SixtyClone Bare-Board Project - Revision history

Josh at 13:39, 22 January 2026

2026-01-22T13:39:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 22 January 2026
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	Designed so that hobbyists can '''transplant the original MOS/CSG chips''' from a corroded or broken donor machine into a fresh board, SixtyClone provides a legal, royalty-free alternative to scavenging vintage hardware. The gerbers (and KiCad sources for recent revisions) are released under a permissive licence; commercial runs are sold via Bob’s Bits on Tindie and by several regional group-buys.		Designed so that hobbyists can '''transplant the original MOS/CSG chips''' from a corroded or broken donor machine into a fresh board, SixtyClone provides a legal, royalty-free alternative to scavenging vintage hardware. The gerbers (and KiCad sources for recent revisions) are released under a permissive licence; commercial runs are sold via Bob’s Bits on Tindie and by several regional group-buys.

	== 🎯 Project goals ==		== Project goals ==
	* '''One-to-one electrical compatibility''' – keep every trace, pad and via placement true to Commodore’s own artwork so that RF shields, heatsinks and cartridges still fit.		* '''One-to-one electrical compatibility''' – keep every trace, pad and via placement true to Commodore’s own artwork so that RF shields, heatsinks and cartridges still fit.
	* '''Manufacturability upgrades''' – convert the 1980s 2-layer stack-up into a modern 4-layer with internal ground/power planes which greatly reduce crosstalk and audible VIC “jail-bars”.		* '''Manufacturability upgrades''' – convert the 1980s 2-layer stack-up into a modern 4-layer with internal ground/power planes which greatly reduce crosstalk and audible VIC “jail-bars”.
Line 22:		Line 22:
	* '''Educational licence''' – gerbers are free for personal use, encouraging new builders to learn through-hole soldering while preserving classic computers.		* '''Educational licence''' – gerbers are free for personal use, encouraging new builders to learn through-hole soldering while preserving classic computers.

	== 🛠️ Supported C64 revisions ==		== Supported C64 revisions ==
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	! SixtyClone variant !! Original Commodore PCB !! Key differences / notes		! SixtyClone variant !! Original Commodore PCB !! Key differences / notes
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	Early SixtyClone rev A boards required a bodge wire between VIC pin 38 and the CPU ϕ0 trace; this was fixed in rev B and later.		Early SixtyClone rev A boards required a bodge wire between VIC pin 38 and the CPU ϕ0 trace; this was fixed in rev B and later.

	== 🔩 Bill-of-materials overview ==		== Bill-of-materials overview ==
	Because SixtyClone is '''just the PCB''', builders must source every through-hole component:		Because SixtyClone is '''just the PCB''', builders must source every through-hole component:

Line 45:		Line 45:
	A colour-coded silk-screen value is printed beside every capacitor and resistor to speed hand assembly. Detailed spreadsheets, Digikey/Mouser links and pick-lists are maintained in the project GitHub wiki.		A colour-coded silk-screen value is printed beside every capacitor and resistor to speed hand assembly. Detailed spreadsheets, Digikey/Mouser links and pick-lists are maintained in the project GitHub wiki.

	== ⚙️ Assembly tips ==		== Assembly tips ==
	# '''Wash & dry the PCB''' to remove fabrication flux; ENIG finish is already tinned.		# '''Wash & dry the PCB''' to remove fabrication flux; ENIG finish is already tinned.
	# '''Install low-profile parts first''' (res-networks, jumpers, resistors) followed by sockets and electrolytics.		# '''Install low-profile parts first''' (res-networks, jumpers, resistors) followed by sockets and electrolytics.
Line 52:		Line 52:
	# Recommended to pair the build with a modern “C64 Saver” PSU protector when first power-up.		# Recommended to pair the build with a modern “C64 Saver” PSU protector when first power-up.

	== 🔍 Known issues ==		== Known issues ==
	* '''SID audio hum''' – greatly reduced versus original boards but still audible on high-gain amplifiers; adding a ground-lift plane under the audio path (rev E experimental) lowers the noise a further 3 dB.		* '''SID audio hum''' – greatly reduced versus original boards but still audible on high-gain amplifiers; adding a ground-lift plane under the audio path (rev E experimental) lowers the noise a further 3 dB.
	* '''Keyboard bracket height''' – certain aftermarket metal keyboard braces foul the cassette port shield; trimming 1 mm from the bracket front edge resolves the clash.		* '''Keyboard bracket height''' – certain aftermarket metal keyboard braces foul the cassette port shield; trimming 1 mm from the bracket front edge resolves the clash.
	* '''Case LEDs''' – early silkscreen marked +/- backwards; always verify polarity before soldering.		* '''Case LEDs''' – early silkscreen marked +/- backwards; always verify polarity before soldering.

	== 📜 Licensing ==		== Licensing ==
	Gerber and schematic files are released under '''Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0'''. Commercial resale of finished boards is permitted provided attribution remains on the silk-screen and in accompanying documentation.		Gerber and schematic files are released under '''Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0'''. Commercial resale of finished boards is permitted provided attribution remains on the silk-screen and in accompanying documentation.

	== 🛒 Availability ==		== Availability ==
	* '''Tindie storefront “Bob’s Bits – Commodore 64 replica PCBs”''' – sells 250407 & 250469 boards in green, blue and black solder-mask, typically US $29 – $35 each.		* '''Tindie storefront “Bob’s Bits – Commodore 64 replica PCBs”''' – sells 250407 & 250469 boards in green, blue and black solder-mask, typically US $29 – $35 each.
	* '''Group-buys''' on r/c64 and Amibay several times per year, often bundled with complete BOM kits.		* '''Group-buys''' on r/c64 and Amibay several times per year, often bundled with complete BOM kits.

	== 🌐 External links ==		== External links ==
	* [https://retrohax.net/sixtyclone-commodore-64-replica-pcb-build-log/ Retrohax build-log & high-resolution photos]		* [https://retrohax.net/sixtyclone-commodore-64-replica-pcb-build-log/ Retrohax build-log & high-resolution photos]
	* [https://github.com/bobsbits/SixtyClone Official GitHub repository – gerbers, KiCad source & BOM]		* [https://github.com/bobsbits/SixtyClone Official GitHub repository – gerbers, KiCad source & BOM]
	* [https://www.tindie.com/products/bobsbits/commodore-64-replica-pcbs/ Tindie product page]		* [https://www.tindie.com/products/bobsbits/commodore-64-replica-pcbs/ Tindie product page]

	== 📚 Related pages ==		== Related pages ==
	* [[C64 Reloaded MK2]] – a professionally-re-engineered C64 logic board with CPLD PLA		* [[C64 Reloaded MK2]] – a professionally-re-engineered C64 logic board with CPLD PLA
	* [[Ultimate 64 Motherboard]] – FPGA-based SoC replacement		* [[Ultimate 64 Motherboard]] – FPGA-based SoC replacement

Josh: /* 🛒 Availability */

2025-04-24T16:10:27Z

🛒 Availability

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:10, 24 April 2025
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	== 🛒 Availability ==		== 🛒 Availability ==
	* '''Tindie storefront “Bob’s Bits – Commodore 64 replica PCBs”''' – sells 250407 & 250469 boards in green, blue and black solder-mask, typically US $29 – $35 each.		* '''Tindie storefront “Bob’s Bits – Commodore 64 replica PCBs”''' – sells 250407 & 250469 boards in green, blue and black solder-mask, typically US $29 – $35 each.
	* '''Group-buys''' on r/c64 and Amibay several times per year, often bundled with complete BOM kits. ~~:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}~~		* '''Group-buys''' on r/c64 and Amibay several times per year, often bundled with complete BOM kits.

	== 🌐 External links ==		== 🌐 External links ==

Josh: Created page with "{{Infobox hardware | name = SixtyClone “Bare-Board” Project | image = 260px | caption = Green-solder-mask SixtyClone 250407 replica PCB (rev b) | developer = “Bob’s Bits” community project (lead: Rob Taylor)
contributors incl. Jim Drew, Leif Bloomquist & C64 enthusiasts world-wide | type = Drop-in replica Commodore 64 mainboard (bare PCB only) | first_released = late 2016 (initial..."

2025-04-24T16:08:08Z

Created page with "{{Infobox hardware | name = SixtyClone “Bare-Board” Project | image = 260px | caption = Green-solder-mask SixtyClone 250407 replica PCB (rev b) | developer = “Bob’s Bits” community project (lead: Rob Taylor) contributors incl. Jim Drew, Leif Bloomquist & C64 enthusiasts world-wide | type = Drop-in replica Commodore 64 mainboard (bare PCB only) | first_released = late 2016 (initial..."

New page

{{Infobox hardware
| name = SixtyClone “Bare-Board” Project
| image = [[File:SixtyClone_250407_PCB.jpg|260px]]
| caption = Green-solder-mask SixtyClone 250407 replica PCB (rev b)
| developer = “Bob’s Bits” community project (lead: Rob Taylor) contributors incl. Jim Drew, Leif Bloomquist & C64 enthusiasts world-wide
| type = Drop-in replica Commodore 64 mainboard (bare PCB only)
| first_released = late 2016 (initial 250407 gerbers uploaded)
| latest_release = rev E gerber set (2022) – 250407, 250466 & 250469 variants
| layers = 4-layer FR-4, ENIG finish, gold fingers
| compatibility = 100 % electrical* with original C64 ICs & shields (*one bodge wire on early rev A to route VIC /Φ0)
| features = • modern 4-layer impedance control • enlarged silkscreen legends & test-pads • optional dual-kernal footprints + JiffyDOS jumper • consolidated decoupling network & “silk-BOM” printing
| model = SixtyClone-250407 / -250466 / -250469
}}

The '''SixtyClone bare-board project''' is an open-hardware effort to recreate every major revision of the Commodore 64 logic board as brand-new, professionally-fabricated PCBs.
Designed so that hobbyists can '''transplant the original MOS/CSG chips''' from a corroded or broken donor machine into a fresh board, SixtyClone provides a legal, royalty-free alternative to scavenging vintage hardware. The gerbers (and KiCad sources for recent revisions) are released under a permissive licence; commercial runs are sold via Bob’s Bits on Tindie and by several regional group-buys.

== 🎯 Project goals ==
* '''One-to-one electrical compatibility''' – keep every trace, pad and via placement true to Commodore’s own artwork so that RF shields, heatsinks and cartridges still fit.
* '''Manufacturability upgrades''' – convert the 1980s 2-layer stack-up into a modern 4-layer with internal ground/power planes which greatly reduce crosstalk and audible VIC “jail-bars”.
* '''Usability improvements''' – large white silkscreen labels (including capacitor values) double as a printed Bill-of-Materials; mounting hole diameters match today’s metric M3 hardware.
* '''Educational licence''' – gerbers are free for personal use, encouraging new builders to learn through-hole soldering while preserving classic computers.

== 🛠️ Supported C64 revisions ==
{| class="wikitable"
! SixtyClone variant !! Original Commodore PCB !! Key differences / notes
|-
| SC-250407 || “long-board” breadbin (1983-85) || Most common donor; retains separate 6581 SID & 12 V rail
|-
| SC-250466 || late breadbin (1986) || Two 4464 DRAMs, 8562/8565 VIC, color RAM integrated in PLA
|-
| SC-250469 || short-board / 64C (1987-92) || HMOS chips, 9 V SID supply; optional pads for dual-kernal switch
|}

Early SixtyClone rev A boards required a bodge wire between VIC pin 38 and the CPU ϕ0 trace; this was fixed in rev B and later.

== 🔩 Bill-of-materials overview ==
Because SixtyClone is '''just the PCB''', builders must source every through-hole component:

* 21× logic ICs (74LSxx), 16× passives, crystal & can oscillator
* PLA, CPU 6510/8500, VIC-II, SID, two CIAs – taken from a donor or aftermarket replacements
* three linear regulators & heat-sinks (250407 only)
* 4700 µF + 1000 µF axial electrolytics (footprints accept radial if leads are bent)
* DIN keyboard, cassette & power connectors – modern CUI / Cliff equivalents fit the footprint
A colour-coded silk-screen value is printed beside every capacitor and resistor to speed hand assembly. Detailed spreadsheets, Digikey/Mouser links and pick-lists are maintained in the project GitHub wiki.

== ⚙️ Assembly tips ==
# '''Wash & dry the PCB''' to remove fabrication flux; ENIG finish is already tinned.
# '''Install low-profile parts first''' (res-networks, jumpers, resistors) followed by sockets and electrolytics.
# '''Tin the stitched-via grounds''' under each TO-220 regulator (250407) before mounting the heatsink to guarantee low-impedance bonding.
# '''Perform continuity checks''' on the 5 V and ground planes *before* inserting irreplaceable MOS chips.
# Recommended to pair the build with a modern “C64 Saver” PSU protector when first power-up.

== 🔍 Known issues ==
* '''SID audio hum''' – greatly reduced versus original boards but still audible on high-gain amplifiers; adding a ground-lift plane under the audio path (rev E experimental) lowers the noise a further 3 dB.
* '''Keyboard bracket height''' – certain aftermarket metal keyboard braces foul the cassette port shield; trimming 1 mm from the bracket front edge resolves the clash.
* '''Case LEDs''' – early silkscreen marked +/- backwards; always verify polarity before soldering.

== 📜 Licensing ==
Gerber and schematic files are released under '''Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0'''. Commercial resale of finished boards is permitted provided attribution remains on the silk-screen and in accompanying documentation.

== 🛒 Availability ==
* '''Tindie storefront “Bob’s Bits – Commodore 64 replica PCBs”''' – sells 250407 & 250469 boards in green, blue and black solder-mask, typically US $29 – $35 each.
* '''Group-buys''' on r/c64 and Amibay several times per year, often bundled with complete BOM kits. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

== 🌐 External links ==
* [https://retrohax.net/sixtyclone-commodore-64-replica-pcb-build-log/ Retrohax build-log & high-resolution photos]
* [https://github.com/bobsbits/SixtyClone Official GitHub repository – gerbers, KiCad source & BOM]
* [https://www.tindie.com/products/bobsbits/commodore-64-replica-pcbs/ Tindie product page]

== 📚 Related pages ==
* [[C64 Reloaded MK2]] – a professionally-re-engineered C64 logic board with CPLD PLA
* [[Ultimate 64 Motherboard]] – FPGA-based SoC replacement
* [[Commodore 64 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] – recommended before transferring ICs to SixtyClone
* [[PLA Replacement Options]] – modern substitutes for the 906114-01 in long-board builds

[[Category:Commodore 64 Modifications and Enhancements]]
[[Category:Commodore Systems]]