[vcf-midatlantic] Copying Commodore 64 Cartridges

[Chris Fala]

Here is a side note about the Music Machine cartridge. Many C64
cartridges work alongside the internal Kernal ROM, a few don't use the
Kernal. I have used the MM cartridge to do some quick diagnostics. If a C64
is dead (black screen), but it works when you plug in the Music Machine
cartridge, then it is likely that the only problem is the Kernal ROM. Just
something I discovered over the years that can be used for fast,
preliminary troubleshooting.

On Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 7:03 AM Bart Hirst via vcf-midatlantic <
vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:

> It's already been dumped? (like everything else)
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrhqCE58U_k
>
>
> On Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 12:23 AM Wil via vcf-midatlantic <
> vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
>
> > You have a few options, the easiest and most pricey is to get a flash
> > cart:
> >
> > https://store.go4retro.com/easyflash-3/
> >
> > King fu flash is a little cheaper, but you have to get it from Europe.
> >
> > You still have the problem of getting a dump of the rom, if there is one
> > floating out there, then you are all set and the other benefit of this is
> > you can have a loader and multiple carts.
> >
> > If you don't have a copy of the rom you will need to open it up and see
> if
> > it is socket or soldered. Again if socketed you can do a dump much easier
> > using a eeprom reader like this
> > https://youtu.be/HcgBOKYNz4A?si=JJ4-h-zfJOmOoQcP
> >
> > Sometimes you can wire up a soldered ROM and read it but I find that hit
> > or miss. This also assumes that the ROM you want to read is compatible
> with
> > this writer.
> >
> > You could also just have the programmer, dump the ROM and then write it
> > back to an eeprom and mount it on a PCB board, lots of diy kits for this
> > but again you need to know how to identify the right eeproms, etc.
> >
> > Last I know you said you want cart only, but I believe there are freezers
> > that may let you have it and a cart in line, then dump to disk.
> >
> > I know in my old Atari days you could dump carts to floppy with tricks,
> > can't remember for the c64.
> >
> > On Dec 7, 2023 23:57, Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic <
> > vcf-midatlantic at lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone have experience copying Commodore 64 cartridges?
> > I'd like to make copies of a cartridge called "Music Machine". I see some
> > on eBay, but they are untested. I'd rather not buy something that might
> > not
> > work.
> > I need it for VCF when we do the NJ Maker's Day at InfoAge. We found it
> > easier and faster to just pop in a cartridge for children and adults to
> > try
> > out music.
> > We use cartridges because they are faster and easier to switch between
> > programs such as paint, music, and programming.
> >
> > In any case, if you have the ability to copy them, I would love to talk
> to
> > you about it. We have one cartridge that works.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > Jeff Brace
> > VCF National Board Member Chairman & Vice President
> > Vintage Computer Festival East Showrunner
> > VCF Mid-Atlantic Event Manager
> > Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity
> > https://vcfed.org/ <http://www.vcfed.org/>
> > jeffrey at vcfed.org
> >
> >
> >
>