The Emergency Chicagoland Commodore Convention

The Emergency Chicagoland Commodore Convention was a great success with Commodore, Atari, Apple, CoCo, Amiga, Texas Instruments, and IBM enthusiasts converging together this weekend. "fill your day with 64K!" was a quote from the invite. After attending both days, 64K was in the agenda!

I also loved the Raspberry Pi setup, the 1950s UNIVAC and soviet-era computers.

The Vintage Computer Festival Midwest 7.0 was held in the same facility with ECCC. Stacks of Apple II's lined the wall, next to Atari ST's, Sun Workstations, and analog computers like the UNIVAC II (1958). I received a demo of the symbolics Mac ivory 2 computer (LISP) workstation. A motherboard was on display, running an OS called Symbolics Genera 8.3.

The original Lisp machines were implemented at MIT, with spinoffs as LMI (defunct) and Symbolics. Xerox (Dandylion, Dandytiger), Texas Instruments (TI Explorer).

The Portland Commodore Users Group attended with their Comet64 Internet Modem, starting at $49.99, the modem uses RS-232 to:

-Call Internet BBSes using your existing Terminal Programs
-Chat online
-Play online, multi-player games on CommodoreServer
-Use V-1541 with CommodoreServer to access disks/files remotely
-Compatible with other S2E software
More apps / games coming soon

Vendors from around the US and Canada attended, with new technology making these old computers fun to compute with.

There was classic games and consoles on sale along with new hardware and software.

Top 10 Reasons to Switch to Commodore Computers

Top 10 Reasons to Switch to Commodore Computers
- by Captain Video

10. You close your eyes at night and see the Blue Screen of Death: STOP 0xC000021A Fatal System Error.

9. Best Buy advertises "crash" and "boot" as a form of multitasking.

8. Microsoft updates Vista with Windows 8.

7. Siri told you so.

8. You decide to revert back to Windows95.

7. You start to rationalize dusting off that old 386 dx computer in the garage.

6. You believe that sealing your windows at home will keep the bugs out.

5. Your idea of a Saturday night is using your deinstaller...

4. You still have a grudge with Apple for firing Steve Jobs.

3. C:\DOS> puts a bad taste in your mouth.

2. x86 is like that annoying neighbor who just wont leave.

1. You want to get back to BASIC.

Commodore SID Symphony II 6581 Cartridge

Commodore SID Symphony II 6581 Cartridge designed by Digital Audio Concepts

Commodore 64 Users who want to expand the sound capabilities have a new option. Adding a second SID to your 64 & 128 is as simple as it can be, insert your Commodore 6581 SID (not included) into the empty socket and plug into your Commodore 64. The interface works with any software which access between the $DE00 to $DFE0 address range (the address can be changed by moving a few simple DIP switches). Sized to fit standard Commodore 64/128 case shells (such as those sold by Protovision or Vesalia Online). Commodore 6581 SID is not included.

"The designer of the SID Symphony II, Vanessa Ezekowitz, was kind enough to furnish me with circuit diagrams of her SID expansions. There are internal and external expansions available, from her website Digital Audio Concepts:

http://digitalaudioconcepts.com/

Clones:

There are reports of a SID Symphony II cartridge, being sold by an ebay and are not to be confused fir the real Sid II.

Commodore 8 Bit Search

Commodore competing with Google? You betcha! Enter Commodore 8 Bit Search engine, currently searching through 1557354 files (1166 GB) spread on 22 servers. You can find Commodore files for the 64, C16, VIC-20, Plus/4, C128 and the list goes on and on. Started by Shane Wood, the project has taken countless hours of coding and is a true testament to the viability of the Commodore in the 21st century.

Take it for a spin and tell your 8 bit friends:

http://search.cbm8bit.com/

Introducing Commodore OS Vision

Computer history in the making.

11.11.11 was the historic day when Commodore USA rose like a phoenix, ushering forth a new OS that die hard C64 and Amiga fans have been waiting for. The screenshots of Commodore OS Vision show the beauty of the OS, modern in design, internet friendly, with the ability to program your own Commodore games, play classic games like Tron, Space Invaders, design graphics, edit movies, create music or program in BASIC, Amiga, Java, C/C++, PHP, Perl, VB.NET, C#, Python, Linux, HTML and much much more.

Windows 8 step aside. Android move over. iOS take notice. The Legend is back, and with over 17 million units sold in the 1980s, Commodore is the best-selling personal computer of all time.

According to Commodore USA:

"Commodore OS Vision is a 64-bit Linux distribution, based on Linux Mint, created for Commodore enthusiasts purchasing Commodore USA hardware, such as Commodore 64, VIC series and the upcoming high-performance line of Amiga computers. These are essentially restore disks for pre-installed Commodore systems. Commodore OS Vision uses the classic GNOME 2 interface and features extensive Compiz/Emerald desktop effects. It includes dozens of games of all genres (FPS, Racing, Retro etc), the Firefox and Chromium web browsers, LibreOffice, Scribus, GIMP, Blender, OpenShot and Cinellera, advanced software development tools and languages, sound editing through Ardour and Audacity, and music composition programs such as the Linux MultiMedia Studio. It has a classic Commodore slant with a selection of applications reminiscent of their classic Amiga counterparts."

Commodore OS Vision Disc 2

Yesterday we reported that Commodore USA released their new Commodore OS Vision. See our 11.11 11 post. Both discs are over 3.3 Gb.

Commodore OS Vision Disc 2 now available for download:

http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_OS_Vision_Download.aspx

You can read more about the OS on:

http://www.commodore-amiga.org/en/forum/8-commodore-os-howto-and-help/9542-commodore-os-vision-disc-2-now-available-for-download

11.11.11 Commodore OS Vision Released!

This is a truly historic and momentous day! The first OS by Commodore has been posted online as a free download. The release of Commodore OS Vision is a game changer, which will definitely be in the running with Android, iOS, and Windows 8.

A beta of OS Vision is ready for download. Here is the web page that has the Torrent Link:

http://www.commodoreusa.net/CUSA_OS_Vision_Download.aspx

While anyone can download/use, it has only been tested for the Commodore VIC and C64x product line(s).

The software included with OS Vision is E-mail and Chat, photos, office applications, internet, music and video, graphics, movie editing, games, programming (allowing you to program in BASIC, Java, C/C++, PHP, Perl, VB.NET, C#, Python and HTML) and much more.

Commodore USA states that:

Commodore OS Vision is a community driven Linux distribution for Commodore enthusiasts that is designed to unleash your creative potential and help you enjoy your computing experience to the fullest. Commodore computers were well known for their unique operating environments, so we seek to do the same, by providing a distinctive, attractive, advanced and fun operating system experience. Its look is inspired by the Commodore 64 and original Commodore Amiga Workbench user environments but with a modern spin, which includes many slick graphical effects which showcase the capabilities of our new Commodore machines.

The Commodore OS Vision project was created as an operating system option for Commodore enthusiasts purchasing Commodore USA computers. It is but the first step on the path to creating the ultimate Commodore experience for our customers. This retro-futuristic OS experience takes design cues in its appearance from classic Commodore and Amiga operating systems and evolves them further to create a distinctive and modern 21st century look which adds personality to our new Commodore machines. The selection of software included also has a retro slant which would be familiar to many Commodore fans, making them feel at home. It features the latest iteration of the classic Gnome 2.x user interface, which many prefer for its simplicity, stability and straight forward access to applications.

Commodore OS Vision stands on the shoulders of giants, with a lineage that traces back to fantastic linux operating system distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu and Mint, which you might also be interested in installing on our machines. Commodore OS Vision auto-installs a graphical operating system boot menu facilitating this further, making your new Commodore machine a technology tinkerers delight.

Watch the video teaser:

C64 Forever 2012.1.1.0 released

Cloanto, developers of Commodore/Amiga software since the 1980s, has introduced C64 Forever, a revolutionary C64 emulator, preservation and support package. C64 Forever embodies an intuitive player interface, backed by a built-in database containing more than 5,000 C64 game entries, and advanced support for the new RP9 format, dubbed the "MP3 of retrogaming".

Features of C64 Forever include:

Emulation of C64 hardware (allows you to run C64 software on your PC)
Additional emulation of related systems: PET 2001, CBM 3032, CBM 4032, CBM 8032, VIC 20, CBM 610, C16, Plus/4 and C128
More than 200 preinstalled games and demoscene productions
One-click play support for thousands of downloadable C64 and other 8-bit games, demos and applications
RP9 Editor allows you to create and edit content for playback on the local system or elsewhere
RP9 Manager to convert between RP9 and other popular formats (D64, T64, etc.) and to export to devices (hardware-based emulators)
RetroPlatform Library includes title and configuration data for more than 5,000 C64 games, with online updates
Preconfigured and enhanced VICE emulation engine with auto-updates
Special features and gallery of items of historical interest
Much, much more...

http://t.co/NWxoYWZm

USB 5.25" floppy controller

Device Side Data's FC5025 USB 5.25" floppy controller plugs into any computer's USB port and enables you to attach a 5.25" floppy drive. Even if your computer has no built-in floppy controller, the FC5025 lets you read those old disks. And it's not just for IBM PC disks – it also understands formats used by Apple, Atari, Commodore and TI, among others.

As of April 2011, the included software supports the following types of disk:

Apple DOS 3.2 (13-sector)
Apple DOS 3.3 (16-sector)
Apple ProDOS
Atari 810
Calcomp Vistagraphics 4500
Commodore 1541
Kaypro 2 CP/M 2.2
Kaypro 4 CP/M 2.2
MS-DOS
North Star MDS-A-D
TI-99/4A

C64 music software

C64 music with a guitar

Shredz64 is a modern day game for the Commodore 64 that makes use of the Playstation guitar controller hooked through the PSX64 interface. Its design is modeled against the popular “Guitar Hero” series, geared toward the ability to play along to your favorite C64 music on the guitar. Correctly played notes increase your score and applause meter, while incorrectly played notes decrease your applause meter. If the crowd stops applauding, you’re out! Additionally, Shredz64 features the “shredocity” meter that allows for extra points when you’re doing an awesome job shredding to your favorite chiptune. Watch Shredz64 in action or Download Now!

Turn your C64x into a Hackintosh

C64x can run practically any OS, bravo to Commodore USA engineering, so go turn ur c64x into a hackintosh

http://sites.google.com/site/nozyczek/home/hackintosh/how-to-install-lion-10-7-0-on-jetway-nc98-525e-lf

Download Hackintosh:

http://cl.ly/94k6

More resources:

http://geeknizer.com/install-mac-os-lion-10-7-on-pc-hackintosh/

AmigaE

In 1991 Wouter van Oortmerssen started working on the friendly but powerful AmigaE language, he released the first version in 1993, and continued to improve it up till 1997, by which time it had become a very popular programming language for the Amiga. But during 1998 development stalled, and it was finally officially abandoned in 1999, partly due to the Amiga platform's own lack of development since Commodore went under.

http://cshandley.co.uk/portable/PortablE.html#4_0

Meeting: Friday November 4, 2011 – 6:00 pm

“@c64club: #c64 #commodore computer club meeting tonight Friday November 4, 2011 – 6:00 pm http://t.co/9taTNgFn”


The following hardware and software will be at the November 4, 2011 Portland metropolitan area Commodore Users Group and Computer Club meeting:

MSD SD-2 Super Disk Drive (22 second verified backups)
Commodore 64 computer and 1541 disk drive (both with JiffyDOS)
50+ C64 retro gaming arcade and utility cartridges
Big box full of C64 floppy disks (games, programs, and utilities)
Amiga 500 computer with tons of software
VIC-20 computer with Mega-Cart: The ultimate cartridge for your VIC 20
Multiple EasyFlash Cartridges for the Commodore 64
If you have any Commodore hardware, software, or other classic computing goodness kindly bring it along because we’ve got plenty of room, tables and electrical outlets.

Along with the above items mentioned, you can also expect to enjoy the following:

Good friends, conversations and a lot social geekery

Atari ST Games

I found Atari ST games today, which brought back a 1980s nostalgia for me:

Psygnosis (1988)
Vegas Gambler (1987)
Goldrunner II (1988)
Goldrunner II Scemergy Disk (1988)

So what does this have to do with Commodore? Psyclapse was the the name of a Commodore 64 game that was never released. The games was released on Atari ST, the goal being to escape from the castle where an evil villain had time warped warriors from the past.

MSSIAH: MIDI cartridge for the Commodore 64

The MSSIAH is a MIDI cartridge for the Commodore 64.
It contains a suite of music applications that starts instantly as you insert the cartridge and start up the computer.
With these applications you can play the C64's audio circuit (SID) via MIDI or stand-alone with the internal sequencers.

MSSIAH is short for MIDI SID Software Integrated Applications and Hardware and means that the cartridge contains both software and hardware to midify the C64. Since they are integrated you won't need hard-to-get MIDI peripherals to hook it up to your synthesizer or sequencer.

Just plug in a MIDI cable and off you go!

"128K IS THE 1985 fashion"

In the Computer magazine, June 1985 issue, the Commodore 128 is given its rightful place in computer history:

128K IS THE 1985 fashion adopted by manufacturers eager to stimulate a depressed home computer market.... combines the 6510, the 8502 and Z80A microprocessors, available on the 128, Commodore 64K mode, Commodore 128K mode and CP/M mode and optional 80 column screen modes available in 128 and CP/M mode only.

The Commodore 64 is back

The Commodore 64 is back with the Phoenix and Amiga models, and runs Comodo, Windows 7, Linux, MAC OS X operating systems, perfect for video and music sequencing.

# Silver Chassis, Keyboard & Power Supply
# Motherboard
# DVD/ CD Optical Drive
# Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor Q8200 (2.33GHz, 4MB, 1333MHz FSB)
# 4GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM, 800MHz
# 500GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive







The Commodore Amigo The CPU, Memory, Graphics & Audio.....all on a single micro PCB, and it's only 2" x 2.5" !

Nico on WNUR 89.3FM Chicago

Nico returns to WNUR with his signature house sound on WNUR 89.3FM Chicago! DR Kno is the host of Streebeat's show on 4.5.2010.

In Chicago, you can listen at 89.3 FM.

You can listen live on the internet:

high bitrate mp3 stream (http://live.wnur.org:8092/listen.pls)
low bitrate mp3 stream (http://129.105.128.107:8094/listen.pls)
aac+ stream (http://129.105.128.107:4500/listen.pls)

Nico's sound programming 909, 303, VIC-I, SID 6580 and 8580, CSIRAC and Ferranti Mark 1, P824X, UVI, SN76489AN (SN76496 SN94624N), POKEY, AY-3-8910 (8912/8913/8914/2149F chips), TIA, Commodore 64, Konami SCC, the Yamaha YM2413 (MSX-MUSIC) and Yamaha Y8950 (MSX-AUDIO, predecessor of the OPL3) and the OPL4-based Moonsound, AY-3-8910 or 8912 on Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, MSX and Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128.

Since the inception in the late 80s,WNUR's foremost goal has been to play the most forward-thinking, cutting-edge, underground dance music the world has to offer. Their programming on the station six nights a week covering material from industrial to progressive, hip-hop to tech house.

From the beginnings of house music in Chicago, WNUR has brought to the airwaves a side of dance music that doesn't get exposure elsewhere on the dial, in the clubs, or even in the party scene. While WBMX's Hotmix 5 were playing the latest local cuts during house music's big explosion, WNUR's role was playing the imports. Such legendary DJs as Derrick Carter and Mark Farina held shows on WNUR in the late 80s/early 90s. In the mid 90s, DJ Snuggles' Strictly Jungle show gained national recognition for being the first weekly drum 'n bass show in the country. Other artists on 89.3 include: Aux 88, Shaka 23, Josh Werner, TRS-80, DJ T-1000, Frankie Vega, Derek Fisher, Mike Wade and more. Their present mission is to provide Chicago and the world with a source of consistently good underground electronic/dance music in all its variety, both new and old, whether local or imported.

Jan Harries New Album

Since 1985, Jan Harries has been producing innovative music on the Commodore 64 and Amiga 500 computers. Having worked with Karsten Obarski's Soundtracker, many of his works live on in the High Voltage SID Collection. 2005 saw the birth of Jan's first musicdisk on Commodore 64, the SID Expander.


Jan's album is sure to be a success so check it out at Sound Monitor