Commodore 16 & The Worst Video Game? - Computerphile

TL;DR

The Commodore 16 is a compact computer with limited capabilities, but it gained popularity in the UK due to affordable pricing and a strong software library.

Transcript

So they made it much more Commodore 64 like in its layout In fact it'd be quite funny to open up and point and laugh at the chips because it's a ridiculous waste of space Can we open it up? Yeah, we can open this one up Three simple screws in this one, but this one at some point has overheated. You can see the tracks of the motherboard Here on the ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 The Commodore 16 inherited its layout from the Commodore 64, leading to a lot of unnecessary wasted space inside the case.
• 📼 Overheating and cassette damage can be common issues with the Commodore 16, requiring careful maintenance and proper usage.
• 👌 Upgrading the memory of the Commodore 16 to 64K is more feasible than finding an actual 64K ram pack.
• 👾 The Commodore 16 gained popularity in the UK due to its affordable price and strong software support, with companies like Mastertronic producing games specifically for the machine.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main components inside the Commodore 16?

The main components inside the Commodore 16 include the 8501 processor, the Ted chip responsible for sound, video, and joystick functionality, as well as the kernel ROM and PLA chips.

Q: Are there any common issues with the Commodore 16?

Yes, apart from potential overheating, the voltage regulators can crack under stress. Additionally, unplugging the joystick while the machine is on can strain the Ted chip. It is recommended to turn off the machine before making any adjustments.

Q: Can the Commodore 16 be expanded to 64K of memory?

Yes, both the Commodore 16 and Commodore 116 can be upgraded relatively easily to 64K of memory using an external ram pack or by adding a daughter board internally.

Q: Did the Commodore 16 have a large selection of games?

The Commodore 16 had a decent library of games, especially in the UK. Software houses like Mastertronic produced numerous affordable games, targeting it as a learning computer and offering them at pocket money prices.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Commodore 16 is designed in a similar layout to the Commodore 64, with a lot of wasted space inside the case.

• The motherboard of one of the restoration models has visible damage due to overheating caused by a cassette. Despite this, the machine still worked.

• The Commodore 16 and its larger brother, the Commodore 116, have similar functionality and can be upgraded to 64K of memory.