RF Modulator, L-R header and VI-II shield
#1
These few questions may sound obvious, and I apologise if they but I'd appreciate answers.

* The RF modulator. Is it needed, should I fit a de-soldered commodore item removed from a 64 and does it output ~ channel 35 like original commodore 64s?

* The R-L header. Is it intended to connect to a stereo audio jack, should I fit a plug and cable relieving a hole in the RF Modulator shield to get from the header to the case?

* The VIC-II shield. Should I fit it?

I'm waiting on a couple of zenner diodes to drop through my letterbox and I will have finished. I found the ICS64 documentation, build guide and BOMs invaluable and a pleasure to use. They were half the fun of the project.


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#2
The RF modulator is not needed - in fact, it won't even fit because the surface mount parts in the way. The only way to use a modulator would be to remove the surface mounted parts. That would be a bit foolish because the ICS64's video output is quite amazing due to the RF modulator replacement circuitry (the surface mounted parts).

The R-L plug is designed for a 3 pin JST plug to a 3.5mm (or similar) stereo jack cable. That can be either mounted to the C64 case or just passed through an opening. You need a stereo SID chip setup, with the extra SID output connected to the extra "L" pad.

You can use the shield or not. Most people don't.

Nice build - it looks great!
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#3
Thanks for sharing
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#4
(05-05-2022, 01:08 PM)admin Wrote: The RF modulator is not needed - in fact, it won't even fit because the surface mount parts in the way.  The only way to use a modulator would be to remove the surface mounted parts.  That would be a bit foolish because the ICS64's video output is quite amazing due to the RF modulator replacement circuitry (the surface mounted parts).

The R-L plug is designed for a 3 pin JST plug to a 3.5mm (or similar) stereo jack cable.  That can be either mounted to the C64 case or just passed through an opening.  You need a stereo SID chip setup, with the extra SID output connected to the extra "L" pad.

You can use the shield or not.  Most people don't.

Nice build - it looks great!

Thank you so much for the advice. I have another question; do you know if there is a cool running VR2? Mine gets hot enough to need a heatsink which prevents me from using a C64C case.
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#5
This is normal, just like a stock C64! I would recommend one of these switching 5V regulator replacements:

XP POWER TR10S05: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/deta...05/6707495

CUI VX7805-1000: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/deta...00/7350292

CUI V7805-1000: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/deta...00/1828608

Recom R-78C5.0-1.0: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/deta....0/2652148


ALL of these run cool because they are switching - so no heat or heat sink.
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