Back in the 80's I missed out on the C64, being an Amstrad CPC owner. I've had a few C64s in the past, but (amongst other things) slow load times meant it never held my interest for long.
However, thanks to TC, I now have an SD2IEC card, and GazCBM, a nice spangly NanoSwin Sid. Time to get pimpin'
Installing the Sid was a piece of cake, but the SD2IEC was much more fun
It was meant for easy connection on the outside, but I have a thing against bits dangling out of the back of computers, so would have to sort that out 
Firstly, to connect the device internally I had the option of snipping the existing DIN connector off and direct soldering it, or creating an internal socket to plug the device into. I had a spare din socket, so I went with the least destructive way.
After bobbing the motherboard out, I connected a few wires to the serial port pins and fed them through a nearby screw hole. I later found out the Blue wire wasn't used by the SD2IEC adapter, but I left it there for completeness.
Once done, I connected my DIN Socket to the other end.
Next up was powering the SD2IEC. This was fairly straight forward, I just took it from the 5V from the power supply. I am sure there is a better place for powering it though, as here is permanently on, even when the C64 is switched off.
Now. My jiffyDos rom was a Dual Kernel, so I would want to switch between the standard and jiffyDos with the flip of a switch, mainly for old cassette based games. The Nano SID also has a jumper for switching between the 8580 and 6581 variants. FINALLY, I would like to have a reset switch in there to prevent constant power cycling of the unit, especially in the early days when I'm finding new games I'd missed out on. Again, as I don't like too many extras on the outside of the case, I figured a couple of DIP switches would do for the Jiffydos and Nano, and a small button for the reset. I then prepared a small board and cut / drilled holes in the plastics:
It does look much neater in real life... however, the same can't be said for the inside:
At least it's secure The red wire coming down under the joystick ports is the +5v for the SD2IEC adapter, not to be confused with the red wire heading out of the reset switch
Next, to fit the SD2IEC adapter, I opted for the easy method of mounting it above the rear expansion port. There was a good sturdy metal bracket to glue it to, and it would be much easier to cut the case for a slot there, rather than in the middle of some plastic.
Ok, I got a bit carried away with my dremel, but it's not too bad... and can be sorted out later
Next, to connect the Swinsid to the side dip switch
Finally, the reset switch to the expansion port
And there we have it, a slightly pimped up C64
In the future, I would like to add a reset switch to the SD2IEC adapter, or even better, make the current C64 reset button also reset the adapter. I'm also going to be cleaning up some of the plastics, and possibly spraying it. The unit is clean and barely yellowed, but it is a bit patchy...
But first, playtime
However, thanks to TC, I now have an SD2IEC card, and GazCBM, a nice spangly NanoSwin Sid. Time to get pimpin'
Installing the Sid was a piece of cake, but the SD2IEC was much more fun
It was meant for easy connection on the outside, but I have a thing against bits dangling out of the back of computers, so would have to sort that out Firstly, to connect the device internally I had the option of snipping the existing DIN connector off and direct soldering it, or creating an internal socket to plug the device into. I had a spare din socket, so I went with the least destructive way.
After bobbing the motherboard out, I connected a few wires to the serial port pins and fed them through a nearby screw hole. I later found out the Blue wire wasn't used by the SD2IEC adapter, but I left it there for completeness.
Once done, I connected my DIN Socket to the other end.
Next up was powering the SD2IEC. This was fairly straight forward, I just took it from the 5V from the power supply. I am sure there is a better place for powering it though, as here is permanently on, even when the C64 is switched off.
Now. My jiffyDos rom was a Dual Kernel, so I would want to switch between the standard and jiffyDos with the flip of a switch, mainly for old cassette based games. The Nano SID also has a jumper for switching between the 8580 and 6581 variants. FINALLY, I would like to have a reset switch in there to prevent constant power cycling of the unit, especially in the early days when I'm finding new games I'd missed out on. Again, as I don't like too many extras on the outside of the case, I figured a couple of DIP switches would do for the Jiffydos and Nano, and a small button for the reset. I then prepared a small board and cut / drilled holes in the plastics:
It does look much neater in real life... however, the same can't be said for the inside:
At least it's secure
The red wire coming down under the joystick ports is the +5v for the SD2IEC adapter, not to be confused with the red wire heading out of the reset switchNext, to fit the SD2IEC adapter, I opted for the easy method of mounting it above the rear expansion port. There was a good sturdy metal bracket to glue it to, and it would be much easier to cut the case for a slot there, rather than in the middle of some plastic.
Ok, I got a bit carried away with my dremel, but it's not too bad... and can be sorted out later
Next, to connect the Swinsid to the side dip switch
Finally, the reset switch to the expansion port
And there we have it, a slightly pimped up C64
In the future, I would like to add a reset switch to the SD2IEC adapter, or even better, make the current C64 reset button also reset the adapter. I'm also going to be cleaning up some of the plastics, and possibly spraying it. The unit is clean and barely yellowed, but it is a bit patchy...
But first, playtime
Last edited:
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