What is it?

OpenC16Cart is an Open Hardware 8/16/32 KB Cartridge for the Commodore 16, Plus/4 and the rest of the Commodore 264 family.

Why did you make it?

One day I decided to fix my old Commodore 16. I found out about Diag264 and, since I knew that C16 carts weren't exactly common (I have never seen one "in the flesh"!), I was somewhat surprised to learn that people are deliberately destroying genuine carts to use them as donors to build a Diag264.

Since I had already built an Open Hardware cartridge for the Commodore 64, I thought that one for the C16 could not be much different, and so this project was born.

OpenC16Cart is designed to accept one or two 64 KB (512 Kilobit) (E)EPROM(s) with a 27512-style pinout.

The recommended part is Winbond W27C512 (or W27E512, I don't understand what differences they have), which is widely available, cheap and electrically erasable, which avoids the need for a clunky UV-eraser. This is the only part that was thoroughly tested. You will need a single chip for 16 KB images and two for 32 KB images. In both cases you can store up to 4 cartridge images, which can then be selected by jumpers.

Usage is straightforward: just insert the EEPROM(s)in the socket making sure that the notch and all pins are aligned, set the jumpers as desired and plug the cartridge in your C16/Plus4.

What makes it special?

OpenC16Cart is Open Hardware. If you make any modifications to the board, please contribute them back.

What's included?

If you buy the component kit, this is what you will get:

• 2x100nF 0805 Capacitor
• 12x3-pin Header Strip
• 10xJumper Cap
• 2x28-pin Socket

Disclaimer

OpenC16Cart is provided to you 'as is' and without any express or implied warranties whatsoever with respect to its functionality, operability or use, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or infringement. We expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or special damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues, lost profits, losses resulting from business interruption or loss of data, regardless of the form of action or legal theory under which the liability may be asserted, even if advised of the possibility or likelihood of such damages.

Get Help

If you need help or have questions, you can join the official Telegram group.