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Retro Games THEC64, User Manual

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Having inserted your disk, decide what to do next on your C64 or VIC 20, e.g. 
browse the content, load a program and so on.

BROWSING A VIRTUAL DISK FILE

Please note that if you currently have a BASIC program in memory, save it to disk 
before entering the following command. See 

Save a Program later in this section for 

full details.

Type a simple command in BASIC to see a directory of the inserted disk’s contents.

LOAD "$",8

The number 8 is the standard device ID for the virtual disk drive used on THEC64. 
Now type the following command to see what is stored on the disk. Only one drive is 
available to THEC64.

LIST

This command shows how much space (noted as ‘blocks’, with four blocks equaling 
one kilobyte (1 kB)) each item uses, and how much space remains free on the disk.

72

Summary of Contents for THEC64

Page 1: ...User Manual Questo manuale d istruzione è fornito da trovaprezzi it Scopri tutte le offerte per Retro Games Ltd The C64 o cerca il tuo prodotto tra le migliori offerte di Console Giochi ...

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Page 3: ...USER MANUAL i ...

Page 4: ...t and on human health and is in compliance with current EU legislation Please contact your local authority or retailer for further recycling advice The terms HDMI and HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface and the HDMI logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator Inc in the United States and other countries CBM 8 Bit ROMs 1977 1984 Cloanto Corporation All Rights ...

Page 5: ... 7 3 USING THEC64 FOR THE FIRST TIME 9 Set Up Questions 10 Language 10 Video Output 10 Boot Mode 11 How to Switch Off THEC64 13 4 THEC64 KEYBOARD 15 Using the Keyboard in THEC64 Menus 16 Keyboard Principles 17 Special Keys 18 VIC 20 Keys 23 5 CAROUSEL MODE 25 Overview 26 Games Carousel 27 Game Preview 27 Game Information 27 Options Toolbar 27 Other Settings 28 Play a Game 28 Game Controls 28 Menu ...

Page 6: ... Legal Notices 45 Reset Computer 46 Shutdown Device 46 Switch to Classic Mode 47 System Information 47 Virtual Keyboard 48 8 LOADING OTHER PROGRAMS 49 Introduction 50 Compatible File Types 50 Browsing Files on a USB Stick 53 Auto loading Files From USB Using Default Settings 55 What Are the Default Settings 56 Fast Loader 56 Loading Files Using Customized Settings 57 Filename Flags for Individual ...

Page 7: ...EC64 77 Find Your Current Build Version 78 How to Upgrade Your Firmware 78 APPENDICES 81 A TROUBLESHOOTING 82 B PREPARING USB STICKS 89 C VIC 20 COMPUTER 92 D ADVANCED SETTINGS 96 E JOYSTICK BUTTON ASSIGNMENTS 101 v ...

Page 8: ... from or are prone to epileptic seizures or blackouts due to the rapid color cycling and other graphical effects employed These effects could trigger a previously undetected condition in people with no previous history of seizures or epilepsy Stop using THEC64 immediately and consult a doctor if you or anyone using THEC64 experiences dizziness eye or muscle twitches disorientation affected vision ...

Page 9: ...d powered hubs THEC64 offers two modes Carousel mode Gives you an easy to use carousel with a wide selection of pre installed C64 and VIC 20 games ready to play Classic mode Takes you to BASIC ready for programming loading and saving your programs This mode includes the ability to choose between a C64 and a VIC 20 computer model The two modes share many options so if you make changes to the Displa...

Page 10: ...uch as virtual disk tape cartridge and stand alone program files See CHAPTER 8 for full details We hope you have hours of fun either reliving your childhood or enjoying the C64 or VIC 20 computer for the first time We always recommend upgrading to the latest firmware build Please check online at retrogames biz thec64 support upgrade thec64 viii ...

Page 11: ...1 CHAPTER SETTING UP Unpacking THEC64 Connecting and Starting THEC64 Initial Set Up 1 ...

Page 12: ...k the contents of the packaging THEC64 THEC64 USB Joystick THEC64 Quick Guide An HDMI cable A USB power cable A USB AC adapter CONNECTING AND STARTING THEC64 POWER LED FULLY FUNCTIONAL KEYBOARD POWER INPUT HDMI USB PORT POWER ON OFF MENU USB PORTS 2 ...

Page 13: ...ate power outlet and then connect the other end to THEC64 5 Switch ON your HD TV or monitor and choose the appropriate HDMI input source 6 Press and release the POWER ON OFF switch and the power LED glows red to confirm THEC64 is now ON INITIAL SET UP THEC64 asks questions about preferred settings Using THEC64 Joystick press FIRE to make selections and press or other joystick buttons as instructed...

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Page 15: ...2 CHAPTER THEC64 JOYSTICK Joystick Button Assignments Alternative USB Controllers 5 ...

Page 16: ...ck buttons during play Some games may also require using the keyboard during play At a minimum all games will use the DIRECTIONAL STICK and FIRE See CHAPTER 4 for further information about the keyboard and see CHAPTER 5 for full details about Carousel mode See CHAPTER 8 for details about how to configure the joystick buttons for programs loaded from a USB stick You always have use of which pauses ...

Page 17: ...r a full list of joystick button assignments used on THEC64 screens ALTERNATIVE USB CONTROLLERS THEC64 is also compatible with a wide range of other modern USB controllers which you use as either the primary or the secondary controller where applicable They need to have a minimum of eight buttons to be able to replicate THEC64 Joystick s full functionality Using standard modern USB controller term...

Page 18: ...e to assign joystick buttons to particular functions for programs you load from a USB stick Note that you cannot remap the button functionality See CHAPTER 8 for further details on how to remap buttons when loading other programs on THEC64 8 ...

Page 19: ...3 CHAPTER USING THEC64 FOR THE FIRST TIME Set Up Questions o Language o Video Output o Boot Mode How to Switch Off THEC64 9 ...

Page 20: ...our preferred language press FIRE to confirm and then press to advance THEC64 will remember your choice and use it automatically from now on VIDEO OUTPUT 3 THEC64 is set to output 60 Hz by default and is the current setting The majority of HD TVs and computer monitors accept 60 Hz Some also accept 50 Hz If your display can only use 60 Hz then you don t see the Video output step Instead proceed to ...

Page 21: ...instructions asking you to do this and only if you are okay to proceed with the chosen setting 7 If you see a black screen after step 5 wait ten seconds and THEC64 reverts to the previous Video output setting and displays the options again In this scenario choose the other output mode and repeat step 6 8 Press to advance to the next step when you are happy with the current setting BOOT MODE 9 THEC...

Page 22: ...l options are available via The version of BASIC available is dependent on the current computer model which is set to be a C64 by default See CHAPTER 6 for further details about Classic mode 10 Move the pointer to your preferred Boot mode press FIRE to confirm and then press to advance THEC64 saves this setting and uses it automatically from now on You can change this setting later if you change y...

Page 23: ...o Device settings Shutdown device in Classic mode or go to Options spanner icon and select Shutdown device in Carousel mode 2 In the unlikely event that THEC64 fails to respond at any point press and hold the power switch for approximately six seconds to force THEC64 to shut down 3 To switch THEC64 back ON press and immediately release the power switch 13 ...

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Page 25: ...4 CHAPTER THEC64 KEYBOARD Using the Keyboard in THEC64 Menus Keyboard Principles Special Keys VIC 20 Keys 15 ...

Page 26: ... DIRECTIONAL STICK H DIRECTIONAL STICK O DIRECTIONAL STICK K DIRECTIONAL STICK P DIRECTIONAL STICK SPACE Left FIRE G Left FIRE RETURN Right FIRE L Right FIRE Y TL X TR A A B B C C Left SHIFT at any time Power switch single quick press and release at any time M only when already in THEC64 menus Note that if you select a game or program to insert or auto load using these keyboard controls then the g...

Page 27: ...cial keys that let THEC64 do very specific tasks in BASIC when running as a C64 or VIC 20 computer RETURN The RETURN key tells the computer to look at what you typed and put this information in memory The RETURN key also moves the cursor to the next line Note Computer memory is where the computer stores all the information it needs to recall whilst THEC64 is switched on You can save the current me...

Page 28: ...in the top right corner of the computer screen to indicate that SHIFT LOCK is ON With this ON any key you now press reacts as if SHIFT is pressed at the same time Press SHIFT LOCK again to turn this OFF and the icon disappears SPECIAL KEYS There are two cursor keys on THEC64 keyboard CRSR CRSR moves the cursor up and down CRSR moves the cursor left and right You must use the SHIFT key with the CRS...

Page 29: ...atically move over to close up the space FIX IT AGAIN SAM INST stands for INSerT You have to use the SHIFT key with the INST DEL key when you want to insert characters in a line If you ve left some characters out of a line use the CRSR keys to move the cursor back to the error WHILE U WERE OUT WHILE WERE OUT Then while you hold down the SHIFT key press the INST DEL key until you have enough space ...

Page 30: ...tc RESTORE does such things as clear the screen returning it to the original color and turn off the picture and sound making chips NOTE For RESTORE to work in BASIC as described hold down the SHIFT and RUN STOP keys on THEC64 keyboard while you press the RESTORE key This action is only possible using THEC64 keyboard not the Virtual keyboard explained in CHAPTER 7 For example suppose you ve just pl...

Page 31: ... lets you load a program automatically from a cassette file tap When you want to use the RUN key you must also use the SHIFT key This action is only possible using THEC64 keyboard not the Virtual keyboard explained in CHAPTER 7 The key can do two things 1 Switch back and forth between the upper and lower case display mode the letters and characters on the tops of the keys and the upper case graphi...

Page 32: ...t the graphic on the left side of a key hold down key while you press the graphic key You can print the left side graphic in either mode 2 also lets you use the second set of eight alternate colors not shown on the color keys when in C64 BASIC To get these other colors hold down while you press and release the number for the color you want 1 ORANGE 5 GRAY 2 2 BROWN 6 LIGHT GREEN 3 LIGHT RED 7 LIGH...

Page 33: ...t the second set of eight colors mentioned previously when using THEC64 key on the VIC 20 as the VIC 20 computer has less colors available 1 BLACK 5 PURPLE 6 GREEN 3 RED 7 BLUE 4 CYAN 8 YELLOW See CHAPTER 7 for details on how to change to the VIC 20 computer model and see APPENDIX C for further details about the VIC 20 option on THEC64 Visit the Retro Games Ltd web site for further details about p...

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Page 35: ...5 CHAPTER CAROUSEL MODE Overview Games Carousel Game Preview Game Information Options Toolbar Other Settings Play a Game Game Controls Menu Options for Carousel Mode 25 ...

Page 36: ...before you launch a pre installed game otherwise the joystick won t be available during play The HOME screen is where you choose which one of the pre installed games to play and where you access the configuration options for THEC64 To get back to the HOME screen when running any game press and select Exit game from the menu GAME PREVIEW GAME INFORMATION OPTIONS TOOLBAR DISPLAY LANGUAGE SETTINGS FI...

Page 37: ...oose from Display Language Settings and if a prepared USB stick is connected File loader options To choose an option move and press FIRE Press to leave the current screen See CHAPTER 7 for full details on all the settings The File loader icon appears in the OPTIONS TOOLBAR when you connect a FAT32 formatted USB stick to a USB port on THEC64 Use this option to load other C64 and VIC 20 compatible p...

Page 38: ...creen give you a summary of the highlighted game Press FIRE to launch the highlighted game Note that THEC64 assigns the joystick that selects the game from the CAROUSEL as the primary joystick for that game typically used by player 1 in most games Note that VIC 20 games only use one joystick GAME CONTROLS The majority of the CAROUSEL games use the DIRECTIONAL STICK and FIRE to play Some games make...

Page 39: ...ssing during gameplay temporarily suspends the game and reveals the MENU options for Carousel mode Press again to return to the current program Use to highlight a MENU option and then press FIRE to confirm your selection MENU OPTIONS 29 ...

Page 40: ...ilable and each slot can be overwritten at any time with a different save Use to highlight a slot Press A or A on the keyboard to save to the highlighted slot Press C or C on the keyboard to load from the highlighted slot Press or M or left SHIFT on the keyboard to return to the game After a save or load the menu closes automatically and the game instantly resumes play 30 ...

Page 41: ...n on screen keyboard you control using THEC64 Joystick If using the Virtual keyboard press or M or left SHIFT on the keyboard when you re finished to close it and instantly restore control to the current game See CHAPTER 7 for further details about the Virtual keyboard EXIT GAME To quit the current game and return to the HOME screen select this option To keep your progress make sure you have used ...

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Page 43: ...6 CHAPTER CLASSIC MODE Overview BASIC o Virtual Blank Disks Menu Options for Classic Mode o Save Load State o Media Access o Options Saved State Location 33 ...

Page 44: ...s it was important that all computer owners learned how to write computer programs As a result almost all computers booted directly into a programming language typically a version of BASIC when switched on Booting to Graphical User Interfaces GUIs like the original Macintosh OS and Microsoft Windows came later VIRTUAL BLANK DISKS When you launch BASIC THEC64 automatically looks for a connected USB...

Page 45: ...puter pauses Press again to return to the current program or BASIC From the menu you can insert or auto load virtual media files change to a different computer model amend settings for the display upgrade THEC64 s firmware and much more Please note that the same group of options are available from the MENU regardless of which computer model is currently in use MENU OPTIONS 35 ...

Page 46: ...er model was running when that state saved measured in minutes Please be aware that saving to a used slot automatically overwrites the existing state with a new version Use to highlight a slot Press A or A on the keyboard to save to the highlighted slot Press C or C on the keyboard to load from the highlighted slot Press or M or left SHIFT on the keyboard to return to the computer and resume the c...

Page 47: ...irectly to THEC64 The state always saves to THEC64 if no suitably formatted USB stick is connected at the time the save is started The very first time THEC64 saves on a USB stick it creates a special folder on the USB stick named THEC64SAVE Inside that folder THEC64 creates another folder named after the virtual media file that contains the program currently running For example THEC64SAVE mydisk_M...

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Page 49: ...ND SETTINGS Boot Mode Computer Model Device Settings Display Options Exit to Carousel Mode Factory Reset Language Legal Notices Reset Computer Shutdown Device Switch to Classic Mode System Information Virtual Keyboard 39 ...

Page 50: ...between the modes Note that if you change a shared setting in one mode that setting also applies to the other For example change THEC64 language to Français in Carousel mode and it also changes the language to Français in Classic mode SELECTING OPTIONS AND SETTINGS Carousel mode Select various icons from the Options Toolbar below the GAMES CAROUSEL on the HOME screen Classic mode Press and then ch...

Page 51: ...ils about Classic mode You can load programs from a USB stick in either mode See CHAPTER 8 for full details CAROUSEL MODE This mode boots into a HOME screen giving you access to a number of pre installed games on a CAROUSEL as well as various settings via an OPTIONS toolbar CLASSIC MODE In this mode THEC64 boots directly into the current computer s BASIC C64 example shown below All options are ava...

Page 52: ...HAPTER 8 for details about file compatibility for each computer model See APPENDIX C for further details about the VIC 20 computer model You have a choice between a PAL or NTSC model for each computer and for the Current or Default setting C64 The default computer on THEC64 is the C64 which runs C64 programs and has approximately 38 kB of memory available to BASIC VIC 20 This is the predecessor to...

Page 53: ...0 Hz See APPENDIX D for further details about the Video output modes Customization settings using filename flags or CJM files let you vertically shift the display or use a full height mode for programs loaded from a USB stick See CHAPTER 8 for further details PIXEL PERFECT This mode gives a fuller display width with square pixels C64 or pixels at 2 1 ratio VIC 20 EUROPEAN 4 3 This mode reproduces ...

Page 54: ...usel mode FACTORY RESET This permanently erases any saved settings e g Display Language Boot mode and reverts to their defaults A factory reset also erases any saved states stored on THEC64 It does not erase saved states for programs stored on a USB stick See CHAPTER 8 for details about loading other programs from a USB stick CANCEL This is the default option RESET Highlight the Reset option and p...

Page 55: ...nd screens will feature German language text ESPAÑOL All menus and screens will feature Spanish language text FRANÇAIS All menus and screens will feature French language text ITALIANO All menus and screens will feature Italian language text LEGAL NOTICES This option presents a collection of legal notices and Intellectual property IP information Push to step through the various pages IP NOTICES Lis...

Page 56: ...a also remain available via the MENU until the media is ejected or replaced For virtual cartridge files eject them before selecting the reset computer option else the cartridge auto boots after the reset This does not apply for prg p00 or t64 files allocated to the cartridge slot by THEC64 See CHAPTER 8 for further details on ejecting media SHUTDOWN DEVICE This option shuts down THEC64 which is th...

Page 57: ... on this screen See APPENDIX B for further details about formatting USB sticks See CHAPTER 9 for further details about how to upgrade THEC64 firmware You cannot install an earlier firmware than the build version currently installed CLOSE If there is no firmware upgrade file available this is the only option here If there is a valid firmware upgrade file detected on an connected USB stick you have ...

Page 58: ...e that the Virtual Keyboard can only send one key press at a time so if pressing keys simultaneously or rapidly pressing keys is required then use THEC64 keyboard instead Move the selector box over the keys and press FIRE to send that key press to the computer TL Jump to the next virtual keyboard section there are three TR Press the Spacebar A Press the RETURN key C Press the BACKSPACE key Quit th...

Page 59: ...ng Files from USB Using Default Settings o What Are the Default Settings Fast Loader Loading Files Using Customized Settings o Filename Flags for Individual Files o CJMs for Individual Files o CJMs for Multiple Files o Summary Inserting Virtual Disks on THEC64 LOADING OTHER PROGRAMS 49 ...

Page 60: ...e extension Details Icon Computer model s d64 A virtual disk file e g mydisk d64 Classic mode only If a blank virtual disk file called thec64 drive8 d64 is not in the root of the USB stick then THEC64 creates and inserts one for you This empty virtual disk file can be used for saving and loading programs if required or ejected or replaced with a different virtual disk file C64 VIC 20 g64 A virtual...

Page 61: ...A VIC 20 virtual cartridge file with a prg file extension needs renaming with a crt file extension if it is to work on THEC64 See APPENDIX C for further details about the VIC 20 C64 VIC 20 tap A standard virtual tape file used to store programs e g slowloader tap Note that tape can be the slowest method available taking several minutes to load a tape file Tape files are auto loaded on THEC64 C64 V...

Page 62: ... alone virtual program file e g game1 prg These files are auto loaded on THEC64 Media access in Classic mode places these in the cartridge slot Some prg files for VIC 20 are part of a set from a cartridge and these must have a crt file extension to work as a cartridge on THEC64 See APPENDIX C for further details about the VIC 20 C64 VIC 20 p00 A compressed stand alone virtual program file e g game...

Page 63: ...ghlight and select Media access Both the File loader and Media access options present a list of the first 256 folders and compatible files stored in the current folder displayed across the screen in columns If you have just connected the USB stick then the current folder is always the root of the USB stick Rather than show the filename extension e g d64 icons appear before each file to indicate th...

Page 64: ...ers and files Press FIRE to open the highlighted folder and reveal its contents If there are no further folders or compatible files then No files found displays To return to the previous folder you can push from the first shown column or press A Press to return to the previous screen Press A to return to the previous folder Press B to auto load the highlighted file Media access screen only Press C...

Page 65: ...o and highlight a file then press FIRE to confirm selection In the File loader this auto loads the selected file In Media access this inserts the file if it is a virtual disk file d64 g64 d81 d82 otherwise press B to auto load the chosen file See Inserting Virtual Disks on THEC64 later in this chapter for further details about inserting Programs loaded from a USB stick will either work using the d...

Page 66: ... is used for C64 programs port 1 is available if a second joystick is connected or port 1 for VIC 20 programs only standard functions mapped to the joystick buttons are used when running any program i e and FIRE In addition A sends a Y key press B sends an N key press C is a RETURN key press and displays the MENU the default screen settings are used the default loading options are used including f...

Page 67: ...lags FILENAME FLAGS FOR INDIVIDUAL FILES Add an underscore character _ followed by two character flags to the end of the filename but before the extension type e g d64 These special flags tell THEC64 what to do with the file For example game_M6TPADJ1 d64 The two character flags placed after the underscore _ can be in any order e g game_ADJ1M6TP d64 In this example M6 TP AD and J1 flags have been a...

Page 68: ... all using filename flags Port 1 is assumed by default e g c64 game_M6TPJ1 d64 If you want to change how the joystick buttons behave when running your program then you need to create a CJM file rather than using filename flags Which disk mode s Flag Description AD This enables accurate disk mode slower loading times but more accurate disk drive loading This only applies to d64 or g64 files and cou...

Page 69: ...equests side 2 of the disk so you go to Media access and insert program s2_M6ADROCD then return to the program and follow the on screen instructions to tell it you have now swapped or flipped disks The program now continues At some later point you choose to save the state again When you do so the first save slot is in use from when you had the first disk inserted and you choose to save to the seco...

Page 70: ...nation of these Some VIC 20 programs need more memory Add expanded memory by indicating additional memory banks e g arcade_MVTPB1B2 prg gives the VIC 20 an additional 16 kB of expanded memory for the virtual program file to use See APPENDIX C for further details about the VIC 20 and expanded memory Ignore this if your program is for the C64 or for an unexpanded VIC 20 Which miscellaneous settings ...

Page 71: ...k buttons and apply as a default customization for multiple files Use the standard text editor that comes with Windows Linux or macOS to create a CJM file A CJM file tells THEC64 which settings to use for a virtual media file but unlike filename flags a CJM file can also define joystick button functions and apply to multiple virtual files rather than just one THEC64 always uses a CJM file in prefe...

Page 72: ...rt 2 Finally it also vertically shifts the screen up by 12 display lines to reveal more of the bottom border area of the C64 s display X vic pal fullheight 35k J 1 W S A D I K J L CT 1 2 3 EN 4 The second example sets the computer to be a PAL VIC 20 using the full height of the display and giving a total memory of 35 kB to the computer It then defines the behavior of the joystick in port 1 assigni...

Page 73: ...el pal This makes the program behave as though running on a European PAL computer It doesn t affect the HDMI output of THEC64 ntsc This makes the program behave as though running on a North American NTSC computer It doesn t affect the HDMI output of THEC64 driveicon This activates the on screen drive icon to show when a disk is accessed readonly This makes a disk read only meaning THEC64 cannot wr...

Page 74: ... 20 expanded memory bank 2 bank3 Use VIC 20 expanded memory bank 3 bank5 Use VIC 20 expanded memory bank 5 Note Combine banks by stating bank1 bank2 or bank1 bank2 bank3 etc Alternatively use 4k 8k 16k 24k 32k or 35k Note that 3k is an acceptable alias for 4k See APPENDIX C for full details These bank settings only work with the VIC 20 computer Vertical display shift Type V Possible values 15 to 1...

Page 75: ...is includes changing the usual joystick directions if need be The only function you cannot change is the button which produces the MENU when running a program Please note that if you don t include an entry for the joystick functions within your CJM file joysticks or alternative USB controllers will not work at all for that program even if you have the joystick or controller connected to THEC64 Her...

Page 76: ...lowing functions W Move Up Forward S Move Down Backward A Move Left D Move Right I Fire K Use J Turn Left L Turn Right CTRL Map on off 1 Choose weapon 1 2 Choose weapon 2 3 Choose weapon 3 4 Choose weapon 4 RETURN Select In your CJM file for that game redefine the joystick directional stick to produce key presses and assign other program functions to the other buttons A CJM text file for this VIC ...

Page 77: ...FIRE F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 Function keys f1 to f8 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 Alphanumeric keys AL AU CM CO comma CT CTRL CU Cursor up CD Cursor down CL Cursor left CR Cursor right DL INST DEL EN RETURN HM CLR HOME RS RUN STOP RE RESTORE SL Left SHIFT SR Right SHIFT SS SHIFT LOCK SP SPACE PO pound 67 ...

Page 78: ... when you assign joystick buttons in the CJM file If FIRE does not start the program then assign the appropriate key press to the TL button CJMS FOR MULTIPLE FILES THEC64 can use a CJM file that applies to all files within a folder This is particularly useful if you have multiple files that you wish to apply the exact same settings for Create a CJM file in exactly the same way as you would if conf...

Page 79: ...se Port 2 as the primary controller ntsc j1 thec64 default cjm Multiple NTSC C64 program files that use Port 1 as the primary controller j2 thec64 default cjm Multiple NTSC C64 program files that use Port 2 as the primary controller X 64 pal accuratedisk driveicon J 1 JU JD JL JR JF JF 1 2 JF A B C JF 4 5 J 2 JU JD JL JR JF JF F1 F2 JF 1 2 3 JF F3 F4 V 12 69 ...

Page 80: ... order 1 If a CJM file is present for a specific file the CJM settings apply when the file is loaded 2 Otherwise if a default cjm file is present in the folder containing the program or one of its parent folders then those settings are applied 3 Otherwise any filename flags present at the end of the program filename are applied 4 Otherwise THEC64 default settings apply INSERTING VIRTUAL DISKS ON T...

Page 81: ...the current media section in the bottom third of the Media access screen next to Disk drive to confirm it has been inserted 5 Press to return to the current computer 6 If flipping or swapping disks in mid program follow the instructions in the currently running C64 or VIC 20 program to learn what to do next Typically you press SPACE or RETURN to confirm the disk has been changed If you inserted a ...

Page 82: ...Program later in this section for full details Type a simple command in BASIC to see a directory of the inserted disk s contents LOAD 8 The number 8 is the standard device ID for the virtual disk drive used on THEC64 Now type the following command to see what is stored on the disk Only one drive is available to THEC64 LIST This command shows how much space noted as blocks with four blocks equaling...

Page 83: ...rogram has loaded from disk Many disks load and run automatically by typing the following command without needing to see the directory first LOAD 8 1 This command loads and runs either the first file it finds on the disk OR the most recently run file if the disk has been accessed since you launched BASIC in the same session Typically the main program or the main program loader runs using this comm...

Page 84: ...ne program file if any have been auto loaded in the same session In Media access push on the joystick until you enter the current media section Now highlight the relevant Eject button and press FIRE to remove that file from the disk drive the tape deck or the cartridge slot Please note that when you save your current state using the Save load state MENU option NOT the same as saving a program to d...

Page 85: ...virtual media file is currently inserted then the saved state is assigned to BASIC but is still saved to the USB stick unless the USB stick has been removed from THEC64 In this scenario the state is assigned to BASIC on THEC64 itself and that is where the saved state will be located rather than on the USB 75 ...

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Page 87: ...9 CHAPTER UPGRADING THEC64 Find Your Current Build Version How to Upgrade Your Firmware 77 ...

Page 88: ... the OPTIONS spanner icon underneath the GAMES CAROUSEL and select System information Now look for the Build information including the Build date Unless told otherwise on the Retro Games Ltd web site all firmware upgrades are accumulative This means if you have not yet upgraded you get all of the previous upgrades within the latest firmware upgrade file HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR FIRMWARE 1 Use a compute...

Page 89: ...ort on THEC64 6 Access System information as described earlier 7 The upgrade file is detected and you are asked to close or apply 8 If you apply then the upgrade begins 9 If you choose not to upgrade at this time select Close or just press 10 After a successful upgrade THEC64 will restart automatically 11 Check the new build version by revisiting System information Please note that you cannot inst...

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Page 91: ...APPENDICES 81 ...

Page 92: ...or new functionality for THEC64 See CHAPTER 9 for further details about how to upgrade THEC64 firmware Symptom Possible cause Remedy Power Red Power LED not On THEC64 is not On Single press the power switch to turn THEC64 on Power lead not plugged in Check power socket for loose or disconnected power lead Power supply not plugged in Check wall outlet connection Faulty power lead Try a different po...

Page 93: ...the Video output option to 60 Hz when the option appears after language selection Faulty HDMI lead Try a different HDMI lead HD TV or monitor on wrong input source Switch input source to appropriate HDMI setting on HD TV or monitor There is a delay between controller actions and reaction on screen lag TV is applying image processing to THEC64 video output Switch off image processing options on you...

Page 94: ... the program expects the joystick to be connected to If port 1 for a C64 program then this needs to be specified via filename flags or CJM files See CHAPTER 8 for further details Some programs don t require or use a Joystick Check that your program uses a joystick If it only uses keyboard but you want to use a joystick create a CJM file to do this See CHAPTER 8 for further details Player One and P...

Page 95: ... a recognised filename extension File is actually incompatible and won t load File is for a different computer model Verify which computer model the file is meant to work on e g a VIC 20 PRG rather than C64 PRG file USB stick has read or write errors Error check the USB stick on a different computer or use an alternative stick THEC64 is not receiving sufficient power Use a powered USB hub or detac...

Page 96: ...tick following advice in APPENDIX B Stick connected via unpowered USB hub so is not receiving sufficient power Use a powered USB hub or detach other USB devices from hub VIC 20 program file prg fails to load This file could be for a C64 rather than a VIC 20 Try loading the file on a C64 computer model Program display Program display is cut off at the top or bottom of the screen The current program...

Page 97: ...ly load successfully if AD accuratedisk and or RO readonly are applied See CHAPTER 8 for details Tape file fails to complete loading Some tape files take a long time to load and do not give any sign of progress on screen during the loading process Patience is a virtue Wait a while longer before assuming the tape file isn t loading Virtual cartridge VIC 20 cartridge file fails to load and only show...

Page 98: ... inserted saved states associate with BASIC instead Before the states were saved the relevant USB stick was removed or no longer detected The saves are accessible from BASIC when no USB stick is connected VIC 20 VIC 20 program displays in the top left corner of the screen The current program needs to run on a VIC 20 NTSC but is currently running on a VIC 20 PAL computer model Switch the current mo...

Page 99: ...les and folders Connect your chosen USB stick to the computer intended for formatting the stick What you do next depends on which operating system is running on the computer WINDOWS 10 8 7 USB STICK CAPACITY UP TO 32 GB If a window doesn t automatically display the content of the USB stick after connection press E to open File Explorer 1 In File Explorer right click over the drive icon for the USB...

Page 100: ...2 with MBR Use your preferred search engine to find one online MACOS The following instructions apply to High Sierra 10 13 6 but we cannot guarantee that they apply to all releases of macOS 1 After connecting the USB stick a USB icon appears on the desktop Now run Finder 2 Select Applications Utilities Disk Utility then select your USB stick Please ensure that you have selected the correct device ...

Page 101: ...is different 5 Type umount dev sdb1 and press Return This unmounts the USB stick ready for formatting by the next command 6 Now type sudo mkfs fat F32 v I n THEC64 dev sdb1 and press Return Note that the name of the stick e g THEC64 is just an example Use another name or just omit the n THEC64 to not name the USB stick 7 Supply your root password and then the formatting will begin You now have a F...

Page 102: ...rences are in its video and audio capabilities and the amount of memory available The C64 only runs C64 programs and the VIC 20 only runs VIC 20 programs In Classic mode press select Options then Device settings Computer model and choose a VIC 20 model PAL or NTSC as the current computer In Classic or Carousel mode you can also choose to make the VIC 20 the default computer model when THEC64 boots...

Page 103: ... memory banks The typical combinations of expanded memory banks needed for some VIC 20 programs are Bank combination s Use for 0 Programs requiring 3 kB of additional expanded memory 1 Programs requiring 8 kB of additional expanded memory 1 2 Programs requiring 16 kB of additional expanded memory 1 2 3 Programs requiring 24 kB of additional expanded memory 1 2 3 5 Programs requiring 32 kB of addit...

Page 104: ...ile automatically so you don t need to worry about the addresses To load a VIC 20 cartridge file crt that is split into multiple files switch to Classic mode and then auto load each one in turn on a VIC 20 computer model If one cartridge file uses address A000 then load that last When the final file is loaded the program will run If required each file should have filename flags or an appropriate C...

Page 105: ...IC 20 program looks like it is missing something at the bottom or top of the screen then use the special full height setting that squeezes the entire display into the 720p image generated by THEC64 Add FH as a filename flag or add fullheight to the X entity in the relevant CJM file If a VIC 20 program appears in the top left corner if the screen rather than in the center then chances are you are r...

Page 106: ...cannot display at 50 Hz then this screen does not appear and THEC64 automatically uses 60 Hz WHY CHANGE THIS SETTING An original North American C64 computer outputs at a refresh rate slightly less than 60 Hz A European C64 outputs at a rate slightly more than 50 Hz In comparison THEC64 locks to the HDMI rate of exactly 50 Hz or 60 Hz depending on the Video output setting so that it produces super ...

Page 107: ...deo output setting and the type of computer model in use For some programs the increase or decrease in speed only makes a superficial difference For others the difference is a little more obvious especially in regards to the pitch of the audio on the running program To compensate THEC64 applies some automatic adjustments to make the pitch of the audio as close to the original experience as possibl...

Page 108: ...r that your TV displays can also vary from one TV to another due to a technical feature called overscan This means that a varying amount of the border is hidden from view None of these facts are really significant on THEC64 unless a running C64 program uses the border area to display additional information VERTICAL SHIFT By creating a CJM text file for use with a program loaded from a USB stick yo...

Page 109: ...ou have a vertical shift value of more than 6 in your CJM file You are likely to see odd graphical issues appearing in the bottom few lines of the display as you reveal an area that is beyond the NTSC C64 s border For this reason not many NTSC C64 programs use the borders and if they do they tend to only use a few of the lines in the border area See CHAPTER 7 for further details on all of the opti...

Page 110: ... program sacrificing the accurate display to fit everything into the 720p image So instead of moving the display up or down using vertical shift you instead squash the display and fit it into the 720p image catering for the top and bottom borders becoming visible but at the expense of introducing some occasional odd visual artifacts 100 ...

Page 111: ...r use Press to return to the previous screen Press A to return to the previous folder Press A to re sort the GAMES CAROUSEL Press A to save the current state Press B to Auto load the highlighted file Press C to disable enable the fast loader Press C to load the highlighted saved state Press C to disable enable the menu music For all other actions highlight the selectable option shown on screen and...

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