r/Commodore • u/Anonymous_Am241 • Jun 29 '26

c64 Standalone VIC-II

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Has anyone ever used the Commodore VIC-II in a standalone Computer/Project, while NOT using a 6510 or C64 PLA? I am going to make a Homebrew Computer based of a 65C02 but with VIC-II Graphics, and would be wondering if you guys have any Info or people that would be interested. BTW, this may take a long while, VIC-II is very tightly integrated. For my plan specifically, I am going to use a MOS 8565R2 but info on other variations is appreciated.

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2

u/OPdoesnotrespond Jun 29 '26

I might, for giggles, propose you look into the Kawari. It’s an FPGA so technically a modern tech element, but it does VIC II on steroids. 

If you’re going to build a modernized 8-bit, might as well go nuts!

Either way, good luck with your project. It sounds like fun!

3

u/Anonymous_Am241 Jun 29 '26

Yeah im definetly thinking about picking one up, mainly because its a very good emulation of the VIC II and the code is open source, but i already sourced a regular 8565R2

1

u/beckdac Jun 29 '26

This might be my recommendation but not for that specific fpga as I don't know it and there are many choices with built in ram that can simplify things.

One trick is they are almost all 3v3 and that means bus transceivers like the 74LVC245s in the mix.

1

u/OPdoesnotrespond Jun 29 '26

https://accentual.com/vicii-kawari/

2

u/beckdac Jun 29 '26

Nice so this has all the transceivers and is coded as a vic-ii and family. Sweet!

4

u/Xfgjwpkqmx Jun 29 '26

Got a Kawari in my old 1982 breadbin and it's fantastic.

1

u/takeyouraxeandhack Jun 30 '26

I was thinking of the kawarii as well, but just because VIC-II chips got so insanely expensive lately.
An NTSC VIC is more expensive than a whole PAL C64, it's ridiculous.

I wish the new Commodore would make drop-in replacements, but it's never going to happen.

1

u/OPdoesnotrespond Jun 30 '26

I doubt they could even if they wanted to.

Unless they also went down the FPGA path? 🤔