Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- hardware_modifications_for_c64u [2026/01/18 12:10] – [Right side buttons with 3D printer bracket (Jay W.)] walter
+++ hardware_modifications_for_c64u [2026/01/29 09:17] (current) – [The Gamepad 1378] walter
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
     * [[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FSGDK6VK?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_5D6VXEZG8H83TBMHF49M|OTOTEC 3Pcs 3 Key Membrane Switch (Amazon UK)]]
       * the buttons. Look for 'membrane buttons'
-    * You need cable extensions to reach the headers and get outside the case
+    * [[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EV70C78?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_RGW2XV20BA2ZDXCCBPBE|ELEGOO Dupont cable extensions (Amazon UK)]]
-      * [[https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01EV70C78?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_RGW2XV20BA2ZDXCCBPBE|ELEGOO Dupont cable extensions (Amazon UK)]]
+      * DuPont extension (male to female), You need cable extensions to reach the headers and get outside the case
-        * DuPont extension (male to female)
 ==== Right side buttons with 3D printer bracket (Jay W.) ====
   * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/754519687678324/?multi_permalinks=767816503015309|Post about this on Facebook]]
+    * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/1249159557042604/?multi_permalinks=1273000297991863|FB post about other but very similar modification with pictures]]
   * 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://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7268754|Info 3D model of the bracket used]]
@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 Replacing broken links is obviously is very fine.
 **/
-    * [[https://www.amazon.com/Gebildet-250VAC-Prewired-Momentary-Railway/dp/B083JWJPW5|Momentary Push Button,SPST Nomal Open ON/Off 2 Pin Round Button for Model Railway Hobby]]
+    * [[https://www.amazon.com/Gebildet-250VAC-Prewired-Momentary-Railway/dp/B083JWJPW5|Momentary Push Button for Model Railway Hobby (Amazon US)]]
     * You will also need [[wp>JST connector]] for the header pin on the motherboard. Just route the wires around how you wish.
 <gallery>
@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 </gallery>
-{{tag>mods hardware}}
+===== 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, we focus specifically on the C64U.
+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), 5×2 mm, with a wired jumper cable (20–30 cm in length)
+  * 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://www.facebook.com/groups/754519687678324/?multi_permalinks=765232309940395|Post about this on Facebook - part 1]]
+[[https://www.facebook.com/groups/754519687678324/?multi_permalinks=766864233110536|Post about this on Facebook - part 2]]
+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://shop.icomp.de/index.php/en/shop/product/c64c-case.html|C64C case by Individual Computers]]
+Some other shops:
+  * [[https://www.retro8bitshop.com/product/commodore-64c-casing/|Retro8BITshop C64C casing]]
+  * [[https://www.retropassion.co.uk/product/commodore-c64-case-and-c64c-new-breadbin-beige/|RetroPassion C64C breadbin beige case]]
+<gallery>
+:image:hardwaremod:commodore_64c.png Stock Commodore C64C
+:image:hardwaremod:c64u_to_c64c_mod.jpeg C64U Breadbin to 64C case modification
+:image:hardwaremod:c64c_case_box_closed_single_001_cropped.jpg 64C case box
+:image:hardwaremod:c64c_case_sx_top_wl_001_cropped.jpg Commodore 64-SX styled 64C case
+</gallery>
+====== 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://c64os.com/post/nescontrollermod|Detailed explanation about how to do it]]
+  * [[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rewiring+nes+controller+for+c64|Several You-tuber's addressed this topic]]
+====== Esthetic modding: putting new device in retro case ======
+===== The Gamepad 1378 =====
+[[https://www.facebook.com/groups/1249159557042604/permalink/1273288941296332/|FB post about this]]
+Putting the internals of the [[https://atari.com/products/cx78-gamepad-emea|Atari CX78+]] inside a custom 3D printed shell to create 'The Gamepad 1378'
+  * https://makerworld.com/en/models/2238460
+{{tag>mods hardware "esthetic mods"}}