Commodore 128 Alive!

Commodore 128 => Herdware => Topic started by: quarkx on November 24, 2009, 12:00 PM

Title: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on November 24, 2009, 12:00 PM
Hi all,
So, I just got my first C128 in (flat). It didn't come with a P/S (That is coming- Thanks Robert ;D) so, I am going to clean it down tonight and carefully crack it open to clear out the cobwebs.
Any suggestions or anything I am to look for once it's open, before the initial power up?
Also it came with a mouse. The mouse looks like an Amiga "Tank" mouse, is there anyway to tell if this is an "official" C128 mouse (the seller didn't know). I suspect that it is indeed an Amiga mouse for it is the exact same shape size ETC of all my other Amiga mice (I have about 20 in stock) . All the sticker on the bottom says is "Commodore B90 30497 made in Malaysia" which is almost the same as my other Amiga mice, but the number is different.
I am not sure if I can use an Amiga Mouse on a C128. On some other forums , there was discussion, but no one knew for sure (on Amiga forums) maybe you true 128's will know.
-Thanks
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on November 24, 2009, 03:01 PM
Quote from: quarkx on November 24, 2009, 12:00 PMSo, I just got my first C128 in (flat).
Yay!  A newbie in the house.  ;)
QuoteIt didn't come with a P/S (That is coming- Thanks Robert ;D)
Postage from California to Calgary, Alberta, Canada is a killer.
QuoteAny suggestions or anything I am to look for once it's open, before the initial power up?
Well, you can clean the finger contacts on the user port and cassette port with a pencil eraser and/or denatured alcohol.  Also, make sure that there is dielectric grease on the fingers of the motherboard shield that make contact with the all important chips.
QuoteAlso it came with a mouse. The mouse looks like an Amiga "Tank" mouse, is there anyway to tell if this is an "official" C128 mouse (the seller didn't know).
Yeah, a Commodore 1351 mouse looks almost exactly like an official Amiga mouse.  The difference is that the Amiga mouse has a metal collar around the sub-D 9-pin plug, and the Commodore doesn't have such a metal collar.
Quote...it is the exact same shape size ETC of all my other Amiga mice (I have about 20 in stock).
More than I have in storage!  :)
QuoteI am not sure if I can use an Amiga Mouse on a C128. On some other forums , there was discussion, but no one knew for sure (on Amiga forums) maybe you true 128's will know.
No, an Amiga mouse will not work on a C128, and a Commodore mouse will not work on an Amiga.  (I've tried.)

                 Truly,
                 Robert Bernardo
                 Fresno Commodore User Group
                 http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
                 The Other Group of Amigoids
                 http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
                 Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
                 http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on November 24, 2009, 03:27 PM
Thanks Robert,
It does indeed have the metal collar on the plug (and the enlarged plug). I kind of figured that a C128 with the Proper mouse would be a bit much to ask on an Auction (and my luck) LOL.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Hydrophilic on November 25, 2009, 08:45 AM
If you're opening the case and removing the RF shield (assuming it has one), then I'd check the ROMs to see if it has the original (c)1985 ones that are buggy.  These are labeled U32, U33, U34, and U35... well I think U33 is the C64 ROM so it's probably old anyway...

Of course once you get your P/S, it's easy to tell because the screen will say (c)1985 and CAPS LOCK will not work with Q.  If you're lucky it may have Jiffy DOS ROMs.  If unucky, then you can start looking to get upgraded ROMs or JiffyDOS now before your P/S arrives.

You might also be intereseted in the the revision of your VDC and it has 64K VRAM upgrade.  It's inside the large metal box and may have the cover removed if it has the RAM upgrade.  The upgrade would look like a riser board cramed into that metal box (unless somebody did a pro job and soldered the motherboard directly)

There should also be a big empty socket near the center of the board.  If you got no empty socket, then you got a free Function ROM, like the Servant or BASIC 8 or something.

If I remember correctly, there is a fuse by the power switch that you could check (but maybe I'm thinking of the C64 or the C128's power brick).

Have fun!
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on November 25, 2009, 11:58 PM
Thanks Guys,
All excellent suggestions. I have not got at the "Opening" yet. I just went back to work after having that nasty flu for 3 weeks, and I haven't had the time to really get into it. I am also trying to hunt down some nice heat sinks for it to get rid of those crappy (and annoying) RF shields Commodore loved to use in all their computers. Man the Amiga 1000's alone could count as a second case for it. I have been watching for ROMS on E-bay, And I have yet to decide which ones to go with. I wanted the Jiffy Dos, GEOS and Servant ROM, but I am also leaning towards BASIC 8. In another thread, there talking about four Roms and a switch, But I am probably going to eventually get all four (2 with 2 on them) and decide as I go along. I just want to get the proper 1571 drives first. Nobody seems to use the 1541's with the C128.
The Video Ram upgrades auctions on Ebay have been dying lately. It use to be they were there all the time, with BIN's all over the place, Now it seems like they have run out and nobody is making any more (maybe a market to step into?) Is 64K the max?
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 12:12 AM
If you want C128 function ROMS, just let me know, I've got them all :)

If you have en EPROM burner, I can mail you the files containing the ROMS. If not, I probably can provide some burning service for you :)

64K is the max since the VDC chip only has 16 addressbits (like the processor) so it can only address 64K.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on November 26, 2009, 12:34 AM
Thanks for the offer SCD,
I don't have a burner, and money is tight because of no income for 3 weeks, but I will keep it in mind for the future. Is it worth it to have GEOS in the ROM though? My 128 will be a slow project though, I have so much Amiga stuff to do also. Man if I was rich and could take 2 years, I don't think I could even get through all my Amiga projects, never mind the 128 -LOL
Plus, I have about 2000 Amiga floppy disks to go through and cataloge and the Amiga club wants me to go through more and burn them to CD for Archives.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 05:30 AM
Time and money, always the two things you have too little of :)

Have a look at the thread in the forum here:

http://www.commodore128.org/index.php?topic=2645.msg12330#msg12330 (http://www.commodore128.org/index.php?topic=2645.msg12330#msg12330)

It might be an interesting device for you :)

If you are going to use GEOS, then yes, it's very good to have it in the ROM. Since GEOS takes a while to load, even if you have a 1571, starting it will be a lot faster with the GEOS kernal in ROM. If you add a REU like the 1700/1750/1764 or a clone, then you can create a RAM disk with the GEOS desktop in it, which means that after a reset you will load the entire GEOS OS from ROM and RAM. Sweet :)

A note to your earlier post, most people that have a C128 prefer the 1571 over the 1541. The reason is that it supports double the disc capacity since it reads (and writes) from both sides of the disc. But most notably, it supports burst mode which makes it (a lot!) faster than the 1541.

A note though, in C64 mode the 1571 acts as a 1541 clone.

BTW, if you want to download the most popular C128 function ROMS you can click the links below :) If you want to see them in action you can test them in VICE.

GEOS 128 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Geos128Am1581.rom)
Basic 8 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Basic8.BIN)
KeyDos (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/keydos.zip)
The Servant (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/servant.zip)

Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Blacklord on November 26, 2009, 05:42 AM
One of the things I want to do now is keep an eye out for a hard drive & REU - both will be expensive :(
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: airship on November 26, 2009, 07:17 AM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 05:30 AMA note though, in C64 mode the 1571 acts as a 1541 clone.

Mostly true. You can send a command to make it act like a 1571: "U0>M1"
However, you will only get the increased capacity, not the faster speed.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on November 26, 2009, 01:37 PM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 05:30 AM
Time and money, always the two things you have too little of :)

Have a look at the thread in the forum here:

http://www.commodore128.org/index.php?topic=2645.msg12330#msg12330 (http://www.commodore128.org/index.php?topic=2645.msg12330#msg12330)

It might be an interesting device for you :)

If you are going to use GEOS, then yes, it's very good to have it in the ROM. Since GEOS takes a while to load, even if you have a 1571, starting it will be a lot faster with the GEOS kernal in ROM. If you add a REU like the 1700/1750/1764 or a clone, then you can create a RAM disk with the GEOS desktop in it, which means that after a reset you will load the entire GEOS OS from ROM and RAM. Sweet :)

A note to your earlier post, most people that have a C128 prefer the 1571 over the 1541. The reason is that it supports double the disc capacity since it reads (and writes) from both sides of the disc. But most notably, it supports burst mode which makes it (a lot!) faster than the 1541.

A note though, in C64 mode the 1571 acts as a 1541 clone.

BTW, if you want to download the most popular C128 function ROMS you can click the links below :) If you want to see them in action you can test them in VICE.

GEOS 128 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Geos128Am1581.rom)
Basic 8 (http://www.commodore128.org.uk/roms/Basic8.BIN)
KeyDos (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/keydos.zip)
The Servant (http://cottonwood.servebbs.com/wiskow/servant.zip)

OOOOO! You have me! just a mater of the cash, Sadly probably not until the new year though. Yes, I am hunting down 2 -1571's, I will be getting them from Robert. I also am hunting down an REU. Oh so much fun hardware, so little cash...
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 05:05 PM
Quote from: airship on November 26, 2009, 07:17 AM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 05:30 AMA note though, in C64 mode the 1571 acts as a 1541 clone.

Mostly true. You can send a command to make it act like a 1571: "U0>M1"
However, you will only get the increased capacity, not the faster speed.

I stand corrected :)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on November 26, 2009, 06:33 PM
Quote from: Blacklord on November 26, 2009, 05:42 AM
One of the things I want to do now is keep an eye out for a hard drive & REU...
If you are willing to give up compatibility, you can order one of the far cheaper SD/Compactflash card drive solutions in lieu of a CMD hard drive.  Currently, there are the SD2IEC from NKCElectronics.com and the uIEC/SD or uIEC/Compactflash (with IDE connector) from Jim Brain.  These will work in C64 or C128 mode.
    There is also the 1541-III (though I don't know if it is in stock right now), and there is the 1541 Ultimate II (which is not in production yet).  IDE64 v4.1 does not work in C128 mode, other than using extra C128 keys in C64 mode.

            Spending the night at the California/Oregon border,
            Robert Bernardo
            Fresno Commodore User Group
            http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
            The Other Group of Amigoids
            http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
            Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
            http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on November 26, 2009, 06:37 PM
Quote from: quarkx on November 26, 2009, 01:37 PM
Oh so much fun hardware, so little cash...
All you have to do is pace yourself.  :)

             Which is what I'm doing in expanding
             my Amiga computers,
             Robert Bernardo
             Fresno Commodore User Group
             http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
             The Other Group of Amigoids
             http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
             Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
             http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 08:06 PM
Quote from: RobertB on November 26, 2009, 06:33 PM
There is also the 1541-III (though I don't know if it is in stock right now), and there is the 1541 Ultimate II (which is not in production yet).

Do you know if the 1541 Ultimate (and Ultimate II) used in stand-alone mode, i.e not connected to the expansion port, will work in C128 mode too?

When attached to the expansion port, C64 mode is probably activated on power-up?
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Diddl on November 26, 2009, 10:23 PM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 08:06 PMDo you know if the 1541 Ultimate (and Ultimate II) used in stand-alone mode, i.e not connected to the expansion port, will work in C128 mode too?
Yes! a 1541-u works standalone with all IEC bus computer: C-64, VIC, C-128

Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 08:06 PMWhen attached to the expansion port, C64 mode is probably activated on power-up?
Works in one of my 128-D. The other don't work ...

Maybe it is cause C-128 has a very dirty bus timing, not 100% compatible with C-64
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 27, 2009, 12:40 AM
Quote from: Diddl on November 26, 2009, 10:23 PM
Quote from: SmallCleverDinosaur on November 26, 2009, 08:06 PMWhen attached to the expansion port, C64 mode is probably activated on power-up?
Works in one of my 128-D. The other don't work ...

Maybe it is cause C-128 has a very dirty bus timing, not 100% compatible with C-64

That sounds strange. Do the other C128's switch to C64 mode when you have the 1541u in the expansion port? And your C128-D does not?

Or does the C128 never switch to C64 mode with the 1541u?
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on November 27, 2009, 11:35 AM
Quote from: Diddl on November 26, 2009, 10:23 PM
...a 1541-u works standalone with all IEC bus computer: C-64, VIC, C-128
The Commodore Plus4, too.

               Now in the Portland, Oregon area,
               Robert Bernardo
               Fresno Commodore User Group
               http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
               The Other Group of Amigoids
               http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
               Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
               http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)

P.S. Happy Thanksgiving!  :)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 08, 2009, 04:00 AM
Ok, so here is an update all  :D
I just got in my Power Supply, system disks and manuals for Robert (Thanks again Robert)
Wow, the Power Supply is a LOT heaver then an Amiga power supply! I noticed it has a fuse also. In Brian's book, it mentioned that Bil had originally put a fuse in and some Manager took it out and rubbed Bil's nose in it. looks like he got it back in (properly).

I did take the 128 apart (I was board on Friday night). It looked like it had never been apart, but it was clean of dust inside. It was stock, no upgrades. I ordered in 2 passive heat sinks in from China (5 bucks a piece with shipping) and a VDC upgrade, so I am waiting for those to arrive, before firing her up (she is still apart) I am waiting to see if I can get the double ROM for GEOS and Basic 8, but I will probably get that other ROM that was mention before. January.....
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on December 08, 2009, 07:21 AM
Quote from: quarkx on December 08, 2009, 04:00 AM
I ordered in 2 passive heat sinks in from China (5 bucks a piece with shipping)...
Oh, in a big city like Calgary, there are no electronics parts shops/warehouses that have bins of items like heatsinks?  I'm thinking of places like http://www.weirdstuff.com (http://www.weirdstuff.com) or http://www.halted.com (http://www.halted.com)

               Back from Los Angeles,
               Robert Bernardo
               Fresno Commodore User Group
               http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
               The Other Group of Amigoids
               http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
               Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
               http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)

               
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 08, 2009, 07:38 AM
I don't know about Calgary, I am in Edmonton, (about 3 Hours north). Yes, we do have shops,but they are on the other end of the City, and for heat sinks (I did call around) the cheapest was $25. With no car, and a wacky work schedual, and the fact that it hit -22 this weekend, having them deliver 2 my door was a no brainer for less then $5 a piece.  >:(
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on December 08, 2009, 05:58 PM
Quote from: quarkx on December 08, 2009, 07:38 AM
I don't know about Calgary, I am in Edmonton, (about 3 Hours north).
Ack!  Sorry about that... I was thinking of Calgary and the AMiga Users of Calgary (AMUC) club there.  Yeah, check with the Commodore Users of Edmonton's (CUE) Bruce Thomas.
QuoteYes, we do have shops,but they are on the other end of the City, and for heat sinks (I did call around) the cheapest was $25.
Hmm, at the shops I was referencing, heatsinks go from a few cents to a dollar or two.
QuoteWith no car, and a wacky work schedual, and the fact that it hit -22 this weekend, having them deliver 2 my door was a no brainer for less then $5 a piece.  >:(
Minus -22!  And we're complaining that it'll reach 26 F. here in central California.  :)

                And the heater in my main car is not hot enough,
                Robert Bernardo
                Fresno Commodore User Group
                http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
                The Other Group of Amigoids
                http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
                Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
                http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 08, 2009, 11:32 PM
Yes, last Tuesday, we had barely any snow (just a skiff, and temperatures of plus 6 (about 43F), then on Friday, the snow hit, about 3-5 inches over the weekend, and the wind, it is piled up to about a foot in some places. They didn't even plow the streets until Saturday night. The temperature dropped down to about -20 (-4F) and has not really warmed up, Right now for example (its 6:15 am) and its -27. I have to go and catch a bus for work in about an hour, so I have to really bundle up and were one of those full face touques, not to mention the long undies. Winter is a real pain here in Alberta. Last year, it was the same thing, and once the temperature dropped in Dec, it did not warm up again to above 0 until March or April.It's no wonder my parents usually go to Yuma (Arizona) for the winter -Dad thought he would skip this year (for once) and now he is really regretting it LOL
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 11, 2009, 02:15 AM
Quote from: Hydrophilic on November 25, 2009, 08:45 AM
If you're opening the case and removing the RF shield (assuming it has one), then I'd check the ROMs to see if it has the original (c)1985 ones that are buggy.  These are labeled U32, U33, U34, and U35... well I think U33 is the C64 ROM so it's probably old anyway...

Just an update: I have the unit open, so I have checked the ROMS. U32 is 1984 (I suspect this is the C64 ROM by the date). U33-U35 are 1985. How do I get upgrades?

Also, I am ready to spend my $20 on the ROM mentioned earlier, but I can't find any links or intructions on how to get one. Please send HELP :)

Thanks as always.
-G
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on December 11, 2009, 04:52 AM
Quote from: quarkx on December 11, 2009, 02:15 AMJust an update: I have the unit open, so I have checked the ROMS. U32 is 1984 (I suspect this is the C64 ROM by the date). U33-U35 are 1985. How do I get upgrades?
Hmm, I don't see any C128 ROM upgrade chips available.  Perhaps you can ask Ray Carlsen or Francois "Eslapion" Leveille if they have them.
QuoteAlso, I am ready to spend my $20 on the ROM mentioned earlier, but I can't find any links or intructions on how to get one.
Are you speaking of the Megabit 128 ROM adapter?  If so, just leave a personal message to Megabit here on this site.

                Truly,
                Robert Bernardo
                Fresno Commodore User Group
                http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
                The Other Group of Amigoids
                http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
                Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
                http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 11, 2009, 05:58 AM
Quote from: RobertB on December 11, 2009, 04:52 AM

     Are you speaking of the Megabit 128 ROM adapter?  If so, just leave a personal message to Megabit here on this site.

                Truly,
                Robert Bernardo
Yes, thanks, I didnt know what the exact name was, because half the posts are missing for some reason...
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Mark Smith on December 11, 2009, 12:44 PM
Quote from: quarkx on December 11, 2009, 02:15 AM
Just an update: I have the unit open, so I have checked the ROMS. U32 is 1984 (I suspect this is the C64 ROM by the date). U33-U35 are 1985. How do I get upgrades?


ROM upgrades are easy if you know someone with an EPROM burner and a stash of blanks EPROMS.
The actually binaries can be obtained from Zimmers site http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/computers/c128/index.html (http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/computers/c128/index.html)

I upgraded my machine ... not sure how much difference it makes mind :-)

If you can't find anyone local to help out with the EPROM burning drop me a message.

Mark
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: airship on December 12, 2009, 03:08 AM
Quote from: quarkx on December 11, 2009, 05:58 AM
Yes, thanks, I didnt know what the exact name was, because half the posts are missing for some reason...

You can read those missing posts by choosing 'Quote'. When the reply dialog comes up, it will have the missing text in the edit box. A dumb workaround, but it works!
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 12, 2009, 03:28 AM
Quote from: airship on December 12, 2009, 03:08 AM
You can read those missing posts by choosing 'Quote'. When the reply dialog comes up, it will have the missing text in the edit box. A dumb workaround, but it works!
Thanks for the tip! Airship
Quote from: Mark Smith on December 11, 2009, 12:44 PM

ROM upgrades are easy if you know someone with an EPROM burner and a stash of blanks EPROMS.
The actually binaries can be obtained from Zimmers site http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/computers/c128/index.html (http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/firmware/computers/c128/index.html)

I upgraded my machine ... not sure how much difference it makes mind :-)

If you can't find anyone local to help out with the EPROM burning drop me a message.

Mark
Mark, Eprom burning has gone the way of the Altair here. In fact I can find more Cray units than anyone with an eprom burner! LOL!- Even Amitrix up here has a professional company down east do all (if any needed) burning.
I will keep you in mind though, once I get this beast up and running, if the '85 Roms work ok than why bother with upgrades (other than the "Q" issue")
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on December 12, 2009, 07:35 AM
Quote from: quarkx on December 12, 2009, 03:28 AM...I will keep you in mind though, once I get this beast up and running...
Well, for EPROM burning, Ray Carlsen is in Washington State, and Francois "Eslapion" Leveille is in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  A bit nearer than Mark.  ;)
Quote...if the '85 Roms work ok than why bother with upgrades (other than the "Q" issue")
I can't find the article in which CBM engineer Fred Bowen details all the changes that went into the C128 upgrade ROMs.  FWIW, the C128DCR has those upgrade ROMs.

                Truly,
                Robert Bernardo
                Fresno Commodore User Group
                http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
                The Other Group of Amigoids
                http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
                Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
                http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 25, 2009, 06:25 AM
Happy HoHo too you all.
I just got in my VDC upgrade in. I haven't installed it yet, it looks like pins are missing on the bottom, hopefully they are not important.
I also got a File 6 rom for free, has anyone use this Rom? is it any good?

-Thanks
-Glen
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on December 25, 2009, 02:24 PM
Quote from: quarkx on December 25, 2009, 06:25 AMI also got a File 6 rom for free, has anyone use this Rom? is it any good?
Never heard of that one, Glen.

Merry Christmas!
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 25, 2009, 03:41 PM
Quote from: RobertB on December 25, 2009, 02:24 PM

Never heard of that one, Glen.

Merry Christmas!
Robert
I had never seen it on Ebay, thats why I asked. I will e-mail Raymond about it, He was sick for a while there, thats why he hasn't put anything back up on E-bay. Unfortunately, both the ROM and the VDC upgrade did not come with any real documentation, I suppose he suspects we know all about it. LOL
Have a Good Christmas
-Glen
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 31, 2009, 05:15 AM
So, my heat sinks came in...
They are A LOT smaller than I had visioned. The "long" ones are 2.1 cm (.08 inches) and the square ones are exactly half an inch (1.4 CM) I thought they would be a bit big for the chips, but these may be too small for a proper job. I will keep you all informed, but for the price, I can probably find something to use them on. the "long ones" fit the ram chips perfectly though LOL (not that they heat up), but I might have to use a few on the CPUS and such
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on December 31, 2009, 04:50 PM
Quote from: quarkx on December 31, 2009, 05:15 AMSo, my heat sinks came in...
They are A LOT smaller than I had visioned.
Heh, you can glue a lot of little ones on top of one chip then.  :)


Happy New Year!
Robert Bernardo

Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on December 31, 2009, 06:08 PM
Quote from: RobertB on December 31, 2009, 04:50 PM

Heh, you can glue a lot of little ones on top of one chip then.  :)


Happy New Year!
Robert Bernardo
Yes, just the video chip took 4 "squares". I must admit, it does look very tidy, but you would want to get 3 or 4 packages of the square ones to do the whole C128. They are the perfect width though for the Chips.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 08:17 AM
I just finally had a few moments to Finnish the C128, after getting more heat sinks in. I also wanted to check out the "File Browser 6" ROM before installing my "Mega 128 ROM" . You can also see the 64K upgrade.
I didn't need to use the "Long" heat sinks, but they looked cool on some random long IC's.
I still need to find an 80 Colunm monitor and a 1571 drive, but slowly this beast is coming along.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on March 10, 2010, 08:21 AM
Quote from: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 08:17 AM
I didn't need to use the "Long" heat sinks, but they looked cool on some random long IC's.
Oooo, pretty, golden heat sinks.  :)

Happy New Year!
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org/)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: commodorejohn on March 10, 2010, 08:53 AM
If you're having trouble locating a combo 80-column/composite monitor, remember that you can use a separate CGA monitor as well; these are pretty easy to come by if you know of any place with a warehouse of old PC stuff (recycling centers are a pretty good place to look.)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 09:25 AM
Quote from: commodorejohn on March 10, 2010, 08:53 AM
If you're having trouble locating a combo 80-column/composite monitor, remember that you can use a separate CGA monitor as well; these are pretty easy to come by if you know of any place with a warehouse of old PC stuff (recycling centers are a pretty good place to look.)

Thanks,
I had wanted to order all that stuff in one shot, including a PET cable from TPUG, but they never got back to me at all.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on March 10, 2010, 03:14 PM
Quote from: commodorejohn on March 10, 2010, 08:53 AM...remember that you can use a separate CGA monitor as well...
Or a separate EGA monitor.

With too many monitors,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on March 10, 2010, 03:23 PM
Quote from: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 09:25 AMI had wanted to order all that stuff in one shot, including a PET cable from TPUG...
Have you tried CUE right there in Edmonton?

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug (http://videocam.net.au/fcug)
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/ (http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/)
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org (http://www.sccaners.org)
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Blacklord on March 10, 2010, 04:01 PM
Quote from: RobertB on March 10, 2010, 03:14 PM
Quote from: commodorejohn on March 10, 2010, 08:53 AM...remember that you can use a separate CGA monitor as well...
Or a separate EGA monitor.



And I can attest to the quality of the 128's display on EGA!
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 04:32 PM
Quote from: RobertB on March 10, 2010, 03:23 PM
Quote from: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 09:25 AMI had wanted to order all that stuff in one shot, including a PET cable from TPUG...
Have you tried CUE right there in Edmonton?

I hate to say it, but all signs point that CUE is dead, I was told a few years now. Same as TPUG, no one answers e-mails. The AMICUE guys do help if possible though.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Blacklord on March 10, 2010, 06:15 PM
Quote from: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 04:32 PM
Quote from: RobertB on March 10, 2010, 03:23 PM
Quote from: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 09:25 AMI had wanted to order all that stuff in one shot, including a PET cable from TPUG...
Have you tried CUE right there in Edmonton?

I hate to say it, but all signs point that CUE is dead, I was told a few years now. Same as TPUG, no one answers e-mails. The AMICUE guys do help if possible though.

I daresay most 8 & 16 bit user groups are heading the way of the Dodo - but at least the Interwebs is keeping things alive.
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: RobertB on March 11, 2010, 02:17 AM
Quote from: quarkx on March 10, 2010, 04:32 PM
...all signs point that CUE is dead...
However, the contacts are still there.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
The Other Group of Amigoids
http://www.calweb.com/~rabel1/
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network
http://www.sccaners.org
Title: Re: So.. I just got my first C128 in...
Post by: Steve Gray on March 11, 2010, 04:00 AM
TPUG is still active. They hosted the World of Commodore in Dec 2009 and are already planning the 2010 show. I am a member and regularly attend meetings. Remember, it is a volunteer organization so sometimes it might take a while to get a response. Keep trying...

Steve
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