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u
introduction to the c128
The Commodore 128 (aka C128) was
Commodore Business Machines final 8
bit computer (the C65 doesn't count as
it was never completed & never
commercially released). Introduced at
the January 1985 CES, it was the
follow-up to the Commodore 64 & was a
vastly expanded & more poweful
successor to that computer.
The C128 features : CP/M mode via a
secondary Zilog Z80 CPU in 40 & 80
column modes Enhanced & faster 6510
(the 8502) running at 2MHz Native 40 &
80 column modes in two speeds (1 &
2Mhz) Near 100% compatible C64 mode
Basic 7.0 - more poweful & flexible
than the limited C64's Basic 2.0
Numeric keypad Burst mode disk access
128k of RAM with more available for
programmers due to an MMU
The 128 was released in three models -
the first looked like the a larger 64C
(& the design was repeated in the
later Amiga 500, 600 & 1200) - the
"flat" 128. The second model was a
rather nifty plastic box with a carry
handle & slide in keyboard that
allowed the machine to become a
"luggable" (the 128D) & the last model
was the metal cased cost-reduced
variant (the 128DCR). The 128DCR also
came with a 64k VDC as opposed to the
earlier models 16k chip (they could be
retrofiited).
Although the computer sold in excess
of two million units during its
lifespan, native software was thin on
the ground due to the included 64 mode
- developers didn't bother creating
software that took adantage of the
native modes. However, there are
several fine business packages
produced for the 80 column mode & due
to the CP/M compatibility (& it's
ability to handle multiple CP/M disk
formats) a large library of software
was available right from the start.
about our site AND Mission statement :
To provide an active & vibrant
community devoted to keeping the
Commodore 128 alive (hence the name of
the site) into the future.
To gather together in one place as
much relevant material as possible &
to provide a "one stop shop" for the
C128 community.
To foster a friendly & sharing
Commodore 128 community.
To provide accurate information &
discussions about the Commodore 128.
To promote an active development
scene for the Commodore 128.
To preserve & distribute Commodore
128 related software, manuals & code.
And above all - to have a good time
while we're doing it!
Commodore 128 hardware information The
C128's hardware basically remained the
same across all three models. It
consisted of :
128kb of RAM (externally expandable
via an REU) 8563 VDC chip driving the
80 column RGB display with either 16k
of RAM or 64k of RAm in later models
(& easily retro-fitted) - in the
128DCR this was replaced with an 8568
VT-100 style keyboard with a numeric
keypad 8502 CPU - an expanded 6502
which could run in either 1MHz mode or
2MHz mode (the 40 column screen turned
off at the higher speed) Secondary
Zilog Z80 CPU that controlled the
startup of the computer & allowed it
to run CP/M in either 40 or 80 column
mode. Although this was a 4MHz chip,
it was constrained to 2MHz due to the
requirements of interfacing with the
8502
A reset button
MMU bank switching chip In the two
later models, the keyboard was
detachable The 128D models also
contained a built in 1571 disk drive 2
KB 4-bit dedicated color RAM for the
VIC-II E MOS 8580 SID chip for sound -
this was the cost reduced version,
earlier 128's had the 6581 SId as used
in the C64
RGBI video output allowing the
computer to connect to a standard CGA
monitor but with an additional
monochrome composite signal as well
There are three basic models of the
Commodore 128
The original "flat" version, broadly
similar in looks to the 64C, Amiga
500, 600 & 1200. This model came
equipped with the 16k VDC & had no
internal disk drive.
The Commodore 128D was an attempt to
produce a more "business-like" looking
PC and was in a low profile plastic
box with an internal 1571, stowable
keyboard & a retractable handle that
made the computer a luggable. It still
had the 16k VDC. This PC also had an
internal fan.
The Commodore 128DCR was the final
version released. The CR stood for
"cost reduced". This release came in a
sturdy metal case, dispensed with the
fan, had a reduced number of chip
components & had the 64k VDC.
Text Reprinted from the website
http://www.commodore128.org/index.html
...end...