An Introduction to the MEGA65. Is This the Best 8-Bit Computer?

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Check This Fun MEGA65 Video: "📺️ The Silent Enigma: New MEGA65 Demo by Gürçe (1970s-Style Interview)": • 📺️ The Silent Enigma: ...
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Learn about the @MEGA65retro in this introductory video describing the beginnings of the MEGA65, the hardware, what you can do now, and what you'll be able to do in the future. At the end, learn about additional MEGA65 resources and how to order or reserve your own.
This is a special creator's edition. I bookend the video with commentary to share how this video came to be and some experiences along the journey. I'm sending a huge, thanks, to the MEGA65 team for the opportunity to be the "face" on their webpage.
Links:
MEGA65 - www.mega65.org
MEGA65 FilesHost - files.mega65.org
MEGA65 Discord - / discord
MEGA65 GitHub - github.com/MEGA65
MEGA65 Forum64 - www.forum64.de/index.php?boar...
MEGA65 Twitter - / mega65retro
retroCombs - www.retrocombs.com
retroCombs MEGA65 Resource Page - www.retrocombs.com/mega65
retroCombs Twitter - / stevencombs
#mega65 #commodore #retrocombs
00:00 - Front Bookend
02:11 - Opening Title
02:16 - retroCombs Greetings and Introduction
02:24 - About the MEGA65
02:36 - Commdore 65 Information
03:00 - Enter M•E•G•A & Paul
03:28 - Following Development
03:55 - The First 400 MEGA65s Ship
04:19 - Retro Features
04:49 - Modern Features
05:30 - Technical Specifications
06:08 - The Keyboard
06:36 - Things You Can Do With a MEGA65
08:03 - More MEGA65 Capabilities to Come
08:18 - Join the Community
08:54 - Check out my MEGA65 Content
09:21 - End Bookend
11:27 - Watch More retroCombs

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Опубликовано:

4 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 73

@IshiTheLastYihi Год назад

I liked this. Good for folks that want to quickly know what our universe is like, well done man! :)

@retroCombs Год назад

Much appreciated and as Martin said, there will probably be a version 3 in our future to add suggestions others make.

@herdware Год назад

I FINALLY got my Mega65! This is gonna be fun.

@retroCombs Год назад

Congrats! You are in for a great time.

@sandcat-maurice Год назад

Very well done! I love the way you show what and how things can be connected; clean and clear. Not much to add, you covered the important aspects well

@retroCombs Год назад

Thanks, Maurice!

@GEKKOGAMES_RETRO Год назад

i just released a c++ C64 emulator for Android from scratch… and i was amazed from his great engeneering. i want to develope something on mega65, hmmm i want to port my javascript webOS to it. i will buy one soon!

@retroCombs Год назад

I love that this excited another developer. No need to buy one. Check out my other videos that describe how to install an emulator and get developing now. Here's a recent video where I talk about at XEMU, the MEGA65 emulator. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fAqiFEEvZDc.html Also, be sure and join the MEGA65 Discord to chat with other developers.

@eugenekiselev Год назад

Great video, professionally made ! Reading about Mega 65 now :) Looks like very promising platform!

@retroCombs Год назад

Thank you for the kind comments. The MEGA65 gets better each day and I continue to enjoy my time with this retro recreation.

@mlongval Год назад

Very nicely done sir!

@retroCombs Год назад

We'll thank you so much!

@commodorecave5581 Год назад

Great intro video for the Mega65. What I would reeeeely love to see would be a tutorial for those who now own one showing how to change cores, load our own programs, connect to the internet etc. How about it????

@retroCombs Год назад

Stay tuned. I do have some of that already on my resource page at: retrocombs.com/mega65

@sandcat-maurice Год назад

Thanks!

@retroCombs Год назад

You are welcome.

@SyeedAli Год назад

I just discovered this literally days ago. I'm curious, but it's been so long since I've used a c64 that I've forgotten everything and am unwilling to download and organize all the software I had used over the years.

@retroCombs Год назад

And now you can store all that goodness on an SD Card! Sure makes things easier. Let me know if you have any other "curious" types of questions and thanks for the comment.

@SquallSf Год назад

Interesting presentation. Few comments, that not necessarily need to be included in "Intro" but are confusing in current one: 1. "Community ... Add additional hardware" - how, are there expansion slots? 2. 386kB RAM accessible to VIC - How much is actually RAM and how much is VRAM. 3. Hyper RAM - are you talking about ATI's hyper ram or banked RAM or ,,,,? 4. Games are huge selling point, but not convincing here. Showdown/Turicane is C64 level games. Hibernated title looks good, but it is text adventure that could be played on every computer. Nothing to makes me want to grab Mega65 and play or code for it. With VIC 4 and 40MHZ you would expect much, much more (at least SNES level).

@retroCombs Год назад

I'll do my best here: 1. Yes, there are PMOD ports on the board. You can get specifics in the Discord community and I believe the MEGA65 book contains hardware information (files.mega65.org?id=d668168c-1fef-4560-a530-77e9e237536d). 2. 128KB available to VRAM. 3. I'm not sure about this one. Hoping someone else might have the answer, but I may have to look in the MEGA65 book for that answer too (just don't have a copy with me at the moment). 4. Agree, the MEGA65 is still in its infancy and as more developers get their hands on this device, we'll see more titles. Already seeing some cool demos in the Discord community. We must remember that this device makes an amazing C64 game machine too (if you need a modern recreation with expansion capabilities, beyond TheC64). And if you really want SNES-level games, I'm sure that core is on its way, but again, I'm stoked about MEGA65 titles that are on their way. Great questions and thanks for watching!

@SquallSf Год назад

@@retroCombs Thank you for he answers! Somehow I missed the PMODs. About Hyper RAM I guess it is bank (aka window) switching on a fly. BTW When I said "SNES-level games" I didn't mean actual SNES games, rather ones that have graphic comparable to SNES and definitely better then what C64 is capable :) From technical prospective that is not possible (SNES has 15bits color vs 12bits, that is 8x more colors), but with clever usage and artistic design, things might be even for naked eye.

@retroCombs Год назад

Glad to help and get it now. Thanks foe the clarification!

@0LoneTech Год назад

A few comments: 1. As I understand it, cartridges go in the Expansion Port. The User Port isn't implemented on the Mega65, though there is a case cutout if you want to build one. 2. Some of the rapid cuts to a side view (matter of taste, I guess) felt too short, and distracting by disorientation. 3. I understand not going for the kibi/mebi prefixes (for powers of 2, not 10) but something irks me when seeing small b used for byte. Perhaps part of that is as a hardware engineer, because we do count memories in kibibits. Still hoping to purchase a Mega65 ASAP. :)

@retroCombs Год назад

My replies… 1. That's correct. 2. Sorry about that and see what you mean. 3. Yep! Should have been KB and MB. I also see internationally kB is often preferred. Good tips for version 3. Thanks for the great input!

@marcmai9017 Год назад

Super Video, hope for more. I love see a Video how to install other Roms and Run a c64 maybe with abfadt loader. I Like Copy my floppy Disks to SD also

@retroCombs Год назад

For additional computers, you would update the core. As more cores become available, I might demo that option. I showed off the C64 core in one of my livestreams. As for how to copy a floppy to and SD card, this technique works but in reverse: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ATUwOYtJA2Q.html

@eebuckeye Год назад

I had no idea you could get all that software for the Mega 65 already!

@scottiepal3029 4 месяца назад

What about Commodore drives to it. And can you use the Commodore, 64/ 128 fast load cartridges on it. Also, does it have different mold? Like the 128 and Vic 20 can you play the games from all those devices on it?

@retroCombs 4 месяца назад

It does include an IEC port for Commodore drives. Unsure about the low\high cartridge but assume with the C64 core and .CRT support, it should be possible. New cores are sure to come so you can run software from other systems.

@CutieHoney Год назад

This is the first time I've seen all the RAM specs in one place.

@retroCombs Год назад

Lifted right from the manual. Thanks for tuning in and great to hear from ya again.

@topfivepopular 7 месяцев назад

3 quick questions: 1) can I connect Datassette C64 with my original games in Mega65? 2) Can I use my original Amiga 500,600,1200 floppy disks in Mega65 directly? 3) Can I connect Monitor 1084 and Drive 1571? Thanks for the 3 answers

@retroCombs 7 месяцев назад

1. Not yet. A Datasette port is not included but is possible thanks to included PMOD ports. 2. Not yet, but the developers are looking into this for a future version of the core and ROM. 3. Yep! Great questions!

@viralcoffee 7 месяцев назад

@@retroCombs Thanks then I ask one last question because I have to spend 700€ and I would like to understand what I can do... if mega65 can’t directly use original hardware games, where are or where do I find the 20,000 games that are advertised with the mega65?

@retroCombs 7 месяцев назад

The MEGA65 had a C64 mode and am even better C64 Core that gives you access to C64 titles. MEGA65 titles can be found at: files.mega65.com. I also recommend you check out my resource page at: retrocombs.com/mega65

@JackyLeeART Год назад

You should mention whether C64 would be forwards-compatible with the MEGA65 roms, disk images, music, and other files.

@retroCombs Год назад

Tell me more. What do you mean by "forwards-compatible?" Do you mean will the C64 mode receive modifications or continued compatibility with original software titles?

@JackyLeeART Год назад

@@retroCombs I mean can the C64 (emulator or original hardware) play MEGA65 games?

@retroCombs Год назад

Nope. The MEGA65 has advanced features and BASIC. Think of it as, you can't play C128 software on a C64. Hope that helps.

@mrhobs Год назад

Can you let me know what browser you're using? Looks like you're on MacOS... Anyway, looks like cool custom colors. Like the tabs too. I mainly use Safari and Orion. (Firefox if necessary...)

@retroCombs Год назад

Yes, that's Chrome with a theme called retro. It's pretty sweet looking.

@mrhobs Год назад

@@retroCombs Ah cool! Too bad Chrome seems to require a few more resources than I care to feed it... plus I just like my Safari/Orion combo. Good to know though, thanks!

@retroCombs Год назад

Safari in Mac will definitely extend battery life and I switch between the two. I'll have to check out Orion. Not familiar with it.

@simber71 Год назад

My machine is due for delivery within next few days and so far so confused with the machine and its features. Guess it will make sense once I use it but been a long wait and since ordering I got a Vampire v4+ and ZX Spectrum Next so will give it a try and plod along and see if it offers more than I already got.

@retroCombs Год назад

It will make much more sense when you have one. Just remember. Two modes. MEGA65 and C64. Much like a C128. You might also want to check out my MEGA65 resource page at: www.retrocombs.com/mega65

@simber71 Год назад

@@retroCombs ... Thanks for the videos and a link to the guide. Few days into using and loving the new computer.

@retroCombs Год назад

@@simber71 Glad it is helpful and you are welcome!

@StefanHolmes Год назад

"unobtanium"... except for today when one Mr Piper has expressed an interest in selling 3 (!) of his.

@retroCombs Год назад

I know! I just tweeted that same thing and he reached out apologizing! 😂

@lovemadeinjapan 2 месяца назад

If it wants to be the best, it needs a better C64 Basic: On the fly switching 40/80 column, white text on black background, EDIT command to modify lines of code, normal insert bahaviour at the cursor position, proper load commands and tape/disk index functions and above all: ditch PETSCI in favour of default upper/lower case text without case sensitivity for BASIC commands. It maybe incompatible with existing software, as long as it delivers a proper way to use the hardware out of the box for newbies to write programs. And we need a non-cream-white version. The plastic colours were the worst aspect of any Commodore computer.

@lovemadeinjapan 18 дней назад

What also puzzles me: no connector for a TV? Why is there no 15 KHz RGB out on this thing? If I want 8-bit like games over HDMI, I'll just boot Pico-8 on a modern OS.

@retroCombs 18 дней назад

I want to think composite out is coming on the expansion board. Could be wrong so don't quote me.

@lovemadeinjapan 18 дней назад

@@retroCombs Composite out is not acceptable. RGB or nothing. We want to lay behind the history of rotten output on the C64.

@retroCombs 17 дней назад

This would still be possible with a breakout board on the FPGA. Just needs to be enough demand and someone to champion the design. Thanks for suggesting!

@bulldogbrower6732 Год назад

Great, keep the C64 alive. The next version should include a boot over to Linux. You would have no problem selling a computer that could boot in the original C64, the new advances of C65, and the open source world of Linux.

@retroCombs Год назад

I'm betting a core that supports Linux would not be a stretch for someone now; albeit a very lightweight implementation. That's the great thing about a FPGA; you can add a new core to the current hardware for added functionality. Thanks for the comment!

@mkrleza Год назад

Was that the voice of TLA? Say "hello" for me, will you? Tnx... BTW, I started playing Lottery, so I can pre-order the MEGA 65...

@retroCombs Год назад

That was TLA. Her first vocal on the channel. Let me know when you win the lottery!

@mrhobs Год назад

As someone who would probably only play games on a MEGA 65, it seems like a good compromise between modern convenience and authenticity. Tempting...

@retroCombs Год назад

Yes to both. But if it is just games you plan to play, TheC64 (amzn.to/3gL0Eme) may be a better value at the moment. But if you want the closest thing to a real Commodore computer with an amazing keyboard, the MEGA65 is the way to go.

@runman1271 Год назад

Is thing thing selling for $800?

@retroCombs Год назад

It is. This is a small batch and includes a lot of tech that the chip shortage and logistics issues that drive up the cost. This is also a community funded project hosted by a non-profit. It's a different model than a Kickstarter or commercial product, but has created a vibrant community. As things get back to normal and more units produced, the price should drop. For me though, the experience and computer are well worth the price. But I'm not your average retro computer consumer. 😂

@unrobotamigable 7 месяцев назад

Into the official site, the price is 666.66 € (793.33 € gross) Is this a joke?

@retroCombs 7 месяцев назад

That is the price. These were created by a small non profit organization and a community of developers. They custom created these in batches and the startup costs were huge. In time, costs will lower. For now, cost is being subsidized by early adopters.

@gabor222 4 месяца назад

Yes it is expensive but if I can choose from spending that amount for a new iPhone or for a Mega65 then I am sure that the Mega offers more fun to me. Unfortunately the FPGA technology is expensive. What is the amount that you think would be fair? 600 Euros? That is the around the price of a Foenix 256K which is a nice machine but it does not offer C64 (or any other system) software compatibility as far as I know. 4-500 Euros? That is about the cost of a completed Ultimate64 with a Mechboard (which has less sound and graphic capabilities, no documentation, no other cores, less speed and which you have to assemble yourself). 300 GBP like the Spectrum Next? The main userbase will be 40+ / 50+ years young people who most likely work in IT or related professions and I think that with 20+ years work experience in IT they should be able to afford to spend this amount on their hobby even if the price is not comparable to mass produced products.

@retroCombs 4 месяца назад

@@gabor222 "What he said!" ⬆

@lovemadeinjapan 2 месяца назад

It is a joke. It is a wink to the price of the original Apple 1 computer in 1976.