The 1-Bit Forum — Commodore 128

Re: Commodore 128

null@example.com (kokkiklhs) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 11:54:59 +0000

utz wrote:

Btw check this out: http://csdb.dk/release/?id=94238

Hahaha, at last, the 64 plays some good music!!

Re: Commodore 128

null@example.com (utz) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 22:38:11 +0000

Hehe, I actually got a 128D sitting on my desk Was wondering about the Z80, too. But all the C= coders I've talked to so far have told me that it's not worth it because the Z80's power is seriously limited by the system. So, in order to make some 1-bit music on the machine, one would be better off coding for the 8502. I don't really like 65xx asm though, so... not for me

Btw check this out: http://csdb.dk/release/?id=94238

Commodore 128

null@example.com (kokkiklhs) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 16:39:19 +0000

A few days ago, I discovered my long-lost C128 and fired it up for a while... it still works!!!
I played a couple of good old games (in 64-mode), then switched back to 128 and realized for one more time, that all the extra (and impressive for the time) features of this old monster were/are practically useless, because of the lack of special software...

Then I had an idea... I booted CP/M Plus, just for fun!! It started up fine and I wondered again, what was the use of such an implementation by Commodore into this machine, since there was no serious software support, even for CP/M?

Hey... wait a minute!! CP/M??? That means Z80!!
Yes, this machine bears a Z80B @4MHz, which was supposed to be there only for CP/M usage (i.e. never really used)...

Just thinking, would there ever be any chance of someone to give a new life to this poor Z80B inside the 128?
It's been sitting almost completely idle for 30 years in its place, it would be an interesting idea if someone could program it to produce some nice 1-bit music! Of course we all know that the 128 already has the famous and mighty SID built in, but... so what???