This is a little update of Super Mario Bros for the Commodore 64 from Zeropaige.

Changelog:

• Fixed sprites on wrong pages in manual.
• Removed debug border color change.

Download: Super Mario Bros 64 v1.2 (7976)

This is a little update of Super Mario Bros for the Commodore 64 from Zeropaige.

Changelog:

• Fixed detection of Schnedler Systems Turbo Master CPU.
• Fixed player-brick bounce issue.
• Joystick/keyboard routine made even more robust.
• Various small visual fixes.
• Gameloop runs slightly faster.

Download: Super Mario Bros 64 v1.1 (1319)

Tomasz “Tebe” Biela has released an update of the program Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 and the Atari Graphics Studio v3.5.4.

This project began many years ago as a simple graphics converter for Atari but over the years the features are significantly increased. The converter runs under Windows.

Download:

• Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 (Full) (792)
• Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 (Lite) (721)
• Atari Graphics Studio v3.5.4 (701)

source: g2f.atari8.info

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 (819)
• Complete HVSC #72 (857)

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 (6641)

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 (799)

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 (1174)

source: thec64.com

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 (7233)

source: csdb.dk

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 (538)

This is the same article of the previous one “Floppy Disk Cleaner” with the only difference that i have used a ALPS mechanics.

I have also connected the RED Led throught a 680 ohm 1W resistor to the 12v line.

Previous post:

Why throwing away a Commodore Floppy Disk Drive with a broken head it could become a great gadget to clean Floppy Disks.

How to do ? just disassemble the entire part that controls the movement of the head including the head itself.

The power supply used is 12v with at least 1A, you must connect the positive to the BROWN wire and the negative to the BLACK wire of the motor control PCB.

Good Cleaning.

Gallery:

This is the official demo party results from Zoo 2019. See also the CSDB ZOO 2019 section for more informations.

C64 Demo:

• 1 – Out of Contex by Artline Designs
• 2 – Void Mind 84% by Extend (*)        
• 3 – Able Marble by Accession
• 4 – Metadimension by Pers’ Wastaiset Produktiot
• 5 – Rebirth by Finnish Gold (*)        
• 6 – Rebels 1989 by Rebels
• 7 – Nine Rings by Dr. TerrorZ
• 8 – Odysseija by Wide Load
• 9 – Demo1988 by Codetsu
• 10 – Tales from the Crypt PETSCII Edition by wbochar
• 11 – Kolmiolaeaeke by Galtin Ballway (*)                
• 12 – Dobbelganger by Grue

(*) Missing

C64 Music:

• 1 – Cakewalk by Jangler
• 2 – Touch the Sky by Flex
• 3 – Ten Pokes by Jojeli
• 4 – Break Rulez by Apollyon
• 5 – Mala Gente by Zardax
• 6 – Sour & Salty by Juzdie
• 7 – The Wrath of Yamo by Abaddon
• 8 – Jälkilöyly by Deetsay
• 9 – Amazing Discoveries by LMan
• 10 – Smoke and Mirrors by Stinsen/dLx
• 11 – Shartnado! by Aomeba
• 12 – Agent of Lies by ocean
• 13 – Magical Shower by Warlord
• 14 – Zoo Much Information by TDM
• 15 – Banana Island Song by Flotsam
• 16 – The Scobble Lotcher by Vegard
• 17 – Atomshelter by Slimex
• 18 – Retrospect 130 by Ferrara
• 19 – I Held That Cheese for 2 Mins and Then I Ate It by Spider Jerusalem
• 20 – Lo-Fi in My Basement by Uneksija
• 21 – Hardware Malfunction by Proton
• 22 – Zooong by Barik        

C64 Graphics:

• 1 – Raster Split by Electric
• 2 – Phoenix by Facet
• 5 – New Messiah by L3nin666
• 6 – Crystaleyezed by Prowler
• 7 – Mayor of Candytown by Debris
• 8 – Escape from Zoo by Edi
• 9 – Stroll by ptoing
• 10 – High Hopes by Apollyon
• 11 – Resting Ronin by MisBug
• 12 – Kaiser Wieners Keg & Pickle by Mntrk
• 13 – Super Off Road Homage by ilesj
• 14 – Yksitoista by Debris
• 15 – Sauna Anyone? by Mr. Masterzeus
• 16 – Medusa by Fabs
• 17 – Hanami in Roihuvuori by Moraff
• 18 – Brazil Nuts by Moziz
• 19 – 8th Gate by Rail Slave
• 20 – Sweaty Pear by ptoing
• 21 – Spacesplash by Dr. TerrorZ
• 22 – Sunset in Varlaxudden by Moraff
• 23 – Ilbu by Ilbu

C64 Basic Demo:

• 1 – Basic V3 by Jupp3
• 2 – Necessity by Codetsu
• 3 – Sosialistinen tietokone by Jumalauta

C64 Disk Cover:

• 1 – Jack of Apes by Electric
• 2 – Damones at Zoo-Karaoke by Duce
• 3 – Void Mind by Duce (*)        
• 4 – Pääkallot by Ilbu
• 5 – Late Night Zoo by Junkie
• 6 – Death Trip by Hani
• 7 – Space Bar / Honey I’m Going to Zoo by Debris
• 8 – Young God by Sipsitjadippi
• 9 – Run U Fool by Sipsitjadipp    
• 10 – CCCCCCCCCCC by Manu

(*) Missing

Mixed Graphics:

• 1 – Swimming Pool by Exotic Men
• 2 – Ajattelija by Laserzone
• 3 – Grill Master by Extend
• 4 – Limpo by Fit
• 5 – Channel0 by Atlantis
• 6 – Soft Eagle by Extend
• 7 – Revenge! by Fit
• 8 – Madame by Panic
• 9 – Hardware by Yleisradio
• 10 – Elin by Yleisradio
• 13 – Light by Dr. TerrorZ
• 14 – Fast Blood by Panic
• 15 – The Muumio Is From the Ranch, From the Texas by HiRMU
• 16 – Ghost of the Zoo 19 by Hani
• 17 – Manga Cat by Alice Li
• 18 – Death by wbochar
• 19 – Dragon by BemaSoft
• 20 – Skull by wbochar
• 21 – Ilmeenikunzoo by Manu
• 22 – Örmi Ötökkä by Vilke
• 23 – Tupladiski by Laserzone
• 24 – Hampaat by Unkkubanaani

Download: Zoo 2019 Full Party Stuff (904)

source: zooparty.org

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

Difference with previous release V1.21 / V1.22 (Initial Elite release)

Changes / Improvements to the U64 FPGA:

• Added Drive B activity to the possible Case LED outputs.
• Increased the number of UltiSIDs from two to eight.
• Fixed Jailbar issue on HDMI output.
• Fixed a Ledstrip issue that slipped into one of the previous versions.
• Improved EMC performance.
• Added Paddle Swap for the U64 Elite.
• Increased application CPU performance.

Changes to the Ultimate 64 application:

• Added support for 8-SID configuations.
• Split the U64 configuration settings for better overview.
• Added possibility to load / save and reset configuration settings.
• Added the possibility to have temporary configuration settings.
• Added choice of which UltiSID causes the LED strip to light up.
• Added a Visual SID addressing editor.
• Added detection and real time configuration of FPGASID.
• Added detection and real time configuration of SwinSid Ultimate.
• Added detection and real time configuration of ARMSID.
• Fixed screen title when connecting to the machine through Telnet.
• Added joyswap to the configuration menu.
• Option to use Final Cart V1/V2 re-enabled.
• Upgraded the OS to a newer version.

Unreleased work:

• Flashing the ESP32 WiFi module from the file browser menu.
• “Drive C” – software 1581 emulation by Scott Hutter .

Planned work for the upcoming release:

• Keystrokes to quickly enable / mute audio channels
• Connection between the ESP32 and the C64
• A sample project for the ESP32, which can be used for others to port stuff like modem emulation.

Thanks go to Chris, Marty and Wilfred for providing various SID replacements to test with. Thanks to MarkusC64 for reviewing the FPGASID configuration code and providing useful feedback.

Ultimate 2+ Differences with previous release V3.4c

General Usability and Compatibility:

• Added possibility to load / save and reset configuration settings.
• Added the possibility to have temporary configuration settings.
• Improvements to the 6502 CPU for improved 1541 compatibility.

Improvements to SID player:

• Built-in SID player now supports MUS files as well (including stereo tunes) Music files can be found here: http://www.c64music.co.uk/
• Added support for toggling screen on/off in Sidplayer with S key.
• Added support for song length in SID header.
• Fixed correct SID model selection for SIDFX boards .

Various other bug fixes:

• Copying a file from a container now restores extension.
• Fixed issue of copying file from .t64 files.
• Added ‘Enter’ option for .t64 files.
• User Interface improvements / fixes.
• Fixed telnet connection – removing header upon connect (fixes random copy actions)

——————————————————————-

1541 Ultimate-II Differences with previous release V3.4c.

General Usability and Compatibility:

• Added possibility to load / save and reset configuration settings.
• Added the possibility to have temporary configuration settings.

Improvements to the 6502 CPU for improved 1541 compatibility:

• Improvements to SID player:
  • Built-in SID player now supports MUS files as well (including stereo tunes) Music files can be found here: http://www.c64music.co.uk/
• Added support for toggling screen on/off in Sidplayer with S key.
• Added support for song length in SID header.
• Fixed correct SID model selection for SIDFX boards.

Various other bug fixes:

• Copying a file from a container now restores extension.
• Fixed issue of copying file from .t64 files.
• Added ‘Enter’ option for .t64 files.
• User Interface improvements / fixes.
• Fixed telnet connection – removing header upon connect (fixes random copy actions)
• Changed default hostname to match target.

Dropped features:

• Support for the ISO9660 filesystem.
• The audio variant no longer supports recording TAP files. The dual drive version does.

Download:

• U64/Ultimate-64 v1.24 - U2+/U2 v3.6 Firmware (741)

source: ultimate64.com

This computer has kept for many years my BBS “Hidden Power / Nightfall HQ” up until closing, previously the BBS ran on the Amiga 1000 … then A500 and A2000.

I also publish two historical photos of my “BBS Room” where you can see this Amiga 3000 running.

I give a brief description of what was done and what i did today for this computer.

• Year 2001 i have removed the battery and one of the two SCSI Harddisks that was dead.
• Year 2010 i have cleaned the external/internal case and published the photos on the blog.
• Year 2018 i have cleaned the keyboard.
• Year 2019 i have carefully cleaned the motherboard that was covered with a sticky layer of Nicotine (in the BBS Room peoples likes to smoke a lot)
  • Cleaned the Floppy Drive covered inside and outside by a sticky layer of Nicotine, to repair it i had to completely disassemble it.
  • Replaced the Kickstart ROM 2.04 with version 3.1
  • Removed the last died SCSI Harddisk.
  • Installed “new” 250Mb Quantum Maverick SCSI Harddisk.
  • Installed WB 3.1 and MagicWB + a couple of Demos and of course Pinball Dreams Harddisk version.
  • Replaced the WD33C93A SCSI controller chip with AM33C93A-16PC.
  • Cleaned the Keyboard pcb and replacements of the rubber pad, more than 20 keys are died.
  • Removed the Zorro BSC / Alfa Data MultiFace Card 3 (multi Serial) card and installed the Village Tronic Ariadne II (Ethernet Card)

Everything works perfectly as you can see from the photos.

Gallery:

I received as a gift… we start badly,i have recover, we are not there, i purchased, much better, yet another computer from Radio Shack that was missing in my collection.

The computer equipped with several manuals and Floppy Disk was given to me by a dude (thanks Scott) from the United States, he had written “near mint” and is this phrase that attracted me.

The Computer is a Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 4 (GATE ARRAY) therefore of last production with cathode ray tube with green phosphors.

The seller was not joking saying that it was “near mint” and working, the computer is kept very well it almost seems like it has never been used, it can be observed from the cathode tube, from the pcb of the monitor and from the flyback transformer, keyboard, External and internal Case and from the power supply, the usual ASTEC, which has never warmed up, perfect.

The warranty sticker was also intact.

Since there was nothing to clean/repair i have made some hardware enhancements and little replacements.

What i have done:

• Replacement of the 3 filter capacitors (RIFA) which i usually remove and i don’t replace.
• Converted the ASTEC power supply from 115V to 230v because this version of the power supply allows it because has a 115v/230v switching.
• Replaces the 115v power plug with a schuko.
• Various labels to identify the computer has been converted to 220v.
• Installed 64k RAM to update the Model 4 to 128k (blue wire mod as well)
• Dual ROM to BOOT from FreHD or from Floppy Drive. I have used the Jim Brain ROM-el 2364 which uses a Flash ROM (AT49F001AN) but with a standard Mask ROM 2364 pinout.
• Installed a switch for Dual ROM hidden in the ventilation slots without drilling the case.

All test are made with the FreHD interface by Ian Mavric.

Gallery:

123►

Download: TRS-80 M4 GA Dual Boot ROM (677)