Commodore on csegura

C128 VICII video replacement

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

C128 VIC video replacement

After spent a lot of hours trying to fix the video signal on my C128, checking signals, replacing capacitors, replacing the RF modulator with the TSH7316 module etc.. and with the cues that each try gave me, I’ve decided to replace the VIC-II chip. The VIC-II chip is the video controller chip used in the C128.

Documentation

The main problem was that the video signal was faded, dull, it was dificult to see the letters on the screen and in C64 mode the screen was almost impossible to read.

C128 fixing video signal

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Revamping the Commodore 128 Video Output: Removing the RF Modulator for Enhanced RGBI Output

Today I’ve decided try to fix the video signal on my C128. The video signal was not as bright as it should be.

The Commodore 128 (C128) is a vintage computer that has carved its niche in the hearts of retro computing enthusiasts. When it comes to video output, many users have wrestled with the limitations and quality of the original RF (radio frequency) modulator. This article delves into the process of removing the RF modulator and replacing it with a high-quality RGBI output using the TSH7316 IC, a specialized HDTV video amplifier. Leveraging RGBI not only enhances the video quality significantly but also makes connectivity with modern displays much easier.

C128 fixing video signal

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

C128 fixing video signal

Today I’ve decided try to fix the video signal on my C128. The video signal was not as bright as it should be.

I’ve decided to remove the RF modulator and use the RGBI output and replace it with a new one based on TSH7316 IC.

Documentation

The module

After replacing the RF modulator with the TSH7316, the video signal is the same, so the problem is not the RF modulator :-). I will continue investigating the issue. Maybe the problem is in the MOS8701 chip or the VIC-II chip.

C128 RGB Video 80col

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

C128 RGB Video 80col cable

The C128 seems to be lossing the brightness signal in the Composite output, the video is fine but the colors are not as bright as they should be.

I’ve decided finally do the cable to connect the C128 rgbi output using composite video. The cable is a simple DB9 pin to phono RCA cable, ground to pin 1 and video signal to pin 7.