C64 Reloaded MK2: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{Infobox hardware | name = Commodore 64 Reloaded MK2 | image = 260px | caption = The fully-assembled C64 Reloaded MK-II PCB – all legacy chips have been installed | developer = Individual Computers (Jens Schönfeld) | type = Drop-in replacement motherboard | first_released = December 2016 (first pre-order run) | latest_release = Batch 2 production (2018) | operating_volta..." |
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Unlike FPGA recreations such as the [[Ultimate 64 Motherboard|Ultimate 64]], the MK-II still uses ''original'' MOS custom chips supplied by the user. | Unlike FPGA recreations such as the [[Ultimate 64 Motherboard|Ultimate 64]], the MK-II still uses ''original'' MOS custom chips supplied by the user. | ||
== | == What’s in the box == | ||
* Finished four-layer PCB with every passive/logic part soldered and QC-tested. | * Finished four-layer PCB with every passive/logic part soldered and QC-tested. | ||
* Five professional ZIF-sockets for the legacy ICs: | * Five professional ZIF-sockets for the legacy ICs: | ||
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The buyer contributes only the vintage chips, keyboard, case and a 12 V notebook-style power brick. | The buyer contributes only the vintage chips, keyboard, case and a 12 V notebook-style power brick. | ||
== | == Key features == | ||
; Universal video | ; Universal video | ||
: PAL '''and''' NTSC crystals are fitted; a CPLD-controlled PLL and software menu let you swap standards without moving jumpers. | : PAL '''and''' NTSC crystals are fitted; a CPLD-controlled PLL and software menu let you swap standards without moving jumpers. | ||
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A micro-USB service port exposes an '''I2C-driven configuration menu''' where clock speed, drive strength, video delay and SID mixing can be fine-tuned from a PC utility. | A micro-USB service port exposes an '''I2C-driven configuration menu''' where clock speed, drive strength, video delay and SID mixing can be fine-tuned from a PC utility. | ||
== | == Required donor chips == | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:70%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; width:70%" | ||
! Socket !! Function !! Notes | ! Socket !! Function !! Notes | ||
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|} | |} | ||
== | == Power & regulations == | ||
* '''Input:''' 12 V DC @ ≈1 A via 2.1 mm barrel jack (centre-positive). | * '''Input:''' 12 V DC @ ≈1 A via 2.1 mm barrel jack (centre-positive). | ||
* '''Rails generated:''' | * '''Rails generated:''' | ||
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The converters are >90 % efficient; board temperature stays below 35 °C in normal use – a marked improvement over the C64’s linear 7805/7812 regulators. | The converters are >90 % efficient; board temperature stays below 35 °C in normal use – a marked improvement over the C64’s linear 7805/7812 regulators. | ||
== | == Firmware / configuration == | ||
On first power-up the CPLD scans the sockets, identifies each chip revision and writes sane defaults to flash. | On first power-up the CPLD scans the sockets, identifies each chip revision and writes sane defaults to flash. | ||
Holding the '''MENU''' pushbutton during reset launches a ROM-resident setup program that lets the user: | Holding the '''MENU''' pushbutton during reset launches a ROM-resident setup program that lets the user: | ||
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* adjust video phase to centre the image on HDMI up-scalers. | * adjust video phase to centre the image on HDMI up-scalers. | ||
== | == Availability & pricing == | ||
Two production runs have been sold exclusively through the Individual Computers web-store: | Two production runs have been sold exclusively through the Individual Computers web-store: | ||
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Second-hand prices on auction sites routinely exceed €300, especially for boards that include rare 6581R4AR SIDs. | Second-hand prices on auction sites routinely exceed €300, especially for boards that include rare 6581R4AR SIDs. | ||
== | == Known quirks == | ||
* Very early boards shipped with a SID audio balance offset; a CPLD firmware update (v0.9-RC4 or later) fixes the issue. | * Very early boards shipped with a SID audio balance offset; a CPLD firmware update (v0.9-RC4 or later) fixes the issue. | ||
* The menu program requires a '''PS/2-level''' USB-TTL cable; generic 5 V serial adapters can harm the CPLD. | * The menu program requires a '''PS/2-level''' USB-TTL cable; generic 5 V serial adapters can harm the CPLD. | ||
* PAL-E VIC-II 6569R1 chips are *not* supported due to their uncommon timing. | * PAL-E VIC-II 6569R1 chips are *not* supported due to their uncommon timing. | ||
== | == Further reading == | ||
* Individual Computers – C64 Reloaded MK-II press release (2016) | * Individual Computers – C64 Reloaded MK-II press release (2016) | ||
* “Building my C64 Reloaded MK2” – *AmigaLove* forum photo-essay, 2018 -10-15 | * “Building my C64 Reloaded MK2” – *AmigaLove* forum photo-essay, 2018 -10-15 | ||
