c64

[Chris (the Hex)]

At 05:00 PM 2/10/99 -0500, Plinio Barraza wrote:

>So I guess what I want to know is if there is someone out
>there who wants to part with their C64, especially if
>you are near New York.

Well, if you really decide this is what you want, I've got two of 'em, both
in working condition, AND the Programmer's Reference Guide, which has a
board schematic, pinout descriptions, assembly code details, etc, etc...

But read on...

>I have heard much talk about the Comodore 64.  It sounds to me like a good
>thing to have for beginner hackers.  I am looking for a real simple
>computer that I can learn to mess around with, try my hand at PICs and
>other hackery.

The C64 was a really cool computer when it first came out;  in fact, it's
what started me on my way to becoming the programmer I am today.  And its
extremely stripped down, simplified architecture probably does have some
advantage for a beginner trying to understand basic computer architecture.
But it's also a very...unique...machine.  With lots of non-standard parts,
probably hard to find if you need replacements.  And possibly a lot of
frustration from trying to figure out how to do things which are unique to
Commodore's design.

Instead, try combing flea markets, tech swap meets, and even used computer
resellers for old 386's and 486's.  You will be able to pick this stuff up
dirt cheap and have the comfort of knowing you're dealing with technology
which is at least somewhat "normal" in today's world.  Heck, you can pick up
a used low-end Pentium system in some places for less than $200 now!

A used C64, on the other hand, is probably not worth the cost to ship it.
Sad but true.  Unless you were originally a serious die-hard C64 fanatic of
some kind, I don't suggest bothering with it.

Since you're posting this on synth-DIY, maybe you're interested in the C64's
sound chip?  It was a pretty unique device in itself, and there's a company
which has already built a synthesizer around it.  Check it out:

www.sidstation.com

Also, these guys apparently found a reliable source for the SID chips
without having to liberate them from old C64s, so if that's your interest,
you may want to contact them for more info rather than trying to find and
hack into used C64s.

Cheers,
Chris (the Hex)