Seting Up a Commodore 64 Computer System

The following is an overview of how to set up a Commodore 64 computer system. Of course, if you have the manuals that come with your equipment, please be sure to read and follow the directions that come with each individual component that you are connecting.

Step 1: Unpack and Inventory Components.

Carefully unpack the components that come with your Commodore 64 and any peripherals, such as disk drives, monitors, printers, etc. This is best done on the actual desk you will be using.

IF anything is missing, you might be able to find them at your local electronics shop, on eBay.com, or by Googling the component. or even checking with local user groups.

Step 2: Connect Peripherals.

Follow the instructions that come with the component being connected. DO NOT power each component on yet, as it may damage the equipment. Always plug each component's electrical plugs into a power strip, but leave them in the OFF position until everything is set up properly.

TIP: A good quality surge protector stripr should be used to power your systems compoinents. Good brands include APC, Tripp-Lite, etc. (Be sure you use one that is UL rated or equivalent and rated for the power system in your location. A good electronics shop can give a good recommendation.)

Step 3: Connect Video and Audio.

Connect the video and audio between the computer and the TV set or monitor you are using.

Monitors are better because they don't have issues with TV interference.

If your TV set was made prior to the year 2000, you'll probably need to use an RF modulator and a selector switch, and/ or a 75-ohm adapter plug to connect the computer's video and audio outputs to the TV.

For newer television sets, you can use the RCA-type jacks on the backside of the TV- please be sure to check the user guide for your particular make or model of your set to find out where the ports are located.

Obviously, you should only use the TV format that is compatible with your Commodore 64, which depends on which part of the world you're currently located (PAL, NTSC, or SECAM) Most newer sets should be backwards compatible with older equipment.

Further details can be found in the Commodore 64's user guide that comes with your computer.

If you still have questions, you can ask at any electronics shop.

Step 4: Connect Power Supply.

Normally, the brick-sized power supply that comes with the computer is connected to the right-hand side of the device, next to the two joystick ports. The older style generallly looks like the leftmost photo shown above.

A word of caution: DON'T USE IT! The older types have been found to be faulty and can fry the circuit boards.

There are newer designs that are safer than the older brick-type that originally came with the system. Amazon has several types available , including this one:

C64 PSU Classic Black US - Replacement Commodore 64 Power Supply, US Plug

If you also are connecting a Commodore 1541 Disk Drive to your system, they also have one that can power both the computer and the disk drive:

C64 FDD Dual PSU Modern Gray US - Replacement Commodore 64 + FDD 1541-II Power Supply, US Plug

Obviously, you should only use the type that works in your country. A Google search for "Commodore 64 Power Supply" plus the country in which it is to be used is a good starting point.

Another thing: when you have connected the power supply to your computer, do not plug it into mains directly; plug it into that power strip mentioned earlier, but leave the power switch on the computer turned off for now.

Step 5: Check Connections Then Power On! (Troubleshoot If Needed.)

At this point, double-check all of the connections to make sure they aren't loose. If everything is firmly in place, turn on the components, in this order:

Disk drive
Printer
TV or Monitor
Computer

If you have a power outlet, and every item is plugged into it, you may now turn on the power strip.

If any problems, recheck connections and individual components using the troubleshooting guide that comes with the individual component that may be to blame. Any problems that are related to electrical or mechanical issues should be referred to qualified service personnel.