29 Dec 2024
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Connecting the Commodore VIC-20 to a TV/Monitor

Whether you want to view your Commodore VIC-20 on a vintage TV set or a modern wide-screen TV or monitor via HDMI, you can find out how to connect your friendly computer below. As with any computer, the "video out" options provided by the computer will dictate the options available to you when you connecting to a TV or monitor. The VIC-20 has a single 5-pin video port, as shown below, that outputs a Composite video signal as well as audio. Commodore VIC-20 Video Connector With this setup, we have a few options depending on the type of TV/monitor you…
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14 Jan 2023
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15 Quick Bits About the Commodore VIC-20

Commodore VIC-20 Continuing the series of "15 Quick Bits About...", let's take a look at some facts (Quick Bits) about the first computer I owned, and possibly my favorite (because of all the things I created with this computer) --- the Commodore VIC-20. Quick Bits on the Commodore VIC-20 The VIC-20 went on sale in January 1981 for $299 (USD) and was manufactured until January 1985. [1] [2] [3] The very first programming class I took (as a child) was on a Commodore VIC-20. I discovered early on that I enjoyed writing software, which turned into a lifelong hobby and career. In 1982,…
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02 Jan 2023
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Commodore VIC-20/64 Screen Codes

Recently, I decided to type in some short BASIC programs for my Commodore VIC-20. To be fair, I haven't written any code for the VIC-20 (or C64) in quite a few years. I quickly found myself hitting the wrong keys on the keyboard (e.g., @ instead of double quote, etc.). What I also quickly realized is just how many of the special screen control codes I had forgotten (almost all of them!). Screen Control Characters Screen control characters (not sure if this is the technical term or not) are a way of controlling cursor movement and text color on the…
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