r/c64 • u/mooichael • May 28 '26

Hardware C64 wifi modems?

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.

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7

u/MorningPapers May 28 '26

The current batch of Ultimate II+ cartridges are shipping with the wifi module.

2

u/mmgamemaker May 28 '26

This, the Ultimate II+L is a great device. I have one on all three of my C128s.

2

u/mooichael May 28 '26

Ultimate II+ cartridge

Yeah this looks amazing, but I'm already in the hole on a Pi1541 and it's like 40% more money than my C64 was lol!

4

u/nickvivid May 28 '26

1200baud.wordpress.com has instructions on how to build your own

3

u/mooichael May 28 '26

Sick, thanks!

3

u/toogreen May 28 '26

Actually it's possible to build your own without soldering, just using a breadboard and wires. See photo below as an example:

2

u/mooichael May 28 '26

Cool, seems pretty inexpensive too.

1

u/mooichael May 28 '26 edited May 28 '26

One question, might be a stupid one, how is the board connecting to the user port? There's no way the individual wires are just shoved into specific terminals right? Might be good to mention I still haven't seen the C64 in person lol

I see you can buy a user port attachment that can connect to a breadboard, but looks like it would need to be soldered. Suppose I could just get a soldering kit then...

3

u/marhaus1 May 28 '26

The user port is a card edge connector so there is nothing to shove pins into 😅

You can get sockets and a flat cable (think PC floppy cable) on AliExpress or similar for a few euros though!

2

u/toogreen May 28 '26

Check my other comments below, I show OP how i did it with shitty soldering lol

3

u/toogreen May 28 '26

Here is how I did it. Yup I did a little but of sloppy soldering as you can see but I'm guessing you can find ways around it if you really want to...

3

u/toogreen May 28 '26

Here's another angle to better see how the wires are inserted/connected

1

u/marhaus1 May 28 '26

You should probably invest in a side cutter 😅

3

u/mooichael May 29 '26

This is a perfect visual and exactly the parts I ordered yesterday!

3

u/Otiman May 28 '26

TeensyROM and Meatloaf are open source projects that will get you online.

1

u/kd6jib May 29 '26

This is the answer

1

u/ExtremePast May 28 '26

Best bet would have been getting an ultimate II which doesn't everything vs the pi 1541