Commodore C64 GS
flop: C64 console
Click on a picture to enlarge it!
In 1989, Commodore had the idea to market a console on the basis of the approximately six years old C64 technology. It simply used a circuit board of the C64c and
that was installed in a special console case. The module port has been rotated upward, so that modules were easier to use. The serial port was unsoldered. A
connection of a floppy drive is not possible, although the technology of the C64 would support this. Also Datasette and user port are on the board, but because of
the case you can not use them. There remains: Module port, 2x joystick, power connector, video out and TV-modulator. The keyboard was simply omitted and there is
also no connector for an external keyboard. Because you can not use BASIC without a keyboard, Commodore created a special start screen that warns against exchange of
modules when the C64 GS is switched on. Although you can start all the C64 modules you cannot use all because of the lack of keyboard. Since the C64 was only slightly
more expensive, but doesn't have the above mentioned limitations, this console was a flop. Only about 80.000 were produced, but only 20.000 sold. Most of them were sold
in England. The circuit boards were removed from the finished C64 GS and installed back into normal C64. The cases were sold very cheap.
Technically, the C64 GS is equal to the normal C64 models. There was also a portable computer called SX-64 and a version in a PET/CBM housing, which was intended for schools.
The case of the C64 GS is held in the typical Commodore color and it has similar magnitude as the circuit board of the C64c. A logo with the words "C64 Games System" and
a small Commodore logo (same as found on Amiga 500) are at the top.
On the right side there are the same connections as on normal C64 models: two joysticks, the power switch and power jack.
On the rear there are only the connections for video (same as C64) and the TV modulator with setting switch. The module port has been moved upward, all other connections are not accessible.
On the bottom there is a invalid warranty seal and no nameplate, since the circuit boards were removed from the finished C64 GS. The board was used in a normal Commodore
64 and the case sold cheap.
The board of the C64 GS comes from the C64c. Differences are the rotated module port and the lack of the serial port and some missing diodes near the Datasette port. In addition,
a chip has been changed, which is responsible for the special start picture of the C64 GS. As this is a normal C64c board, parts that normally are missing in Original C64 GS are there, too.
The C64 GS came with a Joystick that was not produced by Commodore itself. The "Cheetah Annihilator" joystick has bad quality and no micro switches.
Operating system
The C64 GS has the BASIC 2.0 from normal C64C installed, but it is not usable without a keyboard. Therefore, an animation is designed, which appears when no module is inserted. This animation warns them
to unplug modules when power is switched on. Otherwise, components could be broken in the console
3D Model
You can change the perspective, zoom and also change the lighting. Because of the ability to rotate the model in 3D, a current Adobe Reader is required (version 8.0 or better).
You can download the necessary software from the manufacturer's site.
This 3D-Model is © Stefan Egger!
Specifications
| Released: | 1989 |
| Production ends: | 1990 |
| Launch Price: | £99.99 (Pound / GBP) about 189 Dollar |
| Processor: | MOS 8500 (1,02 MHz) |
| RAM: | 64 KB |
| Operating system: | BASIC 2.0 (special startup screen) |
| graphics chip: | MOS 8565/8562 (VIC-II) |
| Resolution: | Up to 320 x 200 |
| Colors: | 16 |
| Soundchip: | MOS 8580 (SID) |
| Sound: | 3 voices, mono |
| Size: | 415 x 162 x 50 mm |
| Connections: | Module Audio/Video HF (Antenna) 2xJoystick PSU |
| expansions inside: | none |
| Sold: | 20.000 |
| Rare? |  |
Collection
The above shown computers are in the collection!
suitable
Compatible drives for the console C64 GS:
- none
- none