Purchase and Install an RF Replacement for Your Commodore 64 to Provide S-Video Output (30-60 mins)

Hardware, Modification, Repair

Task: Purchase and Install an RF Replacement for Your Commodore 64 to Provide S-Video Output

Needed: RF replacement board, desoldering iron, soldering iron, S-video cable

Time: 30-60 minutes

Introduction

The RF module on the Commodore 64 was poorly designed and produces sub-optimal video signals. The Retro Channel has produced and refined a nice RF replacement that improves the video quality and provides options such as an S-Video connection. Installation is pretty simple if you have basic desoldering and soldering skills. I bought a few of these and was happy with the results.

Commodore 64 250407 motherboard (Rev C) showing the square metal RF module to be removed
Commodore 64 250407 motherboard (Rev C) showing the square metal RF module to be removed to the right of the 8-pin DIN

Instructions

Before you start this project, I recommend watching The Retro Channel video from the developer. Also, if you are looking for perfect HDMI video you might opt for this device.

Here is the GitHub for version 2 of the RF replacement. These can be purchased from The Retro Channel Tindie store for $39 plus about $20 for shipping to the U.S. from Australia. Note that my V2 board was from an earlier design that I purchased on eBay for $20 plus $5 shipping. The newer one from Tindie is a cleaner design with more surface mount components under the board.

For installation, you must first desolder the original square metal RF module in the back of the motherboard. There are several rectangular metal tabs that must be straightened with some pliers and four posts that must be desoldered on each of the four sides. There are also two sets for four pins (labeled 1-8 below) that must be desoldered. These should be done carefully as they carry the video signals. Below is the top and bottom of the board after removal so you can see where the holes are.

Circuit board showing the holes where the metal RF module was
Circuit board showing the holes where the metal RF module was
Underside of the circuit board showing the holes from the removed RF module
Underside of the circuit board showing the holes from the removed RF module

Second, place the new RF replacement carefully in the holes and solder it to the board. Make sure it is aligned properly with the holes in the case before soldering.

Installed RF replacement board
Installed RF replacement board

Third, it is ready to test! I bought an S-Video cable and converted the signal to HDMI with a RetroTINK 5X Pro. This produced nice results on this Rev C board. I also completed this project on a Rev B board which produced a clear signal but with more jail bars (not shown). There is an adjustable potentiometer on the board that balances the luma and chroma signals. You can adjust this to your liking.

Commodore 64 Video With RF and VIC-II Replacements
Commodore 64 Video With RF and VIC-II Replacements
Avenger Video Example with Commodore 64 RF and VIC-II Replacements
Avenger Video Example with Commodore 64 RF and VIC-II Replacements

Comments

This is a nice mod for your Commodore 64. I like being able to get a clean S-video signal for conversion to HDMI. The installation is pretty easy. I combined this with a Kawari mini VIC-II replacement in my Rev C board.