I Assemble & Configure a Pi1541 for a Commodore 64?

[@WillisZzz]

Hey Steve, I enjoyed this. Question: does cycle accurate mean the pi1541 is faster or slower than something like an SD2IEC+? I had assumed it meant faster, but your video seems to suggest slower. Thanks either way!

[@retroCombs]

Thanks! Cycle accurate refers to the Pi 1541 having speeds similar to a real 1541 so software with problematic load routines or fast loaders have a better probability of loading. Speeds, in my experience, are similar to an SD2IEC but not as fast as the Kung Fu Flash, which is amazing!

[@WillisZzz]

@@retroCombs Ok, thanks for clearing that up. So it's still the job of a fast loader to bring up the speed. Thanks for the video, it makes the pi1541 a more appealing option.

[@retroCombs]

Glad it was helpful. Happy to answer any other questions you may have and again, thanks for watching.

[@WillisZzz]

@@retroCombs Thanks! I do have another question: if you have a cartridge occupying the cartridge slot (it needs to be there because it has a MIDI input on the cartridge itself), is there another way to employ a fast loader? I'd like to be able to save my work to the pi1541, but I'm also thinking I'd like to add a bunch of games to the SD card, and having them load quickly would be nice.

[@retroCombs]

@@WillisZzz There are a couple of options. You can install a JIFFY DOS chip in your computer. There is a way to implement JIFFY DOS (not technically legal since the ROM is under license) on the Pi1541; I've just not tried this yet. Here's a thread of discussion that explains the process: www.lemon64.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=70325&sid=da43654df5d1556d3ea4d79d00bff979

[@bugbloke1975]

Really informative video Steven! 😊👍 Great to see the Pi Zero with its tiny form factor being utilised. I've recently become aware that the Pi 2B is also now supported.. which is great for me, as I have one spare at present, just need a hat for that.

[@retroCombs]

I want to do a follow up with a full size pi, speaker, and larger LCD display. I need more hours in my day!

[@Sebby_75]

DIN connectors placement on these boards sticking up above oled display so much on basically all of these pi1541 boards is absolutely puzzling me.. Really wish there were some longer boards available with din connector (connectors) on the underside... so that the whole unit is slightly longer or wider (overhanging outside of pi zero or pi 3 profile) but not as deep/thick. It would be much easier to make or re-purpose some neat existing enclosure for it if there is nothing sticking up above oled screen and control buttons.

[@retroCombs]

Completely agree. This is the one sticking point with me too. Especially as I try to design a new enclosure. Your message timing was perfect as I was trying to determine if I could easily de-solder the display, add a ribbon cable, and move it to an alternate location. Possible, but wow! It would require a lot of work. {UPDATE} After further review, moving the screen will not be as difficult as I thought. It is only four pins and they are easily accessible. Now I'm really thinking about it. I've also thought about adding a larger screen with more information. Hmmmm….my mind is churning now. Thanks for watching and providing the feedback!

[@Sebby_75]

@@retroCombs When I'm doing mine (soon) I'll be desoldering these DIN connectors and getting panel/chassis mounted ones.. something like this www.avnet.com/opasdata/d120001/derivates/2/072/150/488/Deltron-651-0600-Image_web.jpg ...and mount them where I want in the enclosure.. but I can't really understand reason why so many pcb designs follow same silly DIN connector and control buttons placement.. on item that is so light, buttons should be on top.. when they are on the side I think you're supposed to use both hands.. one to hold your pi1541 in place so that it doesn't move around and your other hand to push the buttons... this pcb/case design is neat (somebody did really great job) www.breadbox64.com/blog/the-pi1541-disk-drive/ but expensive to purchase unfortunately... with slightly tweaked pdb design and some bog standard enclosures.. it would be quite easy to get similar looking pi1541 for fraction of the cost...

[@davidkroeker1821]

@@retroCombs Looking forward to seeing the video with the custom case! I believe you can also desolder the DIN connectors and solder in cables to attach them to the board, allowing you to locate them where it would work well for the case design. I'm really looking for a case design that looks like an authentic 1541, 1571 or 1581, but in miniature - just big enough to hold the PI541, but still has the proportions more or less right.

[@retroCombs]

I'm attacking this two ways. One case will be, just enough. No modifications required but a couple of cool features. The next version will be a more "Commodore-Like" design. The first solution will inform the second and might include a move of the display rather than the ports. First version is almost done! Early prototypes have been close, but not ready for prime time just yet. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stephenwhite506]

Cool stuff. Glad you like it.

[@retroCombs]

Appreciate that you brought this to the community.

[@JamiesHackShack]

Ha nice special guest! Cool assembly!

[@retroCombs]

Biden or Nikki? 😂

[@tommyowen529]

Howdy, Steve. I’m wondering if you could tell me if it’s possible to use one Pi1541 as two separate drives (8/9) simultaneously to run a BBS? And if yes, how might I configure that? Thank you! 🤙🏼

[@retroCombs]

I don't believe this is possible but you could daisy chain two of them using the IEC cable and then configure them.

[@m0nde]

No, it's not. Even I was able to do it. Thanks for the great video!

[@retroCombs]

Awesome and thanks for the kind comment. It's not really that hard as the title might suggest and glad to hear from others.

[@JamiesHackShack]

Need that jiffydos! :-)

[@retroCombs]

Need to figure out to use it on the Pi1541 and Plus/4. Thoughts?

[@JamiesHackShack]

@@retroCombs I think some folks ported jiffydos to the plus4 a while back I don't think it was generally available back in the day. I think that a few folks out there have it you can pop in or piggy back it on the kernel rom and switch back and forth. I also think that the pi1541 like the sdiec can emulate the jiffydos modes for speed up.

[@retroCombs]

@@JamiesHackShack Thanks. I'll do some research. There's a file on the Pi1541 entitled jiffydos but I think I have to activate it in the configuration file. Fun stuff!

[@ncurtis1970]

need to emulate a 1551 drive, it is 'loads' faster than the 1541 to start with, see what i did there? lol