Commodore C64

Configuration

Was sold as broken, with the PLA chip missing.
The previous owner painted the case red, and did a very good job. I like the hue, it was one of the reasons why I bought the machine.
Had two buttons on the right side. One was a reset button, the other one was a “freeze” switch.

PLA chip was missing, and was replaced with a PLAnkton replica.
One DRAM was defective, replaced with a new one.
Recapping. 78xx regulators replaced with Traco Power DC/DC converters.
Heatsinks glued on CPU, VIC, and SID. PLAnkton replica does not get warm.
Reset button connected to C34 via Dupond connector.
Freeze button removed, hole covered by a 3D printed plug.
Fixed some cold solder joints. Cleaned up PCB.
Replaced all missing case and PCB screws.
Keyboard cleaned. Keycaps whitened by exposure to sunlight.
Power LED was very dim, and replaced with an orange one.
U13, U14, U15, U25 were failure-prone MOS chips, replaced with standard components.
Machine thorougly tested by full diagnostics, no problems were found.

2022-06-11
- Refurbishment completed
- Replaced MOS 74xx-chips with standard counterparts
- While replacing U15, I ripped off the /COLOR trace between U15 and U27, and fixed it with bodge wire.
2022-05-21
- Disassembled and cleaned the keyboard
- Used a Dupond connector so the reset button can be detached
- Connected the reset button to the reset logic instead of the /RESET line
- Removed the freeze button, filled the drill hole with a 3D printed plug
2022-05-18
- Original PLA was missing, used a PLAnkton replica
- Replaced broken RAM chip
- Recapped
- General cleaning of the board
- Replaced 78xx with Traco Power converters
- Put headsinks on CPU, VIC, SID
2022-05-15: Started refurbishment
2022-04-01: Date of purchase

Commodore C64