Very early ruff version

Hardware FAQ

User port: What is it & how to get it back?

At the C64U is the user port is missing. At it's place are the external usb ports, ethernet port and HDMI-connector.

The user port was to connects external devices such as modems and printers to the Commodore 64. It is possible to get it back with a special expansion module you can buy on the Commodore website and plug it in the available connector for it on the C64U motherboard.

See this FB post for how installing it can look and be done.

A potential use of the user port is is this module to add 2 extra DB9 joystick ports. So that you can play with 4 people on one C64, if the game supports that.

Bending of the Ultimate

What editions are affected?

If the problem occurs it will be with the Starlight edition and probably also the Founders edition. To get the case transparent the material is lighter built. Also the PCB is transparent and more fragile built. - And as such the Basic beige version should be the most solid built version.

How serious is the bending?

Not every example is the same. Some buyers have no complains about it. Even realize only there indeed some flex when they read about it. - Some do have complains.

How to fix the bending?

It is quite possible that some unites where not put together exactly like they should have been. Parts not exactly aligned. What can could explain the difference in experience.

As the C64U is very simple to open and there are very few parts one should be able to fix the issue by realigning the offending parts.

There also have been made 3D printed braces to re-enforce the internal structure.

Small brace made by Jakub Rzepecki

I know that there is a 3d print fix for bending keyboard, but for me it's to much print. So I made smaller one, lightweight one - it does not cover the entire keyboard - but it is sufficient to “eliminate” the bending effect - or at least greatly reduce it. The print was designed to use the four built-in screws already present in the C64U, as well as two existing additional holes, into which a screw with a nut can be inserted. The reinforcement does not interfere with the installation of SID chips, even if heat sinks are mounted on them.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7262014