Updating the Datasette from 1982's Commodore 64 with 1993's Microcassette Technology: Tech Enthusiast Claims 1MB per Tape, a Fivefold Enhancement Over the Initial Version
In an exciting development for retro gaming enthusiasts, British TechTuber Bitluni has successfully designed, built, and tested a miniaturized Datasette using microcassette technology that is compatible with the Commodore 64.
The project, initially intended for another M.2 device after purchasing the Olympus Pearlcorder L400, the world's smallest Dictaphone at the time of its launch in 1993, took an unexpected turn when Bitluni decided to create a microcassette device for the Commodore 64.
The final working tape system, housed in a 3D printed casing produced using a Bambu Lab 3D printer, was tested successfully with an 8KB Pac-Man game. However, larger games didn't always work, requiring data to be chunked into 512 byte pieces and written twice. Despite these challenges, the system managed to store approximately 1MB of data per 60-minute tape, a significant improvement over the original Datasette's typical capacity of about 100KB per 30-minute side.
Bitluni designed a custom PCB for the project, featuring a 16-bit DAC, op-amps as buffers for the ADC and DAC, voltage dividers for controls, and a small prototyping breadboard area for future add-ons. The custom PCB was populated with a USB-C port, key ICs, and op-amp ICs (LM258s).
One of the biggest challenges faced during the project was the breakage of the delicate Olympus flex PCB connector. Bitluni repaired the damaged cable by soldering 34 hair-thin wires. The finished PCB powered up and worked correctly, but the initial op-amp ICs were replaced with LM258s to fix issues.
The data transfer method for the C64 microcassette system was changed to frequency shift keying and square waves. Bitluni intends to store an entire C64 emulator with games on a tape and plans to make the microcassette deck appear as a USB-C mass storage device.
The video ends with the tape deck-driven emulator 'running Doom' and some old C64 demos, showcasing the system's potential for retro gaming enthusiasts. While the person planning the development of the microcassette device for the Commodore 64 and transforming it into a complete emulator software for C64 games remains unnamed in the available sources, recent efforts to revive the Commodore 64 brand and produce new hardware and software, involving former employees and enthusiasts, have been noted.
This innovative project by Bitluni is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Commodore 64 and the creativity of its community. As Bitluni continues to refine and improve the microcassette system, retro gaming enthusiasts can look forward to a new way to experience classic games on the iconic Commodore 64.
