The High Voltage SID Collection (HVSC) is a freeware hobby project which organises Commodore 64 music (also known as SID music) into an archive for both musicians and fans alike.

The work on the collection is done completely in the Team and contributors’ spare time and is proudly one of the largest and most accurate computer music collections known.

This update features (all approximates):

• 507 new SIDs.
• 146 fixed/better rips.
• 3 repeats/bad rips eliminated.
• 356 SID credit fixes.
• 103 SID model/clock infos.
• 10 tunes from /DEMOS/UNKNOWN/ identified.
• 3 tunes from /GAMES/ identified.
• 33 tunes moved out of /DEMOS/ to their composers’ directories.
• 15 tunes moved out of /GAMES/ to their composers’ directories.

Download:

• HVSC Update #72 (818)
• Complete HVSC #72 (852)

source: www.hvsc.c64.org

NEW TAG: C64 BIG GAME PACK

Some new games or tools (Cracked / Trained or Unrealeased) for Commodore 64 have been released from your favorites groups.

Titles:

• Alien 8 V1.10
• Bruce Lee – Duology V1.1
• The Hut +DS
• Alien 8 V1.10 +D
• Offello
• Space Orbs V1.1 &D
• Frostbite +4D
• Frostbite
• Filmation Quadrilogy [EasyFlash]
• Space Orbs +1D
• Rose’s Curry Clicker +D
• RobotFindsKitten
• Frostbite +5D
• Bat Attack +2DGH
• From Out of the Snow +DS
• Donkey Kong Jr. Game & Watch Preview
• Donkey Kong Jr. Game & Watch Preview +2
• Stopper +
• Pas De Deux
• Tethered
• Ninja Hamster +4DGHI
• Lily Lander Preview +H
• Caveman +2
• Caveman +4
• Lily Lander Preview
• Verschiebefaxen +1JDT
• Lily Lander Preview 2
• Lily Lander +H
• Paccie 64 +1D
• Hypochondriac +DS
• Centipede +HG
• Ninja Invasion Simulator Preview V3 +2
• Samurai Pizza Cats Preview +
• Crack Down +2
• Santron +3
• Tron 2020
• Santron
• Santron +2
• Santron +6HD
• Santron +2D
• Santron +3
• Math Busters +4DF
• Florida Man Preview
• Ping-Pong Classic +T
• Perilous Swamp
• Methodist [german]
• Snokie ReM
• Energy Auction
• Duo Box
• The Queen’s Footsteps Preview 2 +D
• Jai Alai [spanish]
• Illuminated 64 Preview
• Streets of Rage Preview
• Curtles Preview
• R1-D1 Unit Attack +5DGH
• Krakens +1J
• Where in Europe Is Carmen Sandiego? + [EasyFlash]
• Where in the USA Is Carmen Sandiego? + [EasyFlash]

Download: All Games in One Archive (6619)

source: csdb.dk

A new version of the firmware for the Ultimate-64 / U2+ by Gideon is released.

Difference with previous release V1.24 / V3.6:

• This is the factory image of the latest production, with support for 1.4 board revision.
• Support for Super Games cartridge.
• Fixed KCS cart at boot time.
• Swapped audio channels, thanks Siegried.
• Improved cartridge timing which corrects the ARMSID detection.

 Download:

• U64/Ultimate-64 v1.26 - U2+ v3.6a (789)

source: ultimate64.com github.com

Firmware upgrades for THEC64 provide new features and/or correct any technical issues.

We always recommend that you use the latest version of the firmware.

Version 1.3.1 – Changes:

• Fixes an issue when using Left Shift key and top-left arrow key for opening/closing THEC64 Menu from BASIC.
• Fixes an issue regarding the current computer model setting and different model requirements specified in a cjm file.

Download: TheC64 Firmware v1.3.1 (1135)

source: thec64.com

The Commodore 128, also known as the C128, C-128, C= 128 is the last 8-bit home computer that was commercially released by Commodore Business Machines (CBM). Introduced in January 1985 at the CES in Las Vegas, it appeared three years after its predecessor, the bestselling Commodore 64.

The Commodore 128DCR model features a stamped-steel chassis in place of the plastic version of the C128D (with no carrying handle), a modular switched-mode power supply similar to that of the C128D, retaining that model’s detachable keyboard and internal 1571 floppy drive. A number of components on the mainboard were consolidated to reduce production costs and, as an additional cost-reduction measure, the 40 millimeter cooling fan that was fitted to the D model’s power supply was removed. However, the mounting provisions on the power supply subchassis were retained, as well as the two 12-volt DC connection points on the power supply’s printed circuit board for powering the fan. The C128DCR mounting provision is for a 60mm fan.

A significant improvement introduced with the DCR model was the replacement of the 8563 video display controller (VDC) with the more technically advanced 8568 VDC and equipping it with 64 kilobytes of video RAM—the maximum amount addressable by the device. The four-fold increase in video RAM over that installed in the “flat” C128 made it possible, among other things, to maintain multiple text screens in support of a true windowing system, or generate higher-resolution graphics with a more flexible color palette. Little commercial software took advantage of these possibilities.

The C128DCR is equipped with new ROMs dubbed the “1986 ROMs,” so-named from the copyright date displayed on the power-on banner screen. The new ROMs address a number of bugs that are present in the original ROMs, including an infamous off-by-one error in the keyboard decoding table, in which the ‘Q’ character would remain lower case when CAPS LOCK was active. Some software will only run on the DCR, due to dependencies on the computer’s enhanced hardware features and revised ROMs.

Despite the DCR’s improved RGB video capabilities, Commodore did not enhance BASIC 7.0 with the ability to manipulate RGB graphics. Driving the VDC in graphics mode continues to require the use of calls to screen-editor ROM primitives or their assembly language equivalents or by using third-party BASIC language extensions, such as Free Spirit Software’s “BASIC 8″, which adds high-resolution VDC graphics commands to BASIC 7.0.

Gallery:

source: wikipedia

The VIC-1010 or VC-1010 is an optional expansion to the VIC-20 manufactured by Commodore. It plugs into the VIC-20′s game/expansion/bus port, providing 6 more such ports along the top.

The rest of the unit sits behind and a bit off to the right of the machine, preventing any obstruction of the VIC’s other ports. Built into the 1010 is a 220v/110v power supply to supplement the computer’s supply.

Gallery:

This VIC 20 was one of the first model shipped in a rush from Japan to North America in early 1981 before production started in the US. Even the box art was just a quick rework of the Japanese VIC 1001 one.

Gallery:

source: oldcomputr.com

The Commodore VIC-1001 is the first computer in that series, being released only in Japan October 1980.

The computers that followed it, including the famous VIC-20, arrived in the American and European markets on the heels of its success. Aside from being first, the VIC-1001 also has the unique virtue of a modification from the standard Commodore PETSCII graphics set.

Being Japanese designed and born, this computer includes the Japanese “character” set, called “Katakana”.

The VIC-1001, like all other Commodore 8-bit computers, greets the user with a flashing READY prompt.

The operating system is built into the hardware of the computer, and the user interface is BASIC 2.0, a programming language Commodore purchased from Microsoft in the late 1970s.

The VIC featured 5 kilobytes of memory, and color graphics at a time when that was very uncommon, though it’s display is only capable of 22 characters per line.

The joystick port and game cartridge port are prominent features, as Commodore meant to market the VIC as a game console/computer hybrid. The cartridge port could also be used to expand the VIC-1001 memory.

Software on Cartridge:

• Programmers; Aid PacK (VIC-1212) [BOXED]
• Machine Language Monitor (VIC-1213)
• Rally-X (VIC-1903) Red Label [BOXED]
• Night Drive (VIC 1909) Red Label [BOXED]
• Omega Race (VIC-1924) [BOXED]

Memory Expansion Cartridges:

• 3K Ram Pack (VIC-1210) [BOXED]
• Super Expander + 3k RAM (VIC-1211M) [BOXED]
• 8k Ram Pack (VIC-1110) [BOXED]
• 16k Ram Pack (VIC-1111) [BOXED]

Gallery:

Download: Japanese Kernal and Characters (756)

source: zimmer.net

I could not miss in my Collection another failure of Commodore ; the Commodore 64 Game System (64 GS)

Practically a Commodore 64C (PCB ASSY NO. 250469) castrated, without keyboard or possibility of connecting external peripherals, the only ports available besides the Cartridge port are the Video (Composite/S-Video/RF) port, 2 Joystick ports and Power supply.

NOTE: The Narco Police cartridge is not included in the original package.

Gallery:

source: wikipedia

This is the Commodore MAX Machine (Ultimax/VC-10), as fascinating as it is useless and unusable.

The packaging of the Commodore MAX Machine is mint and nothing is missing, i could dare to say that it has never been used.

I don’t want to dwell on the technical features of the Commodore MAX Machine that can be easily found on the internet, so i leave you with the photos and a link at the end of the post.

Software on Cartridge:

• Mini Basic I
• Max Basic
• Wizard of Wor (Commodore 64/Max Machine)
• Super Alien
• Omega Race
• Radar Rat Race
• Avengers
• Road Race
• Mole Attack
• Jupiter Lander
• Kick Man (Missing Box)

Gallery:

Download: Max Machine 325565 Rev B Schematics (708)

Source: C64-Wiki.com Max Machine One Wire Video Mod

This is my collection of Drean Commodore.

The Drean company (household appliance manufacturer in Argentina) since 1983 bought the individual components from Commodore and to avoid the import costs has started to assemble the computers independently.

I wanted to make individual posts for each computers/devices also of the electronics pcb but the time is tyrant and i have postponed too many times, so i have decided to make a single post with all the models in my possession.

My Drean Commodore Computers:

• Drean Commodore 16
• Drean Commodore 64
• Drean Commodore 64c
• Drean Commodore 1541
• Drean Commodore 1531

Gallery:

12►

source: https://www.floodgap.com/retrobits/ckb/secret/drean.html

NEW TAG: C64 BIG GAME PACK

Some new games or tools (Cracked / Trained or Unrealeased) for Commodore 64 have been released from your favorites groups.

Titles:

• Wizard
• Star Race +3
• Bubble Bobble (Continue Fix)
• Bug Out 2019 [gkgm]
• Bug Out 2019 + [gkgm]
• Commando 2084
• Night Time
• Croaky +2HF
• Keystone Kapers
• Keystone Kapers +3D
• Mr T Tells the Time +D
• Keystone Kapers +1D
• Super Goatron V1.0
• Strider +5DHI
• Super Goatron V1.0 +6
• Arkadenoid
• Boulder Dash Junior III +2
• Eight Feet Under +D
• Bubble Mania Preview +
• Night Time
• Iceblox Plus +5HF [sales version]
• Unnamed Role-Playing Game Preview
• Micro Hexagon +HD
• Rocket ‘N Roll [seuck]
• Quasimodo – Herrscher der Kartanen [german]
• The Revenge of Moriarty +D
• Whiz Kid +2
• Danger Freak
• Danger Freak (V2)
• Let’s Make a C64 Game Preview 2
• Neon Sky Preview
• Tili-Toli
• Kissit +2DHT
• Space-Ball +2FDT
• The Last Warrior +2
• Platoon (The Tunnel System) [lightgun]
• Spy Hunt +
• Wizard of Wor (MAX V02) +3DGH
• Luna +1H
• Wizard of Wor +9DGH [c64 version]
• Wizard of Wor (MAX V01) +3DGH
• Luna +2HD
• Witch Day Preview
• Get Witchy +D
• Forgotten Forest V1.1 [seuck]
• Halloween-Breakout Preview
• Get Witchy +D
• Get Witchy
• Two Days to the Race V1.7 +D
• On the Queen’s Footsteps Preview
• Alien Research Centre 2
• Luna +3HD
• Two Days to the Race V1.7 +D
• Puralax! +1D
• Space Ache Preview +2
• Space Orbs
• Alien 8
• Space Orbs +D
• Bruce Lee – Duology
• Space Orbs &D
• Alien 8 +D

Download: All Games in One Archive (7210)

source: csdb.dk

Why make a Retr0Bright if you have a 130XE (mint) to sacrifice to replace the yellowed case and keyboard of an Atari 800XE ?

If we talk about collecting an atari 800XE is more important than a 130XE, especially if you have more than one.

I have replaced only the upper side of the case, the keyboard and the plastic piece of the led which in the 800XE is white and not red, the back side with the adhesive fortunately was in perfect condition.

I didn’t have to do any repairs except to calibrate the XC12 cassette recorder motor speed using an old but still valid speed calibration system, a music cassette, obviously only if you have a “good ear” and you know the music track perfectly.

NOTES: i have never seen the XC12 in a white box and miss it in my Atari collection.

NOTES 2: How did i listen the Billy Idol cassette? the Atari SIO connector supports Analog audio with a dedicated pin to this purpose.

Gallery:

123►

The monkey took me to collect all the Mini Consoles and Computers.

It all started when the NES Mini came out and then i have continued with all versions of NES and of Super Nintendo, PSX Mini, The C64 Mini and NeoGeo Mini.

And now … i fell again; Sega Mega Drive Mini, which includes the European, American and Japanese versions + Mega Drive Tower Mini (Japan).

What i can say about the Sega Megadrive Mini/Tower mini and about the Packaging ? aesthetically very beautiful, about the software? the usual soup, but i don’t like to play so the problem does not arise :-)

NOTE: The USB Joypad works perfectly under Windows 10, personally tested with the Dolhpin emulator (WII/Gamecube).

Gallery:

review: https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/12/20861085/sega-genesis-console-retro-mini-review-launch-games
wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis_Mini
official website: https://megadrivemini.sega.com

When you remove a chip with the screwdriver you have to be careful to lift the chip from the socket and not the socket from the PCB :lol:

That said and after bridged the broken pcb track of the GTIA and replaced a failed RAM the computer started working properly.

After the repair i have also make a improvement of the S-Video signal (XE series support the S-Video output).

This simple mod replaces/adds some resistors and capacitors that in the XE version are wrong for a perfect S-Video signal.

The instruction can be found in the link at the end of this article.

NOTE: The description of the STEP 4 is incorrect, it’s not Q2 but Q3 and in the STEP 5 is not Q3 but Q2.

NOTE2: Obviously after assemble the computer i have noticed the “B” key was stuck, the key piston have a crack, after replace it now the button work properly.

Gallery of the repair:

12►

Download: Svideo Atari 130XE Mod (537)