C64 Hardware Essentials

Well, I have a tendency to update my threads if nobody responds and I find the answers I need just in case somebody else stumbles upon this thread with the same question.

If you are looking to use a C64 as a synthesizer rather than a dedicated workstation like myself you will need 3 main things:

1. A Commodore 64
  -There are two main versions that use different SID chips. The 6581 which runs off a 12v supply in the original C64 'breadbox' designs and the 8580 which runs off a 9v supply and found in the C64c redesign. The sound chips are said to sound warmer/crisper respectively; which is not the same as better or worse, just different.

2. A midi interface
  -There are various places that use to sell dedicated C64 midi interfaces, but it seems like the shops have dried out. A good alternative I found is one that uses arduino found at this site:
http://little-scale.blogspot.com/2010/0 … rface.html
Seems relatively simple, but i'm in the process of building an arduinoboy so I know this stuff is easier said than done!

3. A means of transferring files between the C64 and your Computer
  -There are a few ways in which this can be done. The most convenient of which are really expensive or impossible to find. The most cost effective route is to buy a C64 floppy drive and to splice your own cord. Note: A normal floppy drive will not work. Also, I posted the link to make the cord in the post above so I won't repeat it here.
  -Link regarding the other transfer methods: http://www.c64.com/faq.php#2.6

Overall, this is a lot cheaper than buying a MSSIAH cart, but again, buying a MSSIAH cart is much more practical if you want to use your C64 as a dedicated workstation.

To answer my above questions:
The C64 has an TV analog out, so it would be harder to connect it to a monitor (you have to buy an adapter which is pretty cheap) or you can connect it straight into a TV.
The mouse would be useful for a lot of programs (mainly MSSIAH cart), but you can buy an adapter online.
Adapter Info: http://sensi.org/~svo/[m]ouse/
Note: at the time of writing this adapters cost about ~$30

Last edited by Slumpy (May 31, 2012 4:48 am)

As an aside, to get the best out of the sid chip use trackers. A decent modern tracker such as SDI, JCH or John Player have sound drivers miles ahead of Mssiah.  Just listen to the demos.  I guess the latter is good if you want to hook a midi device up to it (god knows why) , but you probably won't get the same quality of instruments that a modern tracker provides.   GoatTracker with a hardSID card is also a very good option.

This, a hardsid UNO will work fine with gt and it will be considerably easier to get running. They are only about 150 euro.

admirable

someone correct me if im wrong i dont think there is any trackers that come on cartridges. you need a DISCK DRIVE or DISC DRIVE EMULATOR kind of thing such as the 1541u

Alernatively an atari 2600 joy stick is good. They are more available i think.

Mssiah is ok, I just like being able to sync it with other devices with midi clock signals. So you could write a gameboy/c64/renoise song. If you just hit play at the same time they will not stay in sync. Just make sure to get a storage device.