Commodore 64: Difference between revisions

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| modelย  ย  ย  ย  = C64, C64C, SX-64
| modelย  ย  ย  ย  = C64, C64C, SX-64
| logoย  ย  ย  ย  = [[File:Commodore 64 logo-00.svg|250px]]
| logoย  ย  ย  ย  = [[File:Commodore 64 logo-00.svg|250px]]
}}
}}The '''Commodore 64''' (C64) is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore Business Machines in August 1982. With its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, it became the best-selling single personal computer model of all time, with estimates ranging from 12.5 to 17 million units sold.


The '''Commodore 64''' (C64) is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore Business Machines in August 1982. With its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, it became the best-selling single personal computer model of all time, with estimates ranging from 12.5 to 17 million units sold.
== Architecture and Processor ==
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== ๐Ÿง  Architecture and Processor ==
At its core, the C64 utilized the '''MOS Technology 6510''' microprocessor, a variant of the 6502 with an integrated 6-bit I/O port used for memory banking and control of the Datasette. The CPU operated at:
At its core, the C64 utilized the '''MOS Technology 6510''' microprocessor, a variant of the 6502 with an integrated 6-bit I/O port used for memory banking and control of the Datasette. The CPU operated at:
* '''1.023 MHz''' for NTSC systems.
* '''1.023 MHz''' for NTSC systems.
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The 6510's integrated I/O port allowed for dynamic switching between ROM and RAM, enabling more flexible memory management.
The 6510's integrated I/O port allowed for dynamic switching between ROM and RAM, enabling more flexible memory management.


== ๐Ÿ’พ Memory and Storage ==
== Memory and Storage ==
The C64 came equipped with:
The C64 came equipped with:
* '''64 KB RAM''', with approximately 38 KB available for BASIC programs.
* '''64 KB RAM''', with approximately 38 KB available for BASIC programs.
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* '''1541 floppy disk drive''' โ€“ a 5.25" drive offering faster and more reliable storage.
* '''1541 floppy disk drive''' โ€“ a 5.25" drive offering faster and more reliable storage.


== ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Display and Graphics ==
== Display and Graphics ==
Graphics were handled by the '''MOS Technology VIC-II''' chip, providing:
Graphics were handled by the '''MOS Technology VIC-II''' chip, providing:
* Resolution of '''320ร—200 pixels'''.
* Resolution of '''320ร—200 pixels'''.
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The VIC-II's capabilities allowed for detailed graphics and animations, setting the C64 apart from its contemporaries.
The VIC-II's capabilities allowed for detailed graphics and animations, setting the C64 apart from its contemporaries.


== ๐Ÿ”Š Sound Capabilities ==
== Sound Capabilities ==
Audio was generated by the '''MOS Technology SID''' (Sound Interface Device) chip, offering:
Audio was generated by the '''MOS Technology SID''' (Sound Interface Device) chip, offering:
* '''3 independent voices''' with programmable ADSR envelopes.
* '''3 independent voices''' with programmable ADSR envelopes.
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The SID chip's rich sound capabilities contributed to the C64's popularity in music production and gaming.
The SID chip's rich sound capabilities contributed to the C64's popularity in music production and gaming.


== ๐ŸŽฎ Input/Output and Expansion ==
== Input/Output and Expansion ==
The C64 featured a variety of I/O ports:
The C64 featured a variety of I/O ports:
* '''Cartridge Expansion Port''' โ€“ for software cartridges and hardware expansions.
* '''Cartridge Expansion Port''' โ€“ for software cartridges and hardware expansions.
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* '''RF and Composite Video Outputs''' โ€“ for connection to TVs and monitors.
* '''RF and Composite Video Outputs''' โ€“ for connection to TVs and monitors.


These ports allowed for extensive expandability, catering to both casual users and enthusiasts.
== General Maintenance ==
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== ๐Ÿงฐ General Maintenance ==
Over time, Commodore 64 computers may experience issues common to vintage electronics, such as:
Over time, Commodore 64 computers may experience issues common to vintage electronics, such as:
* Aging capacitors leading to power supply instability or failure.
* Aging capacitors leading to power supply instability or failure.
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Regular maintenance, including capacitor replacement, keyboard cleaning, and ensuring proper heat dissipation, can help preserve the functionality of these systems. For detailed procedures, refer to the [[Commodore 64 Maintenance Guide]].
Regular maintenance, including capacitor replacement, keyboard cleaning, and ensuring proper heat dissipation, can help preserve the functionality of these systems. For detailed procedures, refer to the [[Commodore 64 Maintenance Guide]].


== ๐Ÿงพ PCB Schematics & Service Guide ==
== PCB Schematics & Service Guide ==
The C64 underwent several motherboard revisions, each with slight variations:
The C64 underwent several motherboard revisions, each with slight variations:
* '''Assy 326298''' โ€“ Early models with 8 RAM chips.
* '''Assy 326298''' โ€“ Early models with 8 RAM chips.
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* '''Assy 250466''' โ€“ Later C64C models with further integration.
* '''Assy 250466''' โ€“ Later C64C models with further integration.


=== ๐Ÿ“ท Motherboard Images ===
=== Motherboard & Schematic ===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:75%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:75%; text-align:center;"
|-
|-
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|}
|}


== ๐Ÿ“š Technical Documentation ==
== Technical Documentation ==
For detailed technical information, refer to the following resources:
For detailed technical information, refer to the following resources:
* [[Commodore 64 Service Manual (1985 Mar)|Commodore 64 Technical Manual]]
* [[Commodore 64 Service Manual (1985 Mar)|Commodore 64 Technical Manual]]
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* [[Commodore 64 User Manual]]
* [[Commodore 64 User Manual]]


== ๐Ÿ“ท Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Commodore-64-Computer-FL.jpg|Front view of the Commodore 64
File:Commodore-64-Computer-FL.jpg|Front view of the Commodore 64
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</gallery>
</gallery>


== ๐Ÿงช Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Commodore 64 Maintenance Guide]]
* [[Commodore 64 General Maintenance]]
* [[Commodore 64 Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Commodore 64 Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Commodore 64 Keyboard Repair Guide]]
* [[Commodore 64 Keyboard Repair Guide]]