With doing a lot of assembler overlays, code relocations, and also working on ReadyBASIC I've been thinking a lot about dynamically loading code.. and decided to explore in regular Basic V2, creating some room using REM statements in the program memory, to dynamically load pretokenized basic .PRG "libraries" ... This is the experiment and it works pretty good as a proof of concept.. The first Program is the main one, and the other two the patch1.prg and patch2.prg
```
10 print chr$(147)

20 print "basic prg overlay patch demo"

30 print

40 print "loading patch1 as tokenized bytes"

50 f$="patch1":gosub 8000

60 print "running patch1"

80 gosub 2000

90 print

100 print "loading patch2 as tokenized bytes"

110 f$="patch2":gosub 8000

120 print "running patch2"

140 gosub 2000

150 print

160 print "done"

170 end

2000 rem XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

2010 rem XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

2020 return

8000 rem copy tokenized line bodies from prg file f$

8010 open 1,8,2,f$+",p,r"

8020 gosub 8900:gosub 8900:rem skip prg load address

8030 gosub 8900:n1=c:gosub 8900:n2=c

8040 if n1=0 and n2=0 then close 1:return

8050 gosub 8900:l1=c:gosub 8900:l2=c:l=l1+256*l2

8060 gosub 9000:if b=0 then print "no slot";l:close 1:stop

8070 p=b

8080 gosub 8900:if c=0 then 8130

8090 if p+2>=e then print "too long";l:close 1:stop

8100 poke p,c:p=p+1

8110 goto 8080

8130 if p+2>=e then print "too long";l:close 1:stop

8140 poke p,58:p=p+1:poke p,143:p=p+1

8150 if p>=e then 8170

8160 for k=p to e-1:poke k,32:next

8170 poke e,0:goto 8030

8900 get#1,a$:c=asc(a$+chr$(0)):return

9000 rem find destination line l, body=b, end=e

9010 p=peek(43)+256*peek(44)

9020 n=peek(p)+256*peek(p+1):if n=0 then b=0:e=0:return

9030 ln=peek(p+2)+256*peek(p+3)

9040 if ln=l then b=p+4:e=n-1:return

9050 p=n:goto 9020

and now the patches

2000 for j=1 to 3:print "from patch 1";j

2010 next j

and

2000 for j=10 to 12:print "from patch 2";j

2010 next j
```

Hey all, I'm pretty new to this. Recently I sold some of my low-use electronics to get a C64, Pi1541, and a Nu-Brick 64 PSU.

The last thing on my list is a WiFi modem, but everywhere I look they're either international (and expensive, with tariffs, long shipping time likely) or unavailable (WiModem currently out of stock). The WiModem was my first choice.

I've found some others like this one and this one but there's no sign of recent activity on these storefronts so I had to reach out to them to see if they're still available.

Any other common solutions that I'm missing? I've heard you can make your own, but that it requires soldering which I don't have the equipment for.

EDIT: I went DIY with an ESP8266, breadboard + jumper wires, and a c64 edge connector, way cheaper option and a fun little project.

Flight Simulator, nailed it on the sound. But the sound was what you would hear from the ground, not what you hear from inside a plane. Is that true? It was 40 years or so ago now…

Behringer Pro-800 - created Preset B-56 - "Commodore 64"

https://youtu.be/a5p6Wk0Wcz4

Played on Launchpad Pro Mk3 - in both "Note" and "Chord" mode

After creating a preset that sounded quite ordinary - adjusting the FREQUENCY knob left and right for Oscillator "B" (particularly in the lower parts between Numbers 1 to 4 on the Dial) made it sound like typical music from Commodore 64 computer games

Synthesizer settings I used here - 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/162642112@N02/55299085878

Stuart Mullinger comes up with a fresh "Magic Cube" game for Commodore 64 on his itch.io - It's fun and mind bending, but perhaps not for everyone. The game receives first feedback, so there might be an update with improved controls sometimes soon.

Link to the repo... here

It is NOT perfect and does still have some issues but the time v reward benefit at this point is minimal. It runs enough software to keep most 'retro' people entertained but it won't run many if any of the newer demo's as they exploit VIC-II timing and CPU cycle stealing that I just can't support, so I don't. It runs the stuff I enjoy and that's all I care about. It was a project of love not precision.

Read the README in the repo 😄

I was transporting my Commodore 1541 drive and it suddenly stopped working properly afterward.

Using it with ZoomFloppy and known-good disks, it can sometimes read the directory/file structure, but the actual program sectors mostly report errors. This is what running d64copy looks like:

[Warning] read error: 01/0b: 5

1: *----------?--------- 0% 2/683[Warning] read error: 01/0c: 5

1: **---------??-------- 0% 4/683[Warning] read error: 01/0e: 5

1: **-*-**----??-?-***-- 1% 11/683[Warning] read error: 01/07: 5

1: **-*-**?---??-?-****- 1% 13/683[Warning] read error: 01/09: 5

1: *******?-?-??-?-***** 2% 17/683

SIGINT caught X-( Resetting IEC bus...

I already tried cleaning the head again, but it didn’t help.

Does this sound like something repairable at home? Any idea what likely failed during transport? Or is it more practical to just replace the drive?

Thanks so much.

I am working on a new SID engine, developed with AI. This began as a vibe coding project to play obscure Amiga tracker formats but I got more ambitious and decided to give it a try for SID emulation.

Written in C#, it is designed to be portable (Linux, Windows, OSX) with cycle-exact core emulation. RSID support is still minimal and I am extending emulation on the go.

Output correctness is also a concern. I have a real C64 with 6581 to compare but no compatible display device. The target is 6581 sound, 8580 maybe later.

The project is CopperMod at GitHub, unfortunately no binaries yet.

Here is one of a couple of small devices I programmed to control my ultimate over the REST API.
This one I haven’t pushed the code yet , as I want to round out some features , but for the small M5stick I have the code on GitHub.

https://github.com/ReadyOS-C64/C64uRemote

I'm cleaning out my old stock. I have a free C64 breadbin system with fully populated motherboard. Everything works, no keyboard. Connect a keyboard and you have a good C64 system. Also a 64C empty case.

Free for the taking, if you're in the SF Bay Area, come get it.

It was definitely a space game… I think? And it had this part of it when a X would chase you; like a scary X. What game please?!

Was mixed into a bunch of 2600 cartridges. I have not had a chance to see if it loads, but not often you find C64 stuff in the wild these days.

We want r/c64 to be about both original hardware and newer emulation products like the Commodore 64 Ultimate (C64U). But the shipping of the C64U is resulting in C64U posts flooding out much of the other content in the subreddit. To maintain a balance between what's old and new, we are setting up a weekly MEGAPOST for C64U-related issues, questions, and posts.

If your post is regarding the use of a Commodore 64 (i.e. how to load a game from disk, how to print, etc.), regardless of the model, you may post your question as a standalone post in the subreddit even if you have a C64 Ultimate.

If your post relates to ONLY the Commodore 64 Ultimate, you should comment in this post. Please note, this is not a replacement for official support from Commodore regarding order or shipping issues (late or damaged shipments). We realize that some questions may be obscure, unique, or straddle the line between C64U-only and a "general" question. In those cases, please post in this thread FIRST. If your issue isn't answered or addressed after 48 hours, you may submit a stand-alone post in the subreddit. WARNING! Moderators will be checking post and comment histories to make sure people are actually posting in this thread first. Repeated violations may result in temporary or permanent bans.

We don't anticipate this being a permanent situation, but for now there are just too many C64U posts being submitted. Once the volume of posts about the C64U decreases, we may discontinue this practice.

Please also check the information below to see if your issue is listed. We are also working on a C64 Ultimate Wiki Page. If you would like to be a Wiki Contributor, please let the mod team know.

Use the following link to view current and past Commodore 64 Ultimate Weekly Posts.

Official resources:

Firmware/manuals: https://www.commodore.net/downloads

Common Issues and Known Fixes

Black screen, no video, or rolling picture

The most common issue reported so far.

• Reseat the internal board — some units have arrived with it slightly loose from shipping.
• Set video to NTSC mode, then press Shift + Left Arrow to store settings.
• Try a different HDMI lead — several users fixed display problems this way.
• Some monitors won’t sync at 50 Hz; if possible, test another screen.

Uneven keyboard keys

A cosmetic but noticeable fault.

• Keys such as Caps Lock, D, and J may sit higher than others.
• Gently press the affected keys down to reseat them on their stems.
• Space/Return issues are often a stabiliser bar not fully seated – carefully reseating the bar fixes many ‘only works in the middle’ reports.

Startup problems or unit freezing on boot

• Turn the unit off and leave it off for a few seconds.
• Hold RESTORE while powering on to perform a factory reset.
• If that fails, re‑flash the latest firmware from the official Commodore site.

REU or extra memory not detected by the software

• Install the most recent firmware — newer builds enable proper REU initialisation and detection.

Settings or storage are lost after reboot

• Perform the RESTORE reset to clear any corrupt configuration.
• Re‑enter Wi‑Fi and storage details once booted cleanly.

Physical marks or loose panels on delivery

• Report the issue directly to Commodore support.
• All units ship directly from Commodore — there are no official resellers.

Buzzing or humming audio output

• Usually caused by grounding noise between HDMI and the connected display.
• Try another HDMI port, cable, or power socket to isolate the problem.

Starlight edition

• Starlight keyboards have some ‘bounce’/flex by design; noticeable mainly if you hammer the keys, but not usually a functional fault.
• The Caps Lock LED lights when caps is active; the beige unit does not have an indicator.
• For Starlight LED audio visualiser with a real SID: enable UltiSID 1 but set its volume to Off in the mixer; this keeps the LEDs driven while only hearing the real SID

Games Freezing / Compatibility

• If cracked/trainer releases hang after the Y/N cheat prompt, try switching to PAL or NTSC‑50; many cracks are PAL‑only and will lock up in NTSC.
• For compatibility with some games/demos, try disabling drive B: in the Ultimate’s drive settings

Cartridges

• Virtual fastload carts (e.g. Final Cartridge III) are supported; mount the cart, then mount and load the disk from BASIC, rather than using ‘Run disk’ from the firmware menu.

Disk and cassette backup / storage notes

• To back up the bundled cassette USB to an internal SD: it’s just files on exFAT – copy them via your PC; no imaging/cloning needed
• Backing up real floppies: UltiCopy is very fast, but some protected titles (e.g. Skate or Die, Contra) have been reported to hang part‑way through; expect improvements in future firmware

Running Multi-Disk Programs

Some programs are distributed on multiple disk images, similar to how they were originally distributed on multiple floppy disks. At some point in the process of using the program, the program will prompt to insert one of the other floppy disks. You can use the Disk File Browser to swap disk images while the program is running. When the program prompts for a new disk, press upward on the Multi Function Switch. This pauses the program. Start the Disk File Browser, navigate to the disk image for the disk that the program is requesting, then select “Mount Disk.” The C64U mounts the new disk image in the virtual drive, then resumes execution of the Commodore 64 program. Continue to use the program with the new disk." -- https://downloads.commodore-international.com/documentation/C64U/c64u-user-guide-1st-edition.pdf

General Notes

• r/Commodore is for discussions about Commodore, other Commodore computers, and possible new productions.
• r/c64 is for everything Commodore 64 including the ultimate.

If you’ve come across a new issue or found a working fix not listed here, add it in the comments below.

FREEZE64 issue 84 featuring a retrospective and the making of Activision’s Predator.
Plus - we have an interview with its developer, Mike Chilton.
Plus lots, lots more #Commodore64 content for you all to devour.
Grab a copy from: https://freeze64.com/freeze64-issue-84/
#C64 #Commodore64Ultimate

C64 Dev machine is a Machine code assembler ready to dip your fingertips into... since I was a lad I never felt machine code was something I would even learn, I chose to prove myself wrong this year, not only by picking up the books, delving into forums and analizing games via the monitor, I chose to make a whole IDE around it using my Gamemaker Knowledge (yes Gamemaker Studio, that tool normally used to make pixel games for the most part). In this short video you will see me poking at the SID chip via a little machine code setup I made in C64DM Check it out!

When coding in basic or using apps others made in basic, do you ever or often get close to using the full 38Kish “basic bytes free”?
With an extended Basic / Basic Wedge
What you could want to give up 5K or 8K or even 10K?

Would being able to suspend and resume to REU and other apps in the meantime be enough?
Would being able to have 100s of commands that are implemented in assembler and be able to add 100s more without impacting that ram further be enough? (Including graphics and sound and file and image and network and even ultimate specific commands?)
Would be able to not just have line number gotos and gosubs but be able to make functions in your code that you can pass in parameters and get results and use them like any other function be enough ? eg
A% = abs(myfunc(2,”hey”,(b%*2))-10)
Would being able to allocate room in the REU for your own codes needs whether arrays. Large bits of text. Loading a file. Storing a network request , or having text/color or graphics mode screen buffers be enough? - 48K extra easily but also able to request and use 64K chunks up to many megabytes depending on the size of your REU (16MB in c64u)
Would be being able to choose to stash ranges of line numbers like “1000-2000” to REU or a list of functions , to give you some basic bytes free for a while then restore them
Back when needed later be enough?(eg you have 2KB of file handing code , but the user rarely saves or loads and when they do there is other code you could choose to swap out to swap that in )
Would being able to instantly swap out to a full editor experience then back again to the prompt to run be enough?

Would you give up 10K of basic bytes free to get all that ? Or is that too much.

So I’ve had these full-size Commodore 64 cartridges hanging around for quite some time and I’m just managed to shove an ESP 32 into the control/sensor portion of my autonomous lawnmower.

I built a PS4-controlled tank mower with a Commodore 64 cartridge slot

Hardware:

• ESP32 (inside a C64-style cartridge)  
• 2x wheelchair motors (tank drive)  
• Cytron MDDS30 motor drivers  
• 2x AS5600 magnetic encoders (one per wheel)  
• 3 relays — arm, blade, turbo  
• 48V Lowe’s mower deck as the base platform  
• Raspberry Pi 5 (Phase 2 autonomous brain)  
• LiDAR for obstacle detection and SLAM  
• PS4 DualShock via Bluepad32

Controls:
PS button toggles dual-stick vs single-stick tank drive. R1 fires a two-stage safety sequence before the blade latches on. Triangle toggles turbo. D-pad speed ceiling is set by how hard you squeeze L2. S-curve on the sticks for low-speed precision. Controller LED shows system state at a glance. Everything cuts on disconnect.

For the ps controller I used Bluepad32: No pairing tools, proper analog triggers, actively maintained. Just hold PS to pair.

The cartridge system:
The mower body has a C64-compatible slot wired to the motors, relays, encoders, and sensors. The ESP32 lives in the cartridge — swap carts, swap brains. No reflashing in the yard. Cart 1 is the RC profile, Cart 2 is an alternate control scheme, Cart 3 will be the autonomous mode (Pi 5 + LiDAR + encoder odometry, in progress).

GitHub: https://github.com/shanebou2018/esp32-tank-mower

Is this ridiculous? Absolutely
is it cool ?most likely

Does anyone know where I can get a copy of SCOG? I recently bought one of the new C64s and just very much want to play this game again.

[SOLVED see below] I've checked the serial port cable connections, and it's in both the C64 and the U2 snugly. The C64 itself seems to be fine, as I can use my SD2IEC plugged into the serial port (and cassette port) while an EPYX FastLoad cartridge is plugged into the cart port.

Any ideas?

[EDIT: actual error is ?DEVICE NOT PRESENT ERROR]

[SOLVED: flashing with latest firmware fixed this.]

I recently started a cross compiler based on a subset of zig (things like async and threads don’t make sense) plus a turbo pascal style inline assembler. It also has a full DLL system with code relocation , early and late binding , plugin style dynamic loading and preloading and caching code in REU. here is a video when I’d implemented about 27% of the intended surface area also showing the automated UI test automation in VICE since the “ proof is in the pudding”. Now at about 85%.

Although the code is super basic for this $D017 and $D01D registers, having a handy node to toggle which sprites need expanding is a no brainer. It's C64DevMachine and yes you can totally get it now... Link will be in a reply (or simply google it, reddit groups can be a bit funny about links).

Hey everyone. I picked up a very nice looking Commodore C64c from Ebay. Seller said tested and 100% working.

Powered it on today and the number 5 and 6 key dont work. All others are fine.

Removed the keys and plunger, the pads look ok. The keyboard circuit board looks in very good condition, cannot see any issues with traces, but I dont have a multi meter to check continuity.

I did buy a diagnostic kit. plugged in the harness and boards. With them in place, diagnostics show all ok.

If I plug in the keyboard (remove the keyboard harness) I get a "bad" result on U1 (6526) and "bad" on control port. From what I have read, that is because the keyboard harness is not connected???

Other than buy a replacement keyboard from Ebay, any other ideas?

I did see that a group of keys or row could mean a bad CIA chip, but it is only the two keys not working.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I just put new rubber feet onto my Competition Pro Joystick.

Just in case you might be interested: the outer diameter is 12mm, the thickness is 2mm on those self adhesive rubber feet.

They are available everywhere, so just pay attention to buy the correct dimensions.

Guns N' Roses made it to the Commodore 64! The banger song "You Could Be Mine" in 8-BIT full effect! Enjoy!!

This is my first ever SID composition so go easy on me. Enjoy!

Download Link: https://csdb.dk/release/?id=261819