Traahn
User
Posts: 3,301 | Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 4:25 AM
I found my other Commodore 64 today in the garage (yes!!), with a different disk drive... and it works! I can load all the old classic games I used to know and love. However, one problem. The video is black, white and gray rather than color. And there are some random video glitches/chaotic characters and screen flicker/flashes sometimes. Anyone know what's happening and if it's an easy fix? I have it plugged into the Aux port of my TV, and the chaotic characters are in the actual game, not produced by the TV; so it's not the issue where you need to pick "Channel 3 or 4" -- the issue we used to experience in the '80s.
Ugh, if it's not one problem it's another. These units really didn't stand the test of time very well. At least this one works better than the other one I have that I wrote about a while back. I'm glad I found this other C64... I was worried that I had lost it.
Games that I tried out tonight included:
* Mountain King
* Uridium
* Demon Stalkers
    
I'm getting out of here right now, and you guys are invited.   -----^
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Daddyo
User
Posts: 456 | Re: Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 1:49 PM
Does the game act significantly different each time its loaded? If so maybe it could be a drive problem, although checksums have probably always been used.
I'd guess theres either corrosion or dirt on the board/chips, or that some fat capacitors have dried up or leaked (electrolytic ones). If that happened, the power coming into the chips would be very noisy and cause erratic operation. You might be able to replace them if you've had some experience soldering.
It's probably something repairable!abortion pills online abortion pill online purchase cytotec abortion
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Compucore
User
Posts: 4,450 | Re: Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 2:03 PM
Or it could be as easy as a cable that might be defective that can be easily bought. If it is a standard cable like RCA. I know on the old intellivision sometimes the cable would break on the inside of the extension. Othertime it would be the module itself that would break. But it is rare to get those since they are no longer produced anymore. Take a look to see if it is a cheap $1-$2 cable first.
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Compucore 
VROOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!
To compute or not to compute that is the question at hand. Tis nobler to compile in C++ or in TASM.
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TheReelTodd
Sector Admin
Posts: 0 | Re: Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 3:06 PM
Congrats on finding your C64 AND it still working!
The last time I saw my C64 work was in the early 90's. I only made it look alive via some video trickery for the Weed Killer intro sequence seen here. My Apple //c still works, but my C64 sadly only boots up to a blank blue screen with the lighter blue border - nothing else, no text, no cursor, nothing. 
Anyway, I think the problem with the color (or lack there of) may be in your RF converter. The original RF converter I used with my C64 and Atari 2600 is currently hooked up three feet to my left right now, with my 2600 plugged in to it. When I play games on my vintage 2600, the colors are off, and I have to adjust the color (tint) on the TV to correct it. Then, when I want to play other games (GameCube and N64 both on same TV), I have to adjust the color back. It seems that the RF converter for my Atari is old and probably just no good (or not much good) anymore. It also looses signal while playing at times, causing some translucent static of varying intensities. Flipping the switch from computer to TV, then back to computer a few times usually clears it up. I've been meaning to buy a new one. I looked at local electronics stores, but they don't carry them. What sucks more, is usually the young employees there don't have a clue what I'm asking for!  They look at me like I'm some old guy who doesn't quite know what he's looking for. They've never heard of an RF converter, although they admit to knowing what an Atari 2600 is (some of them). I just hate "old guy" moments. They always think I am looking for some digital converter or RCA plugs. Idiots.
Anyway, I'd look in to a new RF converter. You can find them online still. One of these days, I'll get around to ordering mine as well.
Good luck with your C64. I'm a little jealous. I'd just LOVE to play on mine again, but all I can do is look at it. Emulation is great, but it just doesn't bring back the feel of the old days that the real thing does.
 
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Daddyo
User
Posts: 456 | Re: Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 5:24 PM
| Traahn Wrote:there are some random video glitches/chaotic characters and screen flicker/flashes sometimes |
| TheReelTodd Wrote:Anyway, I think the problem with the color (or lack there of) may be in your RF converter. |
Then it sounds like you could have at least two problems - both the RF converter and something digital. Bad characters really must be digital, I would start trying to fix that first, otherwise you'll have correct colors with bad gaming!
If your commodore was working when you last left it, it could be dirty switches (like Todd mentions), dirty connectors, dried up capacitors, and/or corrosion on the circuit board. Pop her open! Wiggle any internel connectors a few times to clean them.
Here's a bunch of schematics: http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/computers/c64/index.html
On this one
http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/computers/c64/250469-rev.A-left.gif and http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/computers/c64/250469-rev.B-right.gifFind a capacitor called C63 (round can), you could replace it, radio shack will have it. It is a 1000 microfarad 16 volt cap. It does alot of filtering for the system for what appears to be the digital video & audio generator (do you hear hum?), and probably works the hardest given its capacity, and is full of liquid (or was). It looks like these computers had external power supply boxes? Maybe thats bad.
Theres also C36, C43, C44, C63, C45, C66 and another thats not labeled, but once you've seen one, you know what to look for. But if you're not careful, you can permanently wreck the motherboard! But it may be a fair amount of work, it'll depend on how much you want it back!
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Nikster
User
Posts: 2,691 | Re: Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 11:33 PM
| TheReelTodd Wrote:Anyway, I think the problem with the color (or lack there of) may be in your RF converter. |
Didn't some RF boxes also have a switch for color/B&W? Seems to me they did.order abortion pill abortion pill buy online where to buy abortion pill
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Traahn
User
Posts: 3,301 | Re: Commodore 64
on Sunday, September, 23, 2007 11:59 PM
Excellent... I knew there were some C64 fanatics here that could provide some helpful info! Thanks all! When I get some time, I will be definitely checking some or all of these things out until it's fixed (or until I lose all hope)! 
To be honest, I'm not even using an RF converter... didn't know I needed to? I have a cord running out of the C64 that has 3 RCAs on the other end (R/L audio and video) -- that plug directly into the TV -- so I didn't think an RF converter would be needed? (In other words, it goes from like a 9-pin  plug to 3 RCAs on the other end of the cord.)
TheReelTodd - Yes, I am lucky it still works! It was great to hear the wonderful audio of some of these games.. authentically reproduced! I bought an RF converter at Radio Shack about 3 or 4 years ago... surely they still make them? It was a 'suped' up version with more features than the ones back in the '80s. It was black plastic or metal and cost like $30 and it had a red power LED. You might check again, or check online?
| TheReelTodd wrote: Flipping the switch (of the RF converter) from computer to TV, then back to computer a few times usually clears it up. |
LOL! Oh wow, I remember those RF converter struggles back in the '80s! Why were they never reliable for very long?? I remember having to do just what you describe here a long time ago, trying to get my crystal clear gaming on!
At any rate, I'm glad I got one of those Atari Flashbacks a couple years ago because it has the old Atari joysticks! I have to use them for the C64, just like I did back in the '80s!
And thanks again, everyone. We'll see what transpires!
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I'm getting out of here right now, and you guys are invited. -----^
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Qix77
User
Posts: 2,991 | Re: Commodore 64
on Friday, October, 19, 2007 3:52 AM
www.c64.com
Oh.. and don't forget this..
Jody's Amiga Game Reviews..
Also on that note...
Vice64... Goggle it..
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Qix77
User
Posts: 2,991 | Re: Commodore 64
on Friday, October, 19, 2007 3:54 AM
oooooooooooo..
not to mention that I got my hands on a C64 last week.. haven't had time to see if it will still work.. but I got it..
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