BackBit cartridge for the C64, C128, and VIC-20

[RobertBe]

For the C64, C128 (in 40-column mode), and VIC-20, the BackBit cartridge is for sale at

https://www.backbit.io/

As developer Evie Salomon says, "It's a multi-function cartridge that operates with a Micro-SD card."

See Evie's introduction to the BackBit at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLik ... e=emb_logo

and how to use the BackBit at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YKruh_ ... et&index=2

The big selling point of the cartridge is its compatibility with various disk, tape, and cartridge images, like D64, D81, CRT, PRG, P00, .20, .40, .60, .a0, and more. Just drop the image(s) onto a microSD card and pop the card into the BackBit. You see the file(s) on a menu, you select the one you want, and it loads and runs. No Commodore calisthenics to get the computer to recognize the image type.

As mentioned above, the BackBit cartridge works with the VIC-20 with a special adapter that fits the BackBit into the adapter. Evie has a video that explains it at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Une9mqu ... et&index=7

For an independent review of the BackBit, go to

https://enragedgeeks.blogspot.com/2020/ ... -none.html

Writing from Sydney, Australia, at the moment,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show -
http://www.portcommodore.com/class

P.S. Evie Salomon is tentatively scheduled to appear at the April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show.

[orion70]

Sexy cartridge . Vic compatible via adapter is very eighties.. price tag is quite high though.

[Mike]

Vic compatible via adapter is very eighties..

It will only work for the Backbit cartridge, though. This is a 'passive' adapter - the video shows two buffer(?) chips - methinks, similar to Jim's MasC=uerade adapter. With that one, some 'simple' I/O cartridges from the C64 (RS232 carts, IEEE and the like) could be used with the VIC-20 instead. But no games, or more complex utility cartridges, of course.

Backbit is special now, in that it senses, when it's connected to a VIC-20 over that adapter. It then switches to the correct operating mode.

Now, direct access to disk images over the cartridge port, without the need to go over the IEC port is something I've been waiting for, what?, nearly 10 years now. Makes me seriously consider a buy.

Evie Salomon is tentatively scheduled to appear at the April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show.

If you two happen to meet up, would you mind to ask her to come over here to Denial? Evie, are you maybe even reading this?

[RobertBe]

... would you mind to ask her to come over here to Denial?

Done!

At the Sydney Airport, waiting to fly to Adelaide,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show - http://www.portcommodore.com/class

[evietron]

Hi all,

Thanks for your interest in the BackBit VIC 20 adapter. I'm happy to answer questions about it. The chips on the adapter are AND gates, as I mention in the video, which translate addresses. There are 9 chip select pins on the VIC 20, versus 2 on the C64.

Evie

[RobertBe]

There are 9 chip select pins on the VIC 20, versus 2 on the C64.

Evie, have you thought of a BackBit adapter for the Plus/4? (slightly off-topic)

Writing from Adelaide, Australia,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show - http://www.portcommodore.com/class

[evietron]

That would be the next logical step, and maybe a fun project. First, I would have to get a Plus/4 or C16.

[RobertBe]

Heh, we have Plus/4's in storage.

Still in Adelaide, Australia,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show - http://www.portcommodore.com/class

[evietron]

If you can loan me a plus/4 I would be happy to work on a BackBit adapter for it.

[RobertBe]

No problem! You can keep it indefinitely (because we have too many of them).

Now in Melbourne, Australia,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
April 25-26 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show - http://www.portcommodore.com/class

[evietron]

Awesome! Looking forward to working on this. It will be a great addition to the BackBit family.

[English Invader]

Sexy cartridge . Vic compatible via adapter is very eighties.. price tag is quite high though.

How can you say that? It's practically an instant-loading, one-stop-shop for anything you would want to do with a C64, C128, VIC-20 (and potentially a Plus 4). It supercedes the SD2IEC and EasyFlash by quite a considerable margin and I think it even goes one better than the much more expensive (and harder to obtain) 1541 Ultimate devices.

You should watch the second video where Evie explains the functionality of the cartridge. $99 (£80 or 88 Euros) is a very good price and gives people who can't get into the 1541U club a device that will allow them to experience everything these systems have to offer without breaking the bank.

[orion70]

I agree, I only meant to talk about myself. It is a high price to pay - even for such a definitive solution - if you already have everything it takes to load anything on a VIC, and / or transfer from internet to a real diskette. It's really a great product, but I don't feel I need it, that's all.

[RobertBe]

$99 (£80 or 88 Euros) is a very good price...

$89 US without a case.

Writing from Melbourne, Australia,
Robert Bernardo
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network -
http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan