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beamracer_installation [2020/09/15 03:29] – [Installing prepared BeamRacer board] silverdrbeamracer_installation [2020/10/14 04:14] – [Preparation] silverdr
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 While BeamRacer installation is a relatively easy task, requiring neither specialised skills nor equipment, a few preparation steps need to be taken in order to properly conduct the process. The assumption is that the person performing the installation does not have access to a specialised electronic workplace but is still comfortable with using common household tools. While BeamRacer installation is a relatively easy task, requiring neither specialised skills nor equipment, a few preparation steps need to be taken in order to properly conduct the process. The assumption is that the person performing the installation does not have access to a specialised electronic workplace but is still comfortable with using common household tools.
  
-Please read this document in full before proceeding with the installation - it's always better to know what lies ahead.+Please read this document in its entirety before proceeding with the installation - it's always better to know what lies ahead. 
 + 
 +<fc #cd5c5c>NOTE: When installing, we strongly suggest following the order presented in this document</fc>: 
 +  * Retrieve the VIC and place it on the BeamRacer board 
 +  * Install the riser socket on the other side (if installing in the "breadbin" C64) 
 +  * Install the whole unit with both VIC and socket (if socket used) on the mainboard 
 ===== Tools ===== ===== Tools =====
  
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 ===== Removing VIC-II from the mainboard ===== ===== Removing VIC-II from the mainboard =====
  
-The VIC-II chip needs to be removed from the computer's mainboard before it is installed on the BeamRacer. Since all known variants of Commodore 64 mainboard come with VIC-II installed in IC socket, there is no need for any soldering. Still, the removal has to be done carefully to avoid any possible damage+The VIC-II chip needs to be removed from the computer's mainboard before it is installed on the BeamRacer. Since all known variants of Commodore 64 mainboard come with VIC-II installed in an IC socket, there is no need for any soldering. Still, the removal has to be done carefully to avoid any possible damage
  
 ==== Obtaining access ==== ==== Obtaining access ====
  
-On all older, "wide" boards VIC-II is not readily available after opening the case. It can be either closed inside a metal "can" under special lid or covered with metal shielding plate. These have to be removed before the chip can be accessed for removal. Check the [[wide_boards|"wide" boards]] page for pictures of this family of boards with VIC-II exposed+On all older, "wide" boards VIC-II is not readily available after opening the computer case. It can be either closed inside a metal "can" with specialised lid or covered with metal shielding plate. These have to be removed before the chip can be accessed for removal. Check the [[wide_boards|"wide" boards]] page for pictures of this family of boards with VIC-II exposed
  
 On the newer, [[narrow_boards|"narrow" boards]] the access is not restricted in any way. On the newer, [[narrow_boards|"narrow" boards]] the access is not restricted in any way.
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 All "wide" Commodore 64 boards require that you place the rising and protective socket on the pins sticking out from the bottom of the BeamRacer board. This additional socket not only keeps the BeamRacer unit safely above the computer's mainboard but is also especially chosen to have //flat// pins, rather than round ones. Thanks to this no additional wear is imposed onto your original VIC-II socket when the expansion is installed. All "wide" Commodore 64 boards require that you place the rising and protective socket on the pins sticking out from the bottom of the BeamRacer board. This additional socket not only keeps the BeamRacer unit safely above the computer's mainboard but is also especially chosen to have //flat// pins, rather than round ones. Thanks to this no additional wear is imposed onto your original VIC-II socket when the expansion is installed.
  
-<fc #cd5c5c>NOTE: If your board is one of the [[narrow_boards|"narrow" ones]] AND your computer case is of the newer, "flat" type – the Commodore 64C units fall into this category – you may elect not to install the riser socket and follow the [[c64c_installation|C64C specific installation procedure]] instead+<fc #cd5c5c>NOTE: If your compouter's mainboard is one of the [[narrow_boards|"narrow" ones]] AND your computer case is of the newer, "flat" type – the Commodore 64C units fall into this category – you may elect not to install the riser socket and follow the [[c64c_installation|C64C specific installation procedure]] instead
 </fc> </fc>
   - Check and align orientation notches on both the BeamRacer top socket and the riser socket   - Check and align orientation notches on both the BeamRacer top socket and the riser socket
   - Make sure that all the downward facing BeamRacer board pins fit well inside the riser socket openings   - Make sure that all the downward facing BeamRacer board pins fit well inside the riser socket openings
-  - Align the socket pins to form a straight line with the BeamRacer board pins. There is a bit of play so it is important keep the two aligned against each other +  - {{::installation_align_pins.jpg?direct&200|}} Align the socket pins to form a straight line with the BeamRacer board pins. There is a bit of play so it is important keep the two aligned against each other 
-  - Double check that all pins fit with no bend-ins or bend-outs +  - {{::installation_check_all_pins_fit_inside.jpg?direct&200|}} Double check that all pins fit with no bend-ins or bend-outs 
-  - Press gently but firmly the two together using a stiff straight object. It is OK to do it one side at a time. Be prepared to apply considerable amount of force (it has to sit very firmly) but re-check everything if you feel like an excessive force is already at play! +  - {{::installation_press_the_two_together.jpg?direct&200|}} Press gently but firmly the two together using a stiff straight object. It is OK to do it one side at a time. Be prepared to apply considerable amount of force (it has to sit very firmly) but re-check everything if you feel like an excessive force is already at play! 
-  - Make sure that there are no gaps left none of both sides+  - {{::installation_make_sure_no_gaps_are_left.jpg?direct&200|}} Make sure that there are no gaps left either of both sides
   - {{::installation_recheck_pins.jpg?direct&200|}} Re-check that no socket pins were bent. Straighten gently if any of them got misplaced   - {{::installation_recheck_pins.jpg?direct&200|}} Re-check that no socket pins were bent. Straighten gently if any of them got misplaced
  
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 ===== Installing prepared BeamRacer board ===== ===== Installing prepared BeamRacer board =====
  
-  - Locate the orientation notches on both the VIC-II chip and the original socket on the mainboard((In case the orientation notch is not present on the original socket, check the white outline drawing on the board itself - it should be partially visible below the socket)). In all known cases this should be either on the left-hand side or at the far side, when the mainboard is placed in it normal, working orientation with connectors away from you and to the right+  - Locate the orientation notches on both the VIC-II chip and the original socket on the mainboard((In case the orientation notch is not present on the original socket, check the white outline drawing on the board itself - it should be partially visible below the socket)). In all known cases this should be either on the left-hand side or at the far side, when the mainboard is placed in its normal, working orientation with connectors away from you and to the right
   - Align orientation notches on the VIC-II/BeamRacer and the mainboard the same way   - Align orientation notches on the VIC-II/BeamRacer and the mainboard the same way
   - Double-check that all pins are still completely straight! Adjust gently if necessary   - Double-check that all pins are still completely straight! Adjust gently if necessary
   - Place the prepared BeamRacer board with its pins facing downward carefully on top of the original VIC-II socket, making sure that //every single pin// finds its way into respective original socket's opening   - Place the prepared BeamRacer board with its pins facing downward carefully on top of the original VIC-II socket, making sure that //every single pin// finds its way into respective original socket's opening
-  - Press the whole BeamRacer unit gently, using two fingers, down. It should slide smoothly in, requiring no sizeable force but must also not simple "fall in", requiring almost no force((If that's the case, your original VIC-II socket is most probably showing signs of fatigue already. Unreliable connections and system instability will develop sooner or later. See the [[#Troubleshooting|Troubleshooting]] section for suggestions)). Recheck everything if that's not the case+  - Press the whole BeamRacer unit gently, using two fingers, down. It should slide smoothly in, requiring no sizeable force but must also not simple "fall in", requiring almost no force((In such case, your original VIC-II socket is most probably showing signs of fatigue already. Unreliable connections and system instability will develop sooner or later. See the [[#Troubleshooting|Troubleshooting]] section for suggestions)). Recheck everything if that's not the case
  
 ---- ----
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 The red "POWER" led should light up immediately, shortly followed by a green "AUTOCONFIG OK", and finally red "INACTIVE". Once that happens, the venerable startup screen of your Commodore 64 should appear on the monitor. The red "POWER" led should light up immediately, shortly followed by a green "AUTOCONFIG OK", and finally red "INACTIVE". Once that happens, the venerable startup screen of your Commodore 64 should appear on the monitor.
  
-<fc #ff0000>NOTE: If you don't see the red LED light right after turning the machine on, turn it back off immediately (!) and follow the checklist in [[#troubleshooting]] section</fc>+<fc #ff0000>NOTE: If you don't see the red LED light right after turning the machine on, turn it back off immediately (!) and follow the checklist in the [[#troubleshooting]] section</fc>
  
 ===== Closing the computer ===== ===== Closing the computer =====
  
-All older, "breadbin" type of Commodore 64 casings should have no problems closing them after BeamRacer installation. The newer, "flat" casings of Commodore 64C should close correctly if the C64C installation procedure was followed.+All older, "breadbin" type of Commodore 64 casings should have no problems closing them after BeamRacer installation. The newer, "flat" casings of Commodore 64C should close correctly if the [[c64c_installation|C64C installation procedure]] was followed.
  
 ===== Troubleshooting ===== ===== Troubleshooting =====
beamracer_installation.txt · Last modified: 2022/07/18 11:24 by silverdr