C64 · code
Visualize and verify the reverse engineered Commodore 64 SID LFSR
Building and verifying the Commodore 64 SID chip’s 23-bit LFSR in hardware on a breadboard and comparing the output against the actual SID chip.
C64 · code
A Gentle Introduction to LFSRs
An introduction to Linear Feedback Shift Registers: how they work, building one on a breadboard with shift registers and XOR gates, and implementing …
C64 · code
A little more speed from the 6502
Optimizing 6502 memory transfers beyond the general-purpose approach. Testing on a 1MHz KIM-1 clone with precise timing measurements.
code · Commodore
Almost primes with TinyBASIC on the KIM-1 clone: PAL-1
Finding k-almost-primes using TinyBASIC on a KIM-1 clone. A look at the copyleft origins of TinyBASIC and Bill Gates’ infamous open letter.
code · Commodore
VIC’s Revenge, the drop-in replacement for the VIC-20 VIC chip Part 1: Introduction, design goals, and FAQs
Starting a year-long project to reverse engineer and create a drop-in FPGA replacement for the VIC-20’s 6560/6561 video chip.
calculator · hardware
Simple exponents on an HP-16c
Writing a y^x exponent program for the HP-16C calculator, which curiously lacks scientific functions. Building a kit clone and programming in RPN.
code · Commodore
Fibonacci 1-10 on the KIM-1 (and clones)
Computing and displaying the first 10 Fibonacci numbers on a KIM-1’s hex display. Learning 6502 assembly the hard way with pencil and paper.
Commodore · hardware
Getting green and amber screens from a MiniPET 40/80
Adding green and amber screen colors to the MiniPET 40/80 replica using a cheap monochrome VGA color adapter from Tindie.
Atari · code
A week of diving a little deeper into my Atari 800XL
A week exploring the Atari 800XL from a Commodore guy’s perspective. Comparing BASIC implementations and discovering the platform’s …
Coco · code
Two weeks with a Coco 2 in September
Two weeks with a Tandy Color Computer 2 for SepTandy. Exploring a machine I’ve owned for years but never really used.
Coco · code
Slot Game On Tandy TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-4
A simple slot machine game written in BASIC for the Tandy TRS-80 PC-4 pocket computer during SepTandy.
code · hardware
The CERBERUS 2080
Building the CERBERUS 2080, an open-source computer with three processors: ATMega328p, W65C02, and Z80. A project to truly understand how computers …
C64 · Commodore
The retro pinout project
Documenting oscilloscope readings from working vintage computer chips to help diagnose faulty machines. A collaborative troubleshooting resource.
C64 · Commodore
The Commodore 64 N.O.O.C.U.L.A.R. futbal project
Building a portable Commodore 64 development rig using a Pelican case, external monitor, and either TheC64 or Ultimate 64 for on-the-go retro …
C64 · Commodore
Repairing a Commodore 128 and DIY Chris's RAM tester review
Repairing a Commodore 128 with bad RAM using DIY Chris’s RAM tester to diagnose and replace faulty 4164 memory chips.
C64 · code
Finding the Prodigal Easter Egg inside the Easter Egg on a Commodore 64
A deep dive video exploring hidden Easter eggs within an Easter egg on a 35-year-old album discovered using a Commodore 64.
C64 · code
Benchmarking Retro Computers (mostly Commodore) with marginal methods
Benchmarking BASIC execution speed across various retro computers using jiffy timing, comparing Commodore machines and other vintage systems.
C64 · Commodore
c0pperdragon verdict
Comparing various video output improvements for vintage Commodore computers including RF modulator replacement, chroma resistor mod, and the …
C64 · Commodore
Replacing an RF Modulator on a Commodore 64C
Replacing the RF modulator on a PAL Commodore 64C with an S-Video bypass board to dramatically improve video output quality.