hardware_modifications_for_c64u
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| hardware_modifications_for_c64u [2026/01/18 11:55] – [Adding extra function buttons] walter | hardware_modifications_for_c64u [2026/01/29 09:17] (current) – [The Gamepad 1378] walter | ||
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| Several people have added buttons to there C64U. They add (typically) a dedicated button for **Menu**, **Freeze** and **Reset**. These are listings of how different people have done that in several ways. | Several people have added buttons to there C64U. They add (typically) a dedicated button for **Menu**, **Freeze** and **Reset**. These are listings of how different people have done that in several ways. | ||
| + | ==== Membrane Switch buttons (Gavin H.)==== | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * Using the 3 button header for Reset, Menu and Freeze. To the left of the black FPGA board, there' | ||
| + | * **Parts list** | ||
| + | /** | ||
| + | Dot not list here links to other shops or other Amazons selling the same item. The provided links are an example. So they know what to look for. Otherwise the page becomes needlessly cluttered. | ||
| + | Replacing broken links is obviously is very fine. | ||
| + | **/ | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * the buttons. Look for ' | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * DuPont extension (male to female), You need cable extensions to reach the headers and get outside the case | ||
| ==== Right side buttons with 3D printer bracket (Jay W.) ==== | ==== Right side buttons with 3D printer bracket (Jay W.) ==== | ||
| * [[https:// | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| * This is a mod that will add the Menu / Freeze / Reset button to the side of your Commodore 64 Ultimate. It uses a custom 3D printer side bracket so that the original is not changed. | * This is a mod that will add the Menu / Freeze / Reset button to the side of your Commodore 64 Ultimate. It uses a custom 3D printer side bracket so that the original is not changed. | ||
| * [[https:// | * [[https:// | ||
| - | * Parts list: | + | |
| - | * [[https:// | + | /** |
| + | Dot not list here links to other shops or other Amazons selling the same item. The provided links are an example. So they know what to look for. Otherwise the page becomes needlessly cluttered. | ||
| + | Replacing broken links is obviously is very fine. | ||
| + | **/ | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| * You will also need [[wp>JST connector]] for the header pin on the motherboard. Just route the wires around how you wish. | * You will also need [[wp>JST connector]] for the header pin on the motherboard. Just route the wires around how you wish. | ||
| < | < | ||
| Line 49: | Line 66: | ||
| </ | </ | ||
| - | {{tag> | + | ===== C64U Breadbin to 64C case modification ===== |
| + | |||
| + | Many people prefer the more modern-looking 64C case over the original breadbin. One major advantage of the 64C case is its significantly lower keyboard height, which makes it more comfortable to type on. Installing Commodore 64 boards and keyboards into new cases is nothing new; there are many helpful guides available online. In this modification, | ||
| + | |||
| + | The C64U board layout and mounting holes are fully compatible with 64C-style cases. You can either reuse an original 64C case or purchase a brand-new one in the color of your choice. Transparent 64C cases are even available, allowing you to create your own Starlight version. | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | If you want to use a **brand-new case**, you will need the following parts: | ||
| + | * New 64C case | ||
| + | * Rectangular power LED (preferably dual-color), | ||
| + | * Keyboard mounting kit containing left and right mount brackets, or 3D-print them yourself | ||
| + | * Old C64 or VIC-20 keyboard. Or use the brand-new C64U mechanical keyboard for the best typing experience. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you want to **reuse an old 64C**, there are several things to consider. Commodore released __three variants__ of the 64C during its lifetime. The first variant used a long board, just like the C64U. The second variant was cost-reduced and featured a short board. Both variants use the same type of case: the top and bottom halves are held together with screws, and the keyboard is mounted to the board itself using metal mounting brackets. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The third (and final) variant was further cost-reduced and no longer used screws. Instead, the top and bottom halves of the case are held together with clips, and the keyboard is clipped directly to the top part of the case. If you have this third variant, you are in luck, as you can directly transfer the C64U board and keyboard. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If you have the first or second variant, you will also need the previously mentioned mounting brackets. If you prefer not to spend any money, you can modify the original metal mounting brackets using a hacksaw. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[https:// | ||
| + | [[https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | One additional thing to note: the power LED wires in many old 64C cases are too short to reach the power LED connector on the C64U board. You will therefore need to extend the wires or obtain a sufficiently long replacement power LED cable (see above). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Transfer steps: | ||
| + | * Open the C64U case and unscrew the board from the case | ||
| + | * Remove the screws from the transparent side panel; this panel is not needed in the 64C case | ||
| + | * Open the 64C case and, if necessary, remove the original 64C board | ||
| + | * Carefully slide the C64U board into the case, aligning the joystick and rear ports with the case cutouts, then loosely secure it with screws | ||
| + | * Attach the mounting brackets to the board | ||
| + | * Connect the keyboard to the board and either screw it to the mounting brackets or clip it to the top half of the case | ||
| + | * Connect the power LED to the case and the Power LED connector on the board | ||
| + | * Attach the top half of the case and secure it | ||
| + | |||
| + | **Where to buy?** | ||
| + | Officially licensed and newly made 64C cases are sold by Individual Computers (Germany). This company uses the original Commodore molds. | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some other shops: | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | < | ||
| + | : | ||
| + | : | ||
| + | : | ||
| + | : | ||
| + | </ | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====== Modifying a NES gamepad controller for the C64 ====== | ||
| + | You can change the wiring of Nintendo NES controller to make it compatible with a Commodore 64 | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | * [[https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====== Esthetic modding: putting new device in retro case ====== | ||
| + | ===== The Gamepad 1378 ===== | ||
| + | [[https:// | ||
| + | Putting the internals of the [[https:// | ||
| + | * https:// | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | {{tag> | ||
| + | |||
hardware_modifications_for_c64u.1768737315.txt.gz · Last modified: by walter
