Commodore 64 is Boss: Datassette Motor and Location $01

In the latest 8-Bit Show and Tell episode, Robin explores the hidden mechanics behind fast-forwarding, rewinding, playing, or recording tapes with the Datassette on Commodore 64. While it may seem like a simple process, there’s more happening behind the scenes. It is the software—whether the KERNAL ROM code, a game being played, or a user-written program—that controls whether the cassette deck is powered and able to move the tape. The episode examines several examples, including commercial games and user-written BASIC programs, to illustrate this concept and even delves into the C64 system interrupt code for a closer look.