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* NOTE: VGP also ships worldwide
VIC-II Kawari
VIC-II Kawari is my hardware replacement project for the VIC-II (Video Interface Chip II) found in Commodore 64 home computers. In addition to being compatible with the original VIC-II 6567/6569 chips, some extra features are also available. This project is meant to replace video chips found in breadbins. A C64-C replacement for the 8562/8565 is not (yet) available.
The PCB interfaces with a real C64 address and data bus through the VIC-II socket on a C64 motherboard. The board can replace all the functions of a real VIC-II chip including DRAM refresh, light pen interrupts, PHI2 clock source for the CPU and, of course, video output. (NOTE: Light pens would only work on a real CRT using composite.)
Have a board? Join the discord server to chat/ask questions.
Have an issue/bug? Research/Report it here.
Large Design (some installation caveats)
Small Design
Features
- No ‘VSP’ bug
- Configurable color palette (18-bit color space)
- No need for a working clock circuit
- Can software switch between NTSC and PAL
- Optional hardware switch for NTSC / PAL switching at cold boot
- An 80 column mode and (possibly) some new graphics modes
- Compatible with 1084-S, 1084-D and 1080 monitors (with custom cable)
- It’s not an almost 40 year old device that may fail at any time
Limitations
- Dot clock is not propagated to Pin 6 of cartridge port when using on-board oscillators
- Large board HDMI port not easily accessible unless RF sheild removed
- Board can be powered by HDMI monitors requiring monitor to be powered off
- ‘Native’ motherboard clock circuit not suitable for generating HDMI (sometimes)
