C64 Reloaded MK2

[dougwj]

Tried the small board with my MK2 and it boots but the screen has text characters jumping all over. Is there a specific jumper setting or some update to the MK2 I need to make? I can include pics of the screen and my MK2 if needed.

Thank you, Doug.

[dougwj]

I went back and read your email from Sept 6th 2022 and you mention that you might need someone to test with an MK2. If you do not have anyone yet I volunteer. Not sure what you program them with but I have a TL 866II+, breadbin boards, short boards and MK2 boards. I was thinking you mentioned someplace (youtube maybe?) that you had been able to test with an MK2 that was lent to you for a while.

Thank you, Doug.

[randyrossi]

You can try this firmware for the MKII:

https://accentual.com/vicii-kawari/downloads/flash/LH/kawari_flash_1.8_MKIILH_multiboot.zip

You will need to program it from a working C64 though. You can either use one .d81 image (and hit return when promted) or swap the .d64 images (when prompted). If you use a Pi1541, you need the 1581 ROM image installed. Otherwise, mount all 5 disks in the queue and swap. SD2IEC will work but you won't be able to use the fast loader so it would be slow. A real 1541 would also be slow but possible.

On Mon, Nov 14, 2022 at 1:10 AM dougwj @.***> wrote:

I went back and read your email from Sept 6th 2022 and you mention that you might need someone to test with an MK2. If you do not have anyone yet I volunteer. Not sure what you program them with but I have a TL 866II+, breadbin boards, short boards and MK2 boards. I was thinking you mentioned someplace (youtube maybe?) that you had been able to test with an MK2 that was lent to you for a while.

Thank you, Doug.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1313145611, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKHIBTV6WQNG3RHJ7CDWIHJXFANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: @.***>

-- Randy Rossi

• "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[dougwj]

The firmware update works perfectly. I used an ASSY NO 250466 Breadbin MB with a 1541 Ultimate 2+ to update the firmware. I have a a Sony Bravia XBR with an S-Video cable for use with the MK2 and the 250466 and both have excellent video output quality.

If you ever need short board 64C testing I have 1 PAL and several NTSC motherboards that I can test with.

Thank you so much for providing the firmware update as I prefer to use the MK2 board in hopes that it will help keep these old chips running. Doug.

[slime1982]

Hi, I have just received a mini board from VGP and am intending to use it with a Reloaded MK2. Unfortunately I don't have a working long board I can use to update the firmware. I do have a working 'C64E' board with an 8565. Would it be ok to install the mini in this temporarily to do the firmware update?

Failing that, is it possible to re-flash the board directly? If so, what equipment would I need to do it?

Many thanks,

Simon.

[randyrossi]

Yes, you can use the short board to flash the Kawari. If the board doesn't boot the first time in your short board, just power down and try again. Some short boards don't start right away. Let me know how it goes.

On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 10:08 AM slime1982 @.***> wrote:

Hi, I have just received a mini board from VGP and am intending to use it with a Reloaded MK2. Unfortunately I don't have a working long board I can use to update the firmware. I do have a working 'C64E' board with an 8565. Would it be ok to install the mini in this temporarily to do the firmware update?

Failing that, is it possible to re-flash the board directly? If so, what equipment would I need to do it?

Many thanks,

Simon.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1330796888, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKD5L5KP7GHQ72ZKXRLWKYMAXANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.***>

-- Randy Rossi

• "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[slime1982]

That's great, thank you!

I won't be able to get to it until the weekend, but I'll let you know how it goes :)

Many thanks,

Simon.

Yes, you can use the short board to flash the Kawari. If the board doesn't boot the first time in your short board, just power down and try again. Some short boards don't start right away. Let me know how it goes. … On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 10:08 AM slime1982 @.> wrote: Hi, I have just received a mini board from VGP and am intending to use it with a Reloaded MK2. Unfortunately I don't have a working long board I can use to update the firmware. I do have a working 'C64E' board with an 8565. Would it be ok to install the mini in this temporarily to do the firmware update? Failing that, is it possible to re-flash the board directly? If so, what equipment would I need to do it? Many thanks, Simon. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#10 (comment)>, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKD5L5KP7GHQ72ZKXRLWKYMAXANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.> -- Randy Rossi - "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[slime1982]

Hi,

today I temporarily installed the mini in my short board to update it to the firmware you linked above, using the .d81 and a Pi1541. The process ran fine and verified ok. It worked pretty well in the short board and physically it was fine, the board is mounted in a Pixelwizard case with keyboard mounts I 3D printed from Thingiverse. I could have easily closed the case as there was a gap between the mini and the keyboard.

Transferring it to the Reloaded board was no issue, though I had to remove the extra socket, otherwise the keyboard rested on the mini.

While the boot screen appears fine, as soon as I load anything the characters start to randomly change colour, and random characters ocassionally appear on the screen. This seems to happen more when the SD2IEC is being accessed.

I get the same effect in PAL or NTSC. I tried switching to the motherboard clock source but this made it worse, with the video signal going out of sync in time with the flickering characters.

I ran the config utility and verified that it was updated to firmware 1.8. (it came with 1.5).

I have an ARM2SID, 2x 6526 CIAs and a 6510 CPU installed in the board.

Happy to be a tester for future firmware updates and I can provide video captures of the issue if you want.

Many thanks,

Simon.

Yes, you can use the short board to flash the Kawari. If the board doesn't boot the first time in your short board, just power down and try again. Some short boards don't start right away. Let me know how it goes. … On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 10:08 AM slime1982 @.> wrote: Hi, I have just received a mini board from VGP and am intending to use it with a Reloaded MK2. Unfortunately I don't have a working long board I can use to update the firmware. I do have a working 'C64E' board with an 8565. Would it be ok to install the mini in this temporarily to do the firmware update? Failing that, is it possible to re-flash the board directly? If so, what equipment would I need to do it? Many thanks, Simon. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#10 (comment)>, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKD5L5KP7GHQ72ZKXRLWKYMAXANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.> -- Randy Rossi - "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[randyrossi]

This is an MKII board? I haven't had any reports of that kind of behavior with the firmware change but I never used SD2IEC when I had an MKII board here. Does it happen with Pi1541 or a 1541? What firmware version is your reloaded board?

On Sun, Dec 4, 2022 at 6:15 PM slime1982 @.***> wrote:

Hi,

today I temporarily installed the mini in my short board to update it to the firmware you linked above, using the .d81 and a Pi1541. The process ran fine and verified ok. It worked pretty well in the short board and physically it was fine, the board is mounted in a Pixelwizard case with keyboard mounts I 3D printed from Thingiverse. I could have easily closed the case as there was a gap between the mini and the keyboard.

Transferring it to the Reloaded board was no issue, though I had to remove the extra socket, otherwise the keyboard rested on the mini.

While the boot screen appears fine, as soon as I load anything the characters start to randomly change colour, and random characters ocassionally appear on the screen. This seems to happen more when the SD2IEC is being accessed.

I get the same effect in PAL or NTSC. I tried switching to the motherboard clock source but this made it worse, with the video signal going out of sync in time with the flickering characters.

I ran the config utility and verified that it was updated to firmware 1.8. (it came with 1.5).

I have an ARM2SID, 2x 6526 CIAs and a 6510 CPU installed in the board.

Happy to be a tester for future firmware updates and I can provide video captures of the issue if you want.

Many thanks,

Simon.

Yes, you can use the short board to flash the Kawari. If the board doesn't boot the first time in your short board, just power down and try again. Some short boards don't start right away. Let me know how it goes. … <#m-629995176293741187> On Tue, Nov 29, 2022 at 10:08 AM slime1982 @.> wrote: Hi, I have just received a mini board from VGP and am intending to use it with a Reloaded MK2. Unfortunately I don't have a working long board I can use to update the firmware. I do have a working 'C64E' board with an 8565. Would it be ok to install the mini in this temporarily to do the firmware update? Failing that, is it possible to re-flash the board directly? If so, what equipment would I need to do it? Many thanks, Simon. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#10 (comment) https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1330796888>, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKD5L5KP7GHQ72ZKXRLWKYMAXANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKD5L5KP7GHQ72ZKXRLWKYMAXANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.> -- Randy Rossi - "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1336545689, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKC6EKBDSHCBAOAZ3O3WLUQZ3ANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.***>

-- Randy Rossi

• "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[randyrossi]

I may have had the wrong image at the download link. Can you try this one instead?

https://accentual.com/vicii-kawari/downloads/flash/LH/kawari_flash_1.6_MKIILH_multiboot.zip

Version should be 1.6 now

[slime1982]

Hi, sorry for the late reply, was busy with work then managed to catch covid.

Is it ok to update to the v1.6 firmware using the MK2, or should I swap it back into my short board first?

Using my Pi1541 doesn't seem to make a difference, I have the same issue when loading anything from the Pi1541.

Simon.

I may have had the wrong image at the download link. Can you try this one instead?

https://accentual.com/vicii-kawari/downloads/flash/LH/kawari_flash_1.6_MKIILH_multiboot.zip

Version should be 1.6 now

[randyrossi]

I would put it in the short board first to be safe. Can you tell me what firmware your MKII is at currently?

If you still see an issue, this could be a problem not yet seen before. This firmware is reported to be working with MKII. So we'll have to do some digging.

On Sat, Dec 17, 2022 at 7:32 AM slime1982 @.***> wrote:

Hi, sorry for the late reply, was busy with work then managed to catch covid.

Is it ok to update to the v1.6 firmware using the MK2, or should I swap it back into my short board first?

Using my Pi1541 doesn't seem to make a difference, I have the same issue when loading anything from the Pi1541.

Simon.

I may have had the wrong image at the download link. Can you try this one instead?

https://accentual.com/vicii-kawari/downloads/flash/LH/kawari_flash_1.6_MKIILH_multiboot.zip

Version should be 1.6 now

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1356236677, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKEXO7FEWOXEEL2CNVLWNWXGDANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.***>

-- Randy Rossi

• "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[slime1982]

Hi, MK2 firmware version is V20180227, which appears to be the latest version. The board detects the kawari as a 6569. I will swap it back into my short board and flash the v1.6 firmware.

Could it potentially be power related? The PSU I used with it initially caused noise on the screen with a real 6569. I swapped to the PSU that came with my Ultimate 64 and that fixed the problem.

Also I note that just sitting at the boot screen the text will ocassionally flicker without any input.

The only MOS ICs in this board now are the CPU and 2x CIAs. I suppose it's possible one could be marginal.

Cheers,

Simon.

I would put it in the short board first to be safe. Can you tell me what firmware your MKII is at currently? If you still see an issue, this could be a problem not yet seen before. This firmware is reported to be working with MKII. So we'll have to do some digging. … On Sat, Dec 17, 2022 at 7:32 AM slime1982 @.> wrote: Hi, sorry for the late reply, was busy with work then managed to catch covid. Is it ok to update to the v1.6 firmware using the MK2, or should I swap it back into my short board first? Using my Pi1541 doesn't seem to make a difference, I have the same issue when loading anything from the Pi1541. Simon. I may have had the wrong image at the download link. Can you try this one instead? https://accentual.com/vicii-kawari/downloads/flash/LH/kawari_flash_1.6_MKIILH_multiboot.zip Version should be 1.6 now — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#10 (comment)>, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKEXO7FEWOXEEL2CNVLWNWXGDANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you commented.Message ID: @.> -- Randy Rossi - "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[randyrossi]

I've discovered a technical issue that will prevent Kawari from reliably working with the MK-II. The two projects are fundamentally incompatible with each other. So I won't be able to support the MK-II board. Apologies if this represents a problem. You can contact me via email if you need to return the board. Thanks.

[slime1982]

Oh, that's a shame. Sorry I have not been back to you, life / work has got in the way recently.

what is the issue?

Cheers,

Simon.

I've discovered a technical issue that will prevent Kawari from reliably working with the MK-II. The two projects are fundamentally incompatible with each other. So I won't be able to support the MK-II board. Apologies if this represents a problem. You can contact me via email if you need to return the board. Thanks.

[dougwj]

I am happy with using the Kawari on my MK2. The only thing I have noticed is if the MK2 is shut off for a few days, on first boot the MK2 blinks with an error and no video is displayed. Power off/on and it is good to go.

Thank you. Doug.

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023, 1:09 PM randyrossi @.***> wrote:

I've discovered a technical issue that will prevent Kawari from reliably working with the MK-II. The two projects are fundamentally incompatible with each other. So I won't be able to support the MK-II board. Apologies if this represents a problem. You can contact me via email if you need to return the board. Thanks.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1400982288, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A4FOP2GG4GTNMBXZYRJAWHDWT3XRZANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: @.***>

[randyrossi]

The MK-II ignores CAS/RAS signals completely and instead expects the address bus to be valid at specific times in the cycle. But in order to do that, it uses its own counter running off the mother board's dot clock which the Kawari does not use (because it generates its own to be able to switch video standards). I might be able to get it to work by using the motherboard clock jumper setting, then the counter would be in sync. So it would be like any other special hardware that requires the dot clock. But the 2nd issue is that I don't have one and don't want to keep borrowing one to troubleshoot issues.

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 4:19 PM slime1982 @.***> wrote:

Oh, that's a shame. Sorry I have not been back to you, life / work has got in the way recently.

what is the issue?

Cheers,

Simon.

I've discovered a technical issue that will prevent Kawari from reliably working with the MK-II. The two projects are fundamentally incompatible with each other. So I won't be able to support the MK-II board. Apologies if this represents a problem. You can contact me via email if you need to return the board. Thanks.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1400995114, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKBFFVP4B6IPETPAE53WT3YWTANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you modified the open/close state.Message ID: @.***>

-- Randy Rossi

• "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

[dougwj]

I have a second new unused MK2 that you can have permanently if you want or I can have one purchased and sent to you.(I think that can be done.) Either way it is up to you.

I would consider it to be just helping with supporting the project.

Doug.

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023, 1:28 PM randyrossi @.***> wrote:

The MK-II ignores CAS/RAS signals completely and instead expects the address bus to be valid at specific times in the cycle. But in order to do that, it uses its own counter running off the mother board's dot clock which the Kawari does not use (because it generates its own to be able to switch video standards). I might be able to get it to work by using the motherboard clock jumper setting, then the counter would be in sync. So it would be like any other special hardware that requires the dot clock. But the 2nd issue is that I don't have one and don't want to keep borrowing one to troubleshoot issues.

On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 4:19 PM slime1982 @.***> wrote:

Oh, that's a shame. Sorry I have not been back to you, life / work has got in the way recently.

what is the issue?

Cheers,

Simon.

I've discovered a technical issue that will prevent Kawari from reliably working with the MK-II. The two projects are fundamentally incompatible with each other. So I won't be able to support the MK-II board. Apologies if this represents a problem. You can contact me via email if you need to return the board. Thanks.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub < https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1400995114 , or unsubscribe < https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKBFFVP4B6IPETPAE53WT3YWTANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY

. You are receiving this because you modified the open/close state.Message ID: @.***>

-- Randy Rossi

• "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/randyrossi/vicii-kawari/issues/10#issuecomment-1401005981, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A4FOP2CLYK43IHRKZSQL24TWT3ZWPANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: @.***>

[slime1982]

OK. I am happy to test it on your behalf if you did want to try the motherboard clock option. I have more free time now than I have had recently so am happy to help to try and get it working.

my Mini seems to work fine in my short board so I can use that to do firmware updates.

Cheers,

Simon.

The MK-II ignores CAS/RAS signals completely and instead expects the address bus to be valid at specific times in the cycle. But in order to do that, it uses its own counter running off the mother board's dot clock which the Kawari does not use (because it generates its own to be able to switch video standards). I might be able to get it to work by using the motherboard clock jumper setting, then the counter would be in sync. So it would be like any other special hardware that requires the dot clock. But the 2nd issue is that I don't have one and don't want to keep borrowing one to troubleshoot issues. … On Mon, Jan 23, 2023 at 4:19 PM slime1982 @.> wrote: Oh, that's a shame. Sorry I have not been back to you, life / work has got in the way recently. what is the issue? Cheers, Simon. I've discovered a technical issue that will prevent Kawari from reliably working with the MK-II. The two projects are fundamentally incompatible with each other. So I won't be able to support the MK-II board. Apologies if this represents a problem. You can contact me via email if you need to return the board. Thanks. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#10 (comment)>, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAI3HKBFFVP4B6IPETPAE53WT3YWTANCNFSM6AAAAAAR7N7DUY . You are receiving this because you modified the open/close state.Message ID: @.> -- Randy Rossi - "There are only two things that are hard about computer science; Naming things, Cache Invalidation, and Off-by-one errors."