I'm using my C64C to teach my primary school kids programming the way I learned. I will pay almost anything for this. It's not just that it's a C64, it's that it's the 8 bit machine I always wanted. In fact, a couple of years ago I picked up FPGA development myself purely to do something similar, to make a modern 8bit computer, and see how far it could be pushed. I didn't realise this existed, and now I know, I my mind is ablaze with the possibilities. Thanks for doing this open-source. I think this will be insanely popular in the retro-computing community.
That's super to hear :) But you don't have to waste your FPGA programming skills, because it is open-source you can join in the fun of making the MEGA65!
This project is completely cool from a tinkerers perspective. Being able to play around "re-implementing" modules such as the video chip in VHDL and testing it out with the rest of the system will be awesome.
I can't get enough of the MEGA65 There was a game on 2600 called Megamania with falling objects so much fun. I hope to see what can done on this computer. GEOS is my happy place and you guys are fans!!!
Are there any plans to add support for a second fire button so that 'up' can be mapped to button 2 for platform games? That would be a nice feature, especially with 2 button controllers.
We have the potential to do such things, but it may require an adapter for those controllers, or a funny cartridge that has the gamepad connectors on it. All things we can look into when the machine is available.
Also if the project takes off, it would be really cool to see the "Mega65" branded cassette tape drive and the 5'25" floppy drive options as accessories!
@@MEGA65retro Considering currently there are literally no options for brand new external 5'25 and cassette drives, it sure would spark a demand. Don't take my word for it though, I am a cassette and floppy enthusiast, but surely there is a community out there (TH-cam, Twitter etc).
2 thoughts: 1. It would be interesting to see some state of the art c64 demos being run on the Mega, to see how it performs with all trickery involved. Preferrably the ones that push the c64 to its limits. 2. Will I be able to put two real 8580 SID chips into the final Mega to avoid emulation?
We will do this once we have the compatibility at a sufficient level. Note that we are aiming to reproduce the C65, and thus while we will offer good compatibility, perfect C64 compatibility is not necessarily the goal, as the C65 was not perfectly backward compatible. That said, we will of course be doing our best to make it as compatible as we can. As an open-source project, others are also welcome to help on this. Paul
This is compatible with COMMODORE C64?, I2C might be used to interface the COMMODORE MEGA65 to a PHILIPS DCC900 Digital Cassette Deck via the SPDIF IN and SPDIF OUT so that games can be saved and loaded digitally as a byte instead of serialy (a bit as a time)
It's where it is on the original C65 prototypes. Doesn't actually get in the way and is super easy to use after the first 5 minutes. Also, you don't need to keep swapping joysticks all the time, because there is a hardware swap setting in the freeze menu.
Can we see more of what’s possible in C65 mode? I think this product could really benefit (with its Ethernet port) from having a software download store. In this way developers could be incentivized to develop strong new C65 titles.... or is such a thing already part of your design .. idk.
Currently there isn't much native C65 software. We agree that having an easy way to download software would be great, and we are aiming to set something like that up, but don't have a time-frame yet. Currently (still) pulling my hair out trying to get to the bottom of HDMI audio problems.
MEGA65 : Thanks for answering and great to hear you’re planning a sort of download store (new C64 stuff is also still coming out) I would also think the system and platform as a whole could benefit if folks could stream their gaming sessions on twitch. Good luck debugging that audio!
On a C65 it would be a bit annoying, but on a MEGA65, it should be great. 100mbit ethernet (with interrupts!), 384KB main memory, 8MB expansion memory, ~500KB/sec SD card access, 40MHz processor, it should be a walk in the park.
No, to us an 8-bit machine shouldn't have or need USB: With SD card, 100mbit ethernet and real joystick ports built in, there isn't really the need. If someone desperately wants it, then it would be possible to design a USB cartridge (that could also work in a C64).
@@MEGA65retro thx for the info! imho USB would be a plus, but not a must. i'm looking forward to this project and i'm keen to have one of this machines in my hands somedays!
This is in principal possible, if someone ports the Amiga FPGA implementation. Also Spectrum, Apple2, VIC-20, C128 etc. We don't have time right now to do this, however.
What about the localisation options? Is it possible to get the strings for translation? What is the scope of the work involved (software-wise) to provide options for different keyboard layouts?
Have you considered a dedicated DB9 port for mouse on the back? Most people prefer to have mouse on the right side, besides it would be useful to have mouse and both joystick connected all the time - less switching of accessories = less port wear.
No space left on the back of the PCB, so unfortunately not so easy. It would be possible to easily make a joystick/mouse multiplexor to plug into the joy port to do the same job.
You can make one yourself! They are my own design, using parts easily available from Jaycar Electronics here in Australia: c65gs.blogspot.com/2017/12/building-joysticks.html
Very cool progress! I have a couple of questions: (1) can you make the ethernet port rr-net compatible (for ip65 support), (2) can you also add a user port for c64 peripherals?
(1) The RR-NET has the most horrible programming interface known to man due to squashing a PC 16-bit ISA interface onto an 8-bit bus with a chip that doesn't even do that properly. Given the relatively few titles that support ethernet on the C64, we think it better to offer a really nice and simple 100mbit ethernet interface, and then write software to match it, and help people patch the few existing titles.. For example, the packet buffer is memory mapped on the MEGA65, and it has working TX and RX interrupts. Driver code will likely be MUCH smaller, so patching in place should be possible. For (2) we have already explained on forum64.de that the production ready machines will have a hole for the user port, and provision to connect a userport expansion board. Adding to the mainboard is unfortunately too expensive, and would suck time that we don't have right now. But rest assured, enough of us all want a user-port that it will happen.
@@MEGA65retro Thanks for the replies! Regarding RR-Net, it is noteworthy that the IP65 cross-platform library supports it. Maybe you could talk to Oliver Schmidt about adding support for your ethernet implementation to IP65? And thx for the answer on (2). Will you give option for pre-orders soon??
@@8bit-dude yes, we intend to get support added to these various tools as time allows (but don't let that stop anyone who wants to do it in the meantime!). We'll let people know when we are ready for ordering.
There is already some software for the C64 that supports ethernet. Basically it is there to make it easier for data exchange with other machines, and for internet access (when someone ports one of the C64 browsers to support our network interface).
First question: As soon as we get it finished (and we are working hard!). Second Question: That requires YOU, the community to start having fun writiting for it.
Looks beautiful. Please tell me though that the production boards will have 2x SID sockets? I thought that was the plan originally? Not being able to install real SIDs on such a brilliant re-implementation of the C65 would be a huge disappointment.
@@MEGA65retro Thanks for the reply and clarification. Could you describe how they will interface with the board? Would it be via the Pmod connectors and if so, would the audio be routed to the board's 3.5mm jack? I'm guessing it is most likely that the expansion will only support the 8580 / 6582s? Exciting times!
The exact function of the board will be determined when it is created. But we are planning on the R3 PCB to have a header that allows the 3.5mm jack to be routed via the SID board. There is nothing stopping the board supporting 6581s in principle. We have 12V DC available on the PCB, so that isn't a problem.
The off-centre issue is in the VHDL and will be fixed when we have a moment to attack it. This week has been all about getting the new hardware working. The C64 screen is double-scaled so 640 of the 800 pixels wide. To make it wider would cause all manner of horrible scaling artefacts. Also, in real life, it feels quite true to using an original C64 on a TV.
I have an AR6 at home in Australlia that I will try, but no SS. I expect that they will nominally work, but the freeze and reset funktions most likely will not work. But this shouldn't be a problem, because the MEGA65 has a built in freezer that is heavily inspired by the AR6's freeze menu. There is a video showing this in the play list.
I did not know you could type DIR then take the cursor up to the line where the program you wanted to load is located then type LOAD and you are ready to go! I need to try this on a real C64
I just realized that due to the design of the C65 there is very little space around the cartport for larger cartridges (think Sound Expander). Even less space on the mega65 since you moved the power cable to the rear. I know this is non issue since I don't expect ~anyone to actually want to use a Sound Expander on the mega65. Btw, dare I say it looks MEGA sweet? ;)
We purposely avoided USB, as this is a real 8-bit computer through and through, and to us, it didn't feel right. Also, C64 joyticks are super simple to build at home: c65gs.blogspot.com/2017/12/building-joysticks.html
No, it is an implementation using FPGA. If we had enough money, we would be able to take the "program" for the FPGA and have it turned into a normal chip. As a result, using the machine feels totally real, and it can never "lag" or do other such weird things that emulators do. The video display is calculated in real-time pixel by pixel, just like on the original C64 or C65. The MEGA65 IS an 8-bit computer.
No need to worry! First, the reset button is hard to press accidentally in this way. I never had trouble with either my real C65 when I had it, or the MEGA65 since. Also, you don't need to swap joysticks around on the MEGA65, as you can go into the freeze menu, and switch ports in software.
First we get the initial version out. Then we can look at alternate keyboards. As GMK is our keyboard partner, we expect it will be quite feasible to get custom keycaps to support whatever layout you like, and can find or make a ROM to support.
That's because we are not yet ready for release, and as a volunteer project, we can't really predict the exact release date. If we had a rich sheik turn up and give us a mountain of cash, we could of course speed things up somewhat. So if you know any, please feel free to put us in touch ;)
Theoretically, yes, but we haven't actually tested it. In fact, our controller can in theory drive 2.88MB ED drives. We have a couple of the drives (but no media for them) here to test, when we get time.
Extremely awesome, but that joystick button is way too noisy, and in this demo it seems louder than the game. I think it would grate on my nerves and suck the fun out of the experience pretty fast. Maybe I'm just oversensitive to sound. If there is a quieter solution, I would pursue it. I know this is a year old. This is the first video I'm viewing on this channel, and my first look at this project, so maybe it's already been addressed. I'll end this long-winded ridiculous comment by saying GREAT JOB!
Howdy, the joystick is just my home made one. The MEGA65 takes standard C64/Amiga/Atari style D-SUB 9-pin joysticks, so you won't need to buy a joystick from us, but can just use an old one you have laying around, buy one from somewhere, or an adapter, or build one using quieter microswitches than the ones I used :)
Well, once we get the C65 core done, there is nothing stopping anyone from adapting it for C128. The MEGA65 is open-source software AND hardware, so you can do what you want with it!
With 2 SD card slots and a serial connector, the internal floppy seems a lot less important than it did back in the day - might be nicer to have one in a smaller case
This is a question that has come up a number of times. To us, a computer is not a C65 recreation if the case doesn't look the same. Also, having the internal drive for the drive noises really helps to complete the experience. So, yes, it is a bit of a vestigal appendix, but we think it adds to the charm!
To be honest, slowness of 80s era mediums is not the experience I miss - that’s why I mostly use SD2IEC with JiffyDOS Kernal nowadays... IMHO the floppy space would be better used for C128 numeric keyboard - but it’s of course your decision.
It is still in production. Pre-order is possible. "Orders are possible even if the stock level shows "0" and in the shopping cart the note "This item is currently out of stock, but can still be (pre)ordered. (0 of 1 available)." is issued."
There is the My64, Ultimate 64, The C64 mini, The C64 Maxi, c64 Reloaded and now the Mega65 and you can buy replacement mainboard PCBs as well! Is there any point in using an original C64 nowadays? just buy a brand new one!!
@@MEGA65retro but are they cherry? I'm asking because they are certainly the worth manufacturer of kb switches by now, quality and feel is pretty abismal. I personally think Kailh is best, but there's a few other good one. Did you thought about using hotswap switches connectors from Kailh? they would make the kb switches easily personnalisable.
They are Cherrys. They are hole-through soldered, so it would be possible for people to replace the switches on their keyboards, if desired. However, at this stage we plan to keep our lives simple, and only offer the one model of keyboard.
It's like the difference between a woman who really loves you vs a prostitute who says they love you, in real terms it seems the same but you know behind the scenes all is not correct. Real hardware wins every time. Peace.
DSUB and Ethernet are obsolete by now, and MEGA65 isn't finished yet. Leave only HDMI, go wireless and build standard Commodore VIDEO PORT and USER PORT please.
Erstmal ein grosses lob für euch Hardware und Software Entwickler aber gleichzeitig ein bisschen kritik: Der PREIS ,der Retro Hardware Hallo bitte aufwachen ! Warum der ganze Hardware Kitsch ? Da sehe ich das grosse aufwendige Gehäuse samt Keyboard samt antiken 3,5 " Floppy Laufwerk ... Wer braucht heutzutage sowas ? wo niemand mehr langsame Disketten = Floppy benutzt! wo eine PS/2 Keyboard nicht einmal 5 Euro kostet ! wo SD Karten mit 8 GB nicht einmal unter 10 Euros kosten ? Was soll dass ??? Ich weiß nicht was IHR glaubt heute Anno 2020 für einen REBUILD eines Prototypen verlangen zu können ? Siehe Nachbauten wie C= Maxi oder Mini C64 auch siehe GRATIS Emulatoren auf PC oder Android PCs Der Preis der Leistung ist gleich: Volks-Computer -Wo ist da der Mega C65? Niemand kauft euch 2020 einen MEGA für 200 Euro ab! In den 80ziger und 90ziger war der C64 so beliebt ,da er zum Taschengeld Preis verkauft worden ist und billiger war als ein besserer Amiga 500. Heute gibt es einen echten antiken C64 zum Strassenpreis unter 100 Euro! Hardware Leistung Mega 65-Wo ist die denn? Ist es jetzt ein bessere Amiga 1200? Ist ER eben nicht ! Dass gleiche gilt für einen echten Amiga 500 ,der auch als Strassen Preis für unter 200 Euro zu haben ist und um Leistungs - "Klassen" besser ist als ein antiker C64 oder dieser Mega C65. Also der Mega C65 ist doch ein kompletter Schuss in den Ofen. Die bessere Lösung wäre ein sehr billigen "Mini" Cube mit der Leistung "C65" zu machen! Ein super kleines Gerät mit 15 mal 15 cm Abmessungen. Wo alles was mit Grafik und Sound zu tunen hat in einen Chip kommt wie damals das preiswerte "DTV 64",wo der Entwickler vieles komplett falsch und benutzerunfreundlich gemacht hat. 640x400 VGA reichen komplett samt 3D BLITTER als Option! Ein kleines und billiges Gerät mit mehreren hunderte MHZ, da ein moderner Mircocontroller verbaut ist ,der sogar update fähig ist und mit einfacher Programmiersprache wie Python programmierbar ist. Bitte dann nur aber mit einfacher, mausgesteuerter GUI ala Linux Und ganz normale Standart Anschlüsse für alte PC Hardware die schon seit 20 Jahren vorhanden ist,aber samt HDMI,PS/2 und nicht zu vergessen bitte SD Karten Leser!
Der MEGA C65 ist ein FLOP Entwicklung Wie gesagt ihr macht euch zuviel überflüssige Arbeit. der C65 muss als billiger Volkscomputer heraus kommen. Samt GUI und SD Kartenleser Zu einen Super Preis z.b. 49,95 Euro als CUBE ala Game CUBE wo dann schon vorhanden Maus,Keyboard,Joypads PC Hardware angeschlossen werden kann um Retro Spiele spielen zu können,die von euere Online Seite herruntergeladen werden können. Neue Homebrew Spiele dürft ihr dann per Lizenz versehen!
Du meinst einen Himbeerkuchen? Gibt's beim Amazon als 4GB Model für €58,44. Sahne und Tasse Kaffee sind extra. Da liegst Du dann aber schon bei €109,99 inkl. Märchensteuer und Versand.
Very cool! I want one!
Nah the x16 is better
I'm using my C64C to teach my primary school kids programming the way I learned. I will pay almost anything for this. It's not just that it's a C64, it's that it's the 8 bit machine I always wanted. In fact, a couple of years ago I picked up FPGA development myself purely to do something similar, to make a modern 8bit computer, and see how far it could be pushed. I didn't realise this existed, and now I know, I my mind is ablaze with the possibilities. Thanks for doing this open-source. I think this will be insanely popular in the retro-computing community.
That's super to hear :) But you don't have to waste your FPGA programming skills, because it is open-source you can join in the fun of making the MEGA65!
Absolutely love the sound of that keyboard!
There's no substitute for good, mechanical key switches. I only buy mechanical now, and I'm much happier with my keyboards.
yeah mechanical keyboard rocks!
This is the best thing happening since I grown up....
This is the greatest thing I've ever seen,
PlayStation 5 my ass
This project is completely cool from a tinkerers perspective. Being able to play around "re-implementing" modules such as the video chip in VHDL and testing it out with the rest of the system will be awesome.
Great job Paul, the dream is coming true...
Absolutely wonderful. Seems 4:3 monitor is better than wide-screen for this machine.
I can't get enough of the MEGA65 There was a game on 2600 called Megamania with falling objects so much fun. I hope to see what can done on this computer. GEOS is my happy place and you guys are fans!!!
This is awesome! I look forward to buying one!
I pre-ordered today! Looking forward to it!!!
Awesome work. SID sounds nice and games were looking good. I wish you loaded Uridium though ;)
Are there any plans to add support for a second fire button so that 'up' can be mapped to button 2 for platform games? That would be a nice feature, especially with 2 button controllers.
We have the potential to do such things, but it may require an adapter for those controllers, or a funny cartridge that has the gamepad connectors on it. All things we can look into when the machine is available.
I can't wait for the final release of this
Can't wait for this to be released :) It looks brilliant.
This is what you get when you have a non-camera person do all the camera work. Watching is like being at sea in a storm!
Really superb work!
Also if the project takes off, it would be really cool to see the "Mega65" branded cassette tape drive and the 5'25" floppy drive options as accessories!
That would indeed be very cool :) We actually toyed for a while with coming up with a method to provide FPGA bitstream updates via cassette...
@@MEGA65retro Considering currently there are literally no options for brand new external 5'25 and cassette drives, it sure would spark a demand. Don't take my word for it though, I am a cassette and floppy enthusiast, but surely there is a community out there (TH-cam, Twitter etc).
wow awesome work! cant wait to get my hands on one !
2 thoughts: 1. It would be interesting to see some state of the art c64 demos being run on the Mega, to see how it performs with all trickery involved. Preferrably the ones that push the c64 to its limits. 2. Will I be able to put two real 8580 SID chips into the final Mega to avoid emulation?
We will do this once we have the compatibility at a sufficient level. Note that we are aiming to reproduce the C65, and thus while we will offer good compatibility, perfect C64 compatibility is not necessarily the goal, as the C65 was not perfectly backward compatible. That said, we will of course be doing our best to make it as compatible as we can. As an open-source project, others are also welcome to help on this. Paul
... regarding the SIDs, we will be offering an expansion board that will take real SIDs, but first goal is to get the MEGA65 itself out.
@@MEGA65retro Thanx for fast answer. I am looking forward to this machine.
Take my money and give me one when Ready. !!
This is compatible with COMMODORE C64?, I2C might be used to interface the COMMODORE MEGA65 to a PHILIPS DCC900 Digital Cassette Deck via the SPDIF IN and SPDIF OUT so that games can be saved and loaded digitally as a byte instead of serialy (a bit as a time)
Thumbs up for playing my favorite game "Commando"! 🙌
Wow, what a beauty! I guess I'll wait patiently till it becomes available... :)
Your joystick is really hardcore! Good to build up muscles :-)
he he :) As an adult, it feels like joysticks felt as a 10 year old back in the 80s.
Will the userport be compatible with the fischertechnik robot interface?
I would not want to have the reset button so close to the joy ports. Can't you move it to the rear?
It's where it is on the original C65 prototypes. Doesn't actually get in the way and is super easy to use after the first 5 minutes. Also, you don't need to keep swapping joysticks all the time, because there is a hardware swap setting in the freeze menu.
I really love this project, there is any place where i can buy this awesome stuff?
Not yet -- but we will be sure to let everyone know as soon as they can be ordered.
Can we see more of what’s possible in C65 mode?
I think this product could really benefit (with its Ethernet port) from having a software download store.
In this way developers could be incentivized to develop strong new C65 titles.... or is such a thing already part of your design .. idk.
Currently there isn't much native C65 software. We agree that having an easy way to download software would be great, and we are aiming to set something like that up, but don't have a time-frame yet. Currently (still) pulling my hair out trying to get to the bottom of HDMI audio problems.
MEGA65 : Thanks for answering and great to hear you’re planning a sort of download store (new C64 stuff is also still coming out)
I would also think the system and platform as a whole could benefit if folks could stream their gaming sessions on twitch.
Good luck debugging that audio!
How many 64k banks in c64 mode?
The new Sega sonic port requires 200k as Ram expansion.
Will the original Commodore printers work with the Mega65?
Great work guys. It looks amazing.
I noticed the display is skewed to the right a little. Is it just the monitor doing this or something in the video signal itself?
The horizontal offset is a software thing, and on our list to fix. It's just not on top of the list right now.
@@MEGA65retro Thanks.
Will it be possible to run a bbs on the c65? :)
On a C65 it would be a bit annoying, but on a MEGA65, it should be great. 100mbit ethernet (with interrupts!), 384KB main memory, 8MB expansion memory, ~500KB/sec SD card access, 40MHz processor, it should be a walk in the park.
would love one of these
fascinating project! - will there be USB support ?
No, to us an 8-bit machine shouldn't have or need USB: With SD card, 100mbit ethernet and real joystick ports built in, there isn't really the need. If someone desperately wants it, then it would be possible to design a USB cartridge (that could also work in a C64).
@@MEGA65retro thx for the info! imho USB would be a plus, but not a must.
i'm looking forward to this project and i'm keen to have one of this machines in my hands somedays!
Great work! Can't wait to get my hands on one! :-)
Let's have an MEGA65 emulating an Amiga as well :-)
This is in principal possible, if someone ports the Amiga FPGA implementation. Also Spectrum, Apple2, VIC-20, C128 etc. We don't have time right now to do this, however.
Just AWESOME ! this Cool project flashed me really (y)
What is the projected sale price of the Mega65?
We don't know exactly yet. But it will be cheaper than the DevKits.
Can I get one with Mehdi Ali's signature inside the case?
upside down for me, thanks!
What about the localisation options? Is it possible to get the strings for translation? What is the scope of the work involved (software-wise) to provide options for different keyboard layouts?
If you can find a German etc C65 ROM, it will just work. Then you just need some custom key-caps.
Have you considered a dedicated DB9 port for mouse on the back? Most people prefer to have mouse on the right side, besides it would be useful to have mouse and both joystick connected all the time - less switching of accessories = less port wear.
No space left on the back of the PCB, so unfortunately not so easy. It would be possible to easily make a joystick/mouse multiplexor to plug into the joy port to do the same job.
Looks great!
Slightly off-topic question: Where can I buy that cool joystick?
You can make one yourself! They are my own design, using parts easily available from Jaycar Electronics here in Australia: c65gs.blogspot.com/2017/12/building-joysticks.html
Very cool progress! I have a couple of questions: (1) can you make the ethernet port rr-net compatible (for ip65 support), (2) can you also add a user port for c64 peripherals?
(1) The RR-NET has the most horrible programming interface known to man due to squashing a PC 16-bit ISA interface onto an 8-bit bus with a chip that doesn't even do that properly. Given the relatively few titles that support ethernet on the C64, we think it better to offer a really nice and simple 100mbit ethernet interface, and then write software to match it, and help people patch the few existing titles.. For example, the packet buffer is memory mapped on the MEGA65, and it has working TX and RX interrupts. Driver code will likely be MUCH smaller, so patching in place should be possible.
For (2) we have already explained on forum64.de that the production ready machines will have a hole for the user port, and provision to connect a userport expansion board. Adding to the mainboard is unfortunately too expensive, and would suck time that we don't have right now. But rest assured, enough of us all want a user-port that it will happen.
@@MEGA65retro Thanks for the replies! Regarding RR-Net, it is noteworthy that the IP65 cross-platform library supports it. Maybe you could talk to Oliver Schmidt about adding support for your ethernet implementation to IP65?
And thx for the answer on (2).
Will you give option for pre-orders soon??
@@8bit-dude yes, we intend to get support added to these various tools as time allows (but don't let that stop anyone who wants to do it in the meantime!). We'll let people know when we are ready for ordering.
What is the Ethernet here good for? Genuinely curious, what would be the networking options for this machine?
There is already some software for the C64 that supports ethernet. Basically it is there to make it easier for data exchange with other machines, and for internet access (when someone ports one of the C64 browsers to support our network interface).
@@MEGA65retro Danke!
I'm curious where you're getting the cases and keyboards? Do you somehow have access to the original C65 case molds?
No, we have recreated it all from scratch. Read about the adventures at c65gs.blogspot.com.au
Wonderful project... but the C65 chipset is really emulated ? I didn't know that it was already documented and reverse engineered
Yes, we have been working on this for the past several years. And it is all open-source.
Is there a pre-order or kick starter for this? Would love to pick one up.
This is great and I want one 🦁 when do you plan to release? Will there be software developed specifically for the mega 65 😀😀
First question: As soon as we get it finished (and we are working hard!). Second Question: That requires YOU, the community to start having fun writiting for it.
Outstanding :-) Wish I was down your way :-) damn it Stuck in magic Sydney hehehehe Thanks for the awesome update Paul!
Does anybody know the name/brand of the joystick he is using?
It is one we made ourselves: c65gs.blogspot.com/2017/12/building-joysticks.html
Looks beautiful. Please tell me though that the production boards will have 2x SID sockets? I thought that was the plan originally? Not being able to install real SIDs on such a brilliant re-implementation of the C65 would be a huge disappointment.
Real SIDs will go on an expansion board and work flawlessly. Would have added crazy cost to make space on 6-layer PCB for them.
@@MEGA65retro Thanks for the reply and clarification. Could you describe how they will interface with the board? Would it be via the Pmod connectors and if so, would the audio be routed to the board's 3.5mm jack? I'm guessing it is most likely that the expansion will only support the 8580 / 6582s? Exciting times!
The exact function of the board will be determined when it is created. But we are planning on the R3 PCB to have a header that allows the 3.5mm jack to be routed via the SID board. There is nothing stopping the board supporting 6581s in principle. We have 12V DC available on the PCB, so that isn't a problem.
fantastic
Nice, but how come the 64 mode doesn't fill the screen better (and be centered)?
The off-centre issue is in the VHDL and will be fixed when we have a moment to attack it. This week has been all about getting the new hardware working. The C64 screen is double-scaled so 640 of the 800 pixels wide. To make it wider would cause all manner of horrible scaling artefacts. Also, in real life, it feels quite true to using an original C64 on a TV.
@@MEGA65retro why not use 1024x768 mode at 3x pixel mapping? Or 1280x768 for 16:9?
I can't wait.
Fantastic this is real class !
Do you have to provide your own 1.44 floppy drive?
No, we have bought a palette of floppy drives to fit in them.
get Mega64 to make the trailer for this when you guys complete it
So pretty awesome! I need that machine!!!!
OMFG ITS ALMOST HERE
I love it!!!
Will action reply or supersnap shot work on it?
I have an AR6 at home in Australlia that I will try, but no SS. I expect that they will nominally work, but the freeze and reset funktions most likely will not work. But this shouldn't be a problem, because the MEGA65 has a built in freezer that is heavily inspired by the AR6's freeze menu. There is a video showing this in the play list.
what is the model of the monitor? nec multisync ?
Yes, its an NEC multi-sync, but I don't recall the exact model, and it is 17,000km from me at the moment, so I can't just look.
When will it ship?
I did not know you could type DIR then take the cursor up to the line where the program you wanted to load is located then type LOAD and you are ready to go! I need to try this on a real C64
Is this going to be released?
Yes, we are working to get the DevKits available later in the year, all going well. Final machines early next year is the current plan.
I just realized that due to the design of the C65 there is very little space around the cartport for larger cartridges (think Sound Expander). Even less space on the mega65 since you moved the power cable to the rear. I know this is non issue since I don't expect ~anyone to actually want to use a Sound Expander on the mega65.
Btw, dare I say it looks MEGA sweet? ;)
Yes, it is more restricted than on the C64. The only cartridge of practical use we see a problem with so far is the MSSIAH, which we can accommodate.
@@MEGA65retro Right-o
IEEE-488 cart wouldn't fit either I guess? At least not the original Commodore one.
Just AWESOME !!!!! Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed !!!!!!!!
Looking epic. I'd possibly prefer a USB option to make finding joysticks easier, but looks bang on.
We purposely avoided USB, as this is a real 8-bit computer through and through, and to us, it didn't feel right. Also, C64 joyticks are super simple to build at home: c65gs.blogspot.com/2017/12/building-joysticks.html
So, this is not emulation, right?
No, it is an implementation using FPGA. If we had enough money, we would be able to take the "program" for the FPGA and have it turned into a normal chip. As a result, using the machine feels totally real, and it can never "lag" or do other such weird things that emulators do. The video display is calculated in real-time pixel by pixel, just like on the original C64 or C65. The MEGA65 IS an 8-bit computer.
Awesome. Good luck with your project!
Want one! Where do I have to throw my money ;-)
We will announce pre-ordering in the not too distant future, all going well.
*Are you keeping up with the Commodore? cause the Commodore is keeping up with you!*
Having Reset right next to the Joystick port is just going to greif users while trying to swap ports.
No need to worry! First, the reset button is hard to press accidentally in this way. I never had trouble with either my real C65 when I had it, or the MEGA65 since. Also, you don't need to swap joysticks around on the MEGA65, as you can go into the freeze menu, and switch ports in software.
I was more thinking about people swapping peripherals (joystic, gamepad, mouse, lightpen, paddles, etc.) than internal port mapping.
Are you considering AZERTY model ?
First we get the initial version out. Then we can look at alternate keyboards. As GMK is our keyboard partner, we expect it will be quite feasible to get custom keycaps to support whatever layout you like, and can find or make a ROM to support.
@@MEGA65retro Great, can't find any prices and release date on your website ?
That's because we are not yet ready for release, and as a volunteer project, we can't really predict the exact release date. If we had a rich sheik turn up and give us a mountain of cash, we could of course speed things up somewhat. So if you know any, please feel free to put us in touch ;)
When? Price?
As soon as we can. Current plan is DevKits at least available later in 2020. Prices as soon as we have it pinned down.
When is this going to be released???
As soon as we are able to.
Do you support HD disks?
Theoretically, yes, but we haven't actually tested it. In fact, our controller can in theory drive 2.88MB ED drives. We have a couple of the drives (but no media for them) here to test, when we get time.
Cool! Donated!
Thanks!
The yellow border is an eyesore
Extremely awesome, but that joystick button is way too noisy, and in this demo it seems louder than the game. I think it would grate on my nerves and suck the fun out of the experience pretty fast. Maybe I'm just oversensitive to sound. If there is a quieter solution, I would pursue it. I know this is a year old. This is the first video I'm viewing on this channel, and my first look at this project, so maybe it's already been addressed. I'll end this long-winded ridiculous comment by saying GREAT JOB!
Howdy, the joystick is just my home made one. The MEGA65 takes standard C64/Amiga/Atari style D-SUB 9-pin joysticks, so you won't need to buy a joystick from us, but can just use an old one you have laying around, buy one from somewhere, or an adapter, or build one using quieter microswitches than the ones I used :)
@@MEGA65retro Awesome. Thanks for the reply / info and good luck with your amazing work!
Wheres universal space CRT modulator! They stole my universal space CRT modulator!
Well nice. But why the hell noone makes a MEGA 128 ?
Well, once we get the C65 core done, there is nothing stopping anyone from adapting it for C128. The MEGA65 is open-source software AND hardware, so you can do what you want with it!
C65 was essentially an upgrade to both the C64 and the C128 lines.
With 2 SD card slots and a serial connector, the internal floppy seems a lot less important than it did back in the day - might be nicer to have one in a smaller case
This is a question that has come up a number of times. To us, a computer is not a C65 recreation if the case doesn't look the same. Also, having the internal drive for the drive noises really helps to complete the experience. So, yes, it is a bit of a vestigal appendix, but we think it adds to the charm!
To be honest, slowness of 80s era mediums is not the experience I miss - that’s why I mostly use SD2IEC with JiffyDOS Kernal nowadays... IMHO the floppy space would be better used for C128 numeric keyboard - but it’s of course your decision.
Hi. I need 2 .
Problem out of stock :(
It is still in production. Pre-order is possible.
"Orders are possible even if the stock level shows "0" and in the shopping cart the note "This item is currently out of stock, but can still be (pre)ordered. (0 of 1 available)." is issued."
There is the My64, Ultimate 64, The C64 mini, The C64 Maxi, c64 Reloaded and now the Mega65 and you can buy replacement mainboard PCBs as well! Is there any point in using an original C64 nowadays? just buy a brand new one!!
shame doesnt have s video so we can use it a on real 1701/02 monitor
It should be possible to make a cartridge or PMOD adapter to give S-Video out.
was soll den dieses edele teil mal kosten ? das wäre ein traum, als alter c64 fan..! alles gute und weiterso...dor krautrockt!er..
Please don't tell me these are Cherry MX Blue switches in this.
The lock keys are from memory the blues, so that they click, but the most of the keys are a quieter variety.
@@MEGA65retro but are they cherry? I'm asking because they are certainly the worth manufacturer of kb switches by now, quality and feel is pretty abismal. I personally think Kailh is best, but there's a few other good one. Did you thought about using hotswap switches connectors from Kailh? they would make the kb switches easily personnalisable.
They are Cherrys. They are hole-through soldered, so it would be possible for people to replace the switches on their keyboards, if desired. However, at this stage we plan to keep our lives simple, and only offer the one model of keyboard.
gimmy now
It's like the difference between a woman who really loves you vs a prostitute who says they love you, in real terms it seems the same but you know behind the scenes all is not correct. Real hardware wins every time. Peace.
DSUB and Ethernet are obsolete by now, and MEGA65 isn't finished yet. Leave only HDMI, go wireless and build standard Commodore VIDEO PORT and USER PORT please.
not at all! Leave DSUB and Ethernet there! And then, just if practical, add hdmi and original video & user port. Thanks!
Erstmal ein grosses lob für euch Hardware und Software Entwickler aber gleichzeitig ein bisschen kritik:
Der PREIS ,der Retro Hardware
Hallo bitte aufwachen ! Warum der ganze Hardware Kitsch ?
Da sehe ich das grosse aufwendige Gehäuse samt Keyboard samt antiken 3,5 " Floppy Laufwerk ...
Wer braucht heutzutage sowas ?
wo niemand mehr langsame Disketten = Floppy benutzt!
wo eine PS/2 Keyboard nicht einmal 5 Euro kostet !
wo SD Karten mit 8 GB nicht einmal unter 10 Euros kosten ?
Was soll dass ???
Ich weiß nicht was IHR glaubt heute Anno 2020 für einen REBUILD eines Prototypen verlangen zu können ?
Siehe Nachbauten wie C= Maxi oder Mini C64 auch siehe GRATIS Emulatoren auf PC oder Android PCs
Der Preis der Leistung ist gleich:
Volks-Computer -Wo ist da der Mega C65?
Niemand kauft euch 2020 einen MEGA für 200 Euro ab!
In den 80ziger und 90ziger war der C64 so beliebt ,da er zum Taschengeld Preis verkauft worden ist und billiger war als ein besserer Amiga 500.
Heute gibt es einen echten antiken C64 zum Strassenpreis unter 100 Euro!
Hardware Leistung Mega 65-Wo ist die denn? Ist es jetzt ein bessere Amiga 1200?
Ist ER eben nicht !
Dass gleiche gilt für einen echten Amiga 500 ,der auch als Strassen Preis für unter 200 Euro zu haben ist und um Leistungs - "Klassen" besser ist als ein antiker C64 oder dieser Mega C65.
Also der Mega C65 ist doch ein kompletter Schuss in den Ofen.
Die bessere Lösung wäre ein sehr billigen "Mini" Cube mit der Leistung "C65" zu machen!
Ein super kleines Gerät mit 15 mal 15 cm Abmessungen.
Wo alles was mit Grafik und Sound zu tunen hat in einen Chip kommt wie damals das preiswerte "DTV 64",wo der Entwickler vieles komplett falsch und benutzerunfreundlich gemacht hat.
640x400 VGA reichen komplett samt 3D BLITTER als Option!
Ein kleines und billiges Gerät mit mehreren hunderte MHZ, da ein moderner Mircocontroller verbaut ist ,der sogar update fähig ist und mit einfacher Programmiersprache wie Python programmierbar ist.
Bitte dann nur aber mit einfacher, mausgesteuerter GUI ala Linux
Und ganz normale Standart Anschlüsse für alte PC Hardware die schon seit 20 Jahren vorhanden ist,aber samt HDMI,PS/2 und nicht zu vergessen bitte SD Karten Leser!
Der MEGA C65 ist ein FLOP Entwicklung
Wie gesagt ihr macht euch zuviel überflüssige Arbeit.
der C65 muss als billiger Volkscomputer heraus kommen.
Samt GUI und SD Kartenleser
Zu einen Super Preis z.b. 49,95 Euro als CUBE ala Game CUBE
wo dann schon vorhanden Maus,Keyboard,Joypads PC Hardware angeschlossen werden kann um Retro Spiele spielen zu können,die von euere Online Seite herruntergeladen werden können.
Neue Homebrew Spiele dürft ihr dann per Lizenz versehen!
Du meinst einen Himbeerkuchen? Gibt's beim Amazon als 4GB Model für €58,44. Sahne und Tasse Kaffee sind extra. Da liegst Du dann aber schon bei €109,99 inkl. Märchensteuer und Versand.
WHY? This is a question nobody really wants to even try to answer. The world does not need a brand new low volume obsolete computer.
Will a mouse be offered ? I started writing a GEOS like OS years ago in assembly on a C-64 .. I'd like to finish it as a hobby