From: jlb31348@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu (Jim Brain)
Subject: Wow, And I thought noone did 64 stuff anymore
Organization: University of Illinois at Urbana
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 23:44:16 GMT

As the title suggests, I am amazed.  I am happy that so much conversation
is on this group.

Fist, Introductions.  No, I am not a great person in the 64 scene, but some
of you will remember me from last year or before as the guy who attempted
to set up a maillist for PET, C16, +4, Vic-20, and C64 computers and
their hardware aspects.  Well, to all who got on the list, I apologize.
it never really did get very far off the ground, but it was fun.
I found other interesting things to do in the Computer Engineering Dept. here
at the U of I, and another thing happened.

For the first 3 years of college, I used a c64 with a 256K expansion, JiffyDos,
RAPIDos (for awhile), GEOS, an Okidata 180 with a Cardco parallel port
interface.  I wrote term papers on it and played great games.  Then, as I
started to get into my studies, I found out something: Computer engineering
students use IBMs (usually here) or MACs, not 64s.  Well, that meant that
I had to go with the flow, so when I received a scholarship last year for
my senior year to be paid in full, my parents allowed me to purchase a 
386 laptop.  I know, I am loyal to the 64 more than you will ever know, 
having sold many of them to friends while in high school and posseses some
20 machines of different models, but I just couldn't turn my back on the gfact
that many people and programs I needed were for another coputer. I 
though about an Amiga, but was dissatisfied with Commodore's backing of the
Amiga series.  Tough about a MAc, but didn't haver enough money.  The IBM
just became the choice.  I do want to tell everyone that an IBM laptop or
any laptop for that matter, is GREAT.  I can shuttle my work around, and 
take notes (or play games) in class.

Why tell us, Jim?  Well, I wanted to tell you all that to lead you up to
my present work.  I am currently working on a serial interface for the Nintendo
PowerGlove and that is the work that started my need for an IBM.  However, I
am thinking of making this thing available for C64 users and need to know
if any 3-D graphics routines exists so I can write a demo for the C64.
I also would like to know if Merlin64 (which I have) is a good assembly
lang. editor and copiler for the 64.  The interface is built around a 68HC11
uprocessor, so I have a good grasp of both 650X and 680X opcodes.
Also, I am thinking of interfacing one of those surplus 640*200 LCD screens
to a computer, and was wondering if anyone had though about a laptop 64.
Although my system is at home, I still think about it, the work I did on it,
and the things I can still do on it.

Wow, I ramble!  Anyway, I do think my IBM was a wise investment for the 
future, but I just love my 64.  It became impractical to have it here at school
in my dorm room (It takes  boxes for the complete setup), I have it
safely set up at home. I am traversing home for the holidays, so I will
get to play on it.  That is where I need everyone's help.

I want to take home some new stuff to put on my 64.  I will probably save
it to my IBM hard drive, and RS232 transfer while at home.  What should
I get? 

I should really thin down my collection of Commodore stuff before getting a job
in the Summer, so does anyone have an offbbeat need.  I have PETS, 8050s, 
C16s, Vics, 64s, SFD1001s, and A COMMODORE TAPE RECORDER (Sorry, not for sale)
I also have books, and disks, and etc...  I ask this question instead of 
putting the stuff in a list, because I have a feeling that this group gets 
bombarded with for sale ads, and I would also like to know whart everyone
else has.  Do you keep a lot of stuff?  Do you have one complete system with
parts ?  I know I have to get rid of some of this stuff, but I am having
a hard time parting with any of it, or I would just have put up a FOR SALE 
in here long ago  (Does anyone else have this prob ?)

Does anyone need just parts ?  Just a question because a few systems are in my
box for repair.

What do people do with 64s now?  I cannot see big-time productivity getting
done on a stock 64, but do others knowthings I do not.  

How does one get 64 megs on a 64 ?  I wanna know !

To the person who needs a Vic 20 Programmers reference Guide:  Do you still need

info ?

I gues my posting (in a belated nutshell) is this:  I am going home this
Christmas, and will be sorting out the myriad of stuff I have for the 64.
If you have been looking for info, a piece, or a system, and want me to look
for it while I am home, I will do.  If you know of anything I hould take home
for my good system I intend to keep, please let me know.  I'll check this
group, even though email is better.

Finally, to all those who do remember me and may be on the list.  I have
one (1) class next semester, so I may get the mail list up after all.

I think I will post some othher time with my project ideas :->

-- 
Jim Brain                           "If you build it, they will come."
brain@cs.uiuc.edu
Senior, Computer Engineering		         		Field of Dreams
PowerGlove Serial Interface Designer and Co-Project Leader.                     University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign       Dox available on request