My Commodore 64 collection#
The Commodore 64 (C64) is a legendary home computer released in 1982, known for its affordability, robust hardware, and extensive software library. With its iconic 8-bit architecture, 64 KB of RAM, and advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its time, the C64 became one of the best-selling computers of all time, influencing the development of the gaming and computer industries in the 1980s and beyond.
Despite growing up in the 80’s, I never owned a C64 back when I was a kid, neither did I had any friends who owned one. Nevertheless, the legendary status of the C64 was broadly known and in 2015 I decided to acquire one (the C64C model) for myself. It turns out that the machine is incredibly robust, despite Commodore aiming in the day to make the machine cost-effective and using somewhat cheaper components. I watched plenty of episodes of the 8 Bit Guy and Adrian’s Digital Basement showcasing the C64 and how to replace the capacitors, which I did for my C64.
The Commodore 64C, a redesign of the original Commodore, introduced in 1986.#
About three years later, in 2018, I found somebody selling their C64 breadbin model, including a 1541 floppy drive, a cassette reader, and a whole box of floppies. I acquired it from the original owner who had taken very good care of the machine. Besides a lot of games, the floppies contained text documents with letters written to family members as well as book reports used for school. It gives a beautiful view of living in the 80s in the Netherlands.
The original Commodore 64, introduced in 1982.#
At the moment, I own two C64 breadbin models and two C64C models, all four in working condition. I primarily use the C64C as I find the somewhat more slanted design a little bit more comfortable when typing. I also have a 1084S monitor, which has excellent graphics. For running software on the C64, I use a Ultimate-II+ cartridge. This cartridge offers a wide range of features, including full 1541 disk drive emulation, REU (RAM Expansion Unit) support, built-in SID player, USB storage access, and easy cartridge management, making it a versatile and essential tool for C64 enthusiasts.
I mainly use my C64’s for hard- and software development. I have designed a simple (and affordable) multicartridge for the C64 and like to develop small programs and tools for the machine, both in 6502-assembly as well as using the C programming language. One of my long-term ambitions remains to develop a puzzle game of some sort for the C64. Perhaps one day…