SX-64 - TFT Display Mod
How To Do It - A Guide
The TFT-Controller Board
Schematics and assembly plan
Display controller first test run.
Proof of the ability to control all functions of the display.
Display controller "all options" test run:
•
Switching between two Kernals (SX-64 and JiffyDOS).
•
Switching between two drive numbers (8 and 9).
•
Test of the Reset functions.
•
Test of the volume control.
•
Test of the display control functions.
The Firmware of the Display-Set ( JD567M03 (Board) / AT056TN52 (Display)) must be patched to activate the S-Video input.
In order to do this is it necessary to reprogram the MX25L4006E chip on the display PCB with the attached firmware.

However even with the regular Composite Video input of the TFT-Display-Set is the picture quality much better than the original CRT-Display of the SX-64.
TFT and amplifier power consumption test.
Measurement of the power consumption of a replacement amplifier and the TFT Display.
The power consumption stays always way below 0.5 amps.
The original CRT display with the build in amplifier and speaker consumes up to 1.1 amps.
Speaker and Amplifier test run.
The final speaker, pre-amplifier and amplifier combination.
LINKs and DOWNLOADs
Last Update: 20.09.2023 

AREA51HD

 5.6" Display found at Pollin

 

 First S-Video hack of the 24C16 EEPROM

 

 

androSID

 S-Video patch development and Programming

 

 

Asklia

 EEPROM programming / burning

 

SX-64 Control Panal Label

 

 

x1541

 EEPROM programming

 

 Development in-circuit-programming

 

 

Freak

Development in-circuit-programming of the TFT patch via RasPi

 

ICP Script programming

 

 

Tommes

EEPROM burning

 

Design 3D-Model display frame

 

 

Zipcom

 Frontpanel Circuit / Layout

 

 Design 3D-Print Pushbutton Extensions

 

 ATiny alternate Reset / Kernal Switch programming

 

Project Webpage

 

 

JimDrew

SX-64 Ultra Reset Circuit design and PIC12F629 programming

 

 Offering of Pre-Programmed PIC12F629 in his shop

 

 

Tommi_nrw

Design 3D-Model alterativ display frame

 

 

Manfred Moser

Picures and text of the conversion guide

 

 

Forum64.de

Many more members of Forum64.de who have contributed to the project with their ideas and comments and who have not been mentioned here individually.

 

 
Credits to the Forum64.de members involved
All necessary information and data to make the SX-64 modification as shown here are included down below in the downloadable "Project Files".
This page presents a modification for the Commodore SX-64 that makes it possible to replace the poor quality CRT monitor with a modern TFT monitor with a really sharp picture.

Originally this page was only meant to present the controller board for the SX-64 TFT conversion.
Over the course of time, however, the site has somehow become the main point of entry for those interested in the TFT conversion. Therefore, the focus has now shifted more to collecting, bundling and preparing all the information and data necessary for the modification.

The whole project began when AREA51HD, a member of the German Retro-Computer Board Forum64.de, started tinker around with a TFT display. Through his reports in the forum, more members jumped on the topic and over time this mod has evolved.

It now contains an Extended Reset Circuit as well as a Kernal and Drive ID Switch in addition to the TFT Conversion. Optionally, an improved sound module can be installed.
Picture Gallery
A New Display For The Commodore SX-64