Jope's C-64T

Jope · 19 January 2008, 23:04

Sorry.. I'm moaning about ppl posting non-Amiga projects, and here I am posting one of mine.. :-/

So.. This has been a dream of mine for quite some time. Now the pieces have started falling into place.

- C-64C motherboard (the last revision large sized one with the real men's SID 6581)
- IDE64
- 1581
- OC-118N
- IDE HD
- IDE CDROM
- C=KEY 3.0 as a keyboard adapter
- Mitsumi PS/2 keyboard that has keycaps I swapped from a C-128

More pics: http://jope.fi/c64t/

As of now, everything fits in place, now I just need to wire it all up and get the C=KEY working.

I also need to figure out a suitable layout for the 1581 power switch + status LED, and the 8/9 swap switch for the '81 and the OC.

T_hairy_bootson · 19 January 2008, 23:22

burn it... BURN IT WITH FIRE!!!

Surely this computer will bring about the apocalypse...

Charlie · 19 January 2008, 23:49

Did I hear anyone mention Qube?

Got to say, I really like it!

-I may also have to pump you hard, for information.
(Been looking into something slightly related)

Jope · 20 January 2008, 00:12

Ask what you want, I'll answer what I want. :-)

alexh · 20 January 2008, 01:09

Nice Mod.

All you need now is a SCPU and you'll be getting close to my C128D

Charlie · 20 January 2008, 01:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jope

Ask what you want, I'll answer what I want. :-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexh

Nice Mod.

All you need now is a SCPU and you'll be getting close to my C128D

Drool.
(must - close - eyes... If I'm tempted to buy much more 'crap' wife may bludgeon me with it)

Jope · 20 January 2008, 09:38

Thankfully the SCPU won't fit in my case. :-)

Too bad mr. Randall has made it impossible to get new CMD stuff.. The old warez are heavily inflated in price.

Oh btw, this project made use of my "new" Dremel-clone. :-D

Zetr0 · 20 January 2008, 09:54

@Jope

it looks great, a real labour of love there....

do you have plans on how to finish it? what colours the chassis etc ?

Jope · 20 January 2008, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by zetr0

do you have plans on how to finish it? what colours the chassis etc ?

Hehe, someone suggested breadbox beige as the colour. I don't really know, I'm not a very good painter so it might end up looking fugly. Of course there's a car painter next door, I could take the box to him. :-D

Quote:

Originally Posted by jope

- IDE64
- 1581
- OC-118N
- IDE HD
- IDE CDROM
- C=KEY 3.0 as a keyboard adapter

So I was asked to clarify the bits and bobs..

IDE64 is a C-64 IDE controller with built in RTC and some other niceties, like a "BIOS Setup", DOS wedge, built in JiffyDOS support, built in file manager.. Not available right now, but a new version is hopefully coming soon. I got mine back in 2001 or so, it is REV3.1. http://www.ide64.org/

The 1581 is Commodore's 3.5" floppy drive for the C-64. At one point rare as hen's teeth, but now you can get them sans FDD for cheap from Canada. http://www.jppbm.com/ He says that you can add any PC drive, but the 1581 really wants an Amiga compatible drive. An old mechanism pulled from an A500 is a perfect fit, but I'm using one of the Panasonic drives I have modified, as it fits better with the PC case's front panel. :-)

The OC-118N is a 1541 compatible 5.25" floppy drive clone from Oceanic Electronics. Used to be rather popular in the 80s/early 90s as it was half the price of the 1541. The reason it is used in this is because it is built around a 5.25" drive mechanism. Thus the entire unit fits in one single 5.25" bay and needs only power and IEC serial connections.

The IDE HD and CDROM are probably familiar to everyone. :-)

The C=KEY is a rather new piece of electronics designed by the famous (in 8-bit circles) Jim Brain. It can do all sorts of things - CBM keyboards to PS2 and PS2 to CBM. Mine is configured to do PS2 -> CBM, naturally. http://www.jbrain.com/brain/c=key/

T_hairy_bootson · 20 January 2008, 11:48

Thanks for the part descriptions Jope. Nice job mate cant wait to see how it all turns out.

Jope · 21 January 2008, 22:02

Yay!

After an evening of soldering, it works!

At first I wondered why it didn't boot up, but I had the c-64's power switch off. I decided to use original connectors as much as possible, since now I can easily swap out any part as a whole if need be.

Back panel has the 8/9 swap switch and a drive reset button for quickly swapping the devices around.

S-Video connector and 3.5mm audio jacks also found their place.

It's not as nicely lined up as I liked, but I didn't want to drill any more holes in the case. Perhaps I'll fashion a nice custom backplate for the ATX port area later on.

I'll post piccies later, I'm tired now.

Still todo:
- C=KEY doesn't work at all, got to debug it.
- 1581 LEDs are not hooked up
- 3.5" floppy led lights up all the time, the 1581 grounds it all the time.. I'll probably go the easy way out and just disconnect the LED from the drive's PCB and draw new wires for it. :-P

But anyway. It's been powered up, no fuses blew, and it even played it's first SID tune for me. I'm pretty happy.

Mick_AKA · 22 January 2008, 00:05

This, is the best project I have ever seen, and now I must go and change out of these damp pants.

Jope · 22 January 2008, 19:10

Ok, more pics.

First, a mugshot: http://jope.fi/c64t/front.jpg (DMT computer has since gone bankrupt, but these ATX cases are perfect for a C-64 tower mod. :-)
Looking down: http://jope.fi/c64t/top_finished.jpg

Here's the rear panel: http://jope.fi/c64t/atx_panel.jpg there will be at least two D9 connectors for joysticks joining the rest of the connectors.
And it's wires: http://jope.fi/c64t/atx_panel_wiring.jpg
http://jope.fi/c64t/serial_av_wiring.jpg I decided on a Y format for the serial cable to save on DIN connectors. :-)

As you can see, I used just the middle part of the 8 pin DIN connector for AV. It was a rather tight fit.

The 1581 and OC both are set to device 9 on their dip switches and a wire has been pulled from the dip switches to the toggle switch (both device selects grounded = unit 8, 1 floating and 2 grounded = 9). I soldered a couple of pins onto the switch so that I can easily disconnect and reconnect the drive mechanisms from the motherboard tray.

I scavenged lots of old AT case front panel wiring harnesses I had been saving just in case. Turned out I got lots of use out of the pin header connectors in them.

The C-64 likes 9VAC, if only for the CIA's TOD clocks. I had a 220V -> 9VAC transformer hanging around (bought it years ago with a this kind of project in mind) so I used it here.

The case has a 3.5" HDD mount at the top next to the PSU. I attached the trafo there with a cable tie. I'll need to think of something better later, but so far it seems like the best solution. Perhaps some double sided tape to keep it from sliding around if the thing gets bumped around in transit.

http://jope.fi/c64t/9vac.jpg

You can also see the 4-pin connector that takes +5V to the c-64's motherboard. It was an old 5.25" style power extension cord from some ancient server I've dismantled.. Got good use as the main power cable between the PSUs and the motherboard.

Here's how the 9VAC trafo gets power:

http://jope.fi/c64t/ac_feed.jpg

The AT power supply loops the mains voltage to the front panel power switch. I cut the return wires in half and used a connector block to combine the wires going to the PSU and the trafo. Note the fuse holder. I decided 600mA fast is a good fuse and it turned out to bear the load just fine.

*Always* use fuses when working with mains. Even though all houses have a central breaker panel here in .fi, it's a pain finding your way there through your dark room, not to mention the filesystem corruption your computer systems might experience. :-)

The power needs to go to the C-64 as well:
http://jope.fi/c64t/c64_power_mounted.jpg
http://jope.fi/c64t/c64_power_pulled_back.jpg

To save space here I again used only the middle part of a 7-pin DIN and soldered the wires to it as flatly as possible. I then added the finishing touches with a furniture felt pad to the case and hot glue to the backside of the DIN connector. I could have cut a hole in the front of the case for this, but I didn't want to clean up the metal dust and listen to the grinding noise. :-)

The todos are still there, because I'm feeling a bit feverish at the moment. I'll go back to lie down with my laptop now. :-)

Jope · 10 February 2008, 11:12

Whee!

It's alive!

- I installed the 1581's power and drive leds behind the 3.5" drive's front panel
- The C=key thought it was a PC keyboard instead of a C-64 keyboard.. With the help of Jim Brain it's now working as a C-64 keyboard and my custom Mitsumi works like a charm
- added joystick ports to the ATX panel

Now I need to dig out a suitable hard drive and start filling it up with C-64 warez. :-)

Charlie · 10 February 2008, 12:00

cv643d · 10 February 2008, 16:50

Very nice!

Jope · 10 February 2008, 18:10

http://jope.fi/c64t/ has the project story again.

cv643d · 16 June 2008, 23:45

I just found an Oceanic drive in my closet (!), thought it was a PC drive and was just about to throw it away untill I opened it up and noticed the JiffyDOS chip. Im more of a Amiga person than C64.

But anyway. I lack a PSU, do you know the pinouts for the PSU so I can wire up my trusty test AT-power supply with Amiga plug, on-off switch and lots of Molex connectors?

Jope · 26 June 2008, 20:37

Yes, I do.

http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/pinouts.txt

laser · 26 June 2008, 21:18

the floppy devices on the case are ugly & yellowed
you can unyellow them using a fine sand of paper and patience

19 January 2008, 23:04	#1
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Jope's C-64T Sorry.. I'm moaning about ppl posting non-Amiga projects, and here I am posting one of mine.. :-/ So.. This has been a dream of mine for quite some time. Now the pieces have started falling into place. - C-64C motherboard (the last revision large sized one with the real men's SID 6581) - IDE64 - 1581 - OC-118N - IDE HD - IDE CDROM - C=KEY 3.0 as a keyboard adapter - Mitsumi PS/2 keyboard that has keycaps I swapped from a C-128 More pics: http://jope.fi/c64t/ As of now, everything fits in place, now I just need to wire it all up and get the C=KEY working. I also need to figure out a suitable layout for the 1581 power switch + status LED, and the 8/9 swap switch for the '81 and the OC.

22 January 2008, 19:10	#13
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Ok, more pics. First, a mugshot: http://jope.fi/c64t/front.jpg (DMT computer has since gone bankrupt, but these ATX cases are perfect for a C-64 tower mod. :-) Looking down: http://jope.fi/c64t/top_finished.jpg Here's the rear panel: http://jope.fi/c64t/atx_panel.jpg there will be at least two D9 connectors for joysticks joining the rest of the connectors. And it's wires: http://jope.fi/c64t/atx_panel_wiring.jpg http://jope.fi/c64t/serial_av_wiring.jpg I decided on a Y format for the serial cable to save on DIN connectors. :-) As you can see, I used just the middle part of the 8 pin DIN connector for AV. It was a rather tight fit. The 1581 and OC both are set to device 9 on their dip switches and a wire has been pulled from the dip switches to the toggle switch (both device selects grounded = unit 8, 1 floating and 2 grounded = 9). I soldered a couple of pins onto the switch so that I can easily disconnect and reconnect the drive mechanisms from the motherboard tray. I scavenged lots of old AT case front panel wiring harnesses I had been saving just in case. Turned out I got lots of use out of the pin header connectors in them. The C-64 likes 9VAC, if only for the CIA's TOD clocks. I had a 220V -> 9VAC transformer hanging around (bought it years ago with a this kind of project in mind) so I used it here. The case has a 3.5" HDD mount at the top next to the PSU. I attached the trafo there with a cable tie. I'll need to think of something better later, but so far it seems like the best solution. Perhaps some double sided tape to keep it from sliding around if the thing gets bumped around in transit. http://jope.fi/c64t/9vac.jpg You can also see the 4-pin connector that takes +5V to the c-64's motherboard. It was an old 5.25" style power extension cord from some ancient server I've dismantled.. Got good use as the main power cable between the PSUs and the motherboard. Here's how the 9VAC trafo gets power: http://jope.fi/c64t/ac_feed.jpg The AT power supply loops the mains voltage to the front panel power switch. I cut the return wires in half and used a connector block to combine the wires going to the PSU and the trafo. Note the fuse holder. I decided 600mA fast is a good fuse and it turned out to bear the load just fine. Always use fuses when working with mains. Even though all houses have a central breaker panel here in .fi, it's a pain finding your way there through your dark room, not to mention the filesystem corruption your computer systems might experience. :-) The power needs to go to the C-64 as well: http://jope.fi/c64t/c64_power_mounted.jpg http://jope.fi/c64t/c64_power_pulled_back.jpg To save space here I again used only the middle part of a 7-pin DIN and soldered the wires to it as flatly as possible. I then added the finishing touches with a furniture felt pad to the case and hot glue to the backside of the DIN connector. I could have cut a hole in the front of the case for this, but I didn't want to clean up the metal dust and listen to the grinding noise. :-) The todos are still there, because I'm feeling a bit feverish at the moment. I'll go back to lie down with my laptop now. :-) Last edited by Jope; 22 January 2008 at 19:21.

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19 January 2008, 23:22	#2
T_hairy_bootson Workbitch 1.3 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 47 Posts: 2,084	burn it... BURN IT WITH FIRE!!! Surely this computer will bring about the apocalypse...

19 January 2008, 23:49	#3
Charlie . . Mouse . . Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 55 Posts: 1,792	Did I hear anyone mention Qube? Got to say, I really like it! -I may also have to pump you hard, for information. (Been looking into something slightly related)

20 January 2008, 00:12	#4
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Ask what you want, I'll answer what I want. :-)

20 January 2008, 01:09	#5
alexh Thalion Webshrine Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oxford Posts: 14,475	Nice Mod. All you need now is a SCPU and you'll be getting close to my C128D

20 January 2008, 09:38	#7
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Thankfully the SCPU won't fit in my case. :-) Too bad mr. Randall has made it impossible to get new CMD stuff.. The old warez are heavily inflated in price. Oh btw, this project made use of my "new" Dremel-clone. :-D

20 January 2008, 09:54	#8
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Jope it looks great, a real labour of love there.... do you have plans on how to finish it? what colours the chassis etc ?

20 January 2008, 11:48	#10
T_hairy_bootson Workbitch 1.3 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Melbourne, Australia Age: 47 Posts: 2,084	Thanks for the part descriptions Jope. Nice job mate cant wait to see how it all turns out.

21 January 2008, 22:02	#11
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Yay! After an evening of soldering, it works! At first I wondered why it didn't boot up, but I had the c-64's power switch off. I decided to use original connectors as much as possible, since now I can easily swap out any part as a whole if need be. Back panel has the 8/9 swap switch and a drive reset button for quickly swapping the devices around. S-Video connector and 3.5mm audio jacks also found their place. It's not as nicely lined up as I liked, but I didn't want to drill any more holes in the case. Perhaps I'll fashion a nice custom backplate for the ATX port area later on. I'll post piccies later, I'm tired now. Still todo: - C=KEY doesn't work at all, got to debug it. - 1581 LEDs are not hooked up - 3.5" floppy led lights up all the time, the 1581 grounds it all the time.. I'll probably go the easy way out and just disconnect the LED from the drive's PCB and draw new wires for it. :-P But anyway. It's been powered up, no fuses blew, and it even played it's first SID tune for me. I'm pretty happy.

22 January 2008, 00:05	#12
Mick_AKA crusader of light Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Stone, Staffordshire. Posts: 1,151	This, is the best project I have ever seen, and now I must go and change out of these damp pants.

10 February 2008, 11:12	#14
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Whee! It's alive! - I installed the 1581's power and drive leds behind the 3.5" drive's front panel - The C=key thought it was a PC keyboard instead of a C-64 keyboard.. With the help of Jim Brain it's now working as a C-64 keyboard and my custom Mitsumi works like a charm - added joystick ports to the ATX panel Now I need to dig out a suitable hard drive and start filling it up with C-64 warez. :-)

10 February 2008, 12:00	#15
Charlie . . Mouse . . Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 55 Posts: 1,792

10 February 2008, 16:50	#16
cv643d Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sweden Posts: 762	Very nice!

10 February 2008, 18:10	#17
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	http://jope.fi/c64t/ has the project story again.

16 June 2008, 23:45	#18
cv643d Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Sweden Posts: 762	I just found an Oceanic drive in my closet (!), thought it was a PC drive and was just about to throw it away untill I opened it up and noticed the JiffyDOS chip. Im more of a Amiga person than C64. But anyway. I lack a PSU, do you know the pinouts for the PSU so I can wire up my trusty test AT-power supply with Amiga plug, on-off switch and lots of Molex connectors?

26 June 2008, 20:37	#19
Jope - Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Helsinki / Finland Age: 43 Posts: 9,921	Yes, I do. http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/pinouts.txt

26 June 2008, 21:18	#20
laser Banned Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Argentina Age: 51 Posts: 648	the floppy devices on the case are ugly & yellowed you can unyellow them using a fine sand of paper and patience

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