New Release: Readme Text File Reader (RTFR) for Commodore 64, 128, VIC-20, & 264 Series
RTFR is not just another sequential text viewer. I wrote it so that I (and you!) can include a README.TXT on distribution disks, and the end user can quickly view it by simply LOADing & RUNning "README" -- with proper word wrapping, pausing between screens, and option to print a hard-copy!
A new freeware software release for the Commodore 64, Commodore 128, VIC-20, and 264 Series (Plus4 & C16)!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 Intro & Demo
5:18 Disk & Usage
8:53 Text Files
11:42 FC3 Notepad Demo
14:17 264 Series (C16)
17:03 Printing Demo
19:02 VIC-20 (+8K)
21:45 Commodore 128
26:50 Download & Outro
LINKS-
Basic Bites - Files & Downloads
- http://files.basicbites.ca/
#RTFR #Commodore64 #Commodore128 #VIC20 #Plus4
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Detecting Screen Size & Using KERNAL Routines in BASIC (C64, C128, & VIC-20)
A 3-in-1 BASIC programming tutorial that demonstrates how to detect the size of the current screen, interact with KERNAL routines & processor registers, and know if we're running on a Commodore 128.
This short program works on the Commodore 64, the Commodore 128, and the VIC-20.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
4:24 - C64 Demo
05:32 - Code - Setup
10:46 - Code - Main
15:41 - C128, VIC-20, & Outro
LINKS-
Basic Bites - Files & Downloads
- http://files.basicbites.ca/
Commodore 64 Programmer's Reference Guide
- https://archive.org/details/Commodore_64_Programmers_Reference_Guide_1983_Commodore/
Commodore 64 Programmer's Reference Guide (alt.)
- https://archive.org/details/Commodore_64_Programmers_Reference_Guide_1983_Commodore_a/
#Commodore64 #Commodore128 #BASIC #KERNAL #Programming
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Pi1541: How To Create Blank Disk Images
The Pi1541 (Commodore 1541 emulator for the Raspberry Pi) can be instructed to create NEW blank D64/G64 disk images directly from BASIC on your Commodore 64 or 128. Today I'll show you how!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:51 - Alternative Methods
5:40 - Browser vs Emulator Mode
7:33 - The NEW Command
10:20 - Tips, Limitations, Workaround
16:00 - Documentation & Outro
LINKS-
Pi1541 by Steve White
- https://cbm-pi1541.firebaseapp.com/
GitHub - pi1541/Pi1541
- https://github.com/pi1541/Pi1541
#Pi1541 #Commodore1541 #Commodore64 #C64
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The Commodore 64 Program Pack
The C64 Program Pack was distributed by Commodore with 1541 Disk Drives in 1983, and contained "over 30 public domain programs including some games, sound/graphics demos, and utilities".
Today we'll explore the disk's history & contents (and you can download your very own copy)!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - History
4:28 - Disk Directory
5:59 - Menu Program
7:37 - Programs 1 to 3
9:12 - #4 Bits and Bytes
10:26 - Programs 5 to 7
11:15 - #8 Colour Test
12:05 - Programs 9 to 12
13:08 - #13 Labyrinth
15:14 - Programs 14 to 19
16:28 - #20 Sound Effects
17:15 - Programs 21 & 22 and Exit
19:06 - Download & Outro
LINKS-
Basic Bites - Files & Downloads
- http://files.basicbites.ca/
#Commodore64 #C64 #ProgramPack
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Designing with PrintMaster Plus on a Commodore 64
A practical demonstration of 1980s desktop publishing with PrintMaster Plus on a Commodore 64 computer and MPS-803 dot matrix printer. Today we'll be designing posters tributing Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
3:28 - The Print Shop (1984)
5:25 - PrintMaster (1985)
9:36 - Loading PMP (Warning!)
12:22 - PrintMaster Plus (1987)
13:00 - PMP Setup
15:19 - New Poster
16:41 - Border & Graphics
21:41 - Fonts & Text
28:45 - Preview, Edit, & Save
31:25 - Poster #2
35:55 - Results & Outro
LINKS-
Basic Bites - Files & Downloads
- http://files.basicbites.ca/
PrintMaster User's Guide (2nd Edition)
- https://archive.org/details/PrintMasterUsersGuide2ndEdition1986/
PrintMaster User's Guide (Single Page)
- https://archive.org/details/01aConverted/
PrintMaster Plus User's Guide
- https://archive.org/details/PrintmasterPlus1988UserManual/
The Creative PrintMaster
- https://archive.org/details/the-creative-print-master/
#PrintMaster #PrintMasterPlus #UnisonWorld #Commodore64 #C64
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Dumping a Commodore 128 Cartridge ROM
How to dump a C128 cartridge ROM into a binary file that you can use in a Commodore emulator such as VICE. This MACH-128 cartridge is a version that I haven't found online, so let's get it preserved.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:06 - MACH-128 & MACH-5
4:34 - Storage Options
6:09 - Examining Memory
12:37 - Saving Memory
19:03 - Making ROMs
26:27 - VICE x128
27:05 - Outro
LINKS-
Basic Bites - Files & Downloads
- http://files.basicbites.ca/
MACH5 - ReplayResources
- https://rr.pokefinder.org/wiki/MACH_5
Commodore 128 System Guide
- https://archive.org/details/c128-system-guide
VICE - the Versatile Commodore Emulator
- https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/
#Commodore128 #C128 #Cartridge #ROM #MACH128 #MACH5
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Installing a ZOOMFLOPPY in 2022
How to connect a Commodore Disk Drive to your Windows PC, and backup diskettes to D64 & NIB disk images using OpenCBM & NIBTOOLS.
The ZoomFloppy from @RETRO Innovations works with Commodore 1541 & 1571 floppy disk drives, among others.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
3:49 - Drivers & Docs
8:19 - Power-On Sequence
9:44 - Windows System Path
12:33 - Testing
14:03 - Copying (d64copy)
17:55 - Nibbling (nibread) & Outro
LINKS-
ZoomFloppy - RETRO Innovations
- http://www.go4retro.com/products/zoomfloppy/
Purchase ZoomFloppy (RETRO Innovations Store)
- https://store.go4retro.com/zoomfloppy/
OpenCBM download | SourceForge.net
- https://sourceforge.net/projects/opencbm/
OpenCBM Users Guide (Online)
- https://opencbm.trikaliotis.net/
Commodore 64 Preservation Project
- https://c64preservation.com/
NIBTOOLS Utilities
- https://c64preservation.com/files/nibtools/
#ZoomFloppy #OpenCBM #NIBTOOLS #Commodore #1541 #1571
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JOYSTICKS and BINARY in Epyx Toolkit Basic | Commodore 64
Benchmarking JOYSTICK and BINARY functions in the Epyx Programmers' BASIC Toolkit, to write a C64 Joystick Tester program.
Inspired by @8-Bit Show And Tell "Printing Binary in BASIC and Assembly on Commodore 64" (April 4, 2022).
DOWNLOAD-
bb-220521.d64 at http://files.basicbites.ca/
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
4:28 - BIN$ and JOY
5:51 - BIN Benchmark 1
9:08 - BIN Benchmark 2
13:04 - BIN Benchmark 3
15:11 - BIN Benchmark 4
17:15 - JOY Benchmark 1
19:25 - JOY Code Example
21:05 - JOY Benchmark 2
24:34 - JOY Benchmark 3
29:16 - JOY Benchmark 4
32:43 - D64 & Program
34:42 - PAD & Outro
LINKS-
Printing Binary in BASIC and Assembly on Commodore 64
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8t6otqoz_E
Epyx Programmers BASIC Toolkit
- https://archive.org/details/Epyx_Programmers_BASIC_Toolkit
BASIC Toolkit Reference Card
- https://archive.org/details/Epyx_Programmers_BASIC_Toolkit_Reference_Card
#BASIC #Programming #Joystick #Binary #Commodore64 #C64
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F-BOMBS and Easter Eggs in Epyx Toolkit Basic | Commodore 64
No kidding: I found an F-Bomb (and other Easter eggs!) in the Epyx Programmers' BASIC Toolkit, coded by Ken Rose, Jack Thornton, and Howard Bowen in 1985.
This software development package for the Commodore 64 is the successor to HesWare Graphics BASIC (1983) by Ron Gilbert and Tom McFarlane.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
1:42 - Finding the F-Bomb
5:37 - Dropping the F-Bomb
7:36 - History & Developers
8:28 - Questions & Outro
LINKS-
Epyx Programmers BASIC Toolkit
- https://archive.org/details/Epyx_Programmers_BASIC_Toolkit
BASIC Toolkit Reference Card
- https://archive.org/details/Epyx_Programmers_BASIC_Toolkit_Reference_Card
#Epyx #BASIC #EasterEgg #Commodore64 #C64
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Fixing a RIDICULOUS Commodore 128 Keyboard Fault
This C128 keyboard made by Mitsumi had problems with 2 keys; one of them surprised me! Tips for disassembly, cleaning, and repair.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:22 - Disassembly & Cleaning
5:55 - Ridiculous Fault
8:00 - Outro
#Commodore128 #C128 #Keyboard #Repair #Spring
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New HIDDEN FEATURE in The Final Cartridge III | Commodore 64
I found a feature in The Final Cartridge III fastloader that I have not seen documented anywhere before! This may be especially useful if you have both 1541 and non-1541 devices.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Explanation
7:58 - Outro
LINKS-
Final Cartridge III Undocumented Functions
- https://www.pagetable.com/?p=534
Final Cartridge - ReplayResources
- https://rr.pokefinder.org/wiki/Final_Cartridge
#FinalCartridge #FinalCart #FC3 #TFCIII #Commodore64 #C64
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How To HEATSINK a Commodore 64C ("Short Board")
My method of heat-sinking a Commodore 64C "short board" (PCB ASSY 250469), with discussion of the design features that help it run cooler than its "breadbox" predecessors.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
4:11 - Technical Information
9:39 - Heatsinking Method
15:00 - Outro
#Commodore64 #C64 #Heatsinking #ShortBoard
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Commodore 64 Video Capture!
Video captured from my Commodore 64C with a Hauppauge USB-Live2 Analog Video Digitizer. Basic Bites will feature a mix of real and emulated capture going forward!
LINKS-
Hauppauge | USB-Live2 Video Capture
- https://www.hauppauge.com/pages/products/data_usblive2.html
#Commodore64 #C64 #Analog #Video #Capture
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Commodore Sold How Many *WHAT* 64 Computers!?
Commodore History's video "How Many Commodore 64 Computers did Commodore Sell?" got me curious what Guinness World Records was listing for "Best-selling desktop computer". The answer surprised me!
LINKS-
How Many Commodore 64 Computers did Commodore Sell?
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m343skFnkg
Best-selling desktop computer | Guinness World Records
- https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/72695-most-computer-sales
DISCLAIMER-
Any inclusion of third-party material is claimed under the Fair Dealing exception (Section 29) of the Copyright Act of Canada for the purposes of education, news reporting, and review.
#Commodore64 #C64 #Guinness
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Printing From VICE Commodore 64 Emulator
How to print program listings -- or anything, really -- from VICE (the Versatile Commodore Emulator). We'll configure virtual printer settings, and compare output of the Commodore MPS-803 to the Star Micronics NL10.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:21 - Printer Settings
5:54 - Print Job #1 (MPS-803)
11:11 - Print Job #2 (NL10)
15:46 - High-Res (Bitmap) Printing
LINKS-
VICE - the Versatile Commodore Emulator
- https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/
Final Cartridge - ReplayResources
- https://rr.pokefinder.org/wiki/Final_Cartridge
#VICE #Commodore #Emulator #Printer #Printing #Commodore64 #C64
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VICE 3.6 Released With Improvements (and Bugs) | Commodore 64 Emulator
Version 3.6 of VICE (the Versatile Commodore Emulator) has been released, with new features (and bugs). Let's take a brief look at the Commodore 64 emulator (x64sc) in both SDL2 and GTK3 form.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:07 - Downloading VICE
3:15 - SDL2 Version
5:30 - GTK3 Version
11:00 - Keyboard/Cartridge Bug
15:32 - Outro
LINKS-
VICE - the Versatile Commodore Emulator
- https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/
ReplayResources
- https://rr.pokefinder.org/wiki/Main_Page
Final Cartridge - ReplayResources
- https://rr.pokefinder.org/wiki/Final_Cartridge
Cartridge Speeder - ReplayResources
- https://rr.pokefinder.org/wiki/Category:Cartridge_Speeder
#VICE #Commodore #Emulator #Commodore64 #C64
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Using 80 Columns in VICE Commodore 128 Emulator
How to use the 80-column screen in the VICE C128 emulator. This tutorial demonstrates TWO easy methods (and no fiddling with keyboard mappings)!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:49 - Method #1
7:54 - Method #2
10:11 - Outro
LINKS-
VICE - the Versatile Commodore Emulator
- https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/
Commodore 128 System Guide
- https://archive.org/details/c128-system-guide/
#Commodore128 #C128 #VICE #Emulator #VDC
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UPGRADING Pi1541 Zero to 3A+ | Commodore 64
I'm upgrading my Pi1541 floppy disk drive emulator for the Commodore 64 (and 128). Let's look at some interesting products and talk about the different hardware options!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
3:56 - Pi1541 Zero Cartridge
7:10 - Comparing Firmware
10:12 - Comparing Hardware
15:38 - Pi 3 Hat (Pi1541io)
20:01 - Pi 3 Case (Pibow)
22:40 - SD Card & Outro
DISCLAIMER-
This video has no sponsors or affiliates. All product commentary is my own personal opinion as a customer. Any inclusion of third-party images or other copyrighted material is claimed under the Fair Dealing exception (Section 29) of the Copyright Act of Canada for the purposes of education, criticism, and review.
LINKS-
Pi1541 by Steve White
- https://cbm-pi1541.firebaseapp.com/
Zimmers.net - 1541 Firmware (ROMs)
- http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/drives/new/1541/
Remzi Load64 - YouTube
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNQvrkt1HgWLOLrxCRjRdQA
remzi64 on eBay
- https://www.ebay.ca/usr/remzi64
Retro Computer Store
- https://retrocomputerstore.com/
- https://www.ebay.ca/usr/rc_bension
- https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/8bitphoenix
Pi1541 | hackup.net
- https://www.hackup.net/tag/pi1541/
GitHub - hackup/Pi1541io
- https://github.com/hackup/Pi1541io
Raspberry Pi in Canada - PiShop.ca
- https://www.pishop.ca/
Pibow 3 A+ Coupé - Pimoroni
- https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/pibow-3-a-plus-coupe
Industrial microSD Card | Western Digital (Sandisk)
- https://www.westerndigital.com/products/memory-cards/industrial-microsd
#Pi1541 #Commodore1541 #Commodore64 #C64 #PiZero #Pi3
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Commodore 1541C: MORE than a facelifted 1541!
The 1541C Disk Drive has notable internal differences from its predecessor. Released in 1986 alongside the Commodore 64C, it is NOT just a cosmetically updated 1541.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
3:47 - Difference #1
8:46 - Difference #2
11:56 - Difference #3
16:20 - Outro
LINKS-
1541C Disk Drive User's Guide
- https://archive.org/details/1541CUsersGuide
Zimmers.net - 1541 Firmware (ROMs)
- http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/drives/new/1541/
#Commodore1541C #DiskDrive #Commodore64 #C64
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Inside the Commodore 1571 Floppy Disk Drive (C128 / C64)
PEEK inside the Commodore 1571 Disk Drive: marketed with the C128 as an intended successor to the 1541. Today we'll rebuild one, talk about internals (such as ICs & ROM), and give practical tips for general maintenance, lubrication, and head cleaning.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - 1571 Overview
4:44 - Shells
6:05 - Mainboard
7:27 - Mainboard - ICs & ROM
12:49 - Mainboard - Connectors
14:58 - Power Supply (PSU)
21:37 - Mechanical Assembly
25:38 - Maintenance
34:27 - Outro
LINKS-
1571 Disk Drive User's Guide
- https://archive.org/details/1571UsersGuide/
Commodore 1571 - Wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commodore_1571
Commodore 1571 - C64-Wiki
- https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/Commodore_1571
1571 Service Manual
- https://archive.org/details/1571ServiceManualPreliminary314002-041986Oct/
1571 Service Manual (Alt. Version)
- https://archive.org/details/1571ServiceManualPreliminary314002-041986OctAlt/
Commodore 1571 Internals (Abacus Software)
- https://archive.org/details/Commodore_128_Book_4_1571_Internals
Zimmers.net - 1571 Firmware (ROMs)
- http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/drives/new/1571/index.html
Retro Isle - Commodore 1571 Troubleshooting Guide
- http://www.retroisle.com/commodore/c64128/Technical/Hardware/1571_troubleshooting.php
MOLYKOTE EM-30L Grease
- https://www.dupont.com/products/molykote-em-30l-grease.html
#Commodore1571 #DiskDrive #Commodore128 #C128 #Commodore64 #C64
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Commodore 128 80-column Video (VDC) FIXED!
Explaining the 80-column video (VDC) section of a C128, and how I repaired a broken one. ALSO there's an ARMSID... but why? Tune in to find out!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
2:00 - Video Systems Overview
5:39 - Re-capping
7:50 - Troubleshooting & Repair
18:10 - ARMSID
21:36 - Outro
LINKS-
MOS Technology 8563 - Wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOS_Technology_8563
Commodore 128 Service Manual
- https://archive.org/details/Commodore128128DServiceManual1987Nov/
C-128 Service Manual (Alt Version)
- https://archive.org/details/Commodore_128_128D_Service_Manual_314001-08_1987_Nov_Alt_Ver/mode/2up
RGBI - Wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_monochrome_and_RGB_color_formats#4-bit_RGBI
ARMSID
- https://www.nobomi.cz/8bit/armsid/index_en.php
#Commodore128 #C128 #VDC #Video #Repair #MOS8563
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Commodore MPS-802 (1526) Dot Matrix Printer for C64 / VIC-20
PEEK inside the MPS-802: the most misunderstood dot matrix printer for the Commodore 64! Today we'll rebuild one and talk all about it, including tips for general maintenance, and a test print.
N.B.- Also marketed as the Commodore 1526 for the VIC-20 with cosmetic differences -- and ALSO as the Commodore 4023 with a parallel IEEE-488 interface instead of the familiar IEC serial.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
4:11 - Background
10:56 - Sidebar: Jan Beta's MPS-801
11:55 - Bottom Case
14:51 - Power Supply & Safety
16:34 - Mainboard & ICs
26:58 - Mechanical & Maintenance
37:06 - Completing Assembly
38:49 - Ribbon Cartridges
44:37 - Load & Test Print
LINKS-
MPS-802 Dot Matrix Printer - User's Guide
- https://archive.org/details/MPS-802DotMatrixPrinterUsersGuide
1526 / MPS 802 / 4023 Service Manual
- https://archive.org/details/1526MPS-8024023ServiceManual314003-031985Apr
MPS series - C64-Wiki
- https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/MPS_series
Printer Book for the Commodore-64 (Abacus Software)
- https://archive.org/details/Printer_Book_for_the_Commodore_64_and_VIC-20/
1526/MPS-802 Parts & Ribbons (Zimmers)
- http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/printers/1526/README
Rubber Renue (MG Chemicals)
- https://www.mgchemicals.com/products/electronics-maintenance/specialized-cleaners/rubber-renue/
MOLYKOTE EM-30L Grease
- https://www.dupont.com/products/molykote-em-30l-grease.html
Jan Beta's Commodore MPS-801 Printer Restoration
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkPEbDQ_Xkc
#Commodore #MPS802 #Printer #1526 #DotMatrix #Commodore64 #C64 #VIC20
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How to use NIB Disk Image Files | Commodore 64
Using NIB files with your C64/1541 emulator: what they are, and how to easily convert them to G64/D64 floppy disk images.
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
0:42 - What is a NIB file?
4:53 - Getting NIBTOOLS
6:08 - nibconv - Command Line
11:40 - nibconv - Drag & Drop
12:42 - Outro
LINKS-
Commodore 64 Preservation Project
- https://c64preservation.com/
NIBTOOLS Utilities
- https://c64preservation.com/files/nibtools/
Bit nibbler - Wikipedia
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bit_nibbler
#Commodore64 #C64 #NIBTOOLS #1541 #DiskImages #NIB #G64 #D64
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TIPS- Buying an LCD for a Commodore 64 (or 128)
Commodore monitors are increasingly rare and expensive compared to the computers themselves. Here are some tips on buying an LCD for your C64 (or C128)!
CHAPTERS-
0:00 - Intro
3:24 - Tip #1
5:24 - Tip #2
8:10 - Tip #3
13:08 - Tip #4
18:15 - Outro
MORE INFORMATION-
The Toshiba television featured in this video is model 15DL75.
The Philips TV mentioned as supporting both NTSC and PAL is 15PF5120/28.
Commodore monitors released specifically for use with the C64 included the original 1701 (no A, B, C, or D), the 1702, and multiple 1802 versions, with the later 1802 models intended for the Commodore 64C.
For the C128, the 1902 and 1902A were fully compatible with the C64 in 40-column mode, and also supported 80-column RGBI via a separate input.
#Commodore64 #C64 #LCD #Monitor #Television
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Basic Bites Short Intro
Welcome to Basic Bites: a channel for Commodore 64 users!
This short intro was written in BASIC (what else?) on a Commodore 64C.
#Commodore64 #C64 #BASIC
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