First official C64 in 36 years

[muse]

I had also built as well a couple of years back. They were fun to build. Here is my build with full mechanical keyboard:
View attachment 24527

View attachment 24528
I am building a second soon with all modern replacements for the custom chips

Here is a photo of mine during testing, lots of errors on the screen but this is normal due to lack of testing harness and missing basic rom. I went for the original PAL modulator for use on my mid 80s Sanyo CRT TVs.

 

[JDW]

I think I'd have purchased one by now had I not already had 3 units already.

Do you have the same joystick shown in my photos?

I've read THE MANUAL for the ArcardR joystick I received, but I am not seeing any mention about what in the world this round piece of plastic is for, although the hole suggests it goes on the stick itself?

I'm also curious as to why a "shorter shaft" was included:

 

[muse]

Do you have the same joystick shown in my photos?

I've read THE MANUAL for the ArcardR joystick I received, but I am not seeing any mention about what in the world this round piece of plastic is for, although the hole suggests it goes on the stick itself?

View attachment 24785

I'm also curious as to why a "shorter shaft" was included:

View attachment 24786

No sorry. I wasn't clear in my response. I was talking about the Ultimate 64.

Im still using an original Wico Command Control joystick which has leaf style switches, its an original from the 80s.

I think the round flat piece is a substitute/alternative to the piece thats already on there, like on most arcade control panels.

 

[muse]

Yes shaft is a bit short for larger hands. I suspect the flat round piece would help. It is primarly used for dust protection

 

[JDW]

@muse
I was guessing that was the case, but if the use of the FLAT round plastic piece is going to make it better for big, fat-fingered hands, why don't they all ship that way? Is the DOME shaped plastic that's installed by default on there purely for aesthetics? Or does it enhance the joystick somehow?

My questions may seem dumb to people in-the-know, but I am not a gamer AT ALL, and I know really nothing about joysticks, and I only bought it because I think that will be part of the C64 experience.

The documentation is quite lacking, I must say. I didn't mind using the QR code, but I did really hope the answers would be there.

 

[muse]

@muse
I was guessing that was the case, but if the use of the FLAT round plastic piece is going to make it better for big, fat-fingered hands, why don't they all ship that way? Is the DOME shaped plastic that's installed by default on there purely for aesthetics? Or does it enhance the joystick somehow?

My questions may seem dumb to people in-the-know, but I am not a gamer AT ALL, and I know really nothing about joysticks, and I only bought it because I think that will be part of the C64 experience.

The documentation is quite lacking, I must say. I didn't mind using the QR code, but I did really hope the answers would be there.

I think i'm wrong about this. It seems that the rubber washer is to prevent the dome from moving up and down.

 

[JDW]

...the rubber washer is to prevent the dome from moving up and down.

"Rubber"?

 

[muse]

Theres a rubber sleeve which comes with this product ( I'm not seeing it in your package though ) that fits over the shaft to prevent the cover from flapping up and down as you use it.

You have the option to install fhe flat dust cover in place of the domed one original already there. I dont think it makes much difference, its there mainly to keep dust out and provide a smooth surface for the shaft to move against, and I suppose for aesthetics as well.

 

[JDW]

Correct in that my joystick kit does NOT include the "rubber sleeve" that slides onto the shaft.

I found a YouTube video with a greed colored rubber sleeve on the shaft as shown below...

Again, mine didn't include that at all. Not sure if that's good or bad, but the product page shown below shows a photo of exactly what I received (the bare naked metal shaft)...

https://www.commodore.net/product-page/arcader-joystick

 

[muse]

Correct in that my joystick kit does NOT include the "rubber sleeve" that slides onto the shaft.

I found a YouTube video with a greed colored rubber sleeve on the shaft as shown below...

View attachment 24789

Again, mine didn't include that at all. Not sure if that's good or bad, but the product page shown below shows a photo of exactly what I received (the bare naked metal shaft)...

https://www.commodore.net/product-page/arcader-joystick

More recent gamers might be able to comment. But I've never known it to be common on any joysticks I've ever used.

I also prefer the flat dust cover that came with yours over the one placed on there. Try both and see which one feels better to you.

 

[JDW]

 

[muse]

@JDW It looks tempting but I already have 3 original units. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and justify it by saying that the chips in my current units will die someday