[Andreas Römer]

The LCD with 15KHz support should serve my C128DCF in 80 column 16 Colour Mode. The C128 puts out an digital RGBI-Signal with is mostly like CGA but needs to be converted in an analog VGA like signal. Therefore I have the GGLabs CGA2RGBv2 PCB which transforms the digital output from the C128 in an analog signal which most displays can handle – if they support 15Khz VGA. The CGA2RGBv2 is no scandoubler and keeps the frequency that comes out of the C128DCF.

If you believe it or not: My configuration is working now. 🙂

After your last mail I updated the firmware of my “retrotink 2x pro” from version 1.3 to 1.5 and now everything is fine. I dont need the passthrough mode any more and the C64VE puts out 240p/288p progressive 60Hz/50Hz (leftmost position of the switch if the C64VE-PCB is build in my breadbin C64 and the switch is at the rear edge of the C64). Now I have a 4:3 picture on my LCD-screen without any timing probs even with heavy load demos like “edge of disgrace”. If i want to have a little softer picture or scanline effect i have to use my retrotink and not the C64VE.

The RF-Replacement (my last order) also works flawlessly because of the precision sockets and the ground pin-headers on my C64 mainboard.

The next step is to update the C64VE firmware to the newest version with the USB-Blaster …

Thanks a lot for your help so far!!!

[Andreas Römer]

Hi BuckoA51,
due to my ACER LCD Display I have to choose the leftmost position of the C64VE mode switch.
No matter what i configure on my Retrotink, if I choose one of the other switch positions my display says: “Videomode not supported”. Bad luck for me. 🙂
I think the only way is to look after another display that supports 240p or YpPbr/Component Input. I was searching the internet but i didn´t find any proper device, not even on eBay. Perhaps you have a hint for a suitable LG oder Samsung LCD-monitor? In best cases it supports also 15KHz RGB (VGA) so I can use my C128 in 80column mode with it – using the GGLabs CGA2RGBv2 PCB. Even a small suitable LCD-TV would be fine.
For programming the C64VE FPGA firmware: Can I use the following device I found on Amazon?
amazon.de, article STK0114003019

[Andreas Römer]

Hi BuckoA51,

after continuous testing I found the reason for the timing problems: Indeed it´s as i thought!
The two FPGA’s are the problem. If i put my retrotink 2x pro in passthrough mode the timing probs are gone.
The pic is clear and crisp and everything ist working as expected. Exept the pic format. Now i have a widescreen format on my LCD Screen instead of the requested 4:3. But this is a problem of my display. Everything would be perfect if i could force it to 4:3 …

Best regards!

[Andreas Römer]

Hi BuckoA51,
after further research I watched the YouTube Video of Jan Beta concerning the C64VE. Beside that I read the thread of Copperdragon: “INSTALLING C64VE IN SHORT BOARD C-64, GROUND ISSUE” in this forum. It’s a pity that the normal docu didn´t mention the necessity to ground the C64VE PCB to provide full funcionality.
Above that even Copperdragon mentioned, that the additional ground-standoffs should be part of the DIY-Package to avoid misunderstandings or malfunctioning.
Fact is: Without the additional ground-standoffs the PCB isn´t working correctly, so they really should be added to the package. At least they are not that expensive , isn’t it? Fortunately I had some in my parts-box 🙂
Another reason to add them is the hight of the C64VE PCB over the C64 Mainboard. If you just use the delivered 2 times 4 standoffs the PCB is too low to reach the hole of the former TV out hole, the same for the resolution switch. Perhaps its not a bad idea to link Jan Betas Youtube video if he agrees.

I think the difficulties I have with the Ypbpr output over my retrotink 2x pro to my LCD Monitor over HDMI is caused by converting the signal two times: 1st time through the FPGA of the C64VE and 2nd by the FPGA of the retrotink 2x pro.

Unfortunately I have no CRT Monitor with Ypbpr input available so I can´t check the timing problems using the C64VE output signal directly. Perhaps you have experiences that can confirm my theory?

Nevertheless I want to try to update the C64VE firmware with the newest version. Is the USB Blaster Cable the I picked on amazon (s.a.) suitable to do so?

Best Regards and thanks in advance,
Andi

P.S. Is it possible to share some picturesin this forum? Like small jpegs?

[Andreas Römer]

Hi BuckoA51,
at first thanks a lot for your reply.
The game “Fix it Felix” is bought over itch.io, but i can send you a link to some demos that are’nt working as well in my current configuration (csdb.db).

On Amazon I have found this: https://www.amazon.de/s?k=Usb-Blaster-Kabel-CPLD-Programmierer-Altera&__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&ref=nb_sb_noss
Is this suitable for programming the FPGA Firmware?

In the docu of the C64 S-Video Bypass/RF Replacement – DIY Kit (I have already ordered one) I have seen that you have to ground the PCB on the motherboard beside the ground that it already has over the 2x 4-pin socketing on the mainboard.

Do I have to ground the Video-Enhancement PCB the same way as it is shown in the docu for the S-Video-Bypass-PCB?

Best Regards,
Andi from Berlin

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