Using a quad-kernal mod for C64 character ROM?

I’m a geek, you’re a geek, we’re all geeks.

And sometimes geeks repair or build retro computers.

There are ways to replace the various ROMs on the C64, but the various ROM files aren’t all the same size, requiring various sized chips.

Today we look at using a ROM replacement made for larger ROMs such as Kernal and BASIC, on a smaller PROM such as the Character ROM.

2023/12/132023/11/13 by wereallgeeks Categories: 100% Geek, C64Mods, C64ROM, Commodore 64, Computers and technology, Geekyness, Projects, RetrocomputingTags: BYOC64, C64, C64C, Character ROM, commodore, Commodore 64, Commodore 64C, Commodore alteration, EPROM, EPROM Programmer, kernal quattro, microchip, mod, modding, mods, programming, ROM, ROM replacement

Commodore’s VIC-II chip – Are they interchangeable?

I’m a geek, you’re a geek, we’re all geeks.

And when geeks repair retrocomputers or build them they sometimes need to be imaginative with replacement parts.

The Commodore 64 has been the most successful home computer, and part of why comes from the Video Interface Chip II by Mos Technology.

During the lifetime of the Commodore 64, there has been several revisions of the VIC-II chip.

Why different versions? Are they compatible?

Today we discuss what is the VIC-II chip, why it was revolutionary, and how to interchange them.

2023/10/232023/10/10 by wereallgeeks Categories: 100% Geek, C64VIC, Commodore 64, Computers and technology, Games, Geekyness, Projects, RetrocomputingTags: BYO, BYOC64, C64, C64C, commodore, Commodore 64, Commodore 64C, DIY, electronics, games, Geek, HMOS, HMOS-II, MOS technology, NMOS, retro computer, retrocomputer, Retrocomputing, retrogaming, VIC chip, VIC-II, VIC-II chip, video games

Gamepad controller for ATARI VCS or Commodore 64

I’m a geek, you’re a geek, we’re all geeks.

And geeks play retro video games.

On retro computers.

And sometimes, their retro arcade style joysticks aren’t well suited for the side-scroller platform retro-game.

What is a geek to do then?

Today we look at making – or modding – a gamepad controller that works on the Commodore 64

2023/10/022023/09/06 by wereallgeeks Categories: 100% Geek, C64Mods, Commodore 64, Computers and technology, Games, Geekyness, Retrocomputing, RetrogamingTags: Atari, Atari 2600, Atari VCS, BYO game controller, C64, commodore, Commodore 64, Commodore 64C, Commodore alteration, controller, DIY, electronics, Game controller, gamepad, games, Geek, joystick, personalize your commodore, retrogaming, video games

Linus Akesson’s C=Tar

I’m a geek, you’re a geek, we’re all geeks.

And Linus Akesson is a very geeky music youtuber that plays music with the Commodore 64.

But not in the traditionnal method of composing a SID tune and playing it back; he builds instruments around the computer and plays them.

His youtube channel is filled with music-related videos with various incarnation of a Commodore-based instrument – theremin, accordion, organ…

2023/09/252023/12/08 by wereallgeeks Categories: 100% Geek, Audiovideo, C64SID, Commodore 64, Computers and technology, Geek lounge, Geekyness, Projects, RetrocomputingTags: c=tar, citar, commodore, Commodore 64, Commodore 64C, guitar, keytar, mod, modding, music, musical instrument, retrocomputer, retrocomputers, Retrocomputing, SID, SID chip, theremin

Changing C64 base font

I’m a geek, you’re a geek, we’re all geeks.

And geeks like to personalize their computers. Even their homebuilt retro computers.

Some nay sayers will say retro computers aren’t customizable… but we saw before how it is possible to change the boot-up screen of the C64.

Today we look at changing the font.

2023/09/182023/09/18 by wereallgeeks Categories: 100% Geek, C64ROM, Commodore 64, Computers and technology, Geekyness, Projects, RetrocomputingTags: BYOC64, C64, C64C, Character ROM, commodore, Commodore 64, Commodore 64C, DIY, EPROM, mod, modding, Modifications, ROM, ROMS