2^x bits on Imapenguin

Replacing the RF modulator on a PAL Commodore 64C with an S-Video bypass board to dramatically improve video output quality.

Starting a series on implementing ciphers in Commodore assembly language, beginning with a simple string reversal as the first building block.

Implementing a one-time pad cipher by hand using dice-generated random numbers, inspired by the encryption methods in Cryptonomicon.

A beginner’s guide to learning 6502 assembly programming on the Commodore 64, including recommended tools, resources, and development environment setup.

Reviewing Soul Force and Outrage, two modern Commodore 64 games from Protovision being played on a PAL 64C.

Quick instructions for switching a Raspberry Pi from 32-bit to 64-bit Raspbian Linux for ARM assembly programming.

A defense of using modern conveniences like LCD monitors, SD2IEC devices, and flash cartridges with vintage computers, explaining the practical reasons behind these choices.

A Christmas greeting featuring a Commodore 64 holiday demo video.

My favorite DOS software for DOScember: STSPlus by Dave Ransom, a satellite tracking program that was a fixture on my screen for years.

Reflections on getting back into 8-bit computing after building Ben Eater’s breadboard 6502, and why learning vintage assembly language doesn’t need justification.

The relaunch of imapenguin.com after 20+ years, transitioning from a consulting company site to a tech blog.

Note: There seems to be two different VIC chips that were used in different models of the VIC 20.

Commodore Repair The Pictorial C64 Fault Guide is here: https://www.pictorial64.com Ray Carlsen’s troubleshooting and repair guides are here: http://personalpages.tds.net/~rcarlsen/cbm/c64/ You can get the .bin files for various C64 diagnostics cartridges…