***** Thanks man! I plan to do a more in depth video of the 1541 Ultimate in the future. Specifically with regards to the Fast Loader carts feature. I didn't really touch on it and how to take advantage of it when using the 1541 Ultimate.
Ok wait, so what is the cassette adapter wire for? If you want to play games that WERE previously on cassette that you have loaded onto your Ultima cartridge? I didn’t quite gt it. And I suppose there’s no way to play another cartridge game simultaneously while using the Ultima II at the same time is there. Although, I don’t know off the top of my head if there would be any benefit to.
Todd, thanks for this in-depth video. I have a question about your XRGB-2 setup. I'm about to get my first PAL C-64 and want to connect it to my NTSC 1084S and maybe graduate to a VGA monitor later, so I need 15Khz RGB out initially. XRGB-2's are getting tough to find but there are some XRGB-3's still on the market. However it doesn't look like the XRGB-3 will handle PAL S-Video well, it will output without color. Are you using S-video input on your XRGB-2 from the C-64 or are you converting from S-Video to RGB upstream?
I am using S-video from my PAL C64 (and PAL Amiga CD32) into my XRGB2. The XRGB2 has no problem with PAL or NTSC on the composite or S-video inputs. It also handles 50 or 60Hz RGB input no problem either. I plan sometime later this year to do a full video review on the XRGB2 unit as I think it's really a forgotten gem for both consoles and retro computer enthusiasts. Also, I would be cautious with using a PAL C64 on a NTSC 1084 monitor. Whilst the 1084 has no problem with the 50Hz RGB output from PAL consoles/computers, I am 99% sure it will not display PAL composite or s-video correctly. I believe it either displays in black and white or a rolling screen. Maybe both. If you want a single CRT solution (with no upscaler involved) for both PAL and NTSC sources for composite, s-video and RGB, I would suggest looking for a broadcast monitor like a Sony PVM. I have several of them and they are fantastic. You can usually find them on Craigslist and ebay pretty easily. Just google for the model number and verify via its manual that it supports everything that you need input wise. Most handle PAL no problem, but not all. Hope this helps!
pretty interesting CRT monitor, look like on for pc, how do you manage to connect c64 to it ? also interesting that it doesnt flashes like CRT's ued to when recorded with camera, is it also so stable in real life ?
That looks to be the "ultimate" solution for using C64 today. The new (and only one you are able to order now) version has just arrived (Ultimate 2+). But 150€... With a price like that, it's going to be a really hard sell for me. Don't take me wrong, I know it must have been a hard work to built, keep updates coming and there really are magnificent features (and it looks beautiful)... Maybe I will turn my eyes into something cheaper (SD2IEC goes for 30-40 euros. Well I actually just ordered an Fastload disk & SD2IEC Turbo loader cartridge for under 26 euros. And yes, you do need a SD2IEC on top of that) and you can find almost everything working on it. But I have to say, that's a wonderful hardware anyway... Expensive but wonderful :)
A few weeks ago I even drove 800 km across Germany for this module and even paid 270 for this module. Why? Because the seller knew how long you have to wait for this module until new parts are produced. Well, and I really wanted this module. Despite the increased price, the module is worth every cent.
I've mentioned it in the comments before and have another video about it. But yeah, it's a Micomsoft XRGB-2 upscan converter. It takes regular 15khz video via either RGB, composite or s-video and upscan converts it to 31khz for use with regular PC crt or lcd monitors. Works brilliantly. Support both NTSC and PAL signals.
Hi again, Just bought one of these, but troubles getting it to work - but was wondering if it should be able to display the on screen menu without any input signals ? (also any idea if it might be a problem that I'm in Europe - 50Hz) ?.....any info on the topic would be appreciated, thnx. :)
You bought an XRGB2 and having troubles with it? Yes it should be able to display an on screen menu even with no input. It will typically say RGB or S or Video in the corner depending on the input. Did the seller say it was working? Something else to kind in mind, the RGB port on the front of it is actually wired for Japanese JP21 rather than Euro Scart. If you plug a regular Euro scart lead into it it will damage the unit. You can buy adapter cables to convert Euro scart to JP21 so that you can safely plugin RGB Euro scart cables.
robivy64 There are actually a couple different disk emulators for the C64. The cheap option is a SD2IEC. But since it doesn't fully emulate the disk drive mechanism it isn't anywhere close to 100% compatible. The 2 best options are the 1541 Ultimate II and the Turbo Chameleon 64. Both are FPGA based units that emulate all the 1541 disk drive hardware.
Great review, thank you very much, Todd. Too bad that the guy is having problems with the website and probably does not take new orders now :-( I hope he will be back soon.
+Todd Gill No worries, it's back up :) And thanks for the review. Another thing that's cool about this cartridge is that the software is open source, including the VHDL code for the FPGA that defines the hardware, so you can actually make it do anything conceivable if you want to hack a bit.
The 1541 Ultimate series is more compatible since they fully emulate the 1541 disk drive. Which means more games and especially more demos will run on it versus the SD2IEC. Plus the 1541U has networking ability, REU support, a SID player, option for several different fast loaders and, in my opinion, a better interface for selecting and playing games, demos and music. But it costs quite a lot more. So you have to weigh whats important to you.
In addition to the SD card, you have the option of a USB thumbdrive or a hard drive! I use a 16GB thumbdrive and swap it out with a 3.5" USB 2.0 80GB portable hard drive. The 1541U-II only recognizes 16GB at a time so I have my hard drive partitioned with 16GB partitions! More storage than I will ever need! Also, don't forget that the 1541U-II also has cartridge emulation built into it such as Final Cartridge III, etc. So, I definitely think it's quite an upgrade from the SD2IEC.
So I'd have to seek out a Pal Monitor as well, or will NTSC Monitors handle 50hz? I'm also guessing you are using a step down converter for the power supply?
You will need a monitor capable of 50hz. Most NTSC monitors will not sync to it. However most Sony PVM monitors will sync to both NTSC and PAL signals. I have a Ray Carlsen power supply for my C64.
Todd, I just now discovered this and I want to thank you for the great instruction video! Very informative on the basic operations of the 1541U-II.
You are very welcome!
awesome vid Todd. yeah i need one of these, think im gonna order one.
video looks awesome too. great stuff. keep them coming
***** Thanks man! I plan to do a more in depth video of the 1541 Ultimate in the future. Specifically with regards to the Fast Loader carts feature. I didn't really touch on it and how to take advantage of it when using the 1541 Ultimate.
Ok wait, so what is the cassette adapter wire for? If you want to play games that WERE previously on cassette that you have loaded onto your Ultima cartridge? I didn’t quite gt it. And I suppose there’s no way to play another cartridge game simultaneously while using the Ultima II at the same time is there. Although, I don’t know off the top of my head if there would be any benefit to.
How did you get the video signal onto the CRT monitor? Do you have a video for this, or what do you use for it?
Thanks for an answer.
What if you have a printer on the serial bus?
where do you find the extras. tape cable and especially the lan adapater. Also. How much are they and is internet implemented yet? thanks
Had a good laugh when you flashed the horns! :)
Thanks learned a bunch from your video :)
Todd, thanks for this in-depth video. I have a question about your XRGB-2 setup. I'm about to get my first PAL C-64 and want to connect it to my NTSC 1084S and maybe graduate to a VGA monitor later, so I need 15Khz RGB out initially. XRGB-2's are getting tough to find but there are some XRGB-3's still on the market. However it doesn't look like the XRGB-3 will handle PAL S-Video well, it will output without color. Are you using S-video input on your XRGB-2 from the C-64 or are you converting from S-Video to RGB upstream?
I am using S-video from my PAL C64 (and PAL Amiga CD32) into my XRGB2. The XRGB2 has no problem with PAL or NTSC on the composite or S-video inputs. It also handles 50 or 60Hz RGB input no problem either. I plan sometime later this year to do a full video review on the XRGB2 unit as I think it's really a forgotten gem for both consoles and retro computer enthusiasts.
Also, I would be cautious with using a PAL C64 on a NTSC 1084 monitor. Whilst the 1084 has no problem with the 50Hz RGB output from PAL consoles/computers, I am 99% sure it will not display PAL composite or s-video correctly. I believe it either displays in black and white or a rolling screen. Maybe both.
If you want a single CRT solution (with no upscaler involved) for both PAL and NTSC sources for composite, s-video and RGB, I would suggest looking for a broadcast monitor like a Sony PVM. I have several of them and they are fantastic. You can usually find them on Craigslist and ebay pretty easily. Just google for the model number and verify via its manual that it supports everything that you need input wise. Most handle PAL no problem, but not all.
Hope this helps!
pretty interesting CRT monitor, look like on for pc, how do you manage to connect c64 to it ? also interesting that it doesnt flashes like CRT's ued to when recorded with camera, is it also so stable in real life ?
waskoma it's a regular Pc monitor attached to a XRGB 2 video scaler. It's great for classic consoles and computers.
Do you get flicker (50hz) on your combination XRGB+Sony monitor? I am thinking ordering couple for my Amigas.
Yeah, you still get the 50Hz flicker. However, to my eyes, it's not as noticeable as the flicker on a regular CRT monitor like a 1084.
That looks to be the "ultimate" solution for using C64 today. The new (and only one you are able to order now) version has just arrived (Ultimate 2+). But 150€... With a price like that, it's going to be a really hard sell for me. Don't take me wrong, I know it must have been a hard work to built, keep updates coming and there really are magnificent features (and it looks beautiful)... Maybe I will turn my eyes into something cheaper (SD2IEC goes for 30-40 euros. Well I actually just ordered an Fastload disk & SD2IEC Turbo loader cartridge for under 26 euros. And yes, you do need a SD2IEC on top of that) and you can find almost everything working on it. But I have to say, that's a wonderful hardware anyway... Expensive but wonderful :)
A few weeks ago I even drove 800 km across Germany for this module and even paid 270 for this module. Why? Because the seller knew how long you have to wait for this module until new parts are produced. Well, and I really wanted this module. Despite the increased price, the module is worth every cent.
Hi, there isn't the possibility to use it in standalone mode?
Thanks for being so thorough! BTW do you have a converter to run the C64 on that monitor (it looks like a VGA).
I've mentioned it in the comments before and have another video about it. But yeah, it's a Micomsoft XRGB-2 upscan converter. It takes regular 15khz video via either RGB, composite or s-video and upscan converts it to 31khz for use with regular PC crt or lcd monitors. Works brilliantly. Support both NTSC and PAL signals.
thanks Todd sorry for making your repeat yourself. I appreciate your help/patience.
No worries.I get asked every few months about it.
you have got a very nice SID pack. where can I download this?
kormoskandur it's the HVSC - High Voltage Sid Collection www.hvsc.c64.org/
one question: all the games, music & other programs comes with the Ultimate II or you have to download one by one?
No, it doesn't come with any games or programs. You would need to download them and then copy them to your sd card or usb thumbdrive.
What's the model name of the thing you used to hook the C64 up to the VGA Screen ?
Xrgb2
thnx:)
+maws77 it's made by Micomsoft of Japan.
Hi again,
Just bought one of these, but troubles getting it to work - but was wondering if it should be able to display the on screen menu without any input signals ? (also any idea if it might be a problem that I'm in Europe - 50Hz) ?.....any info on the topic would be appreciated, thnx. :)
You bought an XRGB2 and having troubles with it? Yes it should be able to display an on screen menu even with no input. It will typically say RGB or S or Video in the corner depending on the input.
Did the seller say it was working?
Something else to kind in mind, the RGB port on the front of it is actually wired for Japanese JP21 rather than Euro Scart. If you plug a regular Euro scart lead into it it will damage the unit. You can buy adapter cables to convert Euro scart to JP21 so that you can safely plugin RGB Euro scart cables.
Holy crap, I had no idea this thing existed... the clunky FDDs are the only reason why I don't own a C64
robivy64 There are actually a couple different disk emulators for the C64. The cheap option is a SD2IEC. But since it doesn't fully emulate the disk drive mechanism it isn't anywhere close to 100% compatible. The 2 best options are the 1541 Ultimate II and the Turbo Chameleon 64. Both are FPGA based units that emulate all the 1541 disk drive hardware.
Great review, thank you very much, Todd.
Too bad that the guy is having problems with the website and probably does not take new orders now :-(
I hope he will be back soon.
+Tomas Valenta Yeah I noticed his site was offline. i too hope it comes back up as it's a great product for C64 owners.
+Todd Gill No worries, it's back up :) And thanks for the review. Another thing that's cool about this cartridge is that the software is open source, including the VHDL code for the FPGA that defines the hardware, so you can actually make it do anything conceivable if you want to hack a bit.
What speakers are those on your desk?
+TFTDSGuy They are JBL LSR305 studio monitors. They are awesome powered speakers for the money.
Much more expensive than the SD2IEC. Whats the difference?
The 1541 Ultimate series is more compatible since they fully emulate the 1541 disk drive. Which means more games and especially more demos will run on it versus the SD2IEC. Plus the 1541U has networking ability, REU support, a SID player, option for several different fast loaders and, in my opinion, a better interface for selecting and playing games, demos and music. But it costs quite a lot more. So you have to weigh whats important to you.
Todd's Nerd Cave I'm on the fence but it's nice we have choices. thanks for your response and upload
In addition to the SD card, you have the option of a USB thumbdrive or a hard drive! I use a 16GB thumbdrive and swap it out with a 3.5" USB 2.0 80GB portable hard drive. The 1541U-II only recognizes 16GB at a time so I have my hard drive partitioned with 16GB partitions! More storage than I will ever need! Also, don't forget that the 1541U-II also has cartridge emulation built into it such as Final Cartridge III, etc. So, I definitely think it's quite an upgrade from the SD2IEC.
thank you so much. A++++++
So convenient
I was going to like the video. But "64" likes look just perfect.
100th like :D Congrats
Jesus Christiano :)
Nice!!!
Why do you own a Pal C64?
Because all the of the good stuff is PAL. All the demoscene productions plus most of the game images online that you can download are PAL as well.
So I'd have to seek out a Pal Monitor as well, or will NTSC Monitors handle 50hz?
I'm also guessing you are using a step down converter for the power supply?
You will need a monitor capable of 50hz. Most NTSC monitors will not sync to it. However most Sony PVM monitors will sync to both NTSC and PAL signals.
I have a Ray Carlsen power supply for my C64.
"RF connector, no one's gonna use". I use it to connect C64 to my TV, it's a perfectly valid connector :D
+apinakapinastorba I did too...back in '86 lol.
Todd's Nerd Cave I like the authentic feeling I get when keeping the system all original like I got it as a kid ;D
+apinakapinastorba Haha I can respect that.
my C64 Looks amazing with my RF cable. Actually better than the video port.
Vic20 with tape drive! Slow