Commodore 16 Repairathon 

The C16, first computer I ever had which my dad got from the tip and he soon realised was a power supply issue which from memory he ended up swapping out for an Amstrad 30yrs ago. Nostalgic watching you take these apart.

Lovely to see some sad old machines get brought back to life!

... do we want to watch something on Netflix? .... NO, let's watch Jan Beta! :-) Greetings, Doktor64!

I love my Commodore 16. Recently I upgraded it to 64k memory, so now it can run all the Plus/4 games and demos.

You are a perfect example of "knowledge is power". I could spend the rest of my life trying to guess what's wrong. Congratulations!

As for the key "stem" you may use a Lego axle, It's a perfect fit (some glue might be needed) Credits to Perifractic

A C16 or Plus/4 is on my wanted list of old Commodore computers as well as a VIC-20. I do have a 64 and I love it so much! I was born just a little too late so I missed these machines' glory days, but thankfully it is not that hard to get software from the internet to work on the original hardware so even I who got very late into the C64 can enjoy it. Since I sometimes stream from my C64 I gotta check out that website you mentioned. Sounds cool to hang out with other Commodore streamers :) Nice video once again Jan!

Crazy Commodore! I just figured out that the PSU of the 16 is center neg, and the one of the 116 is center pos!

Thank You for continue making those videos Jan! I realy love them. :)

It's great to see another video from you, Jan!

Thank you so much Jan! I received the package today :D Will give it a restore to its former glory together with the kids.

Nostalgia Mode ON. I have years ago C-116 and C-16. I wish I could get one once again.

Check for oxidation in the chip sockets and also the pins.Try to polish them using fiber glass brush.Check electrolytic capacitors,despite the fact that are small values may cause serious malfunctions,or first try to heat motherboard with a heat gun to see if something start to work after the applied temperature.Some zeners,pcb track oxidation,some voltage regulators of transistors,but to have problem in the chipset ic's it is a bit difficult.These machines never stretched or work on continous basis,so the failures are more corrosion than destructive.

To reverse polarity, you can get small adaptors to go on the end of the plug. Only a couple of quid, and saves re-soldering wires, etc. Quite useful for using modern PSUs on retro equipment.

22:54 "Hope I don't die of alcohol poisoning" That's what I always think to myself while enjoying a pint of IPA

This was so cool to watch. It really makes me remember my very first computer, a commodore VIC-20. Damn thing cost me nearly half a months salary at the time...

Great stuff Jan!!! So many bad CPUs =/ VSS = ground btw (Voltage Source Source)!

Well done Jan! I've recently gone through the same thing with a few 16's and Plus4's, geat machines! I'm back onto Vic20's here at the moment after picking a couple up at a bargain price, even one with a PET keyboard :-) Keep up the awesome work buddy!

What a wonderful video. Really clear and explanatory. Exactly what i wanted. Website is a pure dream as well. Off to the bench I go with my black screen C16 under my arm.

Cheers Jan, always enjoy watching your vids!

A tip is to power the machine from a lab power supply when testing. Makes it a lot easier to see if it draws too much current and also to set safe current limits to prevent any further damage in case of a short.

i never cut the cable to reverse polarity you can just open the power pack and switch the wires over, much neater and safer

6:00 One should note that the original NES plug (in the US at least, i dunno about other releases) was an AC adapter and not a DC one so it can potentially fry other things that don't convert AC to DC internally after the plug if you use a NES plug in another device.

I have not looked at the bread-bin type C16 case to see of the repair kits will work. I do have one though so I will have a look. I recently found out that the early VIC20 cases have different bottom PCB standoffs, they are lower and have a smaller hole than the later cases.

I highly recommend using a hot air gun after desoldering and before pulling out the ICs. Since I do this, no problems at all any more when desoldering any ICs.

Did you know that Commodore originally intended to install huge, ugly looking single-sided PCBs inside the C16 to save a few dollars on product costs? I was really amused when I saw such a board for the first time (and so was Bil Herd, as he stated himself).

On the first one, did you try cleaning the socket and re-seating the CPU before replacing it?

I use a Y adapter on my C64, that uses an NES and PSP power supplies, the funny part is though the NES actually has a built in rectifier but the power supply was actually AC

My Dear and First Computer :) :) :)

The terrilbe 8501... I have four Commodore 16s in the attic with a broken CPU. Two of them were broken when I bought them, from the other two I removed the CPU in order to repair Plus/4s with broken CPUs. As the Plus/4 is the much nicer machine, it makes sense to have the Plus/4s in working condition over the C16. FPGA replacements for the 8501 exist, but the high investment for what are not the best retro computers makes me reluctant to do it.

Sweet repairs Jan. Never knew you had a website, cool. Will check it out.

My first computer :)

One tip, don't leave those OK-tapes stuck to the case for more than a couple of weeks or you'll be sorry. Stick them to the bottom of the case if you really need them. The glue may make permanent damage.

Große Klasse Jan! Dankeschön!

well done Jan

I had one, then I got a Plus 4 when I was a teenager. Then I created my own version of Geo's and databases and a game called Cliff Golf when I was like 11. With my Plus 4 I did most of that really only got into building databases with the Plus 4. By that I mean I built my own databases I didn't use the 3+1 I wrote them from scratch I did them in basic. The Basic was so much better than the c64's version. Eventually I got a 128D I never programmed in C64 only the 128 basic it was really good for somebody coming from a c16 style of programming. maybe I'm stupid for wanting one. I don't think I am. Watching the various RU-vid videos most of them yours I saw some of the proper 64K games that weren't handicapped to run on the C16 Hey if you can hook me up I'll pay appropriately, I'll even take a Plus 4. I just remember getting a 1571 opened up a new world. If anybody reading this has one and a 5.25 Drive I just wish, I can send money. These things so valuable, especially their joysticks I used to break all the time with their custom connectors. Maybe it's the processor, maybe it's the PLA, maybe for me it's the being Friday and the Bourbon. I had Amigas, even the C128 was awesome. but I love the C16 and also the plus 4. I'll update the C16 to 64K so I don't want to ruin a pristine original machine - just a good one with all the keys and retrobrited keys ok. I hate to ask what a disk drive costs and the cassette why not. but brennocks@gmail.com I'll throw a few hundred your way. I just want it for me, not for a museum piece or to resell for money. As a young man I loved having the new model 1541, I think from memory it was a 1571 but maybe it was the 1541 II it was the new looking case on it. I'm happy to buy one I'll do the 64KB mod I just wish

I love your video's, I'd never have the guts to attempt what you do but it's great watching you repair and salvage these classic systems. I have a Commodore Plus 4 and would love to have a modern power solution for it, I ordered a C64/C64/Vic20 modern psu from Poland but I'd love to have a modern one for my Plus 4. Someone developed a USB power solution for the 8bit Atari systems and that's fantastic, it's a pity someone couldn't do similar for the Plus4. Any ideas?

When I got mg C16 as a child it came with 2 games Xzap and Punchy which was basically a rip off of Hatchback. Good memories. 😎

Center negative is still the standard these days for music/instrument gear like guitar pedals and effects and what not

That's my Wednesday morning break extended. I have good coffee and some cookie dough tart and Jan Beta.

Great video. Learned so much!

My north american C16's didn't come with the 64 style supply but more of the usual wall plug dc supply rated 9v 1amp which at least on mine so far hasn't been a problem. The +4 I have does have a supply similar to the 64 type but with a different square looking connector. The 64k upgrade is actually quite easy to do for anybody familiar with soldering. There is / was a 32k ram cartridge made available via commodore16.com a few years ago but haven't checked if its still available. EDIT: the 4464 chips you used in that 1 C16 are part of the 64k upgrade so your not far off having the ram upgrade ready as you saw from the other 16 you had troubles with.

We've just bought one too! Although its very much an underdog of a machine, I love it! Its useless really for games, but I still love it. Perhaps its the colour of the case?! :)

Nice! Another great video, keep up the good work!

If you have a failed PLA in the fourth one I made a video a while back on how to replace the PLA with an EPROM. It can be found here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sG1e_b0julM.html PS: it was a Plus 4 but they are the same as the C16. If you need the files sent to you I can do that as I currently don't have a way of hosting them.

I had a C16. Also a Plus 4. But didnt do much with them. They got black screen disease, when in storage

Fantastic video, I spent so much time when I was young on Commodore. Now Unfortunately on the display of my C16 after switch on there is only "COMMODORE BASIC V3.5" and nothing else apart the blinking cursor on the left top.. Any suggestion my friends

Yay! First to another Jan Beta Video! I wish I had a Commodore 16...

I bet you could make a 'board washer' with a plastic tub and some creative use of cheap parts from China. Like maybe a few peristaltic pumps... I know this kind of goes against the 'preservation' aspect of your channel, but I think if you would look into maybe documenting the 'hacks' that people used to do to these things, like the ram-expansion switch... That would be cool to see. I read about these hacks, but nobody has good video/explanation on them. It could be part of a series maybe?

4 x 16 ... you almost had a 64 there.

Quick question, why do you try the chips on the unknown machine? Isn’t it better to try the unknown chips in a known working machine first? I heard it somewhere, what is your recommendation? Thanks

You can fix the standoffs easily with Loctite.

it's not 'the commodore 64 keyboard in gray'. the matrix is laid out differently. other 'simularities' between all cbm lines keyboards are just due to the fact that they're all based on switches and keycaps designs of a certain manufacturer that was popular at the time. and this is just an integrated all in one plastic version of such a pcb. (you'll find the exact same layout and key caps and all that in different colors on various other, more obscure, 70s and 80s terminals and microcomputers. just with switches, as they did not make a million of em ;) but it's quite clear that they're all just based on a pcb with switches in a metal frame type and are just a cheap mass produced drop in replacement for those. also not even made by cbm themselves but usually outsourced to other manufacturers. (where you therefore damn well could potentially place an order to make a few million more.. as they did not go out of business and probably still have the molds ;)

If you ever want to buy a new 9v 1.5-2A Center negative supply so you can have one that's of good quality that's not hacked together, There are a few models of Dymo label maker AC adapters that are 9v center negative at 1.5A or 2A.

Jan,can i ask what size "Chip sockets" you have used where you removed the original chips from the board please.Thinking of doing this myself to my C16 for the 64k RAM upgrade.Thanks ever so much :)

Well, the c16 power supply has got 14 v. And the jucks of Commodore nobody told that this machine works with center negative. But one said something overheats the chips inside. Ok, i must buy only a new power supply! And then its done! I think this was one of the reason the C 16 would lose on the market.

Hi Jan, the original Commodore 16 Power Supplies were, in my opinion, far better designed and more reliable than the C64 bricks especially as the C16 supplies had air vents :)

Ironischer Weise hat der TED wesentlich bessere Grafikfähigkeiten, dad Nichtvorhandensein von Hardware Sprites waren ein Problem. Wenn die 246 Reihe dann noch einen dem Sid vergleichbaren Soundchip und durchgehend mindestens 64kb RAM gehabt hätten... Der plus/4 wäre wohl mein lieblings 8bitter 😁 (der schönste ist er imho ja schon 😅)

Wondering what good a C16? Never saw one till the internets came out. How many games were made for the c16?

Just watched this again after putting a C64-type power connector on a Plus 4 - worked great for five minutes but now failing with black screen (painful experience that was!). Unfortunately I don't have multiple machines but the TED chips are cheap, I have a modern PLA from a C64 that can be set to 264 mode (tested with this, still black screen) and I've ordered a 6510-to-7501 adapter for the CPU. If it does turn out to be the CPU I think I'll be either getting a new 6510 or adapting a 6502 to work on this - no way am I paying ebay scalper money for another 7501 that looks as if they (almost literally from this experience!) fail if you look at them funny! If course in my case it's bound to be a bad solder joint or RAM failure - sod's law! Don't think there's a dead test for these is there?

23:35 Isopropyl alcohol does have a strong smell, but there are definitely worse smells.

Yay, finally some more commodore stuff! btw: did you hear about the release of "The Commodore 64"?

Commodore 16/Plus4 were quite underrated. I never understood why Commodore decided to give it such crappy sound in comparison to the C64, a total lack of sprites and hardware scrolling. They did give it a color palette of 128 colors and a proper Basic, which is odd.

53:20, Where did you touch Ted? :D It's no wonder he's going a bit funny! haha

Hi, I saw your video and I have a question for you. The Diag264 EEPROM you had used on last C16 in video is bought or have you programmed it yourself from the binary file of the author? If was this case, what programmer have you used and what EEPROM? I have my first C16 with blank screen issue and now you have switch on the light of my hope to resurrect it. :-)

Still convinced you are Jurgen Klopp's brother. Or maybe even Klopp himself. Maybe you could restore Adam Lallana to his former self.

That last issue looks like a PLA issue, mine did simular after being left on for a while.

So ein Teil hatte ich auch mal bei Quelle gekauft Nach 3 Tagen habe ich es wieder zurück geschickt .

go to the computer museum in Zwolle in the Netherlands.amazing!!!!!!!!!!! i have 2 working cbm 64 comps with datarec and 2 power cartridges.not for sale.

is it possible to fix to a commodore 16 that you got the polarity wrong on

Wait, is it... a Commodore machine that knows other colors besides the shades of blue and green??

LOL , ich geb dir mal nen tip benutze nicht das Teure IPA zum waschen sondern das günstige Brennspiritus welches zu 94% aus Ethanol besteht und ein paar vergälungsmitteln aber weitaus günstiger ist um es SO zu benutzen :) , und es tut den gleichen Job wie das teure IPA . Gute Arbeit und gutes Video by the way , weiter so ich schau die Videos immer noch gerne :) grüsse ausm Saarland

Excellent work! Maybe I should send you my Plus 4 to look at? Never turned it on, but somebody butchered it before I got it. see RU-vidr Adrian Black, he did some interesting C16/Plus 4 repairs including using a 6510 as a 7501 replacement and a PAL/NTSC Kernel ROM Switcher.

Hello! My older brother handed me his Commodore 16 in the hopes I could get it up and running again. I have no extremely ltd understanding of electronics. Is it safe to use the original PSU with our modern sockets (United Kingdom), or will some changes be required?

Great job Jan 3 out of 4 is not bad at all. Were the cpu cheap versions or was it a design fault?

It was the C16 which killed the 264 series for Commodore. Nice work as always. I forgot the reason why Center Negative is used by some companies. It's not my favorite connection configuration but there is a reason for it and its bugging me I can't remember the reason why its used. I have a tablet which has a center negative connection I used it as a GPS and finding a supply adapter for my car was a challenge but I found one where you can switch between center negative and center positive and it scared the hell out of me each time I used it because switches can get changed so I was always checking it before using it just to make sure it was set right.

My childhood computer! Nice job getting some working machines from that lot Jan. I had same common problem, faulty CPU and it actually went faulty in front of me lol. I got a second machine that had issues taking a chance that the CPU was OK and replaced mine with it, so nice working machine for me. BTW did you notice the factory mod on one of your boards, I think it was the one with the RAM mod? I have the same thing on my "donor" board, at first i thought it was a bodge job: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KB4ed1YeX3Q.html

The 1st game i ever played was scramble on the C16

You master commodore

15:20 They are called single wipe sockets. And yeah they are garbage.

Play Squirm "it is a better version than the C64 version" I say better! it is just a nostalgic version to me.. My Brother had a C16 when I was a little kid and that game I liked and played a lot. You are lucky Jan having these Commodore 16's, I have been looking for a reasonable priced one for years as this was the first home computer we had before the Commodore 128.

Amazing how many of the CPUs are failing on these machines. Did CBM deliberately overclock the things past their tolerance in order to make the machine's performance bearable against the competition?

Can you put a C64 in that case? I like that case better!!

Round holes are better for round pins =====> O

welches kontakspray verwendest du?

Weiss jemand wie man die gebrochenen Leertastenclips für C16 repariert? Ich meine die Dinge wo der Metallbügel unten einrastet.

I have some 6502s (I need to test for 'goodness') in case you don't find a fitting CPU, it's probably a pain to adapt but hey, it wouldn't be the same video as Adrian's ; )

But what a bad luck !! all these computers is nobody who has the same problem as me. I have to search again.

Some people avoid cheap or old ....................................

Hm. Let’s see, which Games I remember. BigMac Auriga Winter games Paperboy Mercenary - you need 64k for that. Come on, do those puppies a favor. Winter Games on the C16 was superior to the C64 Version, no kidding. Loading from tape was pain though.

You have 4 x Commodore 16.......or one C64 :P

00:59 - the colour of those keys...YUCK!!!

Jan don't forget to heat sink the Ted CPU and PLA as this will prolong the life of these valuable ICs mate .....and I have a CPU mate 😁😁😁 DM me on twitter if you are still looking for a CPU mate. Great vlog Jan 😁😁😁 Kim 😁😁😁

My favourite games on the C16 were "Ghost Town" and "Tom" from the german developer Kingsoft. Other games by Kingsoft were also very sophisticated. I always was stunned how many colours the C16 was capable of displaying. - BTW: The worst game that I ever bought for the C16 was "Ghosts'n Goblins". It was so bad that you absolutely must have seen it. It is easily the worst arcade port of the millennium.

tutti frutti - its fun to play, honest!

I don't have a dishwasher, she left years ago. Lol

Guten Tag, Jan Beta du kommst doch aus Deutschland oder ? Machst du Reparaturen für Kunden ? Könnte ich dir mein C64 zusänden mit Bar Geld darin ? Ich glaube das der PLA Chip hinüber ist. Der C64 hat ein Schwarzes Bild beim einschalten. MfG

**JAN** what became of the modded c64?

C16 CPU: I'm bored... ... ... C16 CPU: How about if I kill myself? C16 CPU: *dies*

Instead of marking broken processors with an X, put them in the bin.