Back on topic - eightbits, the 64NIC should work on a C128 in 128 mode, right? There's no 128-specific software yet, but it opens up the possibilities (and could be marketed as another 'feature'). How could this be tested?

Well, it should. Since the card only extends power, ground, /RESET, IO 1 and 2, R/W, and the data and address busses out to the chips, it's really just a matter of sending data out to an address and manipulating the I/O lines.

There may be no 128 specific software yet, but I would imagine the TCP/IP stack software should be able to run in 128 mode and if not, it will be easy to port. I can do that if need be and then write a program that can send various packets to a linux host and run tcpdump to see what comes in and heads out and watch how the C128 reacts. If there isn't one already, I should be able to easily write a minimal tcpdump-like program for the C64/128 that can show incoming and outgoing packets for this purpose.

I just tried to download netlib64 and the main download link is broken. Anyone know where I can get this?

Also, I have used uIP in the past for Atmel AVR-based projects, but does anyone use it in the C64 at all? If not, I'll pass on testing with it and just use netlib64.

And, are there any other TCP/IP libraries in use for the C64 right now that might be worth testing with the card?

For testing I guess you could just use UDPSlave

The raw stacks aren't immediately useful, you would have to write some test code to go with them which can take a while.

If you're looking for other stacks, there's also IP65:
http://www.paradroid.net/ip65/

An older version of netlib64 is included with my Artillery Duel Game, I'll email you a source snapshot as soon as I can.

UPDATE: The prototype PCBs arrived today so I will begin soldering tomorrow and see if I can make this work without sending the boards off to a fab. The boards look good. I tried to take some photos with a cheap digital camera built into my phone, but they can't take decent pictures of the boards with their small traces. I'll see if I can get a better photo taken, but it will probably have to wait until after I get the soldering done.

Great news! I'm thrilled to hear about the results.

Good luck with the soldering!

Great News one step closer to my place.

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Bad news. Hand soldering is a bust. I can get most of the ethernet chip soldered without a hitch. But a few solder bridges do result and are nearly impossible to fix. Part of the problem is the size of the pins, but most of the problem is my soldering iron. I have a new one on order that will work out better. But, to be sure, I've got solder paste on the way and will be trying to solder this sucker in an oven. I'll let you know how that works out. Should get the paste here and be ready to go around Tuesday/Wednesday. I'm pretty sure this technique will work much better than hand soldering anyway and if successful, it should let me produce them a bit faster than hand soldering. The solder paste is signifcantly moreexpensive than regular solder, but depending on how much needs to be used, it shouldn't be too expensive for these boards. Worst case scenario, I can paste the small parts and hand solder the rest.

Stay tuned . . .

The right Tool for the right Job.

I use paste and a hot blow when soldering surface mount it
is nice to have a new clean pc board to work on also clean
with contact cleaner before soldering .

Mind you i ain't doing 20 or 50 of these thing.

Be interested how the oven goes Don't mix them chips up i kill myself


Check out http://www.c64web.com made some nice changes.

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Nice to hear about progress, although some obstacles still remain, but hey - that's what it takes when dealing with cutting edge technlogy

Keep up the great work!!

OK. The oven is working much better, but I'm still getting a lot of brigdes. I'm using the smallest syringe tip available (0.015") to apply the solder paste, but it's just too big. I'm going to spend some time this weekend trying to firm up the solder paste application to make this work better. I might be able to get a solid method down. If I can, we're in business. If not, I'll just have to settle for having these things made by an assembly house. If that happens, we'll have to find out if these things are really worth the cost.

Have you made a working one yet.

I would be willing to buy one as a kit just parts and board not assembled
and test it on several c64s.

I have most different boards versions of the c64, c128-c128d-c128dcr and sx64.

If you wish email me with price and ill paypal it right away.

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Sorry, no. Still working on the one I baked today.

Yes were back great now let the news roll in.

How's it going. ??

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Have Fun!!