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So I just bought my first C64...

DoingTheUnstuck said:
For one, I decided to give the guy's word a chance. I hooked everything up with the modulator, and it still didn't work, thanks.

And secondly, the part that is spoken of in message #13 (which I have read numerous times) is what I went into RadioShack for. I am completely aware that this part has to screw into an RCA cable with both male ends, and into the RF on my television. The guy wouldn't let me explain my problem, that's why he gave me what he did.

So, with his words proven frivolous (and perhaps yours too), I am going back to RadioShack to return my nonsensical equipment for something that will actually solve my problem.
Thanks. ;)
Click to expand...
Well, I'm just reading what you wrote; I wasn't there, but if you talked about the DIN cable and said that the adapter was *all* you need, then I don't think you have any business calling him (and apparently me as well) ignorant. Considering how vague and confusing your descriptions have been here, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a misunderstanding. Why bother even involving the guy? You knew what you wanted, you phoned them, they had it, maybe you even had the part number, why not just buy it and be on your way? Did he actually demand to know why you wanted that part and *refuse* to sell it to you and instead *force* you to buy something you *knew* was the wrong thing?

Just my reaction to people who don't really seem to know what they're talking about themselves condescendingly "basking in the ignorance" of people trying to understand and help them... sorry 'bout that.

BTW, the adapter doesn't *screw into* an RCA cable ;-)

Oh well, enough frivolity; good luck anyway.
 
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ahm said:
The Radio Shack part is called "Phone to F Adapter", part #278-255.

(1) Screw the adapter onto your TV set's antenna jack,
(2) run a cable* from there to the RCA phono jack on the C64,
(3) turn the TV on,
(4) turn the computer on,
(5) enjoy.

If you don't see a blue image, try channel 3 or 4.
Click to expand...

So I went back to RadioShack and bought the part described above.
I hooked it up to my television and the screen went from fuzzy to black. So I'm getting some sort of signal, but I suppose something else is wrong. Maybe something is on the fritz internally.
I tried it with both channels 3 and 4; it still didn't work.
Perhaps I don't have everything I need. I mean, do I need to have a cartridge inserted?

And, my apologies, Mike, for being unnecessarily rude.
I was just frustrated.
 
DoingTheUnstuck said:
Perhaps I don't have everything I need. I mean, do I need to have a cartridge inserted?
Click to expand...
No, it should boot up to the ROM BASIC screen.

If it comes up black, it's possible that it is not booting, but that the video electronics are all working and generating video-black on the RF output. Since the DIN/AV cable also generates enough of a signal to cause your TV to switch inputs, it's likely this part (and cable) are working at least that much.

I have seen a number of C64 power supplies die outright (worse with the Vic20), but not usually not fully output to spec. It is possible there may not be clean power for the keyboard unit to run from, or that the capacitors inside it that filter the incoming power have aged enough that they are no longer doing so properly.

It has been so long since I've even *seen* my C64 I can't remember all the connections and whatnot. :(

I don't know where my C64 (or vic20) is right now, or I'd get it out and play with it, in reminiscence. ;) I thought they were in the closet with the Amigas, but they're not. :(
 
DoingTheUnstuck said:
...And, my apologies, Mike, for being unnecessarily rude.
I was just frustrated.
Click to expand...
Same here; sorry 'bout that.
And sorry it still isn't working; this is with a straight RCA<>RCA cable plugged into the RCA jack on the C64 and with an adapter connected to the TV's F type RF input, right?

Sounds like it's connected properly if the TV screen changes when you turn the C64 on and off. As Amberwolf says, you should get the BASIC screen; unlike Windows, in the case of a C64 a blue screen is *good* news ;-)
 
Yes, that's with the RCA<>RCA plugged in.
I don't know what seems to be the problem.
What connections would I need to connect it with a monitor?
I know it;s a long shot, but perhaps I should try hooking it up to something else.
Am I getting desperate yet?

The guy on eBay (the one I bought the Commodore from) said that everything worked properly. So, I'm not really understanding what went wrong from Florida to Texas. Or perhaps he was pulling my leg?
I don't know...
:(
 
DoingTheUnstuck said:
What connections would I need to connect it with a monitor?
Click to expand...

The C64 outputs RF, composite, and S-video. It doesn't generate RGB, so it can't be connected to a computer monitor, if that's what you're suggesting. I'm certain that the problem is with the computer itself and using a different TV would not help.
 
He also said it "worked last time it was used", but how long ago was that? ;)

Stuff can go bad just sitting there. Wires and contacts can oxidize, capacitors age, etc.

Other possibility: do the video and RF inputs on the TV work with other things, like your VCR?
 
Fallo said:
I'm certain that the problem is with the computer itself and using a different TV would not help.
Click to expand...
Especially if he's making the all-too-common mistake of running a cable from the computer's RF output to "Video In" on the TV.
 
All right, so the conclusion is that this just doesn't work.
So, I should be better off buying a whole new Comodore altogether, correct?
I'm not the one to take things apart and fix them.
I learned that the hard way with a Fujica rangefinder and am still regretting it...
 
DoingTheUnstuck said:
All right, so the conclusion is that this just doesn't work.
So, I should be better off buying a whole new Comodore altogether, correct?
I'm not the one to take things apart and fix them.
I learned that the hard way with a Fujica rangefinder and am still regretting it...
Click to expand...

Well..they are often not that difficult to fix if you have a source of spare parts and can solder.unsolder.

However...there were so many of them made and (hence) they are readily available and go for such low prices second-hand, unless you want the challenge of repair I would advise just picking up another one. Hopefully one you can see working first.

Tez
 
I used to be reluctant to get into board repairs, but I have decided that there is a point where you just have to say what the heck, let's make this a learning experience, damn the torpedoes! Worst thing to result will be that you have to still get a replacement system anyway.
bd
 
So are you saying that I should just pop it open and see what's going wrong inside?
I have this overbearing hunch that the floppy drive works, and that the keyboard is the faulty one.
Sadly I do not know how to solder, but I know someone who does.
I feel like I truly have nothing to lose if I try to fix it.
Where should I start with all this?
 
Start with a logic probe, voltmeter, and a list of symptoms/fixes.

I sell replacement chips on my website... and if you need some that show out-of-stock just give me a shout. I have 6 PLA chips that aren't listed on the site that I just found before heading out on business travel.

RJ
 
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