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/1954758181300269
Please 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 9: Commodore 128 Restoration, Part II: Case and KeyboardCommodore Restore2019-07-28 | This is Part II of the 128 restoration project. Find Part I here: youtu.be/GwgQpQarZHg
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/1954758181300269
Please 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/CommodoreRestoreEpisode 21: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part VII: Reassembly, Speaker, and FanCommodore Restore2023-03-31 | 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.
My complete design: thingiverse.com/thing:4882384 NB: 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.
Ultimaker Cura Slicer: ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-curaEpisode 18: SX-64 Repair & Rebuild, Part 4: SRQ Line Fix & Final DisassemblyCommodore Restore2021-02-01 | 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.
Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up" freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpEpisode 15: SX-64 Repair and Rebuild, Part 1: Intro and TestingCommodore Restore2020-12-31 | 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.C128 Keyboard RepairCommodore Restore2020-04-20 | 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 ComparisonCommodore Restore2020-04-14 | 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 & RepairCommodore Restore2019-12-25 | 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.
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/1954758181300269
Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_Up A 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_vbrEpisode 11: ZD-915 Desoldering Station: First Use and ReviewCommodore Restore2019-08-21 | 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 ErrorsCommodore Restore2019-08-11 | 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…"
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/1954758181300269
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/CommodoreRestoreFinal Diagnostic Run on C128Commodore Restore2019-07-29 | 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 8: C128 Black Screen Diagnostic and RepairCommodore Restore2019-07-26 | 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...
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/1954758181300269
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/CommodoreRestoreEpisode 7: C64/C128 Power Supply Teardown and MaintenanceCommodore Restore2019-07-19 | 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/CommodoreRestore
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/1954758181300269
Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpEpisode 6: C64 Keyboard NotesCommodore Restore2019-06-30 | 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/CommodoreRestore
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/1954758181300269
Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpEpisode 4: SX-64 Drive RepairCommodore Restore2019-05-29 | 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/1954758181300269
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/CommodoreRestore
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/1954758181300269
Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpEpisode 3: SX-64 Sound RepairCommodore Restore2019-05-23 | 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/1954758181300269
Music: Ryan Andersen, "Lift It Up": http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ryan_Andersen/Pop_Music/Lift_It_UpEpisode 2: C64 RestorationCommodore Restore2019-05-13 | 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/1954758181300269
Oatey Fix it Stick: amazon.com/Oatey-31270-Tubes-Display-4-Ounce/dp/B0009QW5IUEpisode 1: 1541 Disassembly, Maintenance, and Drive Belt ReplacementCommodore Restore2019-04-26 | 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.