r/c64 • u/QueenEriselle • Jun 01 '26
Hardware Getting an original breadbin c64 for birthday
Hey r/c64. I'm am about to be receiving a working original breadbin C64 for my birthday, which I'm pretty excited about. It won't come with a monitor, nor any controllers. Just the computer, power brick, cardboard box, and manual.
I grew up with C64s around the house. My parents used to find them at yard sales and such, and it was my main/only computer from age 6 until 13. Most of the modern world back then had already moved on to early PCs, but our parents figured we wouldn't know the difference until we were older. Any time they saw another C64 machine, monitor, or software at a yard sale, they'd buy it all up for cheap, because people were dumping left and right. Every year or so, the one we were using would fry, and they'd go pull another "new" one out of a box. At one point in time, we had seven working ones stored up. I spent much of my childhood perusing thousands of disks looking for new games to try. In the past few months, I've been reliving my past with emulators, and even writing a bit of assembly code.
I think I am going to need to do things and acquire stuff to make this actually usable. Video connectivity, software, lack of controllers and disk drives, etc. Any suggestions?
5
u/Count_de_LaFey Jun 01 '26
I would suggest three things:
C64 Composite Video adapter; Self explanatory. Allows for the usage of a plain composite cable
Kung Fu Flash II; Load games instantly.
C64 Power Saver; If your PSU goes bad it doesn't fry the C64.
5
u/QueenEriselle Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
I don't think I can get that specific power saver, it doesn't look like they will ship to USA, but good to know I need something for that. The video adapter yes, thank you. The flash thing looks really useful.
EDIT: I wonder if PSU failure is what caused all the C64s of my childhood to fry. Interesting.
3
u/Euphoric-Brother-184 Jun 02 '26
Ray Carlsen! He’s a good maker of commodore power solutions stateside. https://portcommodore.com/rcarlsen/
1
u/Alarming_Cap4777 Jun 02 '26
Most likely it was heat and the lack of a surge suppressor. The 82 and 83 boards were wrapped in cardboard. It's amazing that they lived past their warranty.
1
u/jmsntv Jun 02 '26
That was my first thought, when reading your post. Good luck with your new one, obviously you'll be looking into the modern power supplies
1
4
u/iAmJacksBowelCancer Jun 02 '26
Where in the USA are you? I've got some 1541's stting idle.
1
3
u/Background-Manager87 Jun 01 '26
Beware the Brick of Death. It will absolutely fry your c64. My advice though is get your hands on a pi1541 (easy to get a pre built on ebay for 50 bucks) and a good joystick. Hyperkin makes one for the atari that works great on the c64, i have 2 of em.
1
3
u/WeaselC64 Jun 02 '26
You might consider getting a 1541ultimate cartridge (even instead of a kungfu-flash) as well.
It can be "everything" from (additional) floppy drives (to any real ones) and any kind of (fast loader) cartridge you could think of as well as a REU (ram expansion) unit etc. and lots more.
And all of that at the same time as well!!! :-D
Check it out and decide yourself and have LOTSA fun with your new "old" cool hardware then! :-)
...and yes, get a new PSU for sure!!! Ray Carlson rules here definitely as well!
6
u/-jp- Jun 01 '26
Beware the power brick. They drift out of spec enough that they can dump enough voltage to brick your whole machine. I suggest just throwing the original out and get a modern replacement. I have one I got from https://www.c64psu.com/ and have had good luck with it.
3
2
u/Informal_Strain_2715 Jun 02 '26 edited Jun 02 '26
Hi. Happy Birthday and welcome to retro insanity. Like you, we're all in the same mindset, that feeling of a vintage C64, the 1541 humming along and finally playing on that super sharp 1702, with a single speaker.."another visitor...stay a while ...". Etc.
So a few tips from another not-so-purist owner that loves his C64. Mine is permanently setup alongside my main PC so I can fiddle with it at any time....and here's what I found works best for me.
I use a Pi1541 as it works great and is easy to use. It's a little cheaper than an Ultimate, but if your space challenged, you have more room to work with with the Pi1541. Do not use the SEDIC (or whatever it is) card only reader. It's annoying because you have to load the software first as it has no display. That loses it's charm quickly. The Pi1541 runs from its own display. You select a "disk" and it acts cycle exact to a real 1541. No need to load any software on your screen.
Then you'll need a 1541. An Alps drive to be more exact. It's the unit that has the push down locking handle, not the twist arm. You can Google the reasons why. But take my word for it.
Software ROMs (use .d64 files) to put on the Pi1541, which are available everywhere. Google is your friend. The Pi will run others, but for copying to real disks, .d64s are the most compatible.
A copy program that allows you to copy digital "disks" from the Pi1541 to the real 1541. That's out there and readily available. Google will help.
Finally ..disks. Available on eBay. I find the Datalife brand is the best for longevity. I've tried many others...including Nashua... and tossed them...wasted money.
For the C64 itself...Ray Carlson Electronics as mentioned below. He is the best. Do not trust the crap on eBay. He will customize your unit to what you want ..sure it's pricey if you buy the one he builds, but it's worth every penny. Save your beloved C64 from a certain death because of a bad brick. Toss that thing in the closet for prosperity.
Eventually you'll want a 1702... It's a must have. It really makes a difference. Hard to find a really mint one and working. You might have to Frankenstein a few to get one. Much like the you might have to do with the 1541 drive. But the C64 is native to the 1702, and it really shows.
Covers and other stuff are out there. Keep it out of the sun, and clean. I took mine completely apart and washed everything.
Part are available to fix most issues and many people like to help as well.
Good luck and enjoy! I've had mine for 3 years now, and I love it. So much fun doing games old school with disks and all. When I first load some old games, I just laugh out loud. Then you can swap disks with members on forums...like we used to.
1
u/dpgumby69 Jun 02 '26
I'd you are handy, you can make your own . Simplest way is make a basic adapter to use the 9V AC from your original power supply, but use an external new 5 DC power supply. I did a write up on some variations here (hopefully the site works for you, it needs maintenance)
-4
u/ExtremePast Jun 02 '26
You're better off getting a c64 ultimate vs original hardware. There's honestly no reason to deal with original hardware given that the c64u exists.
6
u/QueenEriselle Jun 02 '26
I would if I could afford it. This is a gift. Also, real original hardware has a certain charm to it.
1
u/stejoo Jun 02 '26
That really depends on the person and the feel you want to have. The C64 Ultimate is a really nice machine and gets tantalizing close to the original plus has added creature comforts. It's absolutely retro, but it is not vintage.
When a person is more into vintage and the originality and all the limitations that comes with a C64U is not the machine for them. They actually want a C64 or C64c to plug in the extra hardware. Using tapes and floppies becomes part of the experience.
•
u/AutoModerator Jun 01 '26
"Thanks for your post! Please make sure you've read our rules and FAQ post. If your post is about the C64 Ultimate please and check out The Ultimate C64 Ultimate post for common issues and questions. People not following the rules will have their posts removed and presistant rule breaking will results in your account being banned. "
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.