GREAT stuff- here i am YEARS later, still using FB64 to surf directories on my many SD2IECs, and have jiffydos as well never knowing the commands or power to change directories and make them etc. yes i do have printouts for jiffydos, but watching this is so much more informative.
The U64/UII+ are starting to close the gap with the sd2iec with the recent introduction of the hyperspeed kernal and software IEC device. I cover this a bit in my Ultimate II+ video and there have been some updates since then. Hopefully someday it will be as well-supported (or better) than the sd2iec as it's REU fast!
I just recently bought parts to build an SD2IEC. Planning to internally-mount it in my 64C and probably add in JiffyDos later. Haven't done much with my current 64s since I got em but thinking this will be a good way to have some fun with 'em without having to deal with my (possibly not working) 1541
Nice, sounds like a fun project. As you can see, I'm a huge fan of the sd2iec. Obviously mine is off-the-shelf, but I did build the pi1541 hat which was a fun little project.
So all I need to do is install the JiffyDOS ROM chip in the Commodore? The SDIC already supports it from detection? Nothing else extra to install? I was looking to play lots of the commercially available games I can download from the archive site. Will all of those run on the SDIC? I don’t remember any copy protection being present on those games.
Correct, all you need is the replacement Kernal for the C64 if you plan to use an SD2IEC. You only need additional chips if you want to upgrade a 1541/1571/1581 disk drive, for example. There are games collections (>1500 titles) specifically tested and laid out for use with the SD2IEC. You can use any software that doesn't rely on copy protection (which includes most modern game releases) or that has a cracked version available (which is just about every classic release).
@@retrobitstv thank you for your insightful response! I’m relatively new to the Commodore 64 scene. My younger brother once owned a new Commodore C64C, I was/still am a loyal Tandy CoCo fan. The Commodore C64C was what the CoCo 3 should have and could have been. I always defended my CoCo machines, but I secretly knew the Commodore C64C was the better machine hardware wise. For the past few months, I began viewing many TH-camrs who had Commodore C64’s and all the things they have been doing with them recently. That eventually convinced me to get my own Commodore 64 computer. But I wanted one brand new, that I could build myself, but also more reliable. After much research, I eventually decided on the C64 Reloaded MK2 computer, put out by Individual Computers. I’ll get the black Commodore Case and the other accessories they sell. I’m looking to order one late next week. I already have all the required used chips I need, including the 8580 SID and BackSID. I already have the 8K ROMS downloaded to my PC, except JiffyDOS. I’m looking to get the SDIC product you mentioned on your video soon. I found a used working keyboard on EBay I will get. I have a few different ideas for the VGA Monitor converter to buy. But I don’t know what size/type S-Video Jack the C64 Reloaded MK2 uses, or what exact cables I need. Will have to figure it out after it arrives. However, I was thinking about starting a new Commodore 64 TH-cam channel, and join the many of you already on here.
I don't own a SD2IEC, but I do own a 1541 Ultimate 2. As such, I'd like to offer a small bit of info about using the 1541 Ultimate 2's virtual drive. Since the last few firmware updates of the 1541 Ultimate 2, it is actually possible to directly access the filesystem on the sd card/usb slot of the 1541U2 through a virtual drive (device 10 on the C64). It's not yet Jiffydos compatible and is definitely clunkier to use than what you've shown in this videos (changing directories is done using the command channel), but you can load and save programs and use the directory structure on the card. On a side note, the 1541U has always supported DMA loading single files into the C64's memory very quickly. Again, not comparable to the SD2IEC's easy of use, but it is mighty convenient if you want to quickly load a one-file program. Anyway, great channel - I've been enjoying the videos here quite a bit :)
Thanks for the feedback and sharing about the virtual drive! I have not played around with that feature yet. I love the Ultimate II+ and will definitely be doing an episode (or two) on it in the future. Gideon more or less announced that the virtual drive is going to be getting serious future attention at the CRX2020 show a couple weeks ago so I'm really looking forward to see what that entails!
You’ve earned my sub, thank you! Wish I’d of found you sooner- I ordered JiffyDOS and the RETRO Innovations uEIC/SD-DD deluxe; can you reply it make a video talking about this combo? And/or comparing them to other options? I really like the RETRO Inno GUY, but did I mess up? Thanks for your videos!
Welcome aboard! Jim Brain from go4retro.com is as legit as you can get, so no worries about having messed up. I haven't used the uIEC myself, but it's based on the higher end hardware so you should have all the features and upgradability the firmware can offer.
I can't even get the damn thing to power up. I connected everything, formatted the microSD in fat32, loaded the SD2IEC as the only device (device 8 if I remember correctly) and loading the device just hangs. The LCD screen doesn't even light up when I attempt to load the files off the microSD. What am I doing wrong?
Could be a manufacturing defect, or maybe it's getting bad power? Try supplying it (assuming yours is like mine) with an external power brick, +5VDC center positive.
@@retrobitstv I ahem.... I had the thing plugged in upside down. :| Soon as I flipped it over, it worked 100% fine. Yes I am a stupid man. Guess I got sloppy with modern day dummy plugs only going in one way.
I haven't used one myself, but the combination of Epyx Fastload and SD2IEC should give you good performance and there is a DOS wedge built in so it should make navigating the filesystem easy enough. I haven't tried it myself though so YMMV!
Ugh... I get that the hardware is open source and all, but I wish all the disparate devices didn't market themselves under the same name. After seeing this in one of your other videos, I tried searching for it, but all I got were links to that one that looks like a Barbie doll sized 1541. Thank goodness this video was in the recommendations sidebar.
The one shown is a 2018 model from NC Systems www.ncsystems.eu - If you Google "2019 sd2iec lcd" they tend to show up for about half the price but I cannot vouch for any of the vendors; some look pretty sketchy.
The one shown in the video is a 2018 model from NC Systems www.ncsystems.eu . The latest model seems to have moved the reset button away from the disk swap buttons but appears otherwise the same. They appear on eBay and Amazon from time to time as well.
I would stick with trusted vendors such as www.thefuturewas8bit.com/ store.go4retro.com/ www.ncsystems.eu/en/ or the like. Note: I am not sponsored by or endorsing any company or product over the other here!
@@seekyou Yep, that's all there is to it! With DirMaster, you can drag and drop files into your new DNP from other disk images or straight from your PC and reorder them too. Then on your C64, it mounts up just like a .d64.
Funny you should mention that, because such a thing does exist. I haven't tried it myself but the project is open source: www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/_DIY__SD2iEC___EPYX_FAST_LOAD_CARTRIDGE_FOR_COMMODORE_64.html
Hrm, I didn't have to do anything special to get it to work. :/ I've heard from other people who had similar issues with their sd2iec that trying a different, freshly formatted sdcard solved their problems.
Finally I have found the holy grail of what the SD2IEC actually is, and how to do it. Fantastic video! Thanks!
This channel deserves more subscribers. Glad I found you. Nice video!
Thanks!
GREAT stuff- here i am YEARS later, still using FB64 to surf directories on my many SD2IECs, and have jiffydos as well never knowing the commands or power to change directories and make them etc. yes i do have printouts for jiffydos, but watching this is so much more informative.
This channel is awesome! Rock on!
Thanks for your support!
Good review! I rarely use copy protected software so this is an excellent solution. Thank you!
I ordered a Jiffydos kit for my C128 and my 1541, just to be able to switch between images without the basic program on the sd2iec
Nice over view, learned a few DOS commands I wasn't familiar with. I really must get sorted with JiffyDOS.
Thanks for the informative video. :-)
NP. Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this video. Now I know why Ultimate 64 (even with J.D. ) is so slow loading from the built-in drive emulation.
The U64/UII+ are starting to close the gap with the sd2iec with the recent introduction of the hyperspeed kernal and software IEC device. I cover this a bit in my Ultimate II+ video and there have been some updates since then. Hopefully someday it will be as well-supported (or better) than the sd2iec as it's REU fast!
I just recently bought parts to build an SD2IEC. Planning to internally-mount it in my 64C and probably add in JiffyDos later. Haven't done much with my current 64s since I got em but thinking this will be a good way to have some fun with 'em without having to deal with my (possibly not working) 1541
Nice, sounds like a fun project. As you can see, I'm a huge fan of the sd2iec. Obviously mine is off-the-shelf, but I did build the pi1541 hat which was a fun little project.
So all I need to do is install the JiffyDOS ROM chip in the Commodore? The SDIC already supports it from detection? Nothing else extra to install?
I was looking to play lots of the commercially available games I can download from the archive site. Will all of those run on the SDIC? I don’t remember any copy protection being present on those games.
Correct, all you need is the replacement Kernal for the C64 if you plan to use an SD2IEC. You only need additional chips if you want to upgrade a 1541/1571/1581 disk drive, for example. There are games collections (>1500 titles) specifically tested and laid out for use with the SD2IEC. You can use any software that doesn't rely on copy protection (which includes most modern game releases) or that has a cracked version available (which is just about every classic release).
@@retrobitstv thank you for your insightful response! I’m relatively new to the Commodore 64 scene. My younger brother once owned a new Commodore C64C, I was/still am a loyal Tandy CoCo fan.
The Commodore C64C was what the CoCo 3 should have and could have been. I always defended my CoCo machines, but I secretly knew the Commodore C64C was the better machine hardware wise.
For the past few months, I began viewing many TH-camrs who had Commodore C64’s and all the things they have been doing with them recently.
That eventually convinced me to get my own Commodore 64 computer. But I wanted one brand new, that I could build myself, but also more reliable.
After much research, I eventually decided on the C64 Reloaded MK2 computer, put out by Individual Computers. I’ll get the black Commodore Case and the other accessories they sell.
I’m looking to order one late next week.
I already have all the required used chips I need, including the 8580 SID and BackSID.
I already have the 8K ROMS downloaded to my PC, except JiffyDOS.
I’m looking to get the SDIC product you mentioned on your video soon.
I found a used working keyboard on EBay I will get.
I have a few different ideas for the VGA Monitor converter to buy. But I don’t know what size/type S-Video Jack the C64 Reloaded MK2 uses, or what exact cables I need. Will have to figure it out after it arrives.
However, I was thinking about starting a new Commodore 64 TH-cam channel, and join the many of you already on here.
I don't own a SD2IEC, but I do own a 1541 Ultimate 2.
As such, I'd like to offer a small bit of info about using the 1541 Ultimate 2's virtual drive. Since the last few firmware updates of the 1541 Ultimate 2, it is actually possible to directly access the filesystem on the sd card/usb slot of the 1541U2 through a virtual drive (device 10 on the C64). It's not yet Jiffydos compatible and is definitely clunkier to use than what you've shown in this videos (changing directories is done using the command channel), but you can load and save programs and use the directory structure on the card.
On a side note, the 1541U has always supported DMA loading single files into the C64's memory very quickly. Again, not comparable to the SD2IEC's easy of use, but it is mighty convenient if you want to quickly load a one-file program.
Anyway, great channel - I've been enjoying the videos here quite a bit :)
Thanks for the feedback and sharing about the virtual drive! I have not played around with that feature yet. I love the Ultimate II+ and will definitely be doing an episode (or two) on it in the future. Gideon more or less announced that the virtual drive is going to be getting serious future attention at the CRX2020 show a couple weeks ago so I'm really looking forward to see what that entails!
I would really be keen to see a comparison between the SD2IEC and a tapecart sd, what their best use cases are and compatibility.
Honestly I have no experience with loading 64 software from tape, but that could be a fun exercise. I'll keep my eyes open, thanks!
The TapeCart SD is best suited to single file programs on computers without JiffyDOS. No disk emulation, no tape emulation, that's it!
Since you are setting up to do a comparison between options in a future episode might I suggest you add the BackBit to your list?
I'll add it to the list! I haven't used one yet, but it seems like a neat device.
I have a c128 and the sd2iec and a kung fu flash don't work at all in c128 mode and iffy under c64 mode
Does this Not working on a c128?, I was considering buying one for my c128, also, where to buy in the zuSA?
You’ve earned my sub, thank you! Wish I’d of found you sooner- I ordered JiffyDOS and the RETRO Innovations uEIC/SD-DD deluxe; can you reply it make a video talking about this combo? And/or comparing them to other options? I really like the RETRO Inno GUY, but did I mess up? Thanks for your videos!
Welcome aboard! Jim Brain from go4retro.com is as legit as you can get, so no worries about having messed up. I haven't used the uIEC myself, but it's based on the higher end hardware so you should have all the features and upgradability the firmware can offer.
I can't even get the damn thing to power up. I connected everything, formatted the microSD in fat32, loaded the SD2IEC as the only device (device 8 if I remember correctly) and loading the device just hangs. The LCD screen doesn't even light up when I attempt to load the files off the microSD. What am I doing wrong?
Could be a manufacturing defect, or maybe it's getting bad power? Try supplying it (assuming yours is like mine) with an external power brick, +5VDC center positive.
@@retrobitstv I ahem.... I had the thing plugged in upside down. :| Soon as I flipped it over, it worked 100% fine. Yes I am a stupid man. Guess I got sloppy with modern day dummy plugs only going in one way.
@@Trollioli Haha don't feel too bad, I've made the same mistake with the tape interface board :)
RISE
Where to buy?
what do you think of the SD2IEC with built in fastload?
I haven't used one myself, but the combination of Epyx Fastload and SD2IEC should give you good performance and there is a DOS wedge built in so it should make navigating the filesystem easy enough. I haven't tried it myself though so YMMV!
@@retrobitstv there are ones being sold with built in fastload and others that come with a fastload cartridge, isn't there
@@retrobitstv also how do you run jiffydos? Are there SD2IECs with it built in?
Ugh... I get that the hardware is open source and all, but I wish all the disparate devices didn't market themselves under the same name. After seeing this in one of your other videos, I tried searching for it, but all I got were links to that one that looks like a Barbie doll sized 1541. Thank goodness this video was in the recommendations sidebar.
link to where to buy same sd2iec as shown?
The one shown is a 2018 model from NC Systems www.ncsystems.eu - If you Google "2019 sd2iec lcd" they tend to show up for about half the price but I cannot vouch for any of the vendors; some look pretty sketchy.
@@retrobitstv why do you need one with an LCD on? Don't they have a screen based menu anyway?
Hello, Where did you get this particular sd2iec?
The one shown in the video is a 2018 model from NC Systems www.ncsystems.eu . The latest model seems to have moved the reset button away from the disk swap buttons but appears otherwise the same. They appear on eBay and Amazon from time to time as well.
Where can I be sure to buy the real-thing ( and not a clone ) ?
I would stick with trusted vendors such as www.thefuturewas8bit.com/ store.go4retro.com/ www.ncsystems.eu/en/ or the like. Note: I am not sponsored by or endorsing any company or product over the other here!
There is no such thing. This is open source (GPL2) project. So just buy the cheapest one that has all the features that you like.
Yeah I tried that auto swap thing never worked for me but my the c64 may be more modern but mulii disks work better on that system
where do i buy the one in the video?
The sd2iec shown in the video is an older model of the one sold here: www.ncsystems.eu/en/
I now have one of these sd2iec devices, it runs well, but is slow as hell. do you have an idea why?
Do you have a fastload cart or JiffyDos ROMs? Without one of those, the sd2iec will only be marginally faster than a floppy drive.
How is it possible to create the 16MB CMD partition?
I use a program called DirMaster for Windows. It can create and edit all of the common Commodore disk image types including DNP.
@@retrobitstv thanks man! it is not easy to find info about the sd2iec
@@retrobitstv so I just need to create the image on the card and then mount it with on my commie? don't need to do anything on the cf before? thnks
@@seekyou Yep, that's all there is to it! With DirMaster, you can drag and drop files into your new DNP from other disk images or straight from your PC and reorder them too. Then on your C64, it mounts up just like a .d64.
So what about Fast Load and Sd2iec in the same cartridge?
Funny you should mention that, because such a thing does exist. I haven't tried it myself but the project is open source: www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/_DIY__SD2iEC___EPYX_FAST_LOAD_CARTRIDGE_FOR_COMMODORE_64.html
@@retrobitstv I saw this once thanks for finding it for me
What is the cost do this device and where can I buy one? Thank you in advance!
The sd2iec shown in the video is an older model of the one sold here: www.ncsystems.eu/en/
Sdbrowse.....installation...found it on cdsb but can’t get it installed to work on sd card
Hrm, I didn't have to do anything special to get it to work. :/ I've heard from other people who had similar issues with their sd2iec that trying a different, freshly formatted sdcard solved their problems.
You got some hairy hands, boi!!