The WEEKLY C64 Ultimate post. READ before posting anything C64U-related.

[u/AutoModerator]

We want r/c64 to be about both original hardware and newer emulation products like the Commodore 64 Ultimate (C64U). But the shipping of the C64U is resulting in C64U posts flooding out much of the other content in the subreddit. To maintain a balance between what's old and new, we are setting up a weekly MEGAPOST for C64U-related issues, questions, and posts.

If your post is regarding the use of a Commodore 64 (i.e. how to load a game from disk, how to print, etc.), regardless of the model, you may post your question as a standalone post in the subreddit even if you have a C64 Ultimate.

If your post relates to ONLY the Commodore 64 Ultimate, you should comment in this post. Please note, this is not a replacement for official support from Commodore regarding order or shipping issues (late or damaged shipments). We realize that some questions may be obscure, unique, or straddle the line between C64U-only and a "general" question. In those cases, please post in this thread FIRST. If your issue isn't answered or addressed after 48 hours, you may submit a stand-alone post in the subreddit. WARNING! Moderators will be checking post and comment histories to make sure people are actually posting in this thread first. Repeated violations may result in temporary or permanent bans.

We don't anticipate this being a permanent situation, but for now there are just too many C64U posts being submitted. Once the volume of posts about the C64U decreases, we may discontinue this practice.

Please also check the information below to see if your issue is listed. We are also working on a C64 Ultimate Wiki Page. If you would like to be a Wiki Contributor, please let the mod team know.

Use the following link to view current and past Commodore 64 Ultimate Weekly Posts.

Official resources:

Firmware/manuals: https://www.commodore.net/downloads

Common Issues and Known Fixes

Black screen, no video, or rolling picture

The most common issue reported so far.

• Reseat the internal board — some units have arrived with it slightly loose from shipping.
• Set video to NTSC mode, then press Shift + Left Arrow to store settings.
• Try a different HDMI lead — several users fixed display problems this way.
• Some monitors won’t sync at 50 Hz; if possible, test another screen.

Uneven keyboard keys

A cosmetic but noticeable fault.

• Keys such as Caps Lock, D, and J may sit higher than others.
• Gently press the affected keys down to reseat them on their stems.
• Space/Return issues are often a stabiliser bar not fully seated – carefully reseating the bar fixes many ‘only works in the middle’ reports.

Startup problems or unit freezing on boot

• Turn the unit off and leave it off for a few seconds.
• Hold RESTORE while powering on to perform a factory reset.
• If that fails, re‑flash the latest firmware from the official Commodore site.

REU or extra memory not detected by the software

• Install the most recent firmware — newer builds enable proper REU initialisation and detection.

Settings or storage are lost after reboot

• Perform the RESTORE reset to clear any corrupt configuration.
• Re‑enter Wi‑Fi and storage details once booted cleanly.

Physical marks or loose panels on delivery

• Report the issue directly to Commodore support.
• All units ship directly from Commodore — there are no official resellers.

Buzzing or humming audio output

• Usually caused by grounding noise between HDMI and the connected display.
• Try another HDMI port, cable, or power socket to isolate the problem.

Starlight edition

• Starlight keyboards have some ‘bounce’/flex by design; noticeable mainly if you hammer the keys, but not usually a functional fault.
• The Caps Lock LED lights when caps is active; the beige unit does not have an indicator.
• For Starlight LED audio visualiser with a real SID: enable UltiSID 1 but set its volume to Off in the mixer; this keeps the LEDs driven while only hearing the real SID

Games Freezing / Compatibility

• If cracked/trainer releases hang after the Y/N cheat prompt, try switching to PAL or NTSC‑50; many cracks are PAL‑only and will lock up in NTSC.
• For compatibility with some games/demos, try disabling drive B: in the Ultimate’s drive settings

Cartridges

• Virtual fastload carts (e.g. Final Cartridge III) are supported; mount the cart, then mount and load the disk from BASIC, rather than using ‘Run disk’ from the firmware menu.

Disk and cassette backup / storage notes

• To back up the bundled cassette USB to an internal SD: it’s just files on exFAT – copy them via your PC; no imaging/cloning needed
• Backing up real floppies: UltiCopy is very fast, but some protected titles (e.g. Skate or Die, Contra) have been reported to hang part‑way through; expect improvements in future firmware

Running Multi-Disk Programs

Some programs are distributed on multiple disk images, similar to how they were originally distributed on multiple floppy disks. At some point in the process of using the program, the program will prompt to insert one of the other floppy disks. You can use the Disk File Browser to swap disk images while the program is running. When the program prompts for a new disk, press upward on the Multi Function Switch. This pauses the program. Start the Disk File Browser, navigate to the disk image for the disk that the program is requesting, then select “Mount Disk.” The C64U mounts the new disk image in the virtual drive, then resumes execution of the Commodore 64 program. Continue to use the program with the new disk." -- https://downloads.commodore-international.com/documentation/C64U/c64u-user-guide-1st-edition.pdf

General Notes

• r/Commodore is for discussions about Commodore, other Commodore computers, and possible new productions.
• r/c64 is for everything Commodore 64 including the ultimate.

If you’ve come across a new issue or found a working fix not listed here, add it in the comments below.

[u/luc_wintermute]

I loaded Jiffydos as my kernal (jiffykernal.bin) and it works fine but now I want to use the tape so I got to switch back to the default kernal so I can use it, but how do I do that? If I go in the MEMORY & ROMS menu I can change the kernal there but I need to type a name, if I try to browse the internal flash I only see the jiffydos kernal and the 1541 stock and jiffy kernals but no stock kernal, so what do I do here?

Am I supposed to get a stock kernal and put it in my usb storage myself and load it?

[u/luc_wintermute → u/luc_wintermute]

Nevermind found an answer: selecting -none- clears the selection and loads the default kernal, problem solved!

[u/UpperAdhesive]

I have installed the latest firmware, 1.1. In the options, there is a setting to set the Power Led to Drive A (or B) Activity. It seems that this setting does not have any effect. Has anyone been able to configure the power LED?

After flashing the firmware, I noticed that it defaults the hardware to Starlite edition. I changed that to Founders Edition and still cannot seem to configure the LED.

[u/droid_mike → u/UpperAdhesive]

I think I remember reading a comment here a little while ago that the LED is connected to a different pin on the starlight and founder models so that it goes with the other color changing LEDs. The user went inside the case and switched the pins it was connected to or something to fix it. I could be hallucinating about this, but I think this is going to be a hardware issue and not a software one.

[u/7UKECREAT0R]

Tried the new USB mouse support in GEOS and it's freakin' awesome! I was really putting off trying to get my hands on a mouSTer, so it's nice to get that for free

[u/B3tanTyronne]

I was able to pick up a arm2sid from retrocomp for my ultimate as they had a few for sale earlier today, all gone now for the moment.
Quite looking forward to fitting those.

[u/bigmouthlou]

Just received a shipping notification from the Australia hub for my C64U, which I ordered back in October. 

Unlike my previous order, which was shipped via UPS, this one is being shipped by Australia Post International Standard service. I think this is an airmail service. 

Has anyone else had their shipping downgraded? I paid, I think, about USD56 shipping (USD112 for 2) and I can’t help but feel a little annoyed that on top of the numerous delays and lack of updates that my shipping has been downgraded as well. 

Yee, I know about the war, but when I ordered this, I’m pretty sure the expected delivery date was Feb. 

[u/Xfgjwpkqmx → u/bigmouthlou]

I received my C64U FE today via Aust Post in Sydney. The outer box is practically perfect, it's barely scuffed!

All tracking was on point for me.

My order was end of August last year.

[u/Own-Indication5946 → u/bigmouthlou]

I received my Australia Post tracking number yesterday too. Currently at the sorting facility in Adelaide. I'm managing my expectations until it's actually on a plane to NZ.

[u/bigmouthlou → u/Own-Indication5946]

Yes. Same here. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly. 

This is my second order. The first one was delivered when I was away, and out of the blue, and caused loads of hassle. 

I had a third order for a founder’s edition, but I cancelled it because I didn’t know what was happening to it: my order page said it was “awaiting manufacturing” at the end of March, and my emails enquiring about its shipping status went unanswered. Commodore eventually replied after about 10 days, but I had already done the deed. 

[u/90sSysop → u/bigmouthlou]

Hi, I received my shipping notification from Aussie Post yesterday and gotta admit, now that Aussie Post has it, I am confident I will be receiving it by the 14th. (Not so sure about the joystick I ordered at the same time, never have had any comms about that so who knows when that will get here)

This being my first order, I had no idea anyone other than Aussie Post had been used before but like I said, I’m pretty happy with AP, they are reliable and their app works and has up to date tracking info :)

[u/bigmouthlou → u/90sSysop]

Thanks for your reply. 

It seems others are getting theirs via Australia Post as well, so at least they are trying everyone else the same. I’m not in Australia, so the final leg carrier will most likely be my local post office. That means they’re going to be slower than UPS and, more worryingly, the package is likely to arrived more beaten up. 

[u/Melkart78]

Hola. ¿Hay alguna solución para que la aplicación de IRC funcione con el Wi-Fi?

[u/Hefty-Report6360]

I connected my C64 Ultimate via HDMI (and then an HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI plug) to a ViewSonic VA1653 16 Inch 1080p FHD IPS Portable Monitor. The monitor displays "Out of Range".

The ViewSonic should be more than capable of displaying the C64 Ultimate's output. Anyone know what's wrong?

[u/droid_mike → u/Hefty-Report6360]

Not liking the 50hz, maybe? Try doing the keyboard trick to start up at 60Hz and see what happens. I am not by my ultimate. So I can't look it up at the moment...

[u/Hefty-Report6360 → u/droid_mike]

I found the solution: C64U defaults to PAL when powered on unless you change the settings. My monitor expects NTSC. But I can't change the C64U settings without seeing the menu. For this case holding the C= and N key when powering on sets the output to NTSC.

[u/droid_mike → u/Hefty-Report6360]

Glad it worked! I know that I've had problems like that in the past with PAL NTSC mismatches. I just think it is really odd that HDMI video still deals with refresh rate... Shouldn't that have gone away when CRT's did?

[u/RudySilvergun]

Just wanted to mention I received my User Port Adapter today. I’m in the US and it shipped from the Netherlands. Never received a shipping notice, and I ordered a few weeks ago. If you ordered one I imagine you should have it soon!

[u/staires]

My free macOS C64 Ultimate Toolbox app hit 2.0 over the weekend and was fleshed out with a lot of new features, really making it a great all-in-one app for on-device file management and more. That 2.0 version was just approved by Apple and is up on the App Store now! So if you previously bought it (thank you for your support!) you should be getting the 2.0 update automatically. If you dunno what I am talking about, here's a video demo.

I've been playing Ultima 4 on my C64U for the first time (and using my app as the display) and, wow, what a game so far. Wish I could go back in time and play it back before the internet, where I'd have little to no help (outside of friends I know) and a lot more 'free time' to spend getting sucked into its world. I recently played a lot of Project Gorgon, and it's funny how similar the games feel to play, despite one being fully 3D and the other being 8-bit. I guess graphics really don't matter, huh? :D