In the latest episode of 8-Bit Resurgence, viewers are taken through a hands-on tutorial on building a fully functional 21 Second Backup cable for the Commodore 64. With original cables now rare and often deteriorated, this modern solution offers a reliable and authentic replacement. The kit featured in the video replicates the original VG DataShack design and is compatible with every known version of the 21 Second Backup software—including Superfast File Backup and Utilities.
This video isn’t just about retro hardware nostalgia; it’s a practical, solder-free build that anyone with a screwdriver and a love for the C64 can complete. Whether you’re using a single or dual disk drive setup, this kit has you covered. It’s plug-and-play ready for archival work or simply reliving the glory days of ultra-fast floppy backups.
A Cable Nearly Lost to Time
The 21 Second Backup system was a major part of the C64 scene in the 1980s. These cables allowed for lightning-fast disk duplication and were often paired with commercial backup tools. Today, they’re collectors’ items—if you can find one at all. Fortunately, the video links to a high-quality reproduction kit from COREi64, giving retro fans a second chance at speed.
Reproduction Kit Details
- Faithful to the original VG DataShack specs
- Supports both single and dual drive setups
- Works with all 21 Second Backup and Superfast utilities
- Available now via COREi64’s shop
