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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Marketplace => Topic started by: motrucker on May 23, 2013, 03:02:59 PM
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The 64K VDC RAM board for the C-128 is being sold on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Commodore-128-64K-VDC-Video-Memory-Upgrade-/151045078573?pt=US_Vintage_Computers_Mainframes&hash=item232afcfe2d
Not my sale, but I have bought from this seller. Excellent seller.
True, you can solder in the new RAM chips, but this board makes it SO easy.
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When I had both the 128 and 128D, I did open both up and it looked like you could just solder in the extra memory chips on the 128 since it had the pads on the board for them. Surface-mount back then was so large that you'd really have to have a nervous disorder in order to not be able to solder on the extra chips yourself. I guess this is a more expensive but simpler solution...
What the 128 really needs is an upgraded 8563 VDC chip that increases the color cell density down to one pixel. ;) ...but then 64k may not be enough... ;) ;)
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I think back in the day, I wrote my own 128 mode MFM disk copier that used VDC ram as a buffer for disk copying... Ah the good old days...
Of course it only worked in 40 column mode, otherwise you'd have a garbled 80 column display...
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When I had both the 128 and 128D, I did open both up and it looked like you could just solder in the extra memory chips on the 128 since it had the pads on the board for them. Surface-mount back then was so large that you'd really have to have a nervous disorder in order to not be able to solder on the extra chips yourself. I guess this is a more expensive but simpler solution...
What the 128 really needs is an upgraded 8563 VDC chip that increases the color cell density down to one pixel. ;) ...but then 64k may not be enough... ;) ;)
At 320x200 that's just at 64k. Possible, I suppose, but doesn't the new VIC used in the D64TV (or whatever it's called) provide better video options? Could make a nice drop-in for the 128/D, though I wonder how many 128/Ds are actually in use.
I used sockets to solder 64k into my old 128. The 64k has a good number of uses besides the regular video duties. One program used it as a buffer for copying disks, and ISTR a program for 64 mode which used the 64k as a RAM disk (much slower than the 1700 but still useable.)
I really like these types of projects. Take an old hack and turn it into a pretty plug-in expansion.
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i have a 128dcr, already has the 64k vdc, so its all good ;)
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At 320x200 that's just at 64k. Possible, I suppose, but doesn't the new VIC used in the D64TV (or whatever it's called) provide better video options? Could make a nice drop-in for the 128/D, though I wonder how many 128/Ds are actually in use.
I used sockets to solder 64k into my old 128. The 64k has a good number of uses besides the regular video duties. One program used it as a buffer for copying disks, and ISTR a program for 64 mode which used the 64k as a RAM disk (much slower than the 1700 but still useable.)
I really like these types of projects. Take an old hack and turn it into a pretty plug-in expansion.
The whole point about 128 was the 80 column mode. I was a 'power-user' and I would load a program that did some things like put me into 80x50 column mode by interlacing the 80 column display. Since I was using a Magnavox monitor for 80 column mode, I was able to get a nice sharp 80x50 display. 640x400 with 1:1 pixel density would have made it a better business and game machine but 2Mhz was still limiting... Now, CPM mode did run at 4Mhz using the Z80 processor, but there was not enough interest in that. In fact the Z80 processor runs first when you turn on the 128 then based on the CPM button and the 40/80 column button it would put you in the appropriate mode, etc... :) Yea, I used to be into it hardcore... :)
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...doesn't the new VIC used in the D64TV (or whatever it's called) provide better video options?
The C64 DTV can provide up to 256 colors.
One program used it as a buffer for copying disks...
Maverick
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
July 27-28 Commodore Vegas Expo v9 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex
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640x400 with 1:1 pixel density would have made it a better business and game machine but 2Mhz was still limiting...
With a SuperCPU 128 running at 20 MHz., it was much better.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
July 27-28 Commodore Vegas Expo v9 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex
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With a SuperCPU 128 running at 20 MHz., it was much better.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://videocam.net.au/fcug
July 27-28 Commodore Vegas Expo v9 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex
Well, I left the scene in 1994 when I got a CD32 + SX-1 ... of course I never learned to program an Amiga like I did a 128...
I still have the 128D (even added a 2nd SID) but now I get no display when I turn it on. I'd put it on ebay, but shipping that beast would cost more than I'd ask for it...
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I loved that little computer. I did all my high school basic programming on it until I got my Amiga 500 when I was a Senior.
I thought the 128 was an amazing computer! It was easy to use, had tons of options, GEOS 2.0 was awesome on it with the 1351 mouse.
I loved my C64 too since it was my first computer, but the 128 was just so much easier to use with a fine array of features.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.
Cheers!
-P
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I loved that little computer. I did all my high school basic programming on it until I got my Amiga 500 when I was a Senior.
I thought the 128 was an amazing computer! It was easy to use, had tons of options, GEOS 2.0 was awesome on it with the 1351 mouse.
I loved my C64 too since it was my first computer, but the 128 was just so much easier to use with a fine array of features.
Sorry, I had to get that off my chest.
Cheers!
-P
Apology accepted :) I love the C128 myself. I am thinking if I was ever getting a Commodore computer again it would be 128D...only for space reasons it is optimal for that!
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I loved that little computer.
same here - got it when my C64 blew up thanks to some power surge. The C128 served me very well. Never bothered adding the 64k VCD mem though, cant remember why not.
GEOS ran extremely well on it with the 512K REU
in the loft these days :(
ta
Tom
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I've got a couple of 128's. One of them has a switchable rom that can boot GEOS or BASIC 8. I have a 128DCR as well, and it's the one I use from time to time. It takes a long time to fire up, however. Like 5 minutes. It looks to all intents and purposes to be dead, but if left sitting there with the power on, it eventually boots. I think it might need some new caps.
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128s were awesome, there should have been more software for 128 mode ! Kind of a gyp !
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128s were awesome, there should have been more software for 128 mode ! Kind of a gyp !
Yep, I agree. There were a bit more applications than games available for it. I have a couple of 128D's I loved but haven't touched in years.
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The whole point about 128 was the 80 column mode. I was a 'power-user' and I would load a program that did some things like put me into 80x50 column mode by interlacing the 80 column display. Since I was using a Magnavox monitor for 80 column mode, I was able to get a nice sharp 80x50 display. 640x400 with 1:1 pixel density would have made it a better business and game machine but 2Mhz was still limiting... Now, CPM mode did run at 4Mhz using the Z80 processor, but there was not enough interest in that. In fact the Z80 processor runs first when you turn on the 128 then based on the CPM button and the 40/80 column button it would put you in the appropriate mode, etc... :) Yea, I used to be into it hardcore... :)
I dig it. I'm familiar with the Z80 boot-strap mode of the 128. I used CP/M a good bit, though I wasn't as hard-core as most. I did get some C programs to compile and I also did some COBOL on my 128D. Sadly, when I got my 128, rather than learn how to program and take advantage of the extra features I learned how to exploit them from 64 mode. Features like the extra keys, 80 column video, and double speed. If I had more time these days, along with learning to write real programs on the Amiga and not just Rexx/MUIRexx I would learn more 128 and maybe port my BBS program over.
Speaking of, were there any CP/M BBS programs that worked on the 128?
I loved GEOS 128. I used it well up to my college days (late 90s) until I managed to get my hands on a printer for my Amiga 500 and started using Word Perfect 4. Not long ago I purchased a couple of disks of GEOS enhancements and I've yet to crack it open. UGH! No time, and I'm planning to have kids?! CRAZY!!
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Well, I left the scene in 1994 when I got a CD32 + SX-1 ... of course I never learned to program an Amiga like I did a 128...
I still have the 128D (even added a 2nd SID) but now I get no display when I turn it on. I'd put it on ebay, but shipping that beast would cost more than I'd ask for it...
Re cap it and see if it lives...it's already NOT starting so what the hay.
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I have 2 kids and 3 more step kids...DON'T do it man ! At lease make sure you have a return window in case they suck :D
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Can people go into C64 and run C64 games if one switched from BASIC 8 to GEOS ROM and is using GEOS? Does that mean as soon as you turn your C128 on it will go into GEOS? Where can one find such ROM?
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Can people go into C64 and run C64 games if one switched from BASIC 8 to GEOS ROM and is using GEOS? Does that mean as soon as you turn your C128 on it will go into GEOS? Where can one find such ROM?
With a properly crafted ROM I suppose it's possible, but the only GEOS ROMs of which I'm aware are for GEOS 128.
Otherwise you just hold down the C= key when booting your 128 and you're in 64 mode, or type GO64 at the 128's BASIC prompt.
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I use GEOS 128, so that extra RAM was a real help, even with my 2Mb REU. I also still use CP/M with dBase 2.
I know the two chips that need to be changed to add the 64K VDC RAM are not hard to change - but I'm getting lazy in my old age. This board was a real easy fix.
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My first computer was a VIC-20, then a C64 then a C128D, etc.
I loved the look and feel of the 128D as well as the functionality.
The other day I wanted to teach my 7 year old son to program so I looked at many BASIC compilers for Windows and hated all of them, none of them had a nice GUI or even a GUI that I could make nice and they were all difficult to use. So I ran VICE and emulated the Commodore 128 just for my son to learn BASIC. There just is no BASIC environment as user friendly as BASIC 7.0 for the Commodore 128.
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There is a nice Commodore 128 website, http://www.commodore128.org.
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The other day I wanted to teach my 7 year old son to program so I looked at many BASIC compilers for Windows and hated all of them, none of them had a nice GUI or even a GUI that I could make nice and they were all difficult to use. So I ran VICE and emulated the Commodore 128 just for my son to learn BASIC. There just is no BASIC environment as user friendly as BASIC 7.0 for the Commodore 128.
That's awesome. A lot of kids I know like the older computers for a number of purposes. BASIC 7 definitely is nicer than TI BASIC or Extended BASIC (as much as I love those, as well,) but I have a particular love for GFA Basic. I used it first on the Atari ST and then on the Amiga.
All things considered, I wish I had learned 6502 before BASIC. I learned TI BASIC then TMS-9900, CBM BASIC 2 and BASIC 7, then 6502. AppleSoft and Integer BASIC is in there somewhere, but I never pursued the Apple 8-bit stuff too far, though I did a lot of stuff with AppleDOS.
As much as emulation provides for the old 8-bits (VICE and Classic 99 are both awesome,) I really love to put the real machines in front of people. I can't wait for my kids to get their hands on my classic systems.
There are programs out there which allow you to use BASIC 2.0 and TI BASIC for scripting. Both work pretty well, even for simple file processing.
TI BASIC
Amiga: http://aminet.net/package/dev/lang/ti99basic
Others: http://ti99basic.sourceforge.net/
CBM BASIC 2.0
http://www.pagetable.com/?p=48 (can't find an Amiga version)
Bonus! Create your own Version of Microsoft BASIC for 6502
http://www.pagetable.com/?p=46
(Includes 6502 source code)
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I would love a Commodore 128/128D case and keyboard with a modern 64-bit CPU and USB ports like Commodore USA did for the Commodore 64.
I had a Commodore 128D many years ago and so loved the feel of the keyboard.
Israeli