The Commodore Vic20 (Vic-20 or Vic 20) is an 8-bit home computer produced by Commodore Business Machines from 1980 until 1985. In other countries it was marketed under other names: in Japan it was called Commodore VIC-1001, while in Germany Commodore VC 20. Evidently, in Germany it is not possible to say “Vic” without making allusions that have little to do with computers!
Although I had never owned it as a child, I wanted to collect all the 8-bit Commodores. After the purchase of the Commodore 64, it was natural to look for the Commodore Vic20 as well. So, in March 2020 I started looking for this retro computer on all the channels I knew. I found a computer in good condition, advertised on Subito.it, in Varese. The lot included the computer, the power supply, the external modulator and some cassettes. The original polystyrene was also present. I went to pick it up in person.
Technical characteristics of the Commodore Vic20
CPU: MOS 6502, 1.108 MHz (PAL version) or 1.023 MHz (NTSC version)
ROM: 20 KB
RAM: 5 KB (expandable via expansion port)
Graphics: MOS VIC-I (6561)
Text mode: 22×23 characters
Graphics mode: 176×184 pixels, up to 16 colors
Audio: generated by the same VIC-I
Keyboard: 66-key QWERTY, with function keys
Software included in ROM: BASIC 2.0
Expansion ports:
- 1 Expansion port (for cartridges and RAM)
- 1 Audio/Video (CVBS and S-Video composite video)
- 1 IEC Serial
- 1 Datassette port (cassette player)
- 1 User Port
- 1 joystick port
Emulation
It is possible to emulate the Commodore Vic-20 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 retro computer, in a simple and convenient way... without even owning the Vic20!
Power supply of the Commodore Vic-20
The power supply of the Commodore Vic 20 is external and has the following output voltages:
- 5V DC, 1.5A
- 9V alternating current, 1A
It is equivalent and interchangeable to the power supply of the Commodore 64.
Commodore Vic20 boot screen
The startup screen of the vintage computer is blue. The image is available at the Audio/Video output. To display it via RF (analog television, channel 36) you need an external modulator.
Papers
1. Commodore Vic20 guida facile al computer (ITA)
2. Commodore Vic 20 friendly computer guide
3. Commodore Vic20 technical manual
Collection entry date: 04/03/2020