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#uAX64MiniLong

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-11-29

Today, aside from being way too busy at work, I've re-activated my #ExpansionPort #Expander for the #Commodore64.

The slots are equipped with the following #Cartridges (left to right): 2MB NeoRam memory expansion, CynthCart Stereo SID Synthesizer, Kung Fu Flash. Each slot has a switch which will either enable or disable the slot and thus the cartridge plugged into it. In the photo, all slots are "disabled".

#RetroComputing
#Commodore64
#Modular64
#uAX64MiniLong
#Cartridge
#ExpansionPort
#Expander

Photo of a Commodore 64 "Cartridge Port Expander" featuring three cartridge slots. The slots are equipped with (left to right): 2MB NeoRam memory expansion, CynthCart Synthesizer, Kung Fu Flash. Each slot has a switch which will either enable or disable the slot and thus the cartridge plugged into it.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-11-21

@xahmol @peter yes, an UII+ is on my wishlist for uncle #Santa this year. That'll refine my #uAX64MiniLong #Modular64 once again ...

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-11-20

So today I eventually found some time to patch my english GEOS 2.0 install to version 2.0r which enables support for the #NeoRAM expansion I purchased recently.

I set up a "RAM 1581" floppy disk drive and as you see in the video, can copy files to it. Nice, wish I had such a cool setup in 1987 ...

You can find the disks containing #NeoRam patched versions for GEOBOOT and CONFIGURE (to replace the ones of your original 2.0 install) here, at the bottom of the page:

cbmfiles.com/geos/geos-12.php

P.S.: I used my #uAX64MiniLong equipped with the neoRam expansion and an #SD2IEC drive along with an #EasyCap videograbber on my #Linux box to capture the video.

#Commodorer64
#GEOS
#NeoRam

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-11-08

@mos_8502 personally, I don't feel up to the task but it sounds doable. Problem with me is that, while being a #commodore64 kid since the 1980s, the first #assembler I learned in the early 1990s in school was #z80 and once I started tinkering with my #rc2014 it all really came back bit by bit.I've just started to look over the fence at #mos6502 assembler after I finished my #uAX64MiniLong

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-11-03

So here's another #2SID tune for you to enjoy:

"Respublika Kazantip" (composer unknown)

Live-recorded from my #uAX64MiniLong #commodore64 replica using these two SID replicas in my system:

SID #1 is an #armSID acting as #mos6581

SID #2 is a #SwinSidNano acting as #mos8580

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-10-06

After two and a half years using the #z80 processor on various #rc2014 I'm now back at "home" on the #mos6502 and my #commodore64 and getting familiar with this archtecture.

I'm using Turbo Macro Pro on my #uAX64MiniLong - so let's take it easy, let's fill the screen with something ...

Photograph shows an LCD display on which a Commodore 64 runs Turbo Macro Pro Assembler. The code reads: scrfill: *= $1000 lda #$21 ldx #$ff lop0 sta $03ff,x sta $04fe,x sta $05fd,x sta $06fc,x dex bne lop0 rts and it will fill your screen with exlacmation marks (!).
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-09-17

proper weekend setup ...

#retrocomputing
#rc2014
#commodore64
#uAX64MiniLong

Now here we have what I call a proper "weekend setup": the photograph shows the top of my desk where a Commodore 64 keyboard is connected to the "uAX64 Mini Long", a modular Commodore 64 replica that I built recently. The replica machine rests on the left side of my desk. To extend the keyboard connection, I used a 40 pin IDE ribbon cable. An "RC2014 Pro" system can be seen resting behind the "uAX64 Mini Long", this is my Z80 / CP/M system I use for all kinds of fun stuff and #8bit tinkery.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-09-13

I wanted to test my #wifimodem on the #uAX64MiniLong #commodore64 so I decided to combine that with running my custom GEOS 2.5 install (.D81 image via SD2IEC) and using geoTelnet.

#geos

Photograph showing the RC-BOX BBS login banner through the geoTelnet program running on GEOS 2.5 on a Commodore 64.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-09-12

Finally! It's done!!

The missing 50 pin ribbon cable arrived today so I could eventually finish the build of my #uAX64MiniLong.

I still need to finish the "Bluetooth / USB Keyboard" module but I take that one as a "nice-to-have" rather than a "must-have".

And oh, do I dig the "Cyberdeck" charme of this setup! I'm a happy person now!

#commodore64
#dudebuildingac64

View of the finished uAX64 Mini Long with the peripheral board attached below the module (backplane) board. Next to it there's a light gray Commodore 64 keyboard attached via an IDE cable (being used as an extension) and a cyan colored "ArcadeR" joystick placed in front of the keyboard. In the Cartrigde slot is a RetroReplay cartridge equipped with the RRNet ethernet adapter. Also, a Wifi modem is connected to the userport.Side view of the uAX64 Mini Long system. Here you can see the two master boards, peripheral and module (Backplane) and the individual module boards.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-09-10

Eventually soldered the missing RCA jacks, plugged in my SD2IEC adapter board and used an 40 pin IDE cable for a keyboard extension (so these are still useful indeed).

Now, the only thing that's still missing is a 50 pin ribbon cable to finally attach the peripheral board. This is - after several delays - due to arrive on tuesday!

#commodore64
#dudebuildingac64
#uAX64MiniLong

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-09-07

One neat feature of the #uAX64MiniLong is the additional serial bus connector on the right side of the module, originally intended to "dock" an adapter PCB which would fit on a #pizero and thus add a Pi1541 drive.

Now, of course you can also use this serial connector to dock an SD2IEC mini board. So I eventually built a small "adapter PCB" for the #sd2iecmini module I had lying around for months ...

.oO(oh, did I mention that I *hate* to solder wires?)

#dudebuildingac64
#commodore64

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-09-06

I just performed the very first power-up test of my #uAX64MiniLong - just the minimum set of modules and the module board (backplane) itself - aaaand:

It. Is. Alive!!

Yaaaaaaaaay!! Yay! Yay! Yay!

The even the memory module which I had to hotfix does work as long as you don't touch the jumper wire I use as a workaround for the missing socket spring at pin 57.

#commodore64
#dudebuildingac64

Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-08-30

Finished the interface board today. In fact, I'm almost done soldering all the PCBs. Still waiting for the three RCA female connectors (yellow, red and white) and the replacement for the "RAM/PLA module".

#dudebuildingac64
#uAX64MiniLong
#commodore64
#uni64
#soldering

Top down photograph of the finished uAX64 Mini Long interface board.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-08-28

So I eventually finished the SID "soundcard" module for the #uAX64MiniLong as well. Quite a productive sunday today - we're getting closer to first power-on test. Still waiting for a few parts as well as for the replacement RAM module, though ...

#dudebuildingac64
#commodore64
#uni64

Photograph of the finished uAX64 Mini Long VIC II module with all IC sockets, caps, resistors etc. - only thing missing are the RCA audio jacks.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-08-28

Today I continued soldering the modules of my #uAX64MiniLong #commodore64 clone #dudebuildingac64 #uni64

The CPU and interface module are finished, the VIC II module is just missing the Composite and S-Video jacks and a 1x DIP switch, but is otherwise finished. I also started with the SID module adding two IC sockets.

I've also started populating the Interface board, which will be mounted below the 9-slot module board.

Photograph showing the individual modules of my uAX64 Mini Long build in their current stages of assembly, with the CPU and interface modules being finished. The VIC II module is missing composite and S-video connectors as well as a single DIP switch (1x piano-DIP). The SID module has yet been equipped with the IC sockets only.Photograph of the uAX64 Mini Long interface and module boards. The module board is already finished, and on the interface board two IEC and two Atari joystick connectors as well as a 6V AC plug have been populated.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-08-18

Hotfix for the RAM Module of the #uAX64MiniLong that I screwed up (well, actually the socket quality screwed up on me) - if this one works I'll call myself "MaC= Gyver" (with chicken-lips 'C') for the rest of the month ... heh ...

Still not sure if I ever want to use this module, I'll more likely just wait for the repalcement to arrive.

#commodore64 #dudebuildingac64
#solderingwork

The RAM Module fixed in MaC= Gyver matter (front view): a wire in the mould replaces the missing spring at the location of pin 57The "MaC= Gyver" fix for the RAM module (back sied): the wire eventually connects to the solder pad where pin 57 would usually protrude.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-08-16

Yes kids, look very closely!

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any high-precision sockets for 64-pin ICs.

So this is what happens when you use cheap sockets. And let me tell you that the photograph shows the *second* attempt at getting a 64-pin socket (for the PLA) onto the board. The first one "lost" the third one of its springs on the upper left.

While I noticed the first time this happened when I only had soldered the corner pins (I could easily get the socket off the PCB again), I didn't the second time, well I did but it was too late by then. Not going to bother getting this one off again with 2/3 of the pins already done.

So no more soldering today, but I ordered a replacement board and two new sockets - the latter hopefully being of better quality this time!

#dudebuildingac64 #soldering #sockets #electronics #mos6502 #commodore64 #uax64minilong

Photograph of the "RAM / PLA Module' of the uAX64 Mini Long Commodore 64 replica, seen through a magnifying lens. The module rests on a wooden table and shows the front side of the PCB. It has only the 64-pin socket for the PLA chip soldered. Albeit with one sping missing at the location of pin 57 (I guess). This is what happens when you use cheap parts for your projects. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any high-precision sockets for 64-pin ICs.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-08-15

Today, I eventually started building the first board (the "module board") of the #uAX64MiniLong #commodore64 kit by #uni64 (uni64.com) - it's still missing the 12V barrel jack, power switch and a 12V -> 5V voltage converter.

But soldering the 72-pin connectors is now finished, one of the less motivating tasks needed to be done.

Once the "module board" is finished, I will start building the individual CPU, VIC-II, SID and RAM modules so that they can be tested along woth the module board.

#dudebuildingac64

Photograph of the uAX64 Mini Long "module board". This is the backplane to which the individual modules (VIC, SID, CPU and RAM) will be connected. It features 9 72-pin connectors which into which the modules will be plugged.Top-down photograph of the uAX64 Mini Long "module board". This is the backplane to which the individual modules (VIC, SID, CPU and RAM) will be connected. It features 9 72-pin connectors which into which the modules will be plugged.
Wintermute_BBSWintermute_BBS@oldbytes.space
2022-07-01

Harvest successful!!

I eventually got all the MOS custom chips I need off the board.

I also tried to get the 64 pin PLA (251715-01) and indeed I got i out, but now it's missing two legs (damn!) - but since I expected a desaster like this, I aquired a "new old stock" PLA a few days ago (second photograph).

So now that I have the most precious parts for the build, I will have to wait until the uAX64Mini Long PCBs arrive ...

#dudebuildingac64 #commodore64 #uAX64MiniLong #uni64

Photograph of a Commodore 64 mainboard (ASSY 250469), resting on a workbench and stripped off of most ICs. The PLA is still left on the board. As is the color RAM. All the other ICs are located in a transparent plastic box, resting on top of the board.Photograph of a Commodore 64 64 pin PLA Chip ( 251715-01) and fitting IC socket. Both placed on a conductive ESD foam mat each.

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