Testing a LumaFix64 with a RetroTink 2X-Pro for a Commodore 64!
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- Опубликовано: 2 фев 2025
- Let's take a look at using a LumaFix64 to get rid of those stripes/jailbars from the Commodore 64 video output. I'm using a RetroTINK 2X-Pro to convert the s-video to HDMI. In this video I install the chip, make the adjustments, show before-and-after screens, and decide whether or not I want to use the LumaFix permanently.
For the best effect, try to watch this full screen at 1080p.
See my blog post for full-size PNGs of the before and after screens, as well as the JAIL.D64 containing the program I wrote to display the 16 color pallet. www.obliterato...
Links:
RetroTINK 2X-Pro: www.retrotink....
LumaFix64 info: www.breadbox64...
My LumaFix64 was assembled by Shareware Plus: newstuffforold...
Commodore4Ever AV Breakout Box: commodore4ever...
I have a PAL C64C and I like the jail bars as it is part of the system, I like them because they help me calibrate my CRT contrast, saturation and brightness so it is super sharp. I use a S-Video SCART. I said to people on FB group C64/128 that the lunafix is a waste of money and time as all it does is softens the image and can make colour bleed. I am happy with how my one looks. In the mid 1980's when my brother had a C128 we only used RF, so S-Video is like HDMI for the C64.
Fully agreed.
I bought one and I really cannot see its usefulness.
Same observations here. Though it was directly to an LCD tv that would do PAL 50hz.
Adrian Black has a good video on improving VIC-II output with a simple mod to the RF modulator. The mod is technically reversible too, involved cutting a leg or two on some capacitors.
That's a different thing. Modifying or replacing RF modulator can help with blurry picture (especially on some "wide" boards) but isn't going to help with jailbars. And the regular "Lumafix" thing helps with jailbars but degrades the output quality quite noticeably.
I've seen that video, but he doesn't have a mod for my short board. Worth a try for other boards though. ruclips.net/video/vTn36UaUfrk/видео.html
@@RetroRuminations good point, I forgot about that. I’m sure it’s applicable to short boards but it would have to be figured out. And to the other comment, was solving for a different issue possibly
Tried out a couple versions, the first one I drew up in Kicad and had made - the second I bought because I thought I made a mistake somewhere. Seems they're all like that, so I pulled them from my own machines. Had extreme bars on one longboard, but that was just noise and I solved that one by running wires directly to a modulator replacement (old one was super soft).
Nice video. I came to the exact same conclusion as you. I have an NTSC 64C as well and removing the jail bars to me is not worth the tradeoff of losing sharpness even though I still use a 1702 monitor. I could see it in your video as soon as it was calibrated and especially when you switched between the before and after shots. The 64s palette is somewhat muted as it is (compared to other systems that used RGB) so I would rather have better color and sharpness. But I am sure this is individual as each VIC chip seems to have its own degrees of these. I have some 64Cs that don't have very noticeable jail bars.
Someone reminded me that Adrian has a very good video on modifying the RF modulator to improve output. Here's a link to that, I highly recommend watching: ruclips.net/video/vTn36UaUfrk/видео.html
I came to the same conclusion with Luma fix. Makes it blurry. Not worth it
Probably you should try watching a demo or a game with the lumafix in and out. Old school graphics often look better with a little bit of color bleeding.
If *all* what you want is to get rid of the bars it will be an overkill but one of the things that the BeamRacer does is fixing luma. Another league in terms of results quality.
The best picture I've gotten is by using the C0pperdragon component video kit that replaces the RF modulator. I got mine here: videogameperfection.com/products/commodore-component-video/ It's a perfectly crisp signal on my lcd monitor. It does affect the color palette slightly, but there is an editor program for the c64 so you can adjust it to your liking.
Check it out. Jan Beta installed one: ruclips.net/video/DBHYBWNlgTE/видео.html
It requires a little work, but it was worth it.
Just a tip.. csdb.dk/release/?id=80498 is a good program when tuning C64 video signals.