The latest video from Blood Mosher’s Hack Lab explores Linux on Sysop-64, an FPGA-based cartridge powered by the DE10-Nano. This hardware brings an ARM co-processor running Debian 12 to the Commodore 64, enabling HDMI video, high-speed DMA transfers, and flexible network access.
HDMI Output and Console Access
The Sysop-64’s IceVIC video core outputs 1080p HDMI without requiring Linux. Users can access Linux directly through a console overlay on the C64’s video, via SSH, or by connecting a USB keyboard. With Debian running on the ARM side, there’s ample storage for games, demos, and applications, alongside near-instant DMA-based loading.
Custom Menus and Color Control
Button-mapped functions allow quick access to features like a custom menu application, running entirely on the Linux side. This menu can load programs and demos while the C64 is paused. Users can also change the system’s color palette from Linux using the setcolor command, with options to save settings for future sessions.
Programming with DMA
The video walks through a simple C program that uses Sysop-64’s DMA broker to write directly to C64 memory. Developers can trigger raster effects, change colors at specific lines, and manage timing for advanced graphics and animations. A demonstration shows raster-controlled color shifts and large bitmap animations that would be difficult on stock hardware.
System Commands and Video Timing
Linux commands like cmd0 reset the FPGA, while PLL configuration tools adjust video clock timing from software. These capabilities simplify setup and allow precise synchronization for visual effects.
Blood Mosher closes by hinting at future videos exploring interrupt-based communication between the Linux and C64 sides. The Sysop-64’s combination of Linux integration, DMA access, and shared memory opens new creative possibilities for Commodore 64 enthusiasts.
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