[GUIDE] How to convert an NTSC C64Mini to a PAL C64Mini

Hi all!

I have recently been sold an NTSC C64Mini, and I am decided to make it into a PAL one.

I am not looking for USB-based solutions like PCUAE: I simply want to turn this one into a PAL machine so games run at 50Hz, permanently.

This guide works for EVERY C64Mini machine, no need to worry about NAND chip model, etc.

Let's get to it!

1-Boot into FEL mode. There's a great guide here: thec64community.online/thread/270/c64mini-mode-hack-uart-needed

   But it comes down to: if your C64 mini has a silver label, push the FEL button under it,  or if it doesn't have the silver label (no FEL button) open up your C64Mini and connect the LED cable to the FEL mode switch connector (they are exactly the same size, you can't miss it), and connect your C64Mini to a GNU/Linux machine.

Then execute the /linux/boot.sh script and it will boot into FEL mode. Use an USB keyboard to type the commands on the screen console.

2-Get a NANDB dump from a PAL C64Mini machine and copy it to a FAT32 pendrive. There's one available here: PAL nandb dump

....But you can use ANY NANDB dump. There's NO incompatibility with any NAND chip: NAND CHIP ID match is only needed for full NAND dumps!

Also, get this program: a10_display (496.05 KB) and put it in your FAT32-formatted pendrive. We will need it later.

And also, get this script S98pal (959 B) and put it in your FAT32-formatted pendrive:We will need it later.

3-In the FEL mode console, load the NAND kernel module:

And now mount your pendrive:

Go to your pendrive and flash the NANDB dump into your nandb device:

Now mount your nandb:

And copy a10_display to it:

Also copy the PAL modesetting script to your c64mini, so PAL mode is forced on boot via the a10_display program:

Now reboot the machine in normal mode, and you are in PAL mode forever (unless you flash an NTSC nandb, that's it).

Was it worth the hassle? No, not at all. But it had to be done and documented!