The July 16, 2018 edition of Havok’s Commodore Tidbits is packed with Commodore retro news, from service updates and hardware projects to inventive community creations.
Hello again, retro aficionados! I hope your summer’s sizzling—Virginia’s certainly turned up the heat, but the garden’s delivering ripe veggies daily, and that’s hardly something to complain about. I’m catching up on an article I’m writing for the BBS/website, while Desert-Fox is cooking up one of his own. Ready for your Commodore fix? Let’s dive in.
DtDNS Pulls the Plug on BBS Redirects
DtDNS—once the go-to dynamic DNS service for those running BBSs from dynamic IPs—announced that free accounts are being cut off, and the service will cease entirely by August 1, 2019. That leaves several Commodore-related BBSs scrambling. If your boards have gone dark, fear not—alternatives like SingleHop and DynDNS are still in the game.
LATEST NEWS: DtDNS is ceasing operations as of August 1, 2019
DtDNS is a complete provider of DNS hosting and DNS management services, with a focus on dynamic DNS and dynamic IP address management. If you are on a dynamic IP address, we enable you to host your own services just as if you had a static IP address. We can also provide DNS service for your domain name with our reliable, distributed network of DNS servers, matched with a web-based management interface that makes managing your DNS records easier than ever. Founded in 1999, we are proud of our 18 years of outstanding service.
RHML: A Retro Web Protocol for 8-bit Systems
Scott Hutter is crafting a web protocol called RHML, designed with you classic-computing nostalgists in mind. It’s simple, lightweight markup that gives 8-bit machines a taste of web-like browsing without the modern baggage of JavaScript or CSS. His initial browser, coded in CC65 for the Commodore 128, could easily port to other vintage platforms. Intrigued? Head over to Scott’s page to explore further.
New Updates on the C256 Foenix Retro System
Over at the C256 Foenix Project, Stefany has unveiled the system’s proposed block diagram—exciting visual insights incoming! Plus, they’re scouting for a CFP6586 chip designer to help usher in a second-generation SID chip. If you’ve ever dreamed of shaping sound on retro hardware, this is your moment.
Commodore 64 Steampunk Laptop in the Works
Commodore 64 Steampunk Laptop – function test
Getting nearer the end of this project now, I was asked to take an original 1980's Commodore 64 computer, and turn it into a fully working Steampunk style laptop. A little more decoration to apply, but this is a clip for the function test of the LCD panel, and sound output. All the music in the clip straight from the C64!
Posted by Bad Dog Designs on Saturday, July 14, 2018
Bad Dog Designs in the UK is nearing the finish line on a truly epic build: a fully functional Steampunk-styled Commodore 64 laptop. The project is almost there, and a recent function-test clip shows the LCD and sound firing on all cylinders—with all audio straight from the C64 itself. It’s like Jules Verne met circuit boards.
Strikelink Wi-Fi Modem Cases Now Available
Alwyz reports that new, stylish cases for Strikelink Wi-Fi modems are now in the wild—available in multiple colors and sporting a modern design. And yes, production is ramping up again. Color-coordinated networks, anyone? Click here to order yours.
That wraps up this edition of Havok’s Commodore Tidbits. A huge thanks to C4Ever and Mike D for their contributions!
