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SPL HD-64 User Manual

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Author: Vittorio Pascucci (Side Projects Lab)
If you wish to get in touch with the developer, please join the SPL
LICENSE: This work is provided under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Figure 1. HD-64 (Top)
HD-64 is a replacement for the original RF-Modulator of the Commodore-64 computer, which produces a 1080p
HDMI video output, complete with stereo audio. The HD-64 also features a pass-through channel for the analog
video, which is still available on the AV connector both in S-Video and Composite format.
The HD-64 still needs a VIC-II chip (original or replacement) to be present in the computer in order to
function.
HD-64 can be purchased pre-assembled from these authorized shops:
•
Retro8BitShop
•
Retro-Updates
Sales of HD-64 by any shop other than the ones mentioned above may be in violation of the
conditions and should be reported to the developer
HD-64 User Manual: 2025-04-11
HD-64 User Manual
Figure 2. HD-64 (Bottom)
Discord
server.
Figure 3. HD-64 VIC-II Interleaver
License
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Summary of Contents for SPL HD-64

  • Page 1 HDMI video output, complete with stereo audio. The HD-64 also features a pass-through channel for the analog video, which is still available on the AV connector both in S-Video and Composite format. The HD-64 still needs a VIC-II chip (original or replacement) to be present in the computer in order to function.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    3.3. Installing the HD-64 ........

  • Page 3: Kit Contents

    1. Kit Contents The HD-64 Kit includes the following parts: 1. 1x HD-64 main board (Figure 2. 1x VIC-II Interleaver (Figure 3. 4x 10mm m3 standoffs (with nuts) 4. 2x 4-pin male headers 5. 2x 4-pin female headers 6. 1x flat-pin VIC-II "sacrificial" socket 2.

  • Page 4: Installation

    • The Shortboard provides the necessary supply voltages (5v and GND) directly on the RF-Modulator header on the motherboard. The Longboard does not provide either, therefore when installing the HD-64 on a Longboard requires feeding the supply lines externally (Header 13, Figure 5).

  • Page 5: Installing The Hd-64

    HD-64 7. Carefully align the back of the HD-64 (the side where the HDMI connector is) with the rear edge of the motherboard while making sure the HDMI connector is well centered in the case opening.

  • Page 6: Power Supply Verification & Fastening

    Section 3.3.1 3. (optional) In order to permanently fasten the HD-64 to the motherboard, drive a long pin or a piece of wire through the retainer pins close to the rear of the HD-64 (Item 7 in...

  • Page 7: Final Verification

    Figure 8. Right Audio Internal Figure 9. Right Audio External Audio can be switched between "stereo" and "mono" via the HD-64 configuration utility as described in Section 5. When "mono" audio is selected, the right channel is used as audio source.

  • Page 8: Analog Video Jumpers

    The jumper denominated "12v VIC" (Item 2 in Figure 4) should be closed when a 12v VIC-II is being used (VIC- II models 6567 & 6569). Standard Original Figure 10. Analog Video Jumpers HD-64 User Manual: 2025-04-11...

  • Page 9: Video Pll Adjustment Jumper

    HD-64. • Once a value is modified in the configuration utility, the new value is written to the HD-64 and from that moment on that parameter is synchronized between the configuration utility and the HD-64 (until the configuration utility is closed).

  • Page 10: Firmware Update

    3. Start from the latest available release and try progressively older configuration utility version until you find one that works 6. Firmware Update The firmware of the HD-64 can be upgraded by connecting it to a PC through the on-board USB-C port (Item 6 Figure Figure 12. HD-64 Firmware Update Executable The C64 must be powered on for the whole duration of a firmware update Due to the fact that the "breadbin"...

  • Page 11: Firmware Update Error & Recovery Firmware

    2. Intermittent black screen (HDMI): a. Measure the voltage on the 5v rail on the HD-64 (right on the board). Anything below 4.8v won’t allow the HDMI link to operate correctly. If this is the case please replace the C64 power supply 3.

  • Page 12: Known Issues

    Figure 13. HD-64 Chroma Amplitude Hardware Bug In the affected boards, both resistors have a value of 110 Ohm (the markings are "05A"), instead os 220 Ohm and 100 Ohm respectively.

  • Page 13: Hdmi Pll Bias Hardware Bug

    Resistor R50 has the wrong value (22kOhm), causing the PLL bias to be lower than originally intended (1.5V instead of 2.1V), though well within the allowed margin (1V to 3V). Figure 14. HD-64 PLL Bias Hardware Bug This imperfection means that the "Adj jumper" (Item 5 in...

  • Page 14: Audio Compatibility Issues

    8.3. Audio Compatibility Issues TLDR: there is a hardware bug in the EP952 HDMI transmitter used in the HD-64 which causes a very small percentage of displays to not receive audio correctly. Unfortunately this cannot be fixed in software (or not completely) The long version…...

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