This page shows a TFT-Controller Board for the Commodore SX-64 and further on how I modified my SX-64 for better picture and sound quality.
This board is a replacement for the original SX-64 display controller board. The board became necessary during the rebuild of a SX-64 with a modern TFT-Display.
The SX-64 mod was initialized on the German Retro-Computer Board Forum64.de. When one member (AREA51HD) began to tinker around with a TFT-Display.
The board also contains an Extended Reset Circuit and an option to switch between two Kernals and two Drive IDs.
Picture Gallery
The TFT-Controller Board
Schematics and assembly plan
Display controller first test run. Proof of the ability to control all functions of the display.
Display controller "all options" test run:
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Switching between two Kernals (SX-64 and JiffyDOS).
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Switching between two drive numbers (8 and 9).
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Test of the Reset functions.
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Test of the volume control.
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Test of the display control functions.
The Firmware of the Display-Set ( JD567M03 (Board) / AT056TN52 (Display)) must be patched to activate the S-Video input. In order to do this is it necessary to reprogram the MX25L4006E chip on the display PCB with the attached firmware.
However even with the regular Composite Video input of the TFT-Display-Set is the picture quality much better than the original CRT-Display of the SX-64.
TFT and amplifier power consumption test.
Measurement of the power consumption of a replacement amplifier and the TFT Display. The power consumption stays always way below 0.5 amps. The original CRT display with the build in amplifier and speaker consumes up to 1.1 amps.
Speaker and Amplifier test run.
The final speaker, pre-amplifier and amplifier combination.
LINKs and DOWNLOADs
Last Update: 08.01.2023
AREA51HD
5.6" Display found at Pollin
First S-Video hack of the 24C16 EEPROM
androSID
S-Video patch development and Programming
Asklia
EEPROM programming / burning
x1541
EEPROM programming
Development in-circuit-programming
Freak
Development in-circuit-programming of the TFT patch via RasPi
ICP Script programming
Tommes
EEPROM burning
Design 3D-Model display frame
Zipcom
Frontpanel Circuit / Layout
Design 3D-Print Pushbutton Extensions
ATiny alternate Reset / Kernal Switch programming
JimDrew
SX-64 Ultra Reset Circuit design and PIC12F629 programming
Offering of Pre-Programmed PIC12F629 in his shop
Tommi_nrw
Design 3D-Modelalterativ display frame
Forum64.de
Many more members of Forum64.de who have contributed to the project with their ideas and comments and who have not been mentioned here individually.
Credits to the Forum64.de members involved
All necessary information and data to make the SX-64 modification as shown here are included down below in the downloadable "Project Files".