Manosoft C64SD Infinity v2.0

[Jeff-20]

Has anyone here used a C64SD Infinity v2.0? Do you have any impressions? I haven't seen any information about its use with a VIC, but I like the compact form. I'm not sure it would be easy for me to get one in the USA.

[English Invader]

They don't exactly overwhelm us with information on the device so my impression is that it doesn't offer much more functionality than the uIEC/SD2IEC. Having said that, the translation for the Infinity Pack said something about TAP files and if they've made advances in that area the device could be a real winner, but I doubt it. If they had, they'd be making more of an effort to plug it.

[Mike]

It's a device that runs sd2iec firmware, so what do you expect? Here's a review posted by tokra. Regards *.tap support, that has been shown working some time ago, see the thread 'ITS (Infinity Tape Sd2iec)'.

Other than that, it's well built and has a pass-through connector for the tape port (which, incidentally is used for ITS) - and the compact design avoids the need for a dangling wire from the device to tape or user port. I also use one with my VIC-20 and never had any hassles with it.

[Dirk Vroomen]

For me, that's just about the limit. Works nice, easy to connect and perfect TAP-support.
Look and see! One shot of my VIC20-setup:

[orion70]

I've been tempted to buy one in the past, because of TAP support, but now I'm moving towards a "purist" approach: finally I have my own VIC space in the new house, and could setup a VIC, 1541, monitor, datassette, and printer. I'm using real floppies made with a D64 writer via C64+MMC64, and like all that noise and waiting for tape loading times . The only concession to the modern era is Eslapion's expander cart for a selectable RAM configuration.

But if you want an affordable and fast integrated device to read all the existing library of prg, D64, D81, and TAP files, I'd suggest this - it's made in Italy, too

[Vic20-Ian]

The videos on the page show some great demonstrations of it in use to remaster tapes from a working Tap file.

Looks good to me.

It is on my list now.

[Vic20-Ian]

Ordered

[Jeff-20]

I guess I could order one too. I am happy with my Brain uIEC, but it never hurts to have an extra option. Even if it's really expensive.

Do you think there may be more improvements in this type of hardware? I can wait if something better is on the horizon. It's really only the form that appeals to me.

Look and see! One shot of my VIC20-setup:

Dirk, could you say more about your set up? I am curious about what you have connected.

[Vic20-Ian]

Looks like the FE3 is connected into the Infinity serial port to give 2 SD2IEC disk drives, tap loading.

There is something in the User port IEE or printer interface?

[Dirk Vroomen]

Dirk, could you say more about your set up? I am curious about what you have connected.

I'd love to.

user port: nothing special, only a simple reset switch. I will connect a rs232-module in the future for a connection with a terminal.
tape port: infinity + ITS-module for TAP-support
expansion port: Final expansion 3 rev. 10
on board: S-Video Mod; most ICs socketed and supplied with heat sinks

[Jeff-20]

Yes, the user port got my attention. I also want a Final Expansion cart, but I don't have the skills to assemble it.

The manosoft website is just frustrating. The purchase button just puts me into an infinite "Per favore, ricontrolla il tuo ordine" loop. I've tried spoof user agent, but it doesn't seem to be a browser problem. Maybe this is a sign that I should save my money.

[Vic20-Ian]

On Manosoft you need to register for a user account first.

There is also a box I missed when ordering - delivery email address.

You need to hit the translate to English button every now and again.

If you want an FE3 I will be pleased to build one for you Jeff - but isn't the thought of 512KB Ram and Rom anathema to you?

[Jeff-20]

That's a great offer, Ian! I'm actually not sure what I want. As you know, my needs are very simple. I only wanted an FE3 to use as an SD reader. I never looked into it much because I had a mega cart in the cart port (and the aforesaid assembly problem). Even the manosoft SD reader is slightly overkill to me. It looks sexy, but the profile is also a bit taller and more conspicuous compared to the FE3. I surely wouldn't need both, right?

[Vic20-Ian]

Hi Jeff,

I love my FE3 as it is undetectable as being New and looks authentic 1982. I did not think I needed an Infinity as well.

However, the tap file to tape remastery did sell it to me along with the linking of FE3 SD to Infinity for 2 virtual 1540 drives.

One could argue both are superfluous as I have a Brain SD2iec and Megacart also. However Infinity offers the advantage of working with Plus/4, C64, C16 as well as tap files....and I love new retro.

[English Invader]

If you just want a second device, you could do worse than this:
http://www.sd2iec.co.uk/id14.html

It makes a few cosmetic improvements on the original uIEC. 1541 style plastic casing, built-in serial cable and tape connector that won't break under the slightest bit of pressure. The only differences in functionality are that the device is configured for #8 instead of #10 and you have to manually reset the device every time you load a program.