Product Overview
EVO64 is a completely reimagined and fully backward-compatible Commodore 64 mainboard replacement
- It has been developed with the goal to deliver the best possible Audio and Video experience from the original Commodore 64 reference architecture (check out the YouTube videos below)
- It's fully authentic and completely faithful to the original system's heritage, supporting all of the original MOS & CSG chip versions, as well as modern clones (e.g., tested with J-CIA64, J-CPU64, ARMSID, ARM2SID, FPGASID, SwinSID, BackSID, Kawari VIC-II replacement, Monotech CPU adapters, and may others)
- It combines all of the best features and capabilities that have become available as add-ons and upgades in recent years, into a unified, simple & convenient design, that's sleek & stylish and just plain fun to use
- EVO64 is easy for an experienced builder to make in just a couple hours, since all of the Surface Mounted (SMD) components are already presoldered in place
- You can choose to bundle your mainboard purchase with either a standard or premium components BOM (see options below) or you can source your own parts using EVO Bill of Materials (BOM)
- All EVO64 Rel 1 Mainboards are compatible with both the NuTube64 and Triode64 Audio Preamp modules
Key Features
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Dual SID Support
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> | Support for ANY and ALL SID Chip Varieties (and clones) | |
| > | Two SIDs can play in dual-Mono or True-Stereo | |||
| > | Extensible SID Addressing modes available | |||
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ClearVideo64
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> | Support for ANY and ALL VICII chip varieties (including Kawari) | |
| > | Support for PAL or NTSC video modes | |||
| > | Simply the best quality video output you can expect from the original VICII | |||
| > | Potentiometers allow fine adjustments to cancel out any noise sources | |||
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Multi-ROM
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> | A single EEPROM contains multiple ROM images | |
| > | 8x Kernals | |||
| > | 4x Basics | |||
| > | 8x Character Sets | |||
| > | Supports up to 64x Cartridge ROM Images | |||
| > | Fully Reprogrammable | |||
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Custom PLA
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> | A completely proprietary PLA developed by the EVO Team | |
| > | Exposes advanced features, like multi-SID and multi-ROM | |||
| > | Fantastic backwards compatibility with all game titles and demoscene productions | |||
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ESD Protection
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>
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Joysticks and I/0 ports are protected from electrostatic discharge
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Tube Preamps
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> | Support for onboard audio preamps for unrivaled SID Audio reproduction | |
| > | The NuTube64 leverages the Korg Nutube 6P1 VFD Technology | |||
| > | The Triode64 leverages real vacuum tube technology | |||
| > | PREAMPS ARE OPTIONAL ADD-ONS, AVAILABLE SEPARATELY | |||
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Fantastic DIY Build
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> | The best DIY builder documentation available for any C64 remake | |
| > | Online support forums with a vibrant community of experts & enthusiasts | |||
| > | Many community driven modifications and upgrades are available | |||
| > | Registered builders are standing by to make your EVO if you're unable to |
OPTION 1. A DIY Mainboard ONLY, with no Component BOM:
- All EVO64 Rel 1 Mainboard orders ship with an Essential Chip Kit, which includes a reprogrammable EPROM, a QAPLA (custom PLA), a VCO timer and a Color Memory SRAM chip.
- Completing this build will require a bill of materials (BOM), which you can purchase as a bundle here
- You also have the option to source all of the components yourself. See the EVO Bill of Materials (BOM) for details
OPTION 2. A DIY Mainboard with a Standard Components BOM:
- When you choose the Standard Components Bundle you will recieve the essential chip kit mentioned above in option 1
- You also receive the DIY Builder's BOM outlined below, which gives you everything you need to complete a standard EVO build
- Please note that this BOM does not come with MOS / CSG Chips. You must source these separately (see notes at the end of this listing)
OPTION 3. A DIY Mainboard with a Premium Components Bundle Adds:
- When you choose the Premium Components Bundle you will recieve the essential chip kit mentioned above in option 1
- You also receive the complete DIY Builder's BOM outlined in option 2, which gives you everything you need to complete a standard EVO build
- Additionally, you will receive all of the Premium and low noise components outlined below...
- A set of Aries low profile ZIF sockets (4x 40 pin & 2x 28 pin)
- An Aries standard profile ZIF socket (1x 32 pin - low profile sockets are not available in the 32 pin package)
- A set of custom DIP Switch overlay dongles that allow fast and convenient switching of EVO's multi-ROM, Cartridge Banks and multi-SID configuration settings
- An custom ultra low noise EVO PWR 5v Switching Voltage Regulator
- An ultra low noise Coilcraft AC Filter Choke
- A set of color-coded jumpers that help to differentiate power setting changes (RED) from configuration settings (BLUE)
- Please note that this BOM does not come with MOS / CSG Chips. You must source these separately (see notes at the end of this listing)
None of the EVO bundles above come with MOS or CSG Chips, you must always supply these chips on your own:
- 2x MOS6526 CIAs (or a compatible clone solution like the J-CIA64)
- 1x VIC II, all versions are supported, so any PAL or NTSC VIC-II, running either 12v or 5v (e.g., MOS 6567 or 6569 @ 12v; or the 8562 or 8565 @ 5v). The Kawari VIC II Replacement replacement is also fully supported
- Either 1x or 2x SID sound chips. All variants are supported (e.g., any MOS 6581 @ 12v or 8580 @ 5v). All popular SID clones are fully supported as well, like the ARMSID & ARM2SID, FPGASID, BackSID, SIDKick, SwinSID and SwinSID Ultimate. You can even mix & match different SIDs in each socket
- 1x MOS 6510 or 8500 CPU (both chip versions are functionally and electrically identical). EVO also supports the J-CPU64 and the Monotech 6502 to 6510 adapter
- Sources to check for original MOS / CSG chips include: RunStopReStore, Retroleum, PolyPlay, as well as secondary marketplaces like eBay, AliEx, etc. (please exercise caution when buying parts from the secondary marketplaces, check the seller's feedback and reputations, etc.)
NOTES FOR THE DO IT YOURSELF BUILDERS (DIY)
- Please note that EVO64 is NOT a beginner or entry-level DIY Project
- To complete this build successfully requires intermediate level soldering experience
- Otherwise, you risk damage to the board and it's components and even possible injury to yourself (e.g., risk of burns from soldering iron, etc.)
- A comprehensive DIY Builders Guide is available online, which steps through all phases of the build, setup, configuration and testing process
NOTES FOR THE FOLKS THAT WANT A FULLY ASSEMBLED EVO64 BOARD
- If you would like to purchase a fully assembled and tested EVO64 system, we encourage you to visit the Meet the Builders page, where you can read about members of the EVO community that can make an EVO system for you
- After contacting a Registered Builder and receiving confirmation that they are available to complete your EVO build, you simply provide their shipping address details during the purchase checkout, and we'll send your EVO64 kit to them to complete the assembly
- All registered builders follow a well defined a set of standards and guidelines, which ensures that they will stay in touch with you throughout the entire build process, providing pictures, status updates and testing results. They will also manage shipping of the completely assembled board to you
- PLEASE NOTE: The EVO team is not involved in the transaction between you and a registered builder. We do not influence their builder fees and we do not receive any compensation from them for their services to the EVO community
HERE'S WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT EVO64 ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Jan Beta
Retro Recipes
Retrobits
Warranty Information
EVO64 and other EVO products are sold AS-IS, without any type of guarantee or warrantee.
EVO64 has been developed as a do it yourself "(DIY) build kit" and as such, there are no guarantees provided that it will work if it hasn't been assembled properly.
Likewise, it is not possible to offer any type of warrantee or return policy for merchandise that has been partially assembled, since it cannot be re-inventoried, restocked or resold.
If you require assistance completing your DIY build, please review the online "DIY Build Guide", which provides extensive, step by step instructions for every stage of the EVO64 build and testing process.
For any questions, issues or concerns that are not covered in the DIY Build Guide, you can connect with other DIY Builders from the EVO community on Discord and Facebook
