Episode 15: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part 1: Intro and Testing Commodore Restore 2020-12-31 | This is an introduction to a new series on the SX-64. Over the course of several videos, the unit will be disassembled, repaired, future-proofed, and undergo some mods. This video covers the (current) plan for the series and an introductory look inside the SX-64. Some quick testing at the end also. Sorry for the shaky handheld work. I'll get a different camera mount for future videos. Please leave comments with suggestions on useful mods. I'm not into the demo scene; rather, I want this computer to be something I can keep in the office and pull out regularly for a quick game or some word processing.
Episode 21: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part VII: Reassembly, Speaker, and Fan Commodore Restore 2023-03-31 | In this video, I'll reassemble most of the SX, add a new speaker and fan with a 3D-printed mount, discuss the SIDFX addition, and show how the wiring is done. There's also a 3D-printed clip to help hold the I/O board in place and prevent it from wiggling loose from the main CPU board. One caveat: This series is being posted as the project progresses. As far as I know, everything should work when it's all back together, but I make no guarantees on that point! It's always possible that I've screwed something up in one way or another. Tune in again after a couple more videos to find out if these mods actually worked...or not. If you know for a fact that I've done something incorrectly, please comment and let me know.Links:SIDFX: https://www.sidfx.dk/Audio Amplifier: DROK 15W+15W 2.0 Dual Channel Audio Amplifier Board PAM8620Speaker: Visaton SC 5.9 - 8 ohm Fan: Noctua NF-A4x10 FLXI/O Board clip: thingiverse.com/thing:5938764Music:Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up":freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 20: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part VI: LCD Screen Commodore Restore 2022-02-25 | In part 6 of this series, I’ll show how to install a new LCD screen and control board in the SX-64. Mentioned in the video:LCD Screen: https://idoregesz.hu/product/commodore-sx64-screen-replacement-jd567m03-at056tn52/SX-64 TFT board: http://www.allzu.net/en/tlpp/SX_64_TFT_Display_Mod.htmlUltra Reset for TFT Board: cbmstuff.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_76&product_id=91SX-64 Schematics: http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/computers/c64/sx-64/SX-64_Portable_Computer_Schematics.pdfLCD Bracket / Mount (all 3 parts): thingiverse.com/thing:5261409Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 19: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part V: Handle Latch Commodore Restore 2021-06-10 | In this episode, I'll use a 3D printed solution for the missing/broken handle locking parts that are common for SX-64 users. My complete design: thingiverse.com/thing:4882384NB: I did not post to Shapeways because 1) it turns out it's way too expensive for my taste ($45 to print these pieces), and 2) it's not a great option anyway. Better to find a MakerSpace in your town or get someone to print it for you instead. Libraries also often have 3D printers for use. Other 3D-printable parts:Cap, screw adapter, disc platethingiverse.com/thing:2273196Cap only:thingiverse.com/thing:653759Cap only:thingiverse.com/thing:4063191Springs: XJS Metal Compression Spring Silver Tone (0.4x2.3x9mm 50 Pcs)amazon.com/dp/B07P8LVV6K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_95F4H6MP22YP9P05D6AB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1Screws: Pan Phillips Head Machine Screws, M4-.70 x 16homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-M4-0-7-x-16-mm-Phillips-Pan-Head-Zinc-Plated-Machine-Screw-3-Pack-802768/204282662PLA: Hatchbox Blueamazon.com/gp/product/B00J0GPC80/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1Tinkercad:tinkercad.comUltimaker Cura Slicer:ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
Episode 18: SX-64 Repair & Rebuild, Part 4: SRQ Line Fix & Final Disassembly Commodore Restore 2021-02-01 | In part 4 of this series on the SX-64, I'll demonstrate a fix for the SRQ line fault and finish disassembly of the SX-64. In part 5, I'll begin the reassembly and start adding some mods. Mentioned in the video: Ray Carlsen's page on the SRQ fault: http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/sx64/SRQ%20vs%20game%20carts.txtAlso in this series: Episode 15: Intro and Testing: youtu.be/0Jve1GchKNMEpisode 16: User Port fix, power unit removal: youtu.be/pqVhnJxS_NMEpisode 17: Disk Drive removal & refurbishment: youtu.be/J0trAsWDkowMusic: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up":freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpA Smile for Timbuctu, "Il Circo Smorfioso": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_Smile_for_Timbuctu/Silly_Songs/05_-_a_smile_for_timbuctu_-_il_circo_smorfioso_kzz01_vbr
Episode 17: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part 3: Disk Drive Removal and Refurbishment Commodore Restore 2021-01-25 | In part 3 of this series on the SX-64, I'll discuss some interesting aspects of the drive board, show how to remove the drive/storage bay unit, and cover how to clean the head, lube the rails, and change the belt. Mentioned in the video: JiffyDos: http://store.go4retro.com/search.php?search_query=JiffyDOS&x=0&y=0Console5.com: console5.com/storeEarlier episode on SX-64 drive repair: youtu.be/N2hphvU6MhsAlso in this series: Episode 15: Intro and Testing: youtu.be/0Jve1GchKNMEpisode 16: User Port fix, power unit removal: youtu.be/pqVhnJxS_NMMusic: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up":freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpA Smile for Timbuctu, "Il Circo Smorfioso": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_Smile_for_Timbuctu/Silly_Songs/05_-_a_smile_for_timbuctu_-_il_circo_smorfioso_kzz01_vbr
Episode 16: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part 2: User Port and Power Board Commodore Restore 2021-01-11 | This video covers a fix for the user port manufacturing error that kills SX-64s when someone plugs a device (such as a modem) into the user port. Also a look at the disassembly of the rear unit and an examination and cleaning of the power supply board.I am obliged to thank Ray Carlsen for his advice and for all that he has done for the Commodore community as a whole. Mentioned in the video: Ray Carlsen's SX-64 Site: http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/sx64Document from Jason-Ranheim Company: http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/sx64/SX%20warning.jpgAlso in this series: Episode 15: Intro and Testing: youtu.be/0Jve1GchKNMMusic: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up"freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
C128 Keyboard Repair Commodore Restore 2020-04-20 | This time, I have a C128 with a problematic keyboard. Three of the keys either don't work at all, or only work intermittently. Follow along as I diagnose it and get it working perfectly again!
Episode 13: VIC-20 Video Repair and Motherboard Comparison Commodore Restore 2020-04-14 | A quick video fix on a VIC-20, plus keyboard disassembly and a look at the differences between two motherboards from the early model and cost-reduced versions.The book I mentioned: Commodore VIC-20: A Visual History, by Giacomo M. Vernoni (oldcomputr.com/product/commodore-vic-20-a-visual-history-pdf-edition)
Episode 12: 1541 Diagnostic & Repair Commodore Restore 2019-12-25 | In this video, I have a 1541 that, on startup, spins the spindle motor and lights the red LED, but doesn't move the head. The problem is traced to a faulty 6502 and a stuck head mechanism. I demonstrate the use of a multimeter and logic probe to find the problem. I also show the process of disassembly and how to clean and lubricate the drive mechanism. I apologize for the audio and video issues in this one. I recorded most of the footage before I realized that something must have been set wrong on the camera. The clips came out really dark, so I tried to use processing to brighten them up. There was also background noise in some clips that I didn't realize the microphone had picked up. I almost didn't post this one, but I thought that the content could still be useful, so here it is.Sams Computerfacts, Disk Drive: Commodore VIC 1541/1541: archive.org/details/sams-computerfacts-cd4-1541I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpA Smile for Timbuctu, "Il Circo Smorfioso": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_Smile_for_Timbuctu/Silly_Songs/05_-_a_smile_for_timbuctu_-_il_circo_smorfioso_kzz01_vbr
Episode 11: ZD-915 Desoldering Station: First Use and Review Commodore Restore 2019-08-21 | I recently bought my very first desoldering station, the ZD-915. It's the cheapest on the market, and it has its flaws, but overall it's a good unit for the hobbyist. In this video, I'll show my very rough first attempts at using it, and give an honest assessment of the unit. And just so you know--I still *suck* (get it?) at desoldering. I'm getting the hang of it, though.
Episode 10: Device Not Present and Searching For Errors Commodore Restore 2019-08-11 | In this video, I have a 1541 that presents a "Device Not Present" error. When that problem is resolved, another pops up in the form of a continuously-running spindle motor and a failure to get past "Searching For…" Parts from: Drive belt: Console5.com (console5.com/store/commodore-1541-floppy-drive-spindle-belt.html)5v voltage regulator: RetroTech (http://www.demand.nu/retrotech/l7805.html)Mentioned in the video: C64/128 Power Supply Repair (youtu.be/nUndMEmHegQ)I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpA Smile for Timbuctu, "Il Circo Smorfioso": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_Smile_for_Timbuctu/Silly_Songs/05_-_a_smile_for_timbuctu_-_il_circo_smorfioso_kzz01_vbrPlease consider making a donation on my Patreon page. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it, but hardware prices keep going up, and spares and replacement parts aren’t cheap. Your donation will be used exclusively to buy what I need to keep making content for this channel. Thank you!patreon.com/CommodoreRestore
Final Diagnostic Run on C128 Commodore Restore 2019-07-29 | This is the final diagnostic test on the C128. I thought I lost the footage, so I didn't include it at the end of Part II. It's just a short clip, but you can see a good test across the board, and hear the SID test complete successfully.
Episode 9: Commodore 128 Restoration, Part II: Case and Keyboard Commodore Restore 2019-07-28 | This is Part II of the 128 restoration project. Find Part I here:youtu.be/GwgQpQarZHgSpecial thanks to Michael Myers and the Commodore International Historical Society Facebook page for the deal on the 128. Find their page here: facebook.com/groups/commodoreinternationalhistoricalsocietyMentioned in the video:Link to the 3D printed key cap holders: thingiverse.com/thing:3564637A video by the 8-Bit Guy demonstrating part of the retrobrighting process:youtu.be/z_sxTwD4lVsMusic: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpA Smile for Timbuctu, "Il Circo Smorfioso": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_Smile_for_Timbuctu/Silly_Songs/05_-_a_smile_for_timbuctu_-_il_circo_smorfioso_kzz01_vbrScott Holmes, "Aspire":http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Holmes/Corporate__Motivational_Music_2/Aspire_1241--I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Please consider making a donation on my Patreon page, or contact me here or on the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades Facebook page if you would like to donate parts or equipment. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it, but hardware prices keep going up, and spares and replacement parts aren’t cheap. Thank you!patreon.com/CommodoreRestore
Episode 8: C128 Black Screen Diagnostic and Repair Commodore Restore 2019-07-26 | In this video, I diagnose an unresponsive C128. It shows a black screen, but the board has power. You'll see me use a multimeter and logic probe to try to find the problem, and it turned out to be in the last place I would have considered...Special thanks to Michael Myers and the Commodore International Historical Society Facebook page for the deal on the 128. Find their page here: facebook.com/groups/commodoreinternationalhistoricalsocietyThanks also to John Saller, for the part (spoilers!) that brought it back to life. Part II of the restoration is here: youtu.be/7g56cSDl9swMentioned in the video:Commodore 128/128D Diagnostic Instruction and Troubleshooting Manual: archive.org/details/C128_Diagnostic_Instruction_and_Troubleshooting_Manual_1986_Commodore_PN-314060-01Service Manual, C-128/C128D Computer: archive.org/details/Service_Manual_128_128D_Computer_1987-11_Commodore_a_PN-314001-08I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpA Smile for Timbuctu, "Il Circo Smorfioso": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/A_Smile_for_Timbuctu/Silly_Songs/05_-_a_smile_for_timbuctu_-_il_circo_smorfioso_kzz01_vbrPlease consider making a donation on my Patreon page. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it, but hardware prices keep going up, and spares and replacement parts aren’t cheap. Your donation will be used exclusively to buy what I need to keep making content for this channel. Thank you!patreon.com/CommodoreRestore
Episode 7: C64/C128 Power Supply Teardown and Maintenance Commodore Restore 2019-07-19 | The power supply that came with the 1764 REU (RAM Expansion Unit) for the C64 is identical to the PSU that shipped with the C128. In this video, I do a teardown & maintenance on the C64 PSU, and look at some pictures of 128 PSUs that suffered damage due to corrosive glue. Please consider making a donation on my Patreon page. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it, but hardware prices keep going up, and spares and replacement parts aren’t cheap. Your donation will be used exclusively to buy what I need to keep making content for this channel. Thank you!patreon.com/CommodoreRestoreI’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 6: C64 Keyboard Notes Commodore Restore 2019-06-30 | In this video, I'll be reassembling a C64 keyboard I've been working on. As it is a different style from the one seen in Episode 2, I'll be walking you through the process, pointing out differences between the versions, and providing a couple of helpful tips. Please consider making a donation on my Patreon page. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it, but hardware prices keep going up, and spares and replacement parts aren’t cheap. Your donation will be used exclusively to buy what I need to keep making content for this channel. Thank you!patreon.com/CommodoreRestoreI’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 4: SX-64 Drive Repair Commodore Restore 2019-05-29 | In this video, I’ll walk you through a repair that I did a while back on my SX. When I first got the SX, the drive didn’t work. It wasn’t hard to find the fault, but it was an unusual repair.I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 5: C64 Diagnostic Harness Use Commodore Restore 2019-05-26 | In this video, I connect a diagnostic harness to a C64, get a strange result, and troubleshoot.Previous restoration video showing the other keyboard design: youtu.be/gZHBVZtCJFw Please consider making a donation on my Patreon page. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it, but hardware prices keep going up, and spares and replacement parts aren’t cheap. Your donation will be used exclusively to buy what I need to keep making content for this channel. Thank you!patreon.com/CommodoreRestoreI’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Coprolite Computer By-Products (aka AAA Scrap Dogs Unlimited) on eBay: ebay.us/JjZib8Commodore4Ever’s Atom PSU: commodore4ever.net/collections/power-suppliesMusic: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 3: SX-64 Sound Repair Commodore Restore 2019-05-23 | In this episode, I repair an SX-64 with a sound problem. It has sound, but it is *extremely* quiet. Upon investigation, I determined that the SID was faulty, and replaced it with a SwinSID Nano. I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started: facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Commodore4Ever’s SwinSID Nano: commodore4ever.net/collections/sound-chips/products/commodore-64-128-sid-6581-8580-compatible-replacement-chip-nano-swinsidConsole5.com: console5.com/storeMusic: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up
Episode 2: C64 Restoration Commodore Restore 2019-05-13 | Apologies for the roughness of this one. In my first video, I used an old video camera, but it can’t record in 1080. To aim for higher quality, I tried using my phone, and obviously I don't quite have the hang of it yet. I put together a rig to hold the phone over the workbench, but I can’t see the screen in that position, so it’s hard to keep things centered, and when I have to lean over the bench, I don’t know when my head is in the way! It also doesn’t hold the phone very steady, so you’ll notice some “bouncing” when I accidentally bump into it. I'm going to build a new rig before shooting the next video.I’m on many of the Commodore groups on Facebook, notably the Commodore 8-Bit Repair and Upgrades page, which I started:facebook.com/groups/1954758181300269Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpAtom Power Supply: commodore4ever.netOatey Fix it Stick: amazon.com/Oatey-31270-Tubes-Display-4-Ounce/dp/B0009QW5IU
Episode 1: 1541 Disassembly, Maintenance, and Drive Belt Replacement Commodore Restore 2019-04-26 | In this episode, I demonstrate the disassembly of a Commodore 1541 disk drive (ALPS model), replacement of the drive belt, cleaning of the head, and lubrication of the rails. The drive is then reassembled and tested. Opening music is Ryan Andersen, Lift It Up: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpGet the belts here: console5.com/store/commodore-1541-floppy-drive-spindle-belt.html
