I agree with you that the repro PCBs are mostly pointless; there
are plenty of originals out there, plus C64 Reloaded and
Ultimate64, which I think both have some good advantages. If
you’re going to ditch the original hardware, seems like you ought
to get some modern features for it.
However, you can scratch build most of a C64 with reproduction
parts these days. There’s new production C64C style cases,
keyboards, and you can get pin-compatible SID and PLA
replacements. I’m not sure about the VIC, though.
I have an Ultimate64 in a repro case, and it’s pretty fantastic.
Jeffrey Birt <[email protected]> writes:
I saw the video was out but have not watched it yet. It makes me
happy to see folks around the world being able to fix their C64
and Amiga cases.
I have to admit to being indifferent about the C64 clone
PCBs. Hans (bwack on YouTube) did a series of videos on how he
copied the rarer KU PCB which was interesting just to see his
approach. In general, though original PCBs are not in short
supply, you are still using the same old chips as well. You
still need an original case, keyboard, etc. Other than the
satisfaction of soldering it together yourself I don't see the
benefit.
Something like the Ultimate64 makes more sense if you have a
duff board you don't want to mess with as you can reuse the old
case and KB and get all new modern innards that can run at
50mhz, has more RAM built in, 1541 emulation built in, etc.
As for new M100 PCBs, it is the same story. You still need the
rest of the computer, case screen, KB and you have to reuse the
old chips. The most common failures I have seen are the
electrolytic caps, screen contact corrosion and RAM module
failure. The caps and RAM are easy to fix, and the screen
problem would negate using it either way.
A new 'hot rod' M100 PCB might be interesting though, an
"Ultimate M100" if you will. 😊
Jeff Birt
(Hey Birt! on YouTube)
-----Original Message-----
From: M100 <[email protected]> On Behalf Of me
Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2020 3:29 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [M100] C64 restoration and fresh mobos
Hey Birt, I watched Adrian's basement just now and was pleased
to see his receiving some case tabs from you. That was cool.
Did you see the video? I am rather impressed that someone
reverse engineered the original C64 motherboard. It's stunning.
