Denial

Reminds me of the time we "Rebelled" with the school library computers. They had the C-64's locked up in a metal case, with only the keyboard and right hand side ports exposed. A 1702 monitor sat on top. They had a bank of 4 of these. Sometimes, between classes, we'd go in and play a few g...

Here's a much better shot of my setup, with the C64 keyboard installed: http://72.141.130.33/c64/100_5549.jpg Not sure if I like how it looks, though it certainly looks better than the busted keys. I'll clean those contacts after I source some more hardware (ie; datasette drive, memory expander). Lo...

I just installed the keyboard from my old C-64. I think the C-64 isn't working right, so it's a parts machine anyway. The only annoying thing about it is the fact that I have to really hit the return key hard to make it register. Also, it doesn't look original. Perhaps I'll disassemble it and swap o...

While the Vic remained in the sleeved styrofoam package, the Commodore 64 got new packaging of an all corrugated cardboard box, if memory serves me correctly. They only needed to change one package to stop the scam. I believe stores started taping the sleeves and/or having cashiers double-checking t...

Using my home-made composite cable to connect my Vic 20 to my 1702 monitor; all 8 cartridges stacked beside it:



I'll have to get a clearer shot later; after I swap out that real lousy keyboard and after I add a datasette drive.

I remember, back in 1984 or so, the Vic 20's and Commodore 64's were in identically sized styrofoam containers; the only way to tell the difference between the two was with the thin cardboard sleeve that went over them. People would switch the C-64 sleeve with the Vic 20 sleeve, and effectively buy ...

As for where to get the 80 column boards: Ebay. But be prepared to pay a lot. There's competition for those boards whenever they turn up. $40 to $50 US is a normal winning bid. Ouch. Still, a lot better than $299. I'll put it on my "Nice to have" list. As for building that digitizer thing...

How interesting. I still have my original RF modulator from my first Vic-20, and got one with the Vic-20 I acquired at the flea market. The flea market RF modulator is squirrely, behaving much like yours; however, my original one still works fine. I'm going to turn the flea market one into a composi...

If you came across a Vic 20 in absolutely mint condition (as in, never been used), packed in original plastic, styrofoam, in the original box, with the original cables, power supply...I'm talking brand new, unopened condition here, where even the box has been well preserved...what is the absolute mo...

A bunch of us on Denial have the Protecto & Data-20 40/80 column boards. They are indeed extremely useful. Most of these had 8K built in as well. I wonder where one would get one of those? With this setup I think it compares favourably with an Apple II, and goes beyond what a PC of this era cou...

I'm reading through some of my old magazines, and have come across things like a 40/80 column display card from Quantum Data. Mind you, the price was pretty steep ($299), but combine that with a memory expander, you'd have a pretty capable business machine for the day. Interesting that that ad shoul...

6502dude, you're the second person to invite me to a meeting I think I might have been the first person. I'm sorry to hear about a conflict with your work schedule. Hopefully you'll be able to attend at some point and if not, there's always Schema's summer BBQ which, along with the World of Commodo...

My guess would be that the cold would help to preserve the Vic, rather than accelerate the yellowing. My concern would be condensation on the circuitry as things warmed up, causing corrosion.

I agree, and I think this is the case because of the Commodore 64. See, most people bought their Vic 20's around '82-'83, I believe. '83 is when the Commodore 64 came out. So, within a year of buying their Vic 20, everyone (myself included) jumped on the C64 bandwagon. Most people still keep their o...

As we all know, the Vic 20 only has one joystick port. Was there ever anything made for it to provide it with two joystick ports, or did Commodore assume all their customers would be loner geeks like I was?