I've heard that the plastic C128D wasn't released in North America because it did not pass FCC inspection. As I understand it, however, the original (plastic) 128D was internally identical to the non-D (barndoor stop) C128. How was it that the C128 could pass FCC inspection but the plastic C128D could not? I've heard that this was the basis for the metal chassis of the C128DCR. Is there any basis to this or is this merely a rumor?
I was confused about this because I saw a teardown of a plastic 128D on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI2JgR6AHWc and starting at 6:45 and ending at 21:53 it features metal shields. That must have been the European model.
So the NTSC plastic 128D did not pass FCC inspection due to lack of shielding; does anyone know where in North America were the rare models that were made were sold?
Is your plastic 128D NTSC or PAL? If it is NTSC, I am really confused as to why it didn't pass FCC. Also: did you buy it in the 1980s or after the fact? If in the 1980s, wheredid you purchase it?
I never even knew it was sold in North America back in the day. I do remember that when I learned about it, I was disappointed to hear that it was only going to be sold in Europe and I wanted one BIG TIME!
Bil wrote:
> ...but not have ever torn into one.
Bil, remember that I mailed you a fully-working C128DCR board a few years ago? :)
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group - http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
Southern California Commodore & Amiga Network - http://www.portcommodore.com/sccan
Heh, I'm glad that you will be doing a full analysis of it. :)
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
April 27-28 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show - http://www.portcommodore.com/class
June 8-9 Pacific Commodore Expo NW 2019 - http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex
Considering the issues you had with the original 8563, I am really interested in your thoughts on the 8568 on the 128DCR that replaced the 8563.
I've heard that the plastic C128D wasn't released in North America because it did not pass FCC inspection. As I understand it, however, the original (plastic) 128D was internally identical to the non-D (barndoor stop) C128. How was it that the C128 could pass FCC inspection but the plastic C128D could not? I've heard that this was the basis for the metal chassis of the C128DCR. Is there any basis to this or is this merely a rumor?
Don wrote:
> How was it that the C128 could pass FCC inspection but the plastic C128D could not?
The North American flat C128 had a metal shield covering the motherboard. The plastic C128D had no metal shield.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
April 27-28 Commodore Los Angeles Super Show - http://www.portcommodore.com/class
June 8-9 Pacific Commodore Expo NW - http://www.portcommodore.com/pacommex
Really? ohhh I had no idea!
I was confused about this because I saw a teardown of a plastic 128D on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI2JgR6AHWc and starting at 6:45 and ending at 21:53 it features metal shields. That must have been the European model.
So the NTSC plastic 128D did not pass FCC inspection due to lack of shielding; does anyone know where in North America were the rare models that were made were sold?
I find this all quite interesting!
The plastic C128D does have a metal shield covering the motherboard like the C128. I do own a C128D (plastic case) and a C128DCR (metal case)
FAAAASSCINATING!!!
Is your plastic 128D NTSC or PAL? If it is NTSC, I am really confused as to why it didn't pass FCC. Also: did you buy it in the 1980s or after the fact? If in the 1980s, wheredid you purchase it?
I never even knew it was sold in North America back in the day. I do remember that when I learned about it, I was disappointed to hear that it was only going to be sold in Europe and I wanted one BIG TIME!
I'm curious: Is your 128D (plastic) NTSC or PAL? and What is it about the plastic D that makes you choose it above the metal DCR?
Does the plastic D have 16k for the 8563 VDC or does it have 64k? I know my metal DCR has 64k for its 8568 VDC.
Also: do you see worse video VIC output on your metal 128D than your plastic 128D?
Much curiosity! Thanks!
my plastic C128D is PAL. I bought it 2nd hand maybe around 20 to 25 years ago.
The plastic C128D uses the same VIC chip as the C128
Not sure if it originally had 16k or 64k for video.
It currently has 64k for video It is around the same for video output for both models.
The plastic C128D uses most of the same parts as the C128, and is much easier to repair and obtain replacement parts.
There is currently 2 plastic C128D on ebay.
This would be a PAL version.
The power supply in it is 220-240v.
https://tinyurl.com/yy7csey2
This one below is in Canada
https://tinyurl.com/yysd6puq