Is This an Unused Commodore 64? Unboxing & Testing!

I recently found a very rare Commodore 64 on eBay that the seller claimed had been unused or at least used very little. It has matching serial numbers, cords that are still wrapped and tied, and more! Leave a comment and let me know if you think this Commodore 64 is indeed unused or mostly unused! Thanks for watching!

[@Explore531]

im getting one on ebay too cant wait just looking at the box from the 80s really bring back the tears just seeing it

[@TheAceWolfe01]

There was a huge variety of coloured C64s. I remember we were 7 in my class who had one. They were all technically the same colour, but different shades so all were unique. As for the av cable, those were not included with the computer. Just the RF

[@retrotv1tech]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing!

[@-Error99]

I just saw an "unused" C64 for sale on our local Craigslist equivalent, it had hand stains underneath the space bar and shadowed yellowing - it must have been used for at least hundreds of hours

[@randythomson5709]

So, this video does spark some memories for me. When I got my first C64 (it was in late 1984) it was bought at K-Mart, as this one originally was.. We got a 13" TV, 1541 floppy drive, MPS-801 printer, and Easy Script (one of the programs featured in that software guide). The C-64 was about $200 and the 1541 was around $250. I can tell you I doubt the system was actually unused, because I remember the experience of unpacking mine. The system came wrapped up in a clear, pink antistatic bag, which is missing from yours. It would have been taped securely on one end. The experience of opening a brand-new C64 can never-ever be replicated today, because the one thing that you'll never have again is that fresh "new computer" smell. To me it was even better than a new car smell. It was the combination of the odors of the new box, the manual, the packing material, and the plastic case and electronics of the computer itself as well as the power supply and cables. It's hard to describe. It was the smell of new 64! It was unforgettable. Sadly, after close to 40 years that smell will have completely disappeared. I would imagine the system was probably bought, and lightly used, then interest was lost and it was put back in the box. From the receipt it looks like the computer was all that was bought. You wouldn't be able to do much with a C64 with no diskette or tape drive. If the system was sitting for a real long time, the "chip creep" phenomenon may have occurred, where with changing temperatures and effects of heat/cold, the chips slowly work their way out of the sockets. You might be able to get it working again by reseating any socketed chips, or even just pressing down firmly on the chips on the board to make sure they are all seated well.

[@retrotv1tech]

Wow! That’s so amazing! Luckily, I finally did get this one working with some help from a friend! I made an update video about it. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@retrotv1tech]

By the way, it ended up being a bad SID and a bad Kernal Rom. Now it works perfectly!

[@handmadeheartears]

So much nostalgia! It was great to see the unboxing of this system! Hoping for that part 2, when we can see if the problems can be solved. Hope you can work it out Josh, and someone can help! To be continued..! 🙌🏻

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks! I will definitely do part 2 where I attempt to fix it!

[@Jax_Paro]

Great unboxing video Josh. I'm sorry you couldn't get it working. I'm sure you'll get there and then we can see the gleam in your eyes then. 😀 I saw in the pamphlet, it was advertising the game Kickman. Ever play that in the arcade when you were younger? There was one summer where I really went through the Quarters on that game!! Lol. Have a great night at EPCOT and Happy New Year!

[@retrotv1tech]

Thank you so much! I can’t wait to get it fixed! And I don’t think I played that game much as a kid, but I do remember it.

[@michaelcabrera794]

I never had a Commodore 64, but remember always hearing about it when I was a kid. (I was 7 years old in 1982.) Just a few weeks ago, I later learned that a pair of cousins of mine had it when they were growing up. So lately i have been more curious to learn about it. Thank you for producing this super informative video. I collect consoles from the eighties and I definitely want to add a C64 to my collection soon.

[@retrotv1tech]

That's cool! You absolutely should add a C64 to your collection!

[@steviea3178]

K-mart blue light special maybe? I used to have 1 back in the day. Love it!

[@retrotv1tech]

Could be! I remember going there as a kid!

[@steviea3178]

@@retrotv1tech love the new channel! Keep up the great work.

[@eric_in_florida]

Maybe it's used (dusty power supply) but they kept a cover over the actual unit to keep it so clean. Either way definitely light use. Hope you can get it going!

[@retrotv1tech]

Could be! Thanks!!

[@g-wolf9445]

The RCA cables did not come with the C64. It was an optional cable. Btw, that thing was used. The power supply cable being wrapped the way it was proves it. There are too many people claiming that they have unused retro electronics like the C64. Btw, when my dad bought me my C64 it was wrapped in a clear plastic to keep the dust out of the computer. Btw, those ref switch boxes are very finicky and are known for having issues. Recommend you get an RCA to coax “F”-type adapter. Thanks for the video and I hope you got it going.

[@jasongrimes9305]

Very cool find! Unfortunately many of the MOS branded chips, like the PLA, will go bad over time. There is nothing we can do about that, but many of them have modern replacements now. From the look of the RF shield, it looks like the machine was stored in a humid environment, this could mean that any chips that are in sockets might have some corrosion that could cause the black screen. To remove the RF shield just peal the copper tape off and it will lift up giving you access to the motherboard. Unscrew the motherboard and it and the shield can be lifted out of the case. Once you get the motherboard out, check for any corrosion. You should also pull the socketed chips out of their sockets and check them. You can use an electronics cleaner (like Deoxit) to clean the sockets and IC chips.

[@magicalcelebrations8670]

It's so fu to see someone so interested in old technology. Keep up the good work and it will be fun to see you get this working! 😊

[@retrotv1tech]

Thank you! I can't wait to work on it again and hopefully get it going!

[@handmadeheartears]

Oh my goodness, and possibly unused?! 😳 Suspense is killing me, I can’t wait to find out! 👀☺️

[@GAN-0]

Really intrigued by this channel Josh …I’m 59 now so this brings back great memories! My take on the “new” status is that the unit may have been hooked up but never or lightly used. “Never used” sometimes a statement referring to it sat around for a while 😉. Either way it’s cool to have one.

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks! I enjoy doing this, and I think you're right. This system was definitely lightly used, or maybe even just plugged in to test and that's it. Either way, it's hard to say, but it's in excellent shape, and I'm glad to have it.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

My first computer!! Thanks for the great video Josh!

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks for watching!!

[@WDWMax]

This was so cool! Thanks for sharing Josh!

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks, Max!

[@aprilrains973]

Even though I don't understand most of this, you present it in a way that makes it interesting. Happy New Year!

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s so kind! Thank you!!

[@chickendog812]

Bummer you didn’t get it working. That thing brings back a lot of memories. I had one and had literally hundreds of games for it. We didn’t have cartridges, we had an external floppy drive connected and used to make copies of games at a local gaming club at the local library….lol!!!! So many great games and great memories.

[@retrotv1tech]

I remember making copies of games for the PC too. Lol. We did end up buying most of them though. Great memories!

[@stormgirl09]

Its interesting how computer boxes back then had all that information and pictures...not like computer boxes today that is just a plain white,black,or grey box....and of course manuals are now pretty much non existent!

[@retrotv1tech]

That's so true! I miss boxes like these! Of course, they had to be flashy because they were sitting on store shelves trying to attract people to buy them.

[@MartinGalway]

I suppose inspecting it for fingerprints w/ a UV light or whatever the tricks are... would help determine how much use it has seen What's the serial number on the SID ? 😀 If it says something like "4183" that means it was produced in the 41st week of 1983.

[@retrotv1tech]

That's a great question. Now that we've replaced the SID (see later video), I can just grab the original SID and see what the date code is.

[@doctorsocrates4413]

I bought a commodore64c from ebay and it is in very good condition..However i use a voltage saver lead as the old c64 power bricks are known to surge the motherboard when they start ageing..I do intend to get a new power supply at some point.

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s a good idea. I opted for the new power brick as it has the protection built in, but having the voltage saver works well too!

[@doctorsocrates4413]

@@retrotv1tech i think i am going to use both..scared to turn on my c64 now lol

[@jlampc]

Can't Wait.. I hope it has all the Manuals. Commodores Came with Literal Books. I have my original Commodore 128 and the book was massive.

[@dons8365]

I noticed that you did not check the 9vac part of the power supply. I just bought one too and my supply's 9v was way too low varying around 2.5 volts ac. You really need a new supply . Don't trust that one at all. It will fry your memory chips.

[@retrotv1tech]

I got a new power supply now that’s regulated and has all the necessary protections. I’ll try that. Perhaps it was just a bad voltage on the 9V side. Thanks!

[@SakuraandSesshomaru]

12:43 OMG! That was 3 days after I was born.

[@retrotv1tech]

Wow! Nice!

[@TrenchcoatSteve]

Fantastic video! My friend just gave me his boxed C64 and datasette unit that he purchased in 1983 but never used. I'm an Atari guy so I plan on selling it.

[@retrotv1tech]

That's really cool! So, you have a confirmed unused system? That's incredible! I'd love to see the listing for that if you have time to share.

[@010102201]

We used to use the Commodore PET computers to get placed into jobs at school. Also to learn BASIC, back when we saved information to cassette tape LOL

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s so cool. We had an old PET at our school, but it was not used much. We mostly used the C64’s and Apple II’s.

[@stevemcknelly5036]

K-Mart 4456... That was the one at 103 Hicks Drive SE in Rome, GA. I've been to that one several times back when I lived in Chattanooga. That KMart location closed about nine years after that computer was purchased.

[@retrotv1tech]

Wow! That’s really cool that you knew the store number. Surprising that it closed so early in the 90’s!

[@stevemcknelly5036]

@@retrotv1tech That was back when I was a kid, working in retail sales making those "big bucks". Lol

[@quickclipsbyjmj]

The Commodore 64 was the first 'real' home computer that sold in the UK. I had one. Since then, where funds have allowed. I have tried to keep up with tech. Just last month, I upgraded, after two years, from a Samsung galaxy note 10 to a Samsung galaxy s23 ultra.

[@retrotv1tech]

That's awesome!!

[@j0eCommodore]

Looks prettyfresh - hmm thinking out it - a good sign of it being used, would be shininess on some key tops, like the center of the spacebar, where the fingers have over time polished off the key top texture. Especially on spacebar, RETURN and some of the common letter keys, also smudging/wear around the power switch. Its been so long since I unpacked a Commodore.. though plastic twist ties on the power and video cords was ever present. Composite cables were extra

[@retrotv1tech]

I was wondering about that. The keyboard doesn’t show any signs at all of being used. It’s pretty crazy how fresh it looks. If it was used, it was very lightly with clean hands or a cover of some kind. Thanks!

[@DrBojanglez105]

I don’t if those would suffer the same issue, but I wear out the spacebar on every computer I’ve ever had. So possibly a good sign that it didn’t have noticeable usage.

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s very true!

[@retroreplay83]

Look forward to seeing this opened, still have mine in its original box..

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s awesome! Having it in the box is so cool. It was important to me to find a boxed system for sure.

[@dougjohnson4266]

By default it would only have the RF cable from what I remember from mine. If you open it up, you could check the keyboard for dust etc to see if there is build-up. The reason it may have not been used is that it died shortly of purchase? By the black screen the PLA is dead, bad caps or voltage regulators are bad. Should be a good 64 when fixed.

[@retrotv1tech]

Thank you! I was wondering about the PLA or even the SID. I’ll try it with the SID removed and maybe order a replacement PLA to see if those help. I’ll also look at the caps and see if there are any noticeable issues. I’m not sure how to check the voltage regulator, but I’ll look around for info if we get that far. Thanks!

[@bloodfungus3066]

Maybe just corrosion, that rf shield has undoubtably seen moisture. I dont think its been used really so chips actually being worn out is highly unlikely. Capacitors could b sluggish from the many many years of rest they have had lol. I think a good cleaning of the board shall have u up and running, im placing my bet there🤙good luck and great find.

[@retrotv1tech]

We eventually got it working by replacing the Kernal Rom chip and the SID. Apparently, both chips were bad. We also recapped it for good measure. I had a friend help me with this who is more experienced. It works great now!

[@Tinyman12]

I had the whole set up. The computer cassette deck the floppy disk the printer as well as some games. I wish I could get another set up.

[@kitsunemetal]

I heard of the Commodore 64 but i never owned one it's a shame that this unit wasn't able to boot up properly and hope that you are able to replace the RF switch soon and i wish it came with composite cables they are more convient.

[@retrotv1tech]

I ordered a composite cable, and I’m sure we’ll get it working, even if it’s something else. Thanks!

[@memadmax69]

Isnt it missing the reference books? Definitely lightly used. I wouldn't use that power supply even thou its kicking out proper voltage no load, it could go crazy when put under load.

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks! I ordered a newly made power supply with protection circuits. Also, I wondered about the reference books… I’ve seen those included for things like Basic in other boxes. Not sure about that.

[@memadmax69]

@@retrotv1tech Yea, I could've swore that these came with a programmers reference and another book that showed like all the schematices lol. Also did a quick dig and according to the C64 wiki, ur PSU is bad if the voltage is > 5.10 I'll post the links after this post in case KZbins complains about it lol

[@KorbenCountyJr]

That's wild, let's play all 10,000 games!!

[@retrotv1tech]

Oh wow! Gotta get it booted first. Lol.

[@JosipRetroBits]

Great video! I hope You make it work in the end :)

[@retrotv1tech]

Yes! I’ll get it working! I order a dead test cartridge and a few other things to start diagnosing the problem. It’s too nice of a machine to let it sit. I definitely want to get it working as soon as I can!

[@aaronjames7073]

I owned the Commodore 128 and then the C64 (after the 128 died). They did not come with any audio/video cables. Those would come with the monitors. Only that TV switch box came with my computers. Where did you get the maxi C64? I have only found the mini one for sale. I want to get one of those full size one someday.

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s cool. I got the Maxi C64 on Amazon. Maybe they’re not selling them now? Not sure. Edit: it looks like they aren’t selling them anymore except from 3rd party sellers. Maybe they’ll make a new batch soon!

[@atarimex2643]

No, the av cable didn’t come in the box. Only RF and switch box. At that time, most tv’s didn’t have av inputs, only RF. One would only need an av cable for the 1702 monitor.

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s what I was thinking too. Thanks for confirming!

[@yambo59]

I believe this may be same as I ran into once trying to run an old computer with too old a monitor, possible the monitor is too new / digital not compatible with the computer and you need a compatible monitor-??

[@retrotv1tech]

So in this case, the monitor is just a regular TV connected via a known working RF switch, so I don’t think the TV is the issue, but thanks!

[@dannygrau2983]

Actually tokyo disneyland still allowing there vloggers . Social media blew it out of proportions.

[@retrotv1tech]

Yes. That's true.

[@chriscapps4306]

Maybe stored in a hot warehouse high temperatures can cause melting within the unit

[@retrotv1tech]

Could be! Not sure how it was stored.

[@Jagm177-f9o]

How much is that worth an unboxed c64 40 years later? I would never open it!

[@seanmachado7681]

It's not original packaging. It would have had a clear plastic bag over the unit before the styrofoam went on. No video interface other than the RF modulator and cord. The composite came with the monitor if memory serves right.

[@retrotv1tech]

That makes sense. Yeah… I think it was just very lightly used since the keyboard is in such good shape.

[@andrewferrauiolo4618]

Did it have the floppy disk drive or did it have the cassette tape?

[@retrotv1tech]

No. It was just the system included.

[@andrewferrauiolo4618]

@@retrotv1tech That's weird. When I got it, it came with the real floppy disk drive, but I heard some of them came with the cassette tape player for all the games and programs.

[@andrewferrauiolo4618]

@@retrotv1tech If you really like it, look up The Last Gamer on KZbin. He has every arcade game and every video game and game system ever made in his house. He has the commodore 64 Omega and the prototype for the first Nintendo. Really cool!

[@velosiped135]

First rule for collectors buying on eBay; sellers LIE😂.

[@retrotv1tech]

Yeah… the good news is that he gave me a $50 refund, so that was good.

[@richardblack5710]

It think the Chroma-Lumia Cable came with the monitor not the computer.

[@retrotv1tech]

Oh okay! That makes sense. I ordered one from eBay, and I have it now. Just waiting for time to try it now. :-)

[@loading...7583]

Very interesting

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks!

[@fernandolenzi1915]

you should try to change memory chips...

[@retrotv1tech]

I can try that for sure. I am going to check the PLA and the SID chips first.

[@scottscherer]

I Miss mine

[@retrotv1tech]

For sure!

[@andrehoward6521]

Ele school? I was an freshamn in HS. lol

[@retrotv1tech]

Nice!

[@lauri-jeancarlson8476]

happy new years eve old Computer from 1980s and 1990s they don't have no internet

[@retrotv1tech]

That’s right! Thanks for watching!

[@AhmadZakiVision]

Watch this video from Melaka, Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@retrotv1tech]

Thanks for watching!

[@AhmadZakiVision]

@@retrotv1tech Welcome...

[@dadresorttv1180]

YAY

[@manuelmaseda4875]

Definitely not new. I suspect it was a customer return or floor model.

[@retrotv1tech]

Could be… or just lightly used. A floor model probably would show more wear.

[@YT32-16branch]

clearly used

[@andrehoward6521]

I cut my teeth on C64..

[@retrotv1tech]

Very cool! I had a DOS PC at home and C64's at school.

[@poppiePOPPIE13]

😂🤣😅