Commodore 16 is an 8 -bit home computer, produced by Commodore International from 1984 to 1985. It is the next generation of the Commodore Vic20, as well as a lower cost alternative than the Commodore 64.
It is part of the Commodore 264 series, composed, in addition to the Commodore 16, also by the Commodore Plus/4 and the Commodore 116, with which it shares the main electronic components of the motherboard.
Il design è simile al Commodore 64 "biscottone" e al Commodore Vic20, ma con colori diversi: il case è scuro, mentre la tastiera è chiara.
I bought this computer from a Facebook Marketplace user in 2020. After sincerely, I sincere with the user's existence and computer, I decided to send the payment and organize the transport. The computer came to me ... not working! It was not an unexpected situation, however. The seller had warned me. I have repaired and the Recap of this computer: I describe the steps in this article.
In addition to the computer, the bounded lot also included the Commodore Data Smore 1531, the joystick, the power supply, several cassettes and a cartridge with the Jack Attack game.
Compared to the Commodore Vic20 and Commodore 64, the Commodore 16 has a more advanced Basic: version 3.5 of the Basic has many more commands and programming is more fun.
Commodore 16 boot screen
The C16 start screen has black writings on a white background. The external frame of the monitor is purple. The image is available at the audio/video exit (both with CVBS composite video signal and S-Video) and also at the RF output (analog channel 36).
Technical characteristics of the Commodore 16
CPU: MOS 7501 or MOS 8501, at 0.89MHz with TED operational, or 1.77MHz (PAL) / 1.79MHz (NTSC) the rest of the time
ROM: 32 KB
RAM: 16 KB, of which 12277 bytes are available for BASIC V3.5
Graphics: MOS TED (TED 7360 or MOS 8360)
Text mode: 40×25 characters (PETSCII). Three text modes are available: standard, extended color, multicolor
Graphics mode: 160×200 (multi-colored, no sprite) / 320×200 (high resolution) with 121 colors
Keyboard: 66-key QWERTY, with function keys
Software included in ROM:
- BASIC 3.5
- Machine Language Monitor
I/O Ports:
- 1 Expansion port (cartridge slot)
- 1 Antenna (RF to TV connection, analog channel 36)
- 1 Audio/Video (CVBS and S-Video composite video)
- 1 IEC Serial
- 1 Datassette port (7-pin mini-DIN connector, not compatible with the Commodore 64, although there are adapters that allow you to connect the C64's Datassette)
- 2 x 8-pin mini-DIN Joystick Ports
Emulation
It is possible to emulate the Commodore 16 on a common Windows PC, through the VICE. In this way, it is possible to try to start programs and games, as well as program the back computer, in a simple and comfortable way ... without even having the Commodore 16!
Commodore 16 power supply
The C16 power supply is external. Generates a single 9.5 V voltage in continuous current, not stabilized, with large tolerance. The available current is 0.8 A, with a maximum power of 7.6 W. In replacing the power supply with a modern one, attention must be paid to the reversed footing of the power connector: the negative pole is the central one, while the positive is external.
Papers
1. Commodore 16 guida utente (ITA)
3. Commodore 16 service manual
Collection entry date: 05/03/2020