Finally a PAL/NTSC Switcher for Commodore 64: The VIC-II²

[@Bassotronics]

PAL + NTSC stands for: Perifractic And Ladyfractic’s Nice Technological Solution Computer.

[@1stage]

Happy to be a part of it all. Now that it's released, I can change the marquee in my office for the next project.

[@RetroRecipes]

😊 Let me guess... The VIC-II³ !

[@robertdutcher8081]

@@RetroRecipes Would be cool to see one of these for the Vic 20. Hint Hint BTW Great job!

[@thegenerousdegenerate9395]

Soooo whats next on the agenda? Hunh hunh? Inquiring minds want to know!

[@1stage]

Something retro we’ve been talking about building for over a year... 35 years in the making and only just recently re-released in a consumer edition...

[@thegenerousdegenerate9395]

@@1stage you're going to do a proper mini c64 or vic 20? It would make sense since you guys have been making tiny pcbs with Commodore chips for oh say A YEAR now! It wouldn't be much of a stretch to fill out the rest of the board from what you already got!

[@eduardofsilva]

Just for curiosity, in Brazil we use the "M" subcarrier of PAL, but the most strange thing about this subcarrier is that the weird configuration, because is more nearly a NTSC setting due a PAL setting. The PAL-M uses the 525 lines system(as NTSC) , 30FPS(more than normal PAL) , this was done because the black and white TVs from the era here was in NTSC system, so, to make retrocompatible the M standard as adopted. If you plug a PAL-M into a NTSC screen the image will appear black and white and the sound will work normally. This different PAL signal had been created as Brazil use 60Hz power supplies, as like USA

[@gmirwin]

As an old trumpet player myself, I’m thrilled to see that the ever-talented Ladyfractic is one of us. 🎺

[@krnivoro1972]

Nice!!! Some additional info: Some southamerican countries like Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay also use PAL, but with a twist: instead of PAL-B like Europe, we (I'm from Argentina) use PAL-N. We have our own 6572 VIC chip also !!! Which is also funny, the PAL/NTSC jumper in the C64 motherboards goes in the NTSC position for our country, not in PAL. That's because PAL-N has some similarities with NTSC, like total bandwith and croma subcarrier frecuency.

[@5roundsrapid263]

It’s because they used American equipment for black and white, but switched to PAL color.

[@xaverlustig3581]

There's also PAL-M in Brazil which uses a 60Hz field rate with PAL colour.

[@krnivoro1972]

@@xaverlustig3581 Yes! There's also a PAL-M VIC II chip!! PAL-M is practically NTSC but uses "phase alternate line" (aka PAL) for chroma, instead the "Never twice same color" (aka NTSC :D ) fixed color vector system.

[@MexWorks]

The factory tour felt like watching How It’s Made! Pretty cool!

[@morphshag]

I’m so glad people are making things like this for these old machines. Keeping the dream alive. I haven’t got in to the C64 much YET! I’m more of a ZX Spectrum fan but I do have a couple that i needed to save from death and repaired them. Feel like I did the world a service saving these pieces of history from the bin haha. Great work.

[@1stage]

You did a great service! My current "why would you do that?" passion is the Mattel Electronics/Radofin Aquarius Computer. I just completed a Composite Video Modification for it that replaces the RF modulator. You can view the installation videos on my channel.

[@ja2ui0]

I can't really describe how much I love this project. I've been playing with a lot of c64 gear over the last year, and this bit of kit is super classy! Ordered yesterday along with two PAL VICs so I can hybridize a couple of breadboxes. A c64 with dual SIDs and dual VICs is kind of a dream!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks, that means a ton to us! 👍🕹

[@corwin881]

Just wow. My honest respect goes to you guys. Being an electronics guy myself, I know how much work and dedication goes into this. Keep it up and respect again.

[@1stage]

And the schematics are RIGHT THERE for anyone to replicate. This is not rocket science by itself... granted, the devil was in the details of getting the boards mated with the posts/pads on the two C64 versions, but this is wide open for anyone to improve upon.

[@joshuawalker7054]

Fun fact: The U.S. HD Digital format is called ATSC for "Advanced Television Systems Committee" - Also "Always The Same Color"

[@RetroRecipes]

Ha love it

[@nationaltelevisionsystemco5264]

Shut up, I'm still better.

[@bundesautobahn7]

Costa Rica is a bit of a wildcard in that regard. Down here, we use ISDB-T for FTA television, while cable companies use different formats: My cable company (Cabletica) uses the European DVB-C, and the other big cable company (Tigo) uses ATSC.

[@TheJeremyHolloway]

Amusing since NTSC was often tagged "Never The Same Colo(u)r" by the PAL enthusiasts. That's probably mentioned in the video so I'll get back to watching it... Damn! Less than 3 minutes in that was mentioned. D'oh! :)

[@Ramdileo_sys]

13:19 .. @Retro Recipes.. suggestion for the Comodore 64c... and the ribbon cables problem................ I was watching this video again with a colleague today .. (I think he has also subscribed by the way).. and hi mentions the same trick used in the last standar IDE ribbon cables....... as you know IDE HDD use 40 pin's and 40 traces in the ribbon ..... but in the last IDE's.. before being replaced by SATA.... 80 pin's and 80 traces were used... to reduce interference between the traces on the ribbon cable...... Basically interspersing 1 GND..1 Data ..1 GND..1 Data... in order that each cable with data is in between of two GND....... maybe it will help with this problem too..... allowing this mod for the 64c to...

[@samuelscott1361]

The lineman's splice is also the way I was taught to splice wires in the Navy! (2M Mini and Micro courses) (taught = do it this way or your in trouble)

[@SamichHunter]

Love this video! As a pun loving guy it hits my punny bone. As a technician who has made his share of personal projects it strikes my DIY geek side. As a technician who had to come up with solutions when replacement parts were unavailable it warms my heart to know I wasn't alone. Finally it brings out the green monster because none of my co-workers were as loyal and loving as Puppyfractic. BIG THUMBS UP! JT

[@RetroRecipes]

That's a lot of bones to hit. Puppyfractic approves! And thanks 👍🕹️

[@SwitchAndLever]

Very neat video Chris! I know so well how much work it is to bring something like this to life. One little tip, when you're making the jumper from the header pins, you don't actually need to cut off the pins. With those kind of jumpers the pins pull out of the plastic reasonably easy, as long as you use pliers. So you'll end up with four empty spaces, instead of four sharp cut of (and conductive) points. :)

[@1stage]

Agreed. He showed DuPont square pins in the video, but we've since upgraded to machine pins. Those are a little harder to pull out.

[@SwitchAndLever]

@@1stage ah yes, indeed, that they are. Howcome you switched over to machine pins? Are the sockets then also machine pin header socket?

[@1stage]

They were less harsh on the VIC-II socket than the DuPonts, and with the female sockets we got, they matched the height of the VIC-II socket better and more securely. Only downside is they are MUCH more fragile.

[@1stage]

Also, trying to keep height down in case we ever decide to tackle the C64c case problem.

[@SwitchAndLever]

@@1stage ah, gotcha! It's really curious that the ribbon cable gave you so much problem though. I was thinking when watching the video that maybe some of that could've been solved by serpentining your traces to make sure they all match in length, since they're signal traces that can make quite a bit of difference.

[@dodger0101]

Hi Perifractic :) Another fun video. Thank you! As a side note. You can slide the pins out of the headers they're only held in by friction. No need to cut.

[@electronicrescue]

What an awesome project. I was looking into making a similar PCB some time ago but gave up on the idea as I needed to make a separate PCB in order to do so. And hey, now it's already done :). Kudos to Mr and Mrs perifractic for this vid. I really enjoyed watching it :)

[@CubicleNate]

I loved everything about this video. The trumpet playing to the flicking of the switch in time with the tune, so much fun. Thank you!

[@RetroRecipes]

So glad! :)

[@totophi]

Ooooooh! So that explains why Commando seems so frantic in both soundtrack and gameplay! Anybody else play this game with your toes on the spacebar to launch grenades?? 😬

[@TheMalMeninga]

Giving this the thumbs up early, just for getting a 40-minute vid! Lovely stuff!

[@forevercomputing]

I thought this was just a 10 minute video!

[@vcolinc]

I'm quite amazed at the amount of effort, not only which went into the designing and creation of this invention, but of every little thing in this video too. Impressive work!

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@Druman19]

As a drummer, I appreciated the well-timed clicks of the switch at the end. Well done good sir.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks Drumman. I mean Druman! 🥁

[@Druman19]

@@RetroRecipes Finally, someone pronounced my name as it was intended, haha.

[@miserychordia]

the best couple on the youtube, mr. and mrs. perifractic

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@TheSulross]

Poor Puppyfractic - doesn't get any love :-(

[@RetroRecipes]

@@TheSulross I thought they meant Puppyfractic. Oops. But you're right they probably meant Sean.

[@Derundurel]

NTSC: Never Twice the Same Colour. PAL: Picture Always Lovely!

[@nationaltelevisionsystemco5264]

Hey! I sometimes get it right! That has to count for something! -NTSC

[@patsfan4life]

National Television System Committee Even a broken clock is correct twice a day

[@brennonr]

The more I learn about you the more impressed I become

[@dwaynezilla]

Damn, those PCBs are sexy. Definite props to PCBway. Always good when a sponsor has a product you can actually get behind!

[@Tim_3100]

Wow lady fractic is so awesome not only can she fix computers but play musical instruments the product looks amazing

[@nationaltelevisionsystemco5264]

This just hurts. You could have told me you thought my colors were off, instead of talking behind my back! And now you're with this PAL system!?! Unbelievable.

[@RetroRecipes]

Fancy meeting you here. And you don't sound even just a tint bitter. Sorry for not discussing this with you first. I guess I didn't think a 79 year old committee would be watching. Thanks for being my new Pal. P.S. It's coloUr.

[@nationaltelevisionsystemco5264]

@@RetroRecipes Not in the United America of freedom it's not.

[@ToTheGAMES]

"So you're going by "NTSC" now nerd? Haha whats up douche bag, it's PAL from Highschool. Remember me? Me and the guys used to give you a hard time in school. Sorry you were just an easy target lol. I can see not much has changed. Remember Ladyfractic the girl you had a crush on? Yeah we're married now. I make over 157,248 pixels a second and drive a C=64. I guess some things never change huh loser? Nice catching up lol. Pathetic..."

[@5roundsrapid263]

Don’t feel bad. You still have more frames per second!

[@ilexgarodan]

Wait. Wasn't the NTSC standard retired, in favour of ATSC, which is HD?

[@lcalvom]

That is definitely a work of art. Thanks PeriFractic for giving us such a highly detailed video on your VIC-II² project. 👍👏

[@TMSoYT]

I know this is an old video but I just couldn't resist posting this. Yesterday, I bought a second-hand C64 here in Quebec, Canada. I opened it up to see what board revision it was only to discover that the NTSC/PAL switcher installed is none other than the VICii2 by 1Stage & Perifractic, v1.0.407 15 JUN 2019. I can confirm that it works very well. Well done and kudos to you both!

[@Inject0r]

Awesome to see you going all the way on this one. Even showing an awesome "how it's made" video by the fractman himself afterwards, which definitely completes it. Thanks! 😁💪🏼

[@DrTofu83]

It's a nifty good project, I'm glad eventually came to fruition

[@mrdave5500]

Wow! what a great video. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was glued from beginning to end as I always wondered why there was never a simple switch from PAL to NTSC. On my Amiga A500 I added a switch between 512KB Chip RAM / 512KB Fast RAM to 1MB Chip RAM but that was a piece of cake compared to this. Very very nice, plus a good appearance from puppyfractic \o/

[@JamesGood]

Your video production is great, as is the content, from one California based Brit to another! I really had no intention of buying/building this, but I watched the whole thing. Great stuff.

[@RetroRecipes]

Cheers mate 🍻

[@SteDubya]

You have outdone yourself yet again. Superb job well done.

[@justsurfin5013]

I am SOOO jumping in. When I was in the Military and actually had an Amiga (500 at the time), a friend of mine at the Communications branch (in the same dorm - early 90's Air Force) created an NTSC / PAL switch. Was back when you had to actually pull out the soldering iron and parts and make stuff from scratch.

[@RetroRecipes]

Beat me to it then!

[@matt47110815]

On Amigas it confuses me to this day, as i remember being able to switch in between PAL and NTSC in Games like Lemmings... (A500 KS1.3, Philips Monitor) Makes no sense, as the entire Machine should change speed.

[@CanadianRetroThings]

It's cool to see the mass production of the circuit boards, back in high school (in the late 80's) I remember making the boards in my electronics class with the blank copper circuit boards, a marker and an acid bath. We would have competitions to see who could spell their name or make an interesting picture with the traces and still have the board be functional (jumpers were not allowed).

[@1stage]

Agreed. It still astonishes me that I can have a PCB of this quality in less than a week.

[@cherrymountains72]

The jokes are so bad but so well executed, I feel like they actually restore my karma and make me a better person. So thank you for that :).

[@RetroRecipes]

Any time!

[@1stage]

Don't encourage him...

[@Ramdileo_sys]

just one word man ..... awesome job !!

[@McFluchtfahrer]

Nicely done 😄 Loved watching this video and especially loved the end card switch flipping to the rhythm. So satisfying. I love doing that, too 😇

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks!! 👍🕹️

[@SomeBorkedAccount]

I'm so glad that you were, *puts sunglasses on* VICtorious in making this.

[@btizef2008]

Thank you for putting this on the Internet for us to watch.

[@steveday1364]

Hi Christian - I was an extra in The Phantom Menace too! We must've met sometime there. I was a Naboo Soldier and in a number of scenes, including the one in the hangar where all hell breaks loose. I also live in the US now ... Texas here.

[@RetroRecipes]

That's cool! I'm sure I'd recognize you! Drop me an email via perifractic.com 👍🕹️

[@doctor_sega]

Best wishes from germany, love the great content and both voices. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@garymetheringham4990]

love this idea but do i need to downgrade my pal 64🤣 BTW lets have more English vs US banter with Mrs Fractic please

[@laurens4359]

corrections: PAL Phase alterNATING Line. 5:14: No, the difference is only indirectly due to mains power frequency difference. It is because of the difference in video standards, hence to sync the CPU / Video chip and the screen refresh, the CPU clocks are multiples of 50 or 60 Hz depending on region allowing them to be used with the region´s TV sets. The computer´s power supply, as such is DC...

[@Dorelaxen]

I lucked out and found an old CRT studio monitor by the dumpster by my apartment about 15 years ago. Works with just about everything, NTSC, PAL, SECAM, the UK RF inputs, etc. Works flawlessly with my imported systems, and well, you know. CRT goodness.

[@1stage]

That IS a lucky find!

[@ToTheGAMES]

Your soldering is on point! Neat.

[@LarryRodgers]

I would like a c128 version of this.

[@MindFlareRetro]

Late to comment, as usual. A fascinating project -- very cool video and execution by all involved. I would love to build and install a kit into one on C64s one day; it's on my Christmas list. Well done, Perifractic and the dev/tester crew.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks mate! I hope you've been a good boy this year! 🧦

[@InsaneWayne355]

Wow, this is really impressive. Great job on this innovative project.

[@nationaltelevisionsystemco5264]

No innovation was needed. He had a NTSC system already, it was better than pal and we all know it.

[@OnlyEpicEmber]

0:46 Damn, I actually want these! Used to love snake II and Space Impact

[@JesseH76]

Perifractic's voice is Bob Ross. And, instead of paintings, it's retro tech.

[@RetroRecipes]

It's just a happy little accident 🎨🕹️

[@TobyDeshane]

Love to see something like this for the 128 (or 128DR). But if I had a breadbin, I'd be all over this. Great work! :)

[@allan.n.7227]

31:49 & 39:25 Relay sounds are soo ASMR to me.. love it!

[@EricSon_akuma]

Love your videos. It made me regret letting my parents sell my C64 set long ago...

[@gamedoutgamer]

Another benefit of NTSC is that if the game/app is developed natively on/for NTSC then it will be in the native speed and resolution. Same goes for PAL of course. Another NTSC plus is the 60hz framerate which is smoother for scrolling. Great job on this video!! I'm tempted to do this mod. Cheers!

[@lucasn0tch]

My mom thought NTSC was "Nippon Television System Color" when she grew up in Vietnam, because all NTSC electronics in Vietnam at that time were from Japan. Also, when you talk about the PlayStation Classic, using 9 PAL games on NTSC consoles was the most unreasonable decision ever. Most games for the PlayStation were optimized for NTSC, and Sony preferred money over quality.

[@bundesautobahn7]

Japan used a slightly different system called NTSC-J.

[@lucasn0tch]

@@bundesautobahn7 I was able to use my AV Famicom, Japanese Dreamcast, and Japanese PS2 slim on my NTSC-M TV. So even though the color subcarrier is different, it still works with my American CRTs

[@5roundsrapid263]

bundesautobahn7 Japan used most of what we consider the FM radio band for TV channels, so their FM radio band is lower.

[@lucasn0tch]

@@5roundsrapid263 yeah I'm aware of that. But all my Japanese consoles support composite video. They work fine with NTSC-M televisions. I have my Japanese Dreamcast hooked up to my American Sony VCR/DVD combo via composite video, and it handles the signal just fine. I have my Japanese PS2 slim connected to my LG 4K TV using component cables, works fine too. And as for the AV Famicom (second revision Famicom), it works well on my Daewoo TV/VCR combo via composite. And if I were to use the RF instead, my Sony VCR/DVD combo has a cable tuner to tune to Channel 96 (Channel 1 in Japan)

[@lucasn0tch]

@@peterlamont647 interesting. I have a friend who uses radios to listen to Air Traffic Control towers, hearing pilots from around the world communicating to the ATC tower.

[@Citizen_Se7en]

Dear lord, I laughed out loud when I say your dog standing in the swimming pool. Awesome job, btw.

[@10MARC]

Really nice project! Thanks for bringing this into the world.

[@Jerichofr]

Totally awesome stuff. If I actually owned a C64 (have barely ever even used one), I'd pick them up in a heartbeat.

[@ninpodarren]

If you make a mistake, just solder on!

[@Lilithe]

Flick accompaniment was a nice touch.

[@RetroRecipes]

Literally

[@nichoffman6198]

I have been thinking about getting it to vintage computing and from your last few videos I was half wondering if this was possible! Awesome.

[@WarrenGarabrandt]

"I've got a hole there, I'm just gonna stick something in it." - Christian Simpson aka Perifractic, 2019.

[@RetroRecipes]

That's me!

[@WarrenGarabrandt]

@@RetroRecipes I'm always delightfully surprised when a famous KZbinr notices one of my comments and responds! Thanks!

[@WarrenGarabrandt]

@@RetroRecipes By the way, I really enjoyed the factory tour of PCBWay. I'm always interested in how the technology we rely on every day gets made. I know the C64 isn't exactly state of the art, but I'd be willing to bet that most of the manufacturing techniques used to make it are still in use today, albeit probably refined some. Printed circuit boards is something I'm trying to learn how to design. After watching so many videos of retro computers, I really want to make my own. I'm keeping an eye on the CommanderX16 that The-8-Bit-Guy is working on, and the DIY 65C02 series by Ben Eater. I'm a programmer, and I know some things about how solid state electronics works, so I'm going to try to build my own 8-bit microcomputer by following along with these projects. It should be a lot of fun.

[@RetroRecipes]

@@WarrenGarabrandt Yup! I'm proud to be part of the X16 development team too. Thanks again! 👍🕹️

[@Francois_L_7933]

When I need to solder headers on a board, I find that sticking the long ends in a spare PCB board first makes it easier to solder them straight.

[@1stage]

Agreed. I use two old project boards for just that purpose.

[@1stage]

Mentioned elsewhere in the comments, we switched to machine pin headers. If you look closely, later when we install the female headers, they’re changed to machine pins. Remember that we’ve been making this video for over a year... hence the yellow PCB, DuPont headers, 6-pin switch header... all of that is changed (and mentioned as such) in the final product.

[@ShawnBrezny]

Awesome work!

[@46danz]

I was really impressed with this project.

[@dazuk1969]

Love the heavy "do this at your own risk" disclaimer. But very necessary. I have been trying to teach myself micro soldering for a while...i destroy everything i touch basically. Dude, you got some skills that most should not try to replicate....Peace.

[@MD_the_microchannel]

Wow! PCB Way is the factory where dreams come true!

[@RacerX-]

Nice job Peri and Team and your alpha tester dogs, of course. Been wanting this since the 80's!

[@ericcooley9407]

Very nice. Wish I had kept mine. I've just recently gotten back into the C64. I had forgotten how incredible my memories were. The reality is a bit dated lol. Enjoy the channel.

[@CommodoreFan64]

This channel never fails to impress! Long live the C64 👍👍

[@75slaine]

Impressive stuff Chris, well done. 👏

[@JamesBrown-oz5bl]

Those look pretty nice. Wonder how cramped it gets in there if you also have a multi sid board.

[@1stage]

Not too bad, less so on the 250425/250466 version as the SID location is swapped with the PLA, and the VIC-II is horizontally oriented.

[@chrisamadeus4647]

Puppyfractic neighing had me pmsl, I know, I am such a child, great video as usual.

[@RetroRecipes]

She's glad you liked that! Totally unplanned...

[@WhiskeyNixon]

When I was a kid, I had an Amiga 500 with a Commodore 1084S monitor. The 500 was an NTSC model but had something installed in it that allowed me to do a command line break at boot and switch the computer to PAL. We used this to play different-region games (we were in Washington State). I always used the same monitor for PAL and NTSC. Doesn't your 1084S display both?

[@RetroRecipes]

No, there are several models of 1084S made by different manufacturers. I believe mine is the Phillips and I know it doesn't support PAL.

[@00Skyfox]

As I write this there are 555 comments. Good timing, huh? Anyway, any time I hear PAL Commodore music it always sounds bizarrely slow to me since I grew up with the NTSC Commodore. Hearing the PAL version sounds like a Walkman with the batteries running low. Great project! I never knew there was so much more software for PAL systems, so this is something to consider.

[@RetroRecipes]

Better than 666

[@00Skyfox]

I guess since that would have made my comment 556, that means my comment had twice the capacity of the previous comment with only 6 more pins. :P

[@iccaros]

I always use a 40 pin socket to hold headers like that so it lines up and is held strait, then tape to hold tight for the first solder

[@RetroRecipes]

Nice tip

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

We got spoiled on the Amiga which just needs you to hold down both mouse buttons upon boot to get a PAL/NTSC option boot screen!

[@ThePremiumChicken]

That's brilliant!!!

[@HerbieHerbHerb]

And as we all know, NTSC stands for “ Numb Tongues Sing Cautiously”

[@RetroRecipes]

Correct!

[@webfischi]

You could shrink the cost of one board by changing from 3 different logic chip to one NAND, you can INVERT by connecting the same signal to both inputs and you can do AND with NAND and INVERSION like described a few words before. Edit: It seems like someone mentioned that in the Facebook group and the logic changed to a 7414 inverter in the later revision, seems like the other logic was not necessary at all.

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Gosh, people are so sensitive about their video formats. It's like you are trying to take their giant SUVs away :-) What true enthusiasts you and your group are to be able to do this conversion. It is quite brilliant and I am sure others will want them too. Ladyfractic is amazing as usual and so is Puppyfractic too. That horse impression....spot on. Cheers.

[@RetroRecipes]

Cheers Pauline 👍🕹️

[@eightsprites]

40 minutes passed by like 5, or maybe 10.

[@solidstate0]

Yo Do it will when you're having fun

[@TEBLify]

Awesome video, had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. Hopefully it'll spark some more interest in getting a functional VIC replacement created as well :-)

[@1stage]

Ooph. Don't say spark...

[@TEBLify]

@@1stage A big flaming spark would go along perfectly with my heartattack around the Lumafix section 😂 Had been wondering about using cd4053s to switch the signals, a 555 to switch between them and transistors for power on/off though I'm realizing just about now that it'll just increase the size of the board instead... and people love clicky relays 😅

[@Reed-Publications]

Despite the fact that I grew up using a Tandy, this was a really satisfying video! 👍

[@solidstate0]

Reed's Redactions ahhhh the smell of that plastic and 5.25 or 8 inch floppies

[@robertdutcher8081]

Amazing project. Makes me wish I had a C64 yet.

[@terraspent]

i wuv wu guys, sincerely, you are among the greatest of the retrospective media which has exploded upon youtube in the last 10 year or so.

[@RetroRecipes]

Thank you for your kind words! Means a lot 👍🕹️

[@mrshadowbright4041]

i have seen some mods of the vic-ll but while keeping the mother board how far can moding go i mean how much moding can it take?

[@drewpaschal9294]

Hah, at the end, the flicking of the switch to keep time with the music..I thought I was the only one who did silly shit like that. There is mucic in everything!

[@RetroRecipes]

You and me both mate!

[@BluesM18A1]

I'm ecstatic to see a solution like this being made! I was debating for months whether I should replace my NTSC chip with a PAL one. I wonder if they will add this functionality to a new version of the C64 reloaded motherboard with a new VIC-II slot....

[@SharkoonBln]

This year´s Oscar goes to Ladyfractic for providing awesome EE-OO-EE-OO sound effects again ;)

[@awilliams1701]

I tried to order this yesterday and it said sold out. Any idea when it will be back in stock so I can try again?

[@RetroRecipes]

Thanks for the message. I just got new stock in, and have just set it back to available. We had to order parts in smaller quantities this time, so the price has gone up a bit. Sorry about that. 👍🕹

[@awilliams1701]

@@RetroRecipes it's all good. Thanks! So try again today or in a few days?

[@RetroRecipes]

It should be live right now 👍🕹️

[@BenjaminVestergaard]

Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, but Strange Parts has made a more detailed factory tour of PCBWay.

[@RetroRecipes]

I read that as "Stranger Things" and I was wondering why PCBWayyyy would've been in that show...

[@BenjaminVestergaard]

@@RetroRecipes That could be an interesting crossover too.

[@AppliedCryogenics]

I'm surprised there's still room for the heat sinks! Yay for 1982 aesthetics!

[@UltimateCamaroFan]

Would love if this worked with the 250469 boards - I've got a PAL C64G coming (with the breadbin case).... Great job!!

[@mbvideoselection]

And ironically, in PAL territories movies on TV run too fast so seeing ATSC transfers sometimes seem strange compared to our nostalgic memories because they *seem* too slow!

[@SharkoonBln]

Waitress? Some fried VIC chips for the 8-Bit Guy please :)

[@De-zs4ur]

I found this really cool and I would love to do this myself only thing is I don’t have a c64 but may buy it just to put together

[@shai4304]

Why do you suggest leaving space between the crystals and the board in 22:36 ?

[@RetroRecipes]

Just in case of possible conductivity between one pad and the other via the metal shielding. Over-caution.

[@shai4304]

Great video as always, btw!

[@kriswillems5661]

Why all the relays and/or optocouplers? Why not CMOS switches or CMOS bus buffers?

[@1stage]

'cause I'm not that clever.

[@kriswillems5661]

You could have a look at the QS4A110 and there are many others.

[@1stage]

Maybe in a few months. This one's in the can for now.

[@kriswillems5661]

The cheapest most conventional bilateral switch is the CD4066. You might have a look at that one too.

[@Robert08010]

Just my personal observation re NTSC, I grew up in the 60-70 and I never experienced the "problem" of "Never The Same Color". The ONLY time I saw weird color was on a friends portable color set that was nearly broken anyway. Everything always looked mostly green. In the 90s however, I did notice an issue with 3 professional sony video cameras. I was shooting a local Miss NJ pageant and our cameras each had a different emphasis on blue so although each camera was supposedly color balanced, the same gown looked green blue or turquoise or blue even though all other colors rendered about the same.