see from having one of these. Easier to repair/troubleshoot, because it will be socketed and you will only need to swap out the major ICs like SID, CPU, CIA etc etc.. I would assume that all of the glue logic will be implemented on the PCB the same as it is on the C64 Reloaded PCB.

 

The other plus is the ability to fit into a nice new C64C case.

 

I have a real 64C PCB that is all socketed that I purchased from a guy in Texas. It makes it much easier to troubleshoot and fix.

 

But sure, if you have a working 128 and are happy with it, no need to buy. This isn't a make money project, the guy is doing this because he likes his Commodore 128.

[+sm3]

If you haven't been watching this project they are now at the pre-order stage for shipping in Q3 2019!

 

Check it out: https://the128rm.com/

[rpiguy9907]

If you haven't been watching this project they are now at the pre-order stage for shipping in Q3 2019!

 

Check it out: https://the128rm.com/

Im very nervous that there are no screenshots or videos of this thing running. Ive seen lots of forum threads where the creator discusses testing and the results, but never any pictures.

 

Anyone have any proof this works before I shell out 300 USD?

[+sm3]

Im very nervous that there are no screenshots or videos of this thing running. Ive seen lots of forum threads where the creator discusses testing and the results, but never any pictures.

 

Anyone have any proof this works before I shell out 300 USD?

 

No, I have not seen anything that like that either. The only real information apart from the website (which doesn't have much yet either) is from posts on forum64.de

[+OLD CS1]

Interesting is the 80 column output is done over the S-Video output. While this looks like a very cool and involved project, without a real digital RGBI output I have to pass.

[+sm3]

.. without a real digital RGBI output I have to pass.

 

Oh really? I like the feature myself because it means 1 less monitor I need out now (can use my Sony PVM).

[+OLD CS1]

 

Oh really? I like the feature myself because it means 1 less monitor I need out now (can use my Sony PVM).

 

For me, yeah. Mostly because I have the equipment necessary to connect RGBI to SVGA so I can use it in its full digital glory. I have concerns about the quality of the output in 80 column mode, even with a good clean S-Video signal. ::shrugs:: To be perfectly honest I am waffling a little bit, but I have a 128D and a C128 both of which work just fine and I have no need for a 64C profile.

 

Still pretty damn neat, just not for me. Now, if this half-sized board would fit a 128 case with a full 128 keyboard and RGBI as an option, I would be much more tempted.

 

I suppose I could build a circuit to pull the signals necessary for an RGBI port. For that matter a daughter board sitting under the 8563 which could take the RGBI outputs and do some simple conversions. Anyway, just brain-oozing.

[+sm3]

 

For me, yeah. Mostly because I have the equipment necessary to connect RGBI to SVGA so I can use it in its full digital glory. I have concerns about the quality of the output in 80 column mode, even with a good clean S-Video signal. ::shrugs:: To be perfectly honest I am waffling a little bit, but I have a 128D and a C128 both of which work just fine and I have no need for a 64C profile.

 

Still pretty damn neat, just not for me. Now, if this half-sized board would fit a 128 case with a full 128 keyboard and RGBI as an option, I would be much more tempted.

 

I suppose I could build a circuit to pull the signals necessary for an RGBI port. For that matter a daughter board sitting under the 8563 which could take the RGBI outputs and do some simple conversions. Anyway, just brain-oozing.

 

Yes, good points. I would like to see what the 80-column video output would look like on s-video, but since I really only use it for stuff like Merlin 128, I'm hoping the s-video will work out.

 

For me, the sockets are the best part for easy testing and of course having less of a footprint on my desk with a fresh new case is a bonus!

[seastalker]

I can see both the pros and cons of this idea inspired by the atx form factor: having it compatible via new adapter with a 128D keyboard. Even if I don't get one (I have a 128) I still like all these new projects.

[motrucker]

I suppose I could build a circuit to pull the signals necessary for an RGBI port. For that matter a daughter board sitting under the 8563 which could take the RGBI outputs and do some simple conversions. Anyway, just brain-oozing.

I don't see why, after dropping $300.00 we should still have to adapt anything. This might a great idea for some, just not me. I'll stick with the old C-128 with the extra video RAM.

[+sm3]

I don't see why, after dropping $300.00 we should still have to adapt anything. This might a great idea for some, just not me. I'll stick with the old C-128 with the extra video RAM.

 

I think we should wait to see the results before we write it off. Nobody said you had to adapt anything after paying $300. I still have and use a real 128 (with 1571s) myself but am picking up one of these for future use.

 

There are over 163 orders so far that I can see so apparently I'm not alone in thinking it will be useful.

[carlsson]

The issue was if you have a monitor setup that somehow displays RGB but not S-Video (or don't trust the quality of the onboard conversion from RGBI to S-Video), and thus would need to make modifications. If you're fine with the video outputs the manufacturer offers, no further mods will be required.