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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 1, 2021 16:18:52 GMT
Due to a minor bug found in 1.5.1 which affected some THEC64 Amora builds, a hot fix has been released. Here are the details for THEC64 Mini: Version 1.5.2 – Changes and additions * [THEC64 Full size European] Fixes missing Bluestar carousel cover image which was broken in release v1.5.1 under some circumstances * [All models] Adds C64 joystick port selection; see notes below * [THEC64 Mini] Adds C64 only Classic mode * [THEC64 Mini] Adds disk swapping for multiple disk games * [THEC64 Mini] Adds soft and hard reset hot-keys to Classic mode; see notes below * [THEC64 Mini] Adds freeze button support to Classic mode; see notes below * [All models] Adds Commodore REU support with 512K, 2MB or 16MB as filename flags or CJM parameters; see notes below 1.5.2 notes: To enable REU support you can use either a filename flag or a CJM file parameter. Note that REU support does not work with VIC20 software. To select using a filename flag, use one of the following: R5 = 512K REU enabled R2 = 2MB REU enabled RM = 16MB REU enabled For example: myreudisk_R5.d64 See the user manual for further details on the use of filename flags. To select with a CJM file, use one of the following parameters: reu512 = 512K REU enabled reu2048 = 2MB REU enabled reu16384 = 16MB REU enabled For example: X:64,reu16384 See the user manual for further details on creating CJM files. To switch the joystick in use between joystick port 1 or port 2 when running a C64 program, press and hold the joystick ☰ button, and then pressing joystick Ⓐ for port 1 or joystick Ⓑ for port 2. This will override the J1 filename flag or CJM primary port setting, if either are supplied. To perform a soft or hard reset, or cartridge freeze on THEC64 Mini, you will need a compatible USB PC keyboard. A soft reset may be performed by holding the left shift key and pressing F12 when in classic mode. This will usually leave most of the C64 memory in tact. A hard reset is done by holding the left shift key and the Windows key and pressing F12 when in classic mode. This will reset the C64 memory. A cartridge freeze is done by holding the right shift key pressing F12 when in classic mode. If you are running a suitable cartridge image, such as a Super Snapshot or Action Replay, it will instigate the inbuilt cartridge features whilst leaving the C64 memory in tact. Go get it from retrogames.biz/thec64/support/upgrade-thec64Regards, Shaun. |
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Post by vic2020ian on Feb 1, 2021 17:55:43 GMT
Thank you Shaun, all the best for what comes next.
Best regards,
Ian
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Post by sjakie43 on Feb 1, 2021 19:08:57 GMT
Thank you very much Shaun  |
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Post by spannernick on Feb 1, 2021 19:23:21 GMT
A BIG THANK YOU TO Chris Smith for supporting and making THEC64 Mini/Maxi/ and THEVIC20 better than all the another Linux hybrids machines, I would like to shake your virtual hand and RGL too. From the whole THEC64 Community.. P.S and thanks to you too Shaun, for posting update on here.. We do appreciate you for supporting your machines when you don't have too. |
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 1, 2021 21:40:35 GMT
Someone has reported that the game Bluestar has the wrong cover on the Carousel. On their THEC64, it is showing the Winter Games cover. Has anyone else seen this?
Note that Bluestar is a VIC20 game that is not included on the Mini.
Thanks,
Shaun.
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Post by dsautter on Feb 2, 2021 0:29:53 GMT
For what it's worth, on my US version The64, Bluestar shows the correct art and functions properly.
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Post by rhester72 on Feb 2, 2021 3:50:50 GMT
So if I'm not using the official joystick, I can't switch ports?  |
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Post by jj0 on Feb 2, 2021 7:21:23 GMT
So if I'm not using the official joystick, I can't switch ports? Yes you can, if you have mapped the menu buttons to your joystick. But that depends on the joystick of course. |
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Post by jj0 on Feb 2, 2021 7:23:52 GMT
A BIG THANK YOU TO Chris Smith for supporting and making THEC64 Mini/Maxi/ and THEVIC20 better than all the another Linux hybrids machines, I would like to shake your virtual hand and RGL too. From the whole THEC64 Community.. P.S and you too Shaun, for posting update on here.. Yes it's cool that RGL keeps supporting the Mini and Maxi's. Now if they would release the sources properly then it would be perfect 😉 |
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 2, 2021 7:48:50 GMT
So if I'm not using the official joystick, I can't switch ports? Technically, it is not a joystick port swap feature; you are assigning the joystick that you have in your hand to port one or port two. Only if you have a second joystick plugged in (or a keyboard on the Mini) does it do a swap. So in that instance, you could assign THEC64 joystick to the port that you don't want and the other non-THEC64 joystick will be assigned to the one that you do. That's if you've kept the bundled joystick with your THEC64 or Mini. Thanks, Shaun. |
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 2, 2021 7:52:04 GMT
For what it's worth, on my US version The64, Bluestar shows the correct art and functions properly. Thanks, after some investigations last night I think I've tracked down the bug, and it does not affect any Snowbird builds. I can't believe that this bug wasn't picked up as we did some exhaustive testing, but I know what happened and how it has found its way through. Again thanks for testing. Shaun. |
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Post by javimm on Feb 2, 2021 10:12:08 GMT
Thank you very much for the support!!.
One question about the REU. You say that it's activated by appending _Rx to the disk file or by a CJM. Does that mean that the disk must be auto loaded so that the memory expansion becomes active?. I usually attach the disk when the C64 is already booted, ie, I change to classic mode and the C64 boots, then I attach the image and go back to the C64 and then I issue the commands to see the contents of the disk and load a program manually. Do I need to boot the disk from the menu (by pressing the B button) so the REU becomes active?.
Thank you!.
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 2, 2021 10:41:12 GMT
Thank you very much for the support!!. One question about the REU. You say that it's activated by appending _Rx to the disk file or by a CJM. Does that mean that the disk must be auto loaded so that the memory expansion becomes active?. I usually attach the disk when the C64 is already booted, ie, I change to classic mode and the C64 boots, then I attach the image and go back to the C64 and then I issue the commands to see the contents of the disk and load a program manually. Do I need to boot the disk from the menu (by pressing the B button) so the REU becomes active?. Thank you!. It should map the REU when you attach the disk and return to BASIC. But if it does not, hold down left shift + THEC64 key and tap the power button on the side on THEC64 for a hard reset. On the Mini, hold down left shift + Windows + F12 if you have a Windows keyboard. Thanks, Shaun. |
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Post by javimm on Feb 2, 2021 11:02:38 GMT
Thank you very much for the support!!. One question about the REU. You say that it's activated by appending _Rx to the disk file or by a CJM. Does that mean that the disk must be auto loaded so that the memory expansion becomes active?. I usually attach the disk when the C64 is already booted, ie, I change to classic mode and the C64 boots, then I attach the image and go back to the C64 and then I issue the commands to see the contents of the disk and load a program manually. Do I need to boot the disk from the menu (by pressing the B button) so the REU becomes active?. Thank you!. It should map the REU when you attach the disk and return to BASIC. But if it does not, hold down left shift + THEC64 key and tap the power button on the side on THEC64 for a hard reset. On the Mini, hold down left shift + Windows + F12 if you have a Windows keyboard. Thanks, Shaun. I own a Maxi, so I can use TheC64 keyboard. That's nice to hear. I'll try that this evening after work. What happens if I attach other disk image without REU after the REU is activated by attaching the first image?. I'm asking all this because I intend to use the REU with Turbo Macro Pro. After launching, I usually change the attached disk to a blank one to save my programs. Of course, I can use a CJM in that directory to activate the REU for all images.
Thanks. Regards.
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Post by britcuba1 on Feb 2, 2021 15:34:44 GMT
Do I need to uninstall Project Carousel USB before installing the new firmware update please? Thanks for your help!
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Post by kugelblitz on Feb 2, 2021 15:37:17 GMT
Do I need to uninstall Project Carousel USB before installing the new firmware update please? Thanks for your help! No. Ideally you put the Firmware update on a DIFFERENT UBS Stick to PCU. Shutdown C64, remove PCU stick, insert update stick, run real update, shutdown, change sticks again. |
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 2, 2021 16:53:52 GMT
It should map the REU when you attach the disk and return to BASIC. But if it does not, hold down left shift + THEC64 key and tap the power button on the side on THEC64 for a hard reset. On the Mini, hold down left shift + Windows + F12 if you have a Windows keyboard. Thanks, Shaun. I own a Maxi, so I can use TheC64 keyboard. That's nice to hear. I'll try that this evening after work. What happens if I attach other disk image without REU after the REU is activated by attaching the first image?. I'm asking all this because I intend to use the REU with Turbo Macro Pro. After launching, I usually change the attached disk to a blank one to save my programs. Of course, I can use a CJM in that directory to activate the REU for all images.
Thanks. Regards.
Create a default CJM file in the root folder, that way, regardless of which disk image you attach to drive 8, or which cartridge image is attached, the REU will always be present. For example, I have a folder called reu and then each sub-folder is a - z and # The following THEC64-Default.cjm file works fine for me: T:REU Default X:64,pal,accuratedisk,reu16384 J:1:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,JF,JF,,,,,,, J:2*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,JF,JF,,,,,,, Note that some software does not like REU schemas above 512K or 2MB, so you may want to create three folders, like reu512, reu2mb, reu16mb You may also over-ride the default CJM with a local CJM file. Thanks, Shaun. |
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Post by vic2020ian on Feb 2, 2021 17:18:43 GMT
Do I need to uninstall Project Carousel USB before installing the new firmware update please? Thanks for your help! No. Ideally you put the Firmware update on a DIFFERENT UBS Stick to PCU. Shutdown C64, remove PCU stick, insert update stick, run real update, shutdown, change sticks again. This advice is not quite correct it should read. Yes. You need to remove PCUAE before upgrade.
There is no "ideally" option here, the firmware cannot be on the PCUAE usb without moving files, just use a clean USB. Shutdown the C64 / Vic20 / Mini and remove the USB you have PCUAE on. Insert a Clean USB with the Firmware and switch on and run the upgrade If you have no second USB then backup PCUAE to PC, format USB and copy the firmware onto that and run the upgrade. Switch off and remove the upgrade USB Reinstall the USB with PCUAE and you should be good to go. From 1st hand experience, if PCUAE is in the machine when you upgrade it applies the upgrade to your USB and not your C64, Vic20 or Mini. |
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Post by javimm on Feb 2, 2021 18:50:19 GMT
I own a Maxi, so I can use TheC64 keyboard. That's nice to hear. I'll try that this evening after work. What happens if I attach other disk image without REU after the REU is activated by attaching the first image?. I'm asking all this because I intend to use the REU with Turbo Macro Pro. After launching, I usually change the attached disk to a blank one to save my programs. Of course, I can use a CJM in that directory to activate the REU for all images.
Thanks. Regards.
Create a default CJM file in the root folder, that way, regardless of which disk image you attach to drive 8, or which cartridge image is attached, the REU will always be present. For example, I have a folder called reu and then each sub-folder is a - z and # The following THEC64-Default.cjm file works fine for me: T:REU Default X:64,pal,accuratedisk,reu16384 J:1:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,JF,JF,,,,,,, J:2*:JU,JD,JL,JR,JF,JF,JF,JF,,,,,,, Note that some software does not like REU schemas above 512K or 2MB, so you may want to create three folders, like reu512, reu2mb, reu16mb You may also over-ride the default CJM with a local CJM file. Thanks, Shaun. Hi, Shaun.
I managed to get TMP with REU working in no time!. I created a CJM in the folder where I have the image. No need for me to create a general CJM, as I don't use many programs that take advantage of the REU. I'll add a CJM file whenever I encounter a program that uses the REU. TMP is working great with the 512KB REU expansion and it even works with cartridges, so I have the REU TMP version and an utility cartridge loaded and working!. I can freeze the C64 with right shift + power to access the cartridge menu. All is good
I couldn't get a game to work though, but it does not have to do with the REU. I have a Wasteland REU D81 disk image I got from another forum. Wasteland, in case you don't know, is a multidisk game and it's a pain to play with all the disk swapping. Somebody created a 800KB D81 disk image with all the contents and adapted it so it could be loaded into REU memory. No more disk swapping BUT I can't get the image to load. I've been trying with no success. I finally tried in WinVICE 2.4 and the problem is that if the image is loaded with the default disk drive (1541-II), the game won't load. I had to change the drive in VICE to 1581 and then the game works. I thought that TheC64 changed drives automatically depending on the image file type, but I guess it is not the case, and the same goes for WinVICE. You need to select the drive manually to be able to access the disk image. Maybe drive selection type could be added in a future firmware 
Thanks. Regards.
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 2, 2021 19:11:16 GMT
Hi, Shaun. I managed to get TMP with REU working in no time!. I created a CJM in the folder where I have the image. No need for me to create a general CJM, as I don't use many programs that take advantage of the REU. I'll add a CJM file whenever I encounter a program that uses the REU. TMP is working great with the 512KB REU expansion and it even works with cartridges, so I have the REU TMP version and an utility cartridge loaded and working!. I can freeze the C64 with right shift + power to access the cartridge menu. All is good I couldn't get a game to work though, but it does not have to do with the REU. I have a Wasteland REU D81 disk image I got from another forum. Wasteland, in case you don't know, is a multidisk game and it's a pain to play with all the disk swapping. Somebody created a 800KB D81 disk image with all the contents and adapted it so it could be loaded into REU memory. No more disk swapping BUT I can't get the image to load. I've been trying with no success. I finally tried in WinVICE 2.4 and the problem is that if the image is loaded with the default disk drive (1541-II), the game won't load. I had to change the drive in VICE to 1581 and then the game works. I thought that TheC64 changed drives automatically depending on the image file type, but I guess it is not the case, and the same goes for WinVICE. You need to select the drive manually to be able to access the disk image. Maybe drive selection type could be added in a future firmware Thanks. Regards.
Hi Javimm, Sorry, I'm not able to provide support for potentially illegal software (note: there is no such thing as abandonware) but good luck in getting Wasteland to work. I used to have it on disk. It was an epic. Regards, Shaun. |
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Post by javimm on Feb 2, 2021 19:28:03 GMT
Hi, Shaun. I managed to get TMP with REU working in no time!. I created a CJM in the folder where I have the image. No need for me to create a general CJM, as I don't use many programs that take advantage of the REU. I'll add a CJM file whenever I encounter a program that uses the REU. TMP is working great with the 512KB REU expansion and it even works with cartridges, so I have the REU TMP version and an utility cartridge loaded and working!. I can freeze the C64 with right shift + power to access the cartridge menu. All is good I couldn't get a game to work though, but it does not have to do with the REU. I have a Wasteland REU D81 disk image I got from another forum. Wasteland, in case you don't know, is a multidisk game and it's a pain to play with all the disk swapping. Somebody created a 800KB D81 disk image with all the contents and adapted it so it could be loaded into REU memory. No more disk swapping BUT I can't get the image to load. I've been trying with no success. I finally tried in WinVICE 2.4 and the problem is that if the image is loaded with the default disk drive (1541-II), the game won't load. I had to change the drive in VICE to 1581 and then the game works. I thought that TheC64 changed drives automatically depending on the image file type, but I guess it is not the case, and the same goes for WinVICE. You need to select the drive manually to be able to access the disk image. Maybe drive selection type could be added in a future firmware Thanks. Regards.
Hi Javimm, Sorry, I'm not able to provide support for potentially illegal software (note: there is no such thing as abandonware) but good luck in getting Wasteland to work. I used to have it on disk. It was an epic. Regards, Shaun. Hi, Shaun.
I totally understand that. I'm not advocating piracy either (I'm a software developer myself, so I should know better). I was just telling my experience with the new firmware. Some D81 images don't work with the default disk drive selection, which is the 1541-II, I guess.
Regards, Javier.
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Post by kugelblitz on Feb 3, 2021 7:42:56 GMT
No. Ideally you put the Firmware update on a DIFFERENT UBS Stick to PCU. Shutdown C64, remove PCU stick, insert update stick, run real update, shutdown, change sticks again. This advice is not quite correct it should read. Yes. You need to remove PCUAE before upgrade.
There is no "ideally" option here, the firmware cannot be on the PCUAE usb without moving files, just use a clean USB. Shutdown the C64 / Vic20 / Mini and remove the USB you have PCUAE on. Insert a Clean USB with the Firmware and switch on and run the upgrade If you have no second USB then backup PCUAE to PC, format USB and copy the firmware onto that and run the upgrade. Switch off and remove the upgrade USB Reinstall the USB with PCUAE and you should be good to go. From 1st hand experience, if PCUAE is in the machine when you upgrade it applies the upgrade to your USB and not your C64, Vic20 or Mini. You are right that PCUAE should not be RUNNING while updating, but as PCUAE does not install anything BUT an autostart script you technically do not need to (and even can't) UNINSTALL. But that's semantics... |
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 3, 2021 8:14:53 GMT
I totally understand that. I'm not advocating piracy either (I'm a software developer myself, so I should know better). I was just telling my experience with the new firmware. Some D81 images don't work with the default disk drive selection, which is the 1541-II, I guess.
Regards, Javier.
Hi again, I will test this, but just to be clear the AD flag does not work on the 1581 emulation. If you use accuratedisk in a CJM or AD on a file flag, it will set drive 8 to 1541 and therefore not read the 1581 disk image. Thanks, Shaun. |
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Post by sjakie43 on Feb 3, 2021 8:24:14 GMT
A BIG THANK YOU TO Chris Smith for supporting and making THEC64 Mini/Maxi/ and THEVIC20 better than all the another Linux hybrids machines, I would like to shake your virtual hand and RGL too. From the whole THEC64 Community.. P.S and you too Shaun, for posting update on here..
Offcourse a BIG thank you to Chris |
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Post by spannernick on Feb 3, 2021 14:36:42 GMT
I have updated the first post with v1.5.2 now.. |
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Post by javimm on Feb 3, 2021 17:41:53 GMT
Hi again, I will test this, but just to be clear the AD flag does not work on the 1581 emulation. If you use accuratedisk in a CJM or AD on a file flag, it will set drive 8 to 1541 and therefore not read the 1581 disk image. Thanks, Shaun. Hi.
That's good to know. I indeed have the accuratedisk option in a global CJM. Anyway, if I attach the D81 image in vice 2.4 under linux, the drive type does not change to 1581 either. I need to do more testing, as I probably have true drive emulation active there too.
Regards. Javier.
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Post by davedoubledecks on Feb 3, 2021 20:47:42 GMT
Hi with the REU now enabled will you support .reu image files that attach to the Ram Expansion Unit as there are some cool videos in this format. I know in Vice you can attach these images before running the nuvieplayer.prg file.
Thanks
David
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Post by shaunbebbers on Feb 4, 2021 9:00:34 GMT
Hi with the REU now enabled will you support .reu image files that attach to the Ram Expansion Unit as there are some cool videos in this format. I know in Vice you can attach these images before running the nuvieplayer.prg file. Thanks David That has not yet been tested, so I assume that this won't work. If you encourage RGL support enough then this feature may be added at a future date. Thanks, Shaun. |
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Post by visualmess on Feb 6, 2021 18:56:29 GMT
Hi Javimm, Sorry, I'm not able to provide support for potentially illegal software (note: there is no such thing as abandonware) but good luck in getting Wasteland to work. I used to have it on disk. It was an epic. Regards, Shaun. Hi, Shaun.
I totally understand that. I'm not advocating piracy either (I'm a software developer myself, so I should know better). I was just telling my experience with the new firmware. Some D81 images don't work with the default disk drive selection, which is the 1541-II, I guess.
Regards, Javier.
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Post by sjakie43 on Feb 6, 2021 19:30:14 GMT
Hi Shaun,
I have a question i asked earlier on another post to Spannernick:
Feb 6, 2021 13:03:04 GMT 1 sjakie43 said: I have bought the retronic design joystick adapter.....(for my the Arcade joystick) On the Original Carousel the Vic20 games work perfect with it, even most of the C64 games as far as i checked for now. But when i switch to your Carousel 1.4.2 vic20 games still work with the joystick adapter but C64 games dont work with it. I have tried to swap joystick with the new firmware option but that does nothing. any other options? It looks like Joystick port 1 is ok but i cannot get it to go to port 2? what buttons are A and B on TheC64 joystick?
I hope you can help me out Shaun  |
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