Commodore 64: Difference between revisions
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}}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 == | ||
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. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
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. | ||
== | == 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. | ||
| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
* '''1541 floppy disk drive''' – a 5.25" drive offering faster and more reliable storage. | * '''1541 floppy disk drive''' – a 5.25" drive offering faster and more reliable storage. | ||
== | == 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 '''320×200 pixels'''. | * Resolution of '''320×200 pixels'''. | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
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. | ||
== | == 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. | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
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. | ||
== | == 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''' – for software cartridges and hardware expansions. | * '''Cartridge Expansion Port''' – for software cartridges and hardware expansions. | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
* '''RF and Composite Video Outputs''' – for connection to TVs and monitors. | * '''RF and Composite Video Outputs''' – for connection to TVs and monitors. | ||
== 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. | ||
| Line 81: | Line 79: | ||
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]]. | ||
== | == 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''' – Early models with 8 RAM chips. | * '''Assy 326298''' – Early models with 8 RAM chips. | ||
| Line 88: | Line 86: | ||
* '''Assy 250466''' – Later C64C models with further integration. | * '''Assy 250466''' – Later C64C models with further integration. | ||
=== | === Motherboard & Schematic === | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:75%; text-align:center;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width:75%; text-align:center;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 97: | Line 95: | ||
|} | |} | ||
== | == 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]] | ||
| Line 103: | Line 101: | ||
* [[Commodore 64 User Manual]] | * [[Commodore 64 User Manual]] | ||
== | == 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 | ||
| Line 111: | Line 109: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Commodore 64 Maintenance | * [[Commodore 64 General Maintenance]] | ||
* [[Commodore 64 Troubleshooting Guide]] | * [[Commodore 64 Troubleshooting Guide]] | ||
* [[Commodore 64 Keyboard Repair Guide]] | * [[Commodore 64 Keyboard Repair Guide]] | ||
Latest revision as of 07:34, 12 May 2025
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| Commodore 64 – The Best-Selling Home Computer | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Commodore Business Machines |
| Type | Home Computer |
| Released | August 1982 |
| Discontinued | April 1994 |
| Intro price | US$595 (1982) |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6510 @ 1.023 MHz (NTSC) / 0.985 MHz (PAL) |
| Memory | 64 KB RAM, 20 KB ROM (BASIC 2.0, KERNAL, Character ROM) |
| Storage | External cassette tape (Datasette), optional 5.25" floppy disk drive (1541) |
| Display | 320×200 pixels, 40×25 text characters, 16 colors |
| Sound | SID 6581/8580: 3 voices, 4 waveforms, filters, ADSR envelope |
| Dimensions | 40.6 cm × 21.6 cm × 7.6 cm |
| Weight | 1.8 kg |
| OS / Firmware | Commodore BASIC 2.0 (in ROM) |
| Predecessor | Commodore VIC-20 |
| Successor | Commodore 64C |
| Codename | VIC-40 |
| Model no. | C64, C64C, SX-64 |
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
[edit | edit source]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.
- 0.985 MHz for PAL systems.
The 6510's integrated I/O port allowed for dynamic switching between ROM and RAM, enabling more flexible memory management.
Memory and Storage
[edit | edit source]The C64 came equipped with:
- 64 KB RAM, with approximately 38 KB available for BASIC programs.
- 20 KB ROM, comprising:
- 8 KB for Commodore BASIC 2.0.
- 8 KB for the KERNAL (operating system routines).
- 4 KB for character ROM (two 2 KB character sets).
Storage options included:
- Datasette – a cassette tape drive for loading and saving programs.
- 1541 floppy disk drive – a 5.25" drive offering faster and more reliable storage.
Display and Graphics
[edit | edit source]Graphics were handled by the MOS Technology VIC-II chip, providing:
- Resolution of 320×200 pixels.
- Text display of 40 columns × 25 rows.
- Support for 16 colors.
- Hardware sprites: 8 sprites of 24×21 pixels, with collision detection.
- Smooth scrolling and raster interrupts for advanced graphical effects.
The VIC-II's capabilities allowed for detailed graphics and animations, setting the C64 apart from its contemporaries.
Sound Capabilities
[edit | edit source]Audio was generated by the MOS Technology SID (Sound Interface Device) chip, offering:
- 3 independent voices with programmable ADSR envelopes.
- 4 waveform types: triangle, sawtooth, pulse, and noise.
- Ring modulation and oscillator synchronization.
- Programmable filters: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch.
The SID chip's rich sound capabilities contributed to the C64's popularity in music production and gaming.
Input/Output and Expansion
[edit | edit source]The C64 featured a variety of I/O ports:
- Cartridge Expansion Port – for software cartridges and hardware expansions.
- User Port – a versatile interface for modems, printers, and custom devices.
- Serial Port – for connecting disk drives and printers.
- Cassette Port – for the Datasette.
- Two Joystick Ports – compatible with Atari-style controllers.
- RF and Composite Video Outputs – for connection to TVs and monitors.
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]Over time, Commodore 64 computers may experience issues common to vintage electronics, such as:
- Aging capacitors leading to power supply instability or failure.
- Keyboard contact wear causing unresponsive or erratic key behavior.
- Overheating of the voltage regulators, potentially leading to component damage.
- Degradation of the RF modulator affecting video output quality.
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.
PCB Schematics & Service Guide
[edit | edit source]The C64 underwent several motherboard revisions, each with slight variations:
- Assy 326298 – Early models with 8 RAM chips.
- Assy 250407 – Common revision with improved reliability.
- Assy 250425 – Featured in the C64C with consolidated chips.
- Assy 250466 – Later C64C models with further integration.
Motherboard & Schematic
[edit | edit source]| Logic Board | Schematic Diagrams |
|---|---|
 |
  |
Technical Documentation
[edit | edit source]For detailed technical information, refer to the following resources:
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
Front view of the Commodore 64 -
Rear panel showing I/O ports -
Commodore 1530 Datasette -
Internal motherboard layout
