Commodore 64 C2N Datasette problem

I know this is an Amiga site, but since C64 items are bought and sold here as well I was hoping someone could help me out here.

Anyway I recently got a C64 having only briefly had a plus 4 when I was a child and I eagerly set it up to play Turrican for it. So I stuck the tape in and hit shift and run and it says press play on the tape. This is where the problems begin.

When I press play the screen goes blank so it knows I have pressed play but the motor does not move the tape. Rewind and FF do not work either yet I know the unit is getting power as if I press record the save light comes on.

What is wrong with it or what am I doing wrong? Absolutely any help would be great but bare in mind Im a complete newb to the C64.

Nope, this not an Amiga-only site. We are open to all retro computers, even (argh) ..tari electronics (sorry, I still refuse to call it a computer!).

Now, about your problem: seems you have a broken wire for the start/stop motor signal. Check the cable/connector with a multimeter. Worst case you have a broken TTL chip in the datassette.

BTW: you are using a correct type datassette with the c64? I know the VIC20 unit resembles the c64 one a lot and you may just hooked the wrong unit in.

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Originally Posted by rkauer

BTW: you are using a correct type datassette with the c64? I know the VIC20 unit resembles the c64 one a lot and you may just hooked the wrong unit in.

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I'm pretty sure the Vic-20 and the C64 both use the 1530 models interchangeably..
The 1531 is for the Plus4/C16 and has a DIN connector...

Hopefully it's just a broken wire as rkauer mentioned...
I'm waiting to get mine back. I lent it to a friend who said it didn't work. I know it worked before I gave it to him.. ;-(
Is it bad that I hope his computer is broken? ;-)

desiv

worst case scenario the drive motor is dead....

also, the drive mechanism appears to be belt driven, this could be broken or have slipped.

Sounds like it needs a new drive belt mate :nod:

TC :cool:

1) Open it and check if something on the rear of the mechanics is out of place
2) Check the springs behind the Play/Stop/Etc. buttons

Cheers,
Oge

Well I opened the case up and all of the belts seem to be in place, when the buttons are pressed the right mechanisms move so all of the springs are ok too. Cant see any loose wires about so I dont think this is the problem but I do not own a multimetre to test anything like that (not that I would know what I was doing with one anyway).

It says it is a C2N on label on the unit and it has the Commodore markings on it, when I was looking around the net for answers it seems as if it is the first model that was released with the C64. And by the way ive got a C64 C if that makes any difference?

It does have a ground wire which comes from the bit that plugs into the back of the C64, but by all accounts this does not need to be attached to anything to make it work, or does it?

Still stumped so if there is anymore ideas i'd love to hear them.

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Well I opened the case up and all of the belts seem to be in place, when the buttons are pressed the right mechanisms move so all of the springs are ok too.

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I suspect a defective drive motor or a faulty 74LS14.

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Originally Posted by -Acid-

It does have a ground wire which comes from the bit that plugs into the back of the C64, but by all accounts this does not need to be attached to anything to make it work, or does it?

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No, as that ground wire was added to comply with FCC rules in United States, if I recall correctly.

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And by the way ive got a C64 C if that makes any difference?

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No. A C2N Datassette is compatible to any C64 or VIC-20.


Cheers,
Oge

I got a tape deck here you can have for postage if you want (C2N-B) BUT
its got no plastc lid on it, thing for the cassette to go it, It rattles if u give it a shake, though I could probable take it apart and find out what that is and I haven`t tried it on a C64 to see if it works.

It can be yours for postage & packing

Thanks for the offer but I will hold off for little while as there is a few on ebay for next to nothing and the guy is listing them as tested and working. If I dont get one of those I will take you up on your offer, if it doesnt work i wont be any worse off really :)