1541 Ultimate-II - Is this the ultimate device for a C64/128? [Hardware Review]

[Neil79]

Here it is as promised! The big 1541 Ultimate-II review!

With every review that we had done last year, from the C64SD to the SD2IEC nearly every bit of feedback we've had from our readers so far is, "you should get a 1541 Ultimate!". So thanks to Gideon of Gideon's Logic Architectures we now have that device and tape adapter in our hands for a very special review

http://www.indieretronews.com/2015/0...-ultimate.html

[lordofchaos]

Nice read I've had the Ultimate-II for about a year now and found a lot of it's functionality pretty vague, I had to search the internet to find out more. One important thing I`m waiting for in a possible firmware update is the ability to save with easy-flash cartridge games, other than that I couldn't be happier with it.

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by lordofchaos

Nice read I've had the Ultimate-II for about a year now and found a lot of it's functionality pretty vague, I had to search the internet to find out more. One important thing I`m waiting for in a possible firmware update is the ability to save with easy-flash cartridge games, other than that I couldn't be happier with it.

I had the same issue regarding using fastload, the instructions clearly explained it was integrated but not how to use it. Thankfully a quick word with the developer and I was up and speedy

[Jope]

I take it you guys never had a speeder/freezer cartridge for the C-64 in this case?

That's all the 1541u is. A 1541 emulator with emulators for various freezer cartridges. Then it's just like using your c-64 with a cart + 1541. Then there's the added benefit of it being able to inject the file you want off the disk directly into RAM from the ultimate's own freezer menu, so in reality you don't usually even need to use the cart's fast load routines (in the action replay's case f7 + %0:* .. also try the function keys in fastload mode, there's shortcuts for some commonly used things. also read the ar6 manual)

Choose your favourite cartridge from the ultimate's setup menu and download its manual off the net. Then all will be revealed. :-)

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by Jope

I take it you guys never had a speeder/freezer cartridge for the C-64 in this case?

Never Also I've never had a C64 as a kid, everything we've had so far is new and the review will come across as a new user. Rather than someone with X amount of knowledge

[lordofchaos]

It's funny, back in the day I was completely up to speed with the C64..Ten years of non-use and now I feel like a newbie all over again :-) So glad these beautiful machines are still developed for. Had heard about the freezers carts but was blissfully unaware of there potential.

[Neil79]

I feel sorry for Gideon when I was talking to him, he must've thought oh crap I've sent it to someone who doesn't know much about C64 disk drives and carts Thankfully I put his mind at ease with the review

[Retro-Nerd]

I'm more an EasyFlash 3 junkie. We need more multi-part games patched for cartridge use. I don't want real disks and i don't want to emulate disks.

[lordofchaos]

Originally Posted by Retro-Nerd

I'm more an EasyFlash 3 junkie. We need more multi-part games patched for cartridge use. I don't want real disks and i don't want to emulate disks.

Gets my vote

[Neil79]

By the way guys, if you have any tips, extra instructions please kindly reply to my article on the site in comments. This would be really helpful for both myself and other new purchasers

Thank you

[Neil79]

- Update (09/01/15) Thanks to a helpful tip from Simon Scott, another way to load the disk instead of typing Load"*",8 and then typing run. is just pressing the F1 button while on the FastLoad/Retro Replay Screen (after you have mounted the disk as per my paragraph above).

This has since been adjusted to the article

[BarryB]

I want to know how compatible it is with G64 files created with Kryoflux, can it deal with copy protections like V-MAX!, RapidLok, Vorpal, CYAN, Para-Protect, Securispeed, XROM, Ocean, XEMAG, etc, etc! Did you try any G64 files? I have some if you want to test!

[Neil79]

Go for it!

EDIT : No matter, I got some http://www.kryoflux.com/ and more from another site

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by BarryB

I want to know how compatible it is with G64 files created with Kryoflux, can it deal with copy protections like V-MAX!, RapidLok, Vorpal, CYAN, Para-Protect, Securispeed, XROM, Ocean, XEMAG, etc, etc! Did you try any G64 files? I have some if you want to test!

Defender of the Crown - Kryoflux .G64

[BarryB]

DotC uses V-MAX!, but can you go raiding as that is one part where the copy protection stops you? Bounty Bob Strikes Back is akin to Spiratrak!

I have quite a few Kryoflux generated G64 files with nearly every flavour of Copy Protection on them if you need any!

[Neil79]

I wont be able to test any more until Sunday now if not Monday, I'm exhausted

However if you want to put up some files somewhere for me to test when I get back I'd be grateful

[Neil79]

1541- Ultimate II using Audio Output playing Fantasy World Dizzy

[ Show youtube player ]

[Jope]

You should also try going inside a t64 or d64 and see the context menus for the individual files in the disk image or t64. The review does not touch this at all.

Single loaders can just be run, multi loaders need to be mounted and run.

You could also expand it a bit more and show the setup menu of the cart and perhaps even try/showcase the different freezer carts that this thing supports. Perhaps also touch the REU emulation that is in the cart too (there were a few demos in the last years that stream loads of animation off the REU).

Now you've just scratched the surface of what it can do.

[Retroplay]

You bring up the setup with F2.

Nostalgia usually supports REU in their cracks, look for R tagged releases.
http://csdb.dk/group/?id=146

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by Jope

You should also try going inside a t64 or d64 and see the context menus for the individual files in the disk image or t64. The review does not touch this at all.

- Mainly because we review as a new user and a C64 user who just wants to play games and what the manual provides in a how to

Single loaders can just be run, multi loaders need to be mounted and run.

We already mentioned about mounting in command screen and mounting when a game asks for an extra disk or flipped disk

You could also expand it a bit more and show the setup menu of the cart and perhaps even try/showcase the different freezer carts that this thing supports. Perhaps also touch the REU emulation that is in the cart too (there were a few demos in the last years that stream loads of animation off the REU).

We did mention the different carts it supports, such as the EpyX Fastload Cart. Again we know nothing about REU emulation it wasn't explained in the manual, so again from the eyes of a new user. Not someone who has had years and years of growing up with a C64

Now you've just scratched the surface of what it can do.

Indeed and only last night we learned about the SID Emulation and the fact it needed to be flashed with a different firmware. Again not manual covered