I got a Commodore 64 today

[Querjek]

I'm so glad that I found this today--I had been wanting one for a while now. I got the main system, a disk drive, and a monitor--model 1702, which I ironically already had one of, a fast loading cartridge from Epyx (complete), some sort of multicart I think, that says "G-Wiz" on the label and has dip switches that supposedly allow me to play 8 different games, and tons of cables.

As far as I know, everything works fine--although I don't have any disks for testing the disk drive. The fast loading cart looks fine, but the mulitcart has 2 plugs on it that I have no idea what to do with.

So, right now, I have a few questions:
1. Is there some sort of fast way that I can test to see if the sound works in this?
2. Are there any cool things that I can do in BASIC with limited knowledge of the program?
3. When I type on it, the system doesn't respond well to fast typing. Is there something that I can do to remedy this?
4. Has anyone heard of this "G-Wiz" cart that I have? I can take pics in the morning of it. I really am curious as to if it's rare or not... and also, it has a cable with 2 ends coming out of the top of it that I have no idea what to do with. Help?

If any of you experienced Commodore vets have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks :-D

[dojosky]

I'm sure u can ask Flack as he seems to be one of the c64 Vets ! :D ... but I'm sure he will chime in and help ya out ...

[Mayhem]

Test the sound? Well try typing in this program and running it, should produce a bit of music :)

http://www.devili.iki.fi/Computers/Commodore/C64/Programmers_Reference/Chapter_4/page_185.html

Regarding the keyboard, you could open the machine up and take a look at the panel underneath the keyboard section (though this will mean unsoldering or clipping the SHIFT LOCK wires). Could be dust build up.

As for G-Wiz, I believe it's a printer interface cartridge. Would still to see a pic as I've not actually seen one before!

[Querjek]

Test the sound? Well try typing in this program and running it, should produce a bit of music :)

http://www.devili.iki.fi/Computers/Commodore/C64/Programmers_Reference/Chapter_4/page_185.html
Eek! That looks a bit too difficult for me to enter in right now. Is there anything simpler that I can put it?

[LocalH]

Unfortunately, the standard BASIC V2 is woefully inadequate in the graphics and sound department - the only way to generate either is to POKE directly to the chip registers. You could try finding a BASIC enhancement such as Simon's BASIC that would have graphics and sound commands.

It shouldn't be that hard to type in that program - it doesn't require any special characters (like the inverted heart for CLR). Just literally type in each line as you see it and press RETURN (you can omit any REM statements if you choose). When you've typed in all the lines, type RUN and press RETURN, and the program will run.

[googlefest1]

difficult? its just copying

look online for other progs - or talk to the people on the lemon64 forums -- thats a great c64 place

to test the disk drive - i think you can take any floppy 5.25" disk and type in the format command -- im not sure about this since i never tried a high density floppy in the drive - although ive used double density disks with out a problem

if you got the manual - there are programs in there you could try

you should have fun with the system - its a great place to learn how to make video games -- homebrew gameing is still alive - and there is a plethora of books you can find that teach you how to make video games in basic and assembly -- awsome, awsome purchas you made

[Querjek]

Oh, I didn't know that programs on this were directly typed in (I'm used to programming on the TI-82, which is sort of similar to this). I uess I'll give it a go then.

[googlefest1]

uhh, it is a computer -- dont forget that - you can load games and make your own - just like a PC

TI-82 -- you mean the calculator?

[Querjek]

TI-82 -- you mean the calculator?
Yes, yes I do.

[Avatard]

Really most any language is the same. Its all just syntax. The only major differences are if you're working with an object oriented language or not.

[vulcanjedi]

Wow

Remember when everybody knew a little bit of programming in basic because every computer had it.

Such a lost art. No need to even write batch files anymore..

VJ

[LocalH]

Really most any language is the same. Its all just syntax. The only major differences are if you're working with an object oriented language or not.
Well, what tripped him up is the command entry of the TI-82, where you basically select the command from the menu, then add the parameters (sort of akin to the Sinclair's single-key command entry). He wasn't used to typing BASIC instructions directly.