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C64-Kernal-Switcher

tebl·C64-Kernal-Switcher

C64-Kernal-Switcher PCB layout, top view — open source PIC board by tebl
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About the C64-Kernal-Switcher PCB

C64-Kernal-Switcher is an open source PIC PCB design by tebl, published on GitHub under the CERN-OHL-1.2 license. It is a 2-layer board measuring 20.3 × 47.6 mm, with 12 components from 12 distinct parts.

Its main chip is the PIC12F629, from the PIC family. Other key parts include the 2364 and 27C256. By type, the board carries 3 ICs, 3 connectors, 3 resistors, 2 jumpers and 1 capacitor.

It belongs with the retro computing designs in this gallery.

From the project

Switchless kernal switcher for the common breadbin Commodore 64, "longboards". Reuses power LED for easier use.

Originally started this design with the idea of using an Arduino as a way to switch between Commodore 64 kernal ROMs, but ended up adapting BWACKs design into it instead and like him opted for the PIC12F629 instead. This particular version of a quad kernal switcher for the Commodore 64 is only compatible with Commodore 64 "longboards" (usually breadbins, but you never really know what you get with Commodore so check first).

C64-Kernal-Switcher, from the project README
From the project README

Main components on the C64-Kernal-Switcher

2364PIC12F62927C256

C64-Kernal-Switcher bill of materials (BOM)

12 components, 12 distinct parts.

QtyPartRefs
1
2364
U1
1
PIC12F629
U2
1
27C256
U3
1
Signals
J1
1
RGB
J2
1
LED
J3
1
A13_SEL
JP1
1
A14_SEL
JP2
1
100nF
C1
1
1k
R1
1
3k3
R2
1
560
R3

C64-Kernal-Switcher design files

The KiCad project lives in the tebl/C64-Kernal-Switcher repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.

C64-Kernal-Switcher: common questions

What microcontroller does the C64-Kernal-Switcher use?

The C64-Kernal-Switcher is built around the PIC12F629, from the PIC family.

How big is the C64-Kernal-Switcher PCB?

The C64-Kernal-Switcher measures 20.3 × 47.6 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.

How many components are on the C64-Kernal-Switcher?

12 components, from 12 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.

Where can I download the C64-Kernal-Switcher design files?

From the tebl/C64-Kernal-Switcher repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout; the links under Design files point to each one.

Can I use the C64-Kernal-Switcher design in my own project?

Yes, under the terms of its CERN-OHL-1.2 license, which tebl chose for the repository.

Can I test firmware for the C64-Kernal-Switcher without the hardware?

Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug PIC firmware against it before you order a PCB.

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