C64/C128 S-Video Bypass/RF Replacement – Fitting Service

Available now (handled by our partners BetaGamma Computing in Greece). Please allow for shipping and processing delays due to bad weather in Corfu. UK customers MUST e-mail us first about ANY upgrade/repair work (except NI).

All repair/modification work is carried out subject to our terms and conditions. Once you have placed your order, details of where to ship your hardware will be sent to your e-mail address. Prices do NOT include return postage.

In the Commodore 64, the RF modulator is not only responsible for generating the RF video but also for amplifying and filtering the luminance and chrominance signals from the VIC II chip. These signals make up the machines S-Video output, the highest quality signal you can get from the original C64 VIC-II graphics chip. Unfortunately, the stock RF modulator injects a lot of noise while generating these signals.

The c0pperdragon RF replacement board available here is a straightforward replacement for both original “bread bin” and C64C systems. It requires no modification to the main board apart from removal of the old RF modulator. Once installed, the board upgrades the machines S-Video and composite video outputs with sharper, clearer signals created by a modern high bandwidth amplification system. Note that RF output will not be available any more but this should be considered obsolete anyway.

Order this modification and send us your C64 and we will professionally install and test the board, while also giving your C64 an internal clean and health check. After installation you can expect cleaner, more vibrant S-Video. In our in-house tests, scope readings show all signals are in spec and clean and the signal to noise ratio measures up to 20dB better than the stock RF modulator.

The modification is compatible with classic CRT televisions, the RetroTINK/RetroTINK Pro and the Koryuu.

The mod can be used in conjunction with a LumaFix 64 board to further clean up the machines noisy S-Video output. Generally this will make a small but appreciable difference compared to running just the S-Video bypass on its own, but results vary widely between Commodore 64 machines. If your C64 already has a LumaFix installed, we will adjust and re-calibrate it if necessary.

If you want the best picture quality with 100% authentic Commodore 64 VIC-II graphics hardware, then you need the C64 S-Video Bypass/RF Replacement!

Commodore 128 users

A number of customers asked us if the kits were compatible with the Commodore 128 too. We asked BetaGamma Computing to look into this and the answer is yes! This mod is fully compatible with the C128 too.

If you prefer to DIY fit this mod, click here.

Open source design developed by c0pperdragon and used with permission. Want to build your own board?, check the Github page here.