Nice one. I don't mind you doing the video this way.. whilst I do enjoy a longer video showing all the ups and downs of a set of mods like this, I also appreciate you've given a huge amount of information and experience in a much shorter timeframe, way better as a reference tool! No idea why you haven't got more subs, I really like the channel, especially as you are looking at some systems that don't get enough love :)
I just scored almost new 1084S so I don't need it. But wanted to congratulate you on achieving such great picture quality. Simply fantastic also great video. Keep up.
I loved this video as it gave me more of my beloved C128D and DCR 3 of the first and one of the latter. I will have to watch it several times but wow! I can't get enough on C128
I have Commodore 128DCR. I used to have Commodore 1902 monitor with it to display 80-columns... I wish I didnt sell off that monitor as a kid (I just kept the C1701 monitor)... alas, I miss 80-column mode... I wish there was an easy/cheap adapter that I could connect the RGBI output to say an HDMI monitor... alas.
The RGBtoHDMI can do that for you, if you get the one with the DB9 input - that's what I use on my C128DCR. They're available here (if you can find a Pi Zero to connect it to): www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/rgbtohdmi-for-ibm-pc-mda%2C-cga%2C-ega%2Colivetti-prodest-pc1and-commodore-c128-62028
I'm faintly considering losing the RF box on my Electron to use the power it would use there for active cooling on the ULA, that's currently got no drop in replacement.
These old, specialist chips are worrying as there's no new replacement. I don't want to talk it up, but my Electron has been rock solid, even with all the shenanigans in my other videos going on (PiTubeDirect, Plus 1, AP6, ElkSD Plus 1, ATI+ABR, RGBtoHDMI, BBC2DVI, etc.). At least with the Electron, Dave Hitchins and Stardot are a good place to start!
Probably dumb question, but can this c0pperdragon mode be used for RGB signal to be displayed on standard Commodore CRT monitor to get rid off jail bars?
I don't think so - it does get rid of the jail bars but the output is YPbPr (3-connector analogue component) rather than any of the signals an old Commodore analogue monitor would accept: RGB or S-Video (or composite). You might be able to find a CRT that takes component input but I think it's likely to be something like a broadcast video monitor, but mostly component on consumer devices came in around plasma screens. Without the RGBtoHDMI, though, you would be able to connect the component output up to something like an LCD TV with a suitable input. I was thinking of doing a separate video about the differences between the standards, using my oscilloscope as a sort of follow-up the video about the BBC Micro video output, as that's fairly interesting (if you like that sort of thing!).
@@lsbyte Thank you for explanation. I was under impression that c0pperdragon is outputting RGB. To mind you, different outputs are quite confusing to me so I can not wait for your next video about different video signal outputs:)
In the same way that at least one group has created a modern C64 replacement motherboard with updated features, they need to do the same thing for the C128 so all of this modifying is not necessary. Display looks great when you're done though. Wish mine had looked that good!
I worked with the guy who made it to get it to handle all the modes in VDC Mode Mania (v1.1, I think it was), so it handles those. I think there is an updated VDC modes demo that might have additional modes I’ve not checked, yet. You can add profiles for additional modes, although it will involve editing the files on the SD card with timings. Once you have the new mode, you can adjust the area and scaling settings in the onscreen menus.
Hi, I'm Andrea from Milan Italy, I have a Commodore 128 and I would like a cable adapter that can see the 40 columns and 80 RGBI columns in HDMI ... can you sell one ready? Thank you
Sorry - I don't make or sell these, just get enthusiastic about them. You can get an RGBtoHDMI easiy now, though: www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/rgbtohdmi-for-bbc-micro~~master~~compact~~electron-61482 - that will at least handle the 80 column mode: you just need a different cable (speak to the guy who sells them).
number two :) Hi, I'm Andrea from Milan Italy, I have a Commodore 128 and I would like a cable adapter that can see the 40 columns and 80 RGBI columns in HDMI ... can you sell one ready? Thank you
Actually three. ;) This is partly caused by the location of the TTL input connector (the 'hidden' one, directly on the RGBtoHDMI), the need to swap the analogue board on and off and reprogramming the CPLD. Bit of a complex history... Originally I got one for my BBC that works with the TTL level input but can also work with the analogue board (with the BBC CPLD firmware). I bought the analogue board really for flexibility and because it made it easier to change the cable. I then bought another for the Commodore 128's 80-column output with just the RGBtoHDMI and a cable with a DB9 connector (the one you can see being plugged in in the video). Whilst that uses the same board, it needs the RGB CPLD firmware and you have to remove the RGBtoHDMI HAT to change the cable. So swapping one between the BBC and the C128 would be annoying. Once I'd got the C128 c0pperdragon board in, I was swapping my BBC one between that and the C128: since that had the analogue board (and the BBC works with that), I just had to swap the firmware between the BBC and YUV versions and change the cable (the analogue board has a connector that is external, so this doesn't involve opening up the RGBtoHDMI). That was OK but a bit of a hassle. In the last week, someone was selling a spare RGBtoHDMI (only) on stardot.org.uk (the BBC forum) and I managed to get that. That meant I can now use that on the BBC (with an internally-connected TTL cable) and save the original one with the analogue board for the C128 40-column, with the YUV CPLD firmware. This also means I can easily swap that onto the ZX81 just by changing the cable and the profile, since that uses the analogue board and YUV firmware. So, yes, I do have two (well, three) and can run the C128 40- and 80-columns at the same time, through two separate RGBtoHDMIs. You could swap one between the two outputs but it's going to be a lot of faff, swapping boards on and off, updating the firmware and changing cables. It's like bicycles or kayaks: the correct number to own is one more than what you already have!
They're not on general sale, unfortunately - there was a guy in the UK selling them, and someone in the US was, too, but I think he's stopped / run out. All the details you need to make one are on the GitHub website (the software and the files to have a PCB made: you then just need to solder on some parts and add a case + SD card), although I don't know how difficult that is!
They are available now from here: www.sellmyretro.com/search/naturalSearch?keyword=rgbtohdmi - you just need to order the one with the right boards and cables (some need the analogue add-on board). You can always make up your own cables, though, to use them on different machines.
True, but my desk isn't doesn't have enough space left for one of those anymore, though! Also, I need the LCD panel for my Raspberry Pis, so this lets me use the same monitor for everything (and makes video capture really easy).
Nice of you to share this.,.
Nice one. I don't mind you doing the video this way.. whilst I do enjoy a longer video showing all the ups and downs of a set of mods like this, I also appreciate you've given a huge amount of information and experience in a much shorter timeframe, way better as a reference tool! No idea why you haven't got more subs, I really like the channel, especially as you are looking at some systems that don't get enough love :)
Brilliant. I need this for both my C64 and 128D!!
Great video.
I just scored almost new 1084S so I don't need it. But wanted to congratulate you on achieving such great picture quality. Simply fantastic also great video. Keep up.
I loved this video as it gave me more of my beloved C128D and DCR 3 of the first and one of the latter. I will have to watch it several times but wow! I can't get enough on C128
Great video. You are the master of conciseness.
Hi It's possible buy this converter for my C128d ??? thanks
I have Commodore 128DCR. I used to have Commodore 1902 monitor with it to display 80-columns... I wish I didnt sell off that monitor as a kid (I just kept the C1701 monitor)... alas, I miss 80-column mode... I wish there was an easy/cheap adapter that I could connect the RGBI output to say an HDMI monitor... alas.
The RGBtoHDMI can do that for you, if you get the one with the DB9 input - that's what I use on my C128DCR. They're available here (if you can find a Pi Zero to connect it to): www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/rgbtohdmi-for-ibm-pc-mda%2C-cga%2C-ega%2Colivetti-prodest-pc1and-commodore-c128-62028
I'm faintly considering losing the RF box on my Electron to use the power it would use there for active cooling on the ULA, that's currently got no drop in replacement.
These old, specialist chips are worrying as there's no new replacement. I don't want to talk it up, but my Electron has been rock solid, even with all the shenanigans in my other videos going on (PiTubeDirect, Plus 1, AP6, ElkSD Plus 1, ATI+ABR, RGBtoHDMI, BBC2DVI, etc.).
At least with the Electron, Dave Hitchins and Stardot are a good place to start!
Probably dumb question, but can this c0pperdragon mode be used for RGB signal to be displayed on standard Commodore CRT monitor to get rid off jail bars?
I don't think so - it does get rid of the jail bars but the output is YPbPr (3-connector analogue component) rather than any of the signals an old Commodore analogue monitor would accept: RGB or S-Video (or composite). You might be able to find a CRT that takes component input but I think it's likely to be something like a broadcast video monitor, but mostly component on consumer devices came in around plasma screens.
Without the RGBtoHDMI, though, you would be able to connect the component output up to something like an LCD TV with a suitable input.
I was thinking of doing a separate video about the differences between the standards, using my oscilloscope as a sort of follow-up the video about the BBC Micro video output, as that's fairly interesting (if you like that sort of thing!).
@@lsbyte Thank you for explanation. I was under impression that c0pperdragon is outputting RGB. To mind you, different outputs are quite confusing to me so I can not wait for your next video about different video signal outputs:)
Would this also work on a normal C128?
I like when a youtuber know that a single person is not pluralis.
In the same way that at least one group has created a modern C64 replacement motherboard with updated features, they need to do the same thing for the C128 so all of this modifying is not necessary. Display looks great when you're done though. Wish mine had looked that good!
Adrian Black has a couple of great videos about simple fixes for the color bleed and jailbars. Check out Adrian's Digital Basement
Have you tested different VDC video modes? The VDC supports up to 720x700 interlaced. There are also different VDC FLI modes.
I worked with the guy who made it to get it to handle all the modes in VDC Mode Mania (v1.1, I think it was), so it handles those. I think there is an updated VDC modes demo that might have additional modes I’ve not checked, yet.
You can add profiles for additional modes, although it will involve editing the files on the SD card with timings. Once you have the new mode, you can adjust the area and scaling settings in the onscreen menus.
Hi, I'm Andrea from Milan Italy, I have a Commodore 128 and I would like a cable adapter that can see the 40 columns and 80 RGBI columns in HDMI ... can you sell one ready? Thank you
Sorry - I don't make or sell these, just get enthusiastic about them.
You can get an RGBtoHDMI easiy now, though: www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/rgbtohdmi-for-bbc-micro~~master~~compact~~electron-61482 - that will at least handle the 80 column mode: you just need a different cable (speak to the guy who sells them).
number two :)
Hi, I'm Andrea from Milan Italy, I have a Commodore 128 and I would like a cable adapter that can see the 40 columns and 80 RGBI columns in HDMI ... can you sell one ready? Thank you
Quick question: Did you end up with two RGB2HDMIs? One for 80 column and one for 40 column? I'm guessing that you would have had to have two...
Actually three. ;) This is partly caused by the location of the TTL input connector (the 'hidden' one, directly on the RGBtoHDMI), the need to swap the analogue board on and off and reprogramming the CPLD. Bit of a complex history...
Originally I got one for my BBC that works with the TTL level input but can also work with the analogue board (with the BBC CPLD firmware). I bought the analogue board really for flexibility and because it made it easier to change the cable.
I then bought another for the Commodore 128's 80-column output with just the RGBtoHDMI and a cable with a DB9 connector (the one you can see being plugged in in the video). Whilst that uses the same board, it needs the RGB CPLD firmware and you have to remove the RGBtoHDMI HAT to change the cable. So swapping one between the BBC and the C128 would be annoying.
Once I'd got the C128 c0pperdragon board in, I was swapping my BBC one between that and the C128: since that had the analogue board (and the BBC works with that), I just had to swap the firmware between the BBC and YUV versions and change the cable (the analogue board has a connector that is external, so this doesn't involve opening up the RGBtoHDMI). That was OK but a bit of a hassle.
In the last week, someone was selling a spare RGBtoHDMI (only) on stardot.org.uk (the BBC forum) and I managed to get that. That meant I can now use that on the BBC (with an internally-connected TTL cable) and save the original one with the analogue board for the C128 40-column, with the YUV CPLD firmware. This also means I can easily swap that onto the ZX81 just by changing the cable and the profile, since that uses the analogue board and YUV firmware.
So, yes, I do have two (well, three) and can run the C128 40- and 80-columns at the same time, through two separate RGBtoHDMIs. You could swap one between the two outputs but it's going to be a lot of faff, swapping boards on and off, updating the firmware and changing cables.
It's like bicycles or kayaks: the correct number to own is one more than what you already have!
Where can we buy the RGB2HDMI board?
They're not on general sale, unfortunately - there was a guy in the UK selling them, and someone in the US was, too, but I think he's stopped / run out.
All the details you need to make one are on the GitHub website (the software and the files to have a PCB made: you then just need to solder on some parts and add a case + SD card), although I don't know how difficult that is!
They are available now from here: www.sellmyretro.com/search/naturalSearch?keyword=rgbtohdmi - you just need to order the one with the right boards and cables (some need the analogue add-on board). You can always make up your own cables, though, to use them on different machines.
Or you could just use a CRT........
True, but my desk isn't doesn't have enough space left for one of those anymore, though!
Also, I need the LCD panel for my Raspberry Pis, so this lets me use the same monitor for everything (and makes video capture really easy).