Denial

I found a great price on the 5 Volt, 3 Amp regulator required for the 2 prong VIC-20.
Just go here, and enter "LM323" in the search box...

https://www.jameco.com

$6.95 is an amazing price considering every other supplier was charging $50 or more for the same unit!
I just picked up a dozen for my "VIC Survival Stash" kit.

I know there are modern switching drop in replacements, but I am a fanatic about keeping the VIC original.
The VIC is my hotrod, and I wouldn't put an Impala engine in a 57 Chevy if I had one either!

So for those looking to extend your parts inventory, this seems like a golden find.

Now if I could find a dozen 6560-101 ICs for less than $20 per piece, I would be super happy.
My first plan is to accumulate enough replacement parts so that daily used VIC outlives me.
My second plan is to live for at least another 50 years!

Cheers,
Brad

3.99$US here:

https://abra-electronics.com/ics-semico ... m323k.html

I know you want to keep your VIC original, but removing the toaster oven lid over the VIC-1 and applying a heat sink is the best way to save those chips from their common thermal-cycling death.

Another good parts source, thanks.

Yes, on my workhorse VIC, I have removed the cage, and applied heatsinks using thermal tape to both the 6560 and the Kernal ROM.
My others will remain in perfect pristine shape, with all original components only.
I do replace all the capacitors as well on all VICs I own.

I prefer older 2-prong model VICs as well... they drive much nicer.

Say, anyone know what is really meant by "early serial number"?
I see that on EBay often, but most are over 1 million in count.
All my VICs are only 3 digit serial numbers, one even in the 200,000 range.

Brad

Radical Brad wrote:Say, anyone know what is really meant by "early serial number"?
I see that on EBay often, but most are over 1 million in count.
All my VICs are only 3 digit serial numbers, one even in the 200,000 range.

Brad

My own VIC-20 with PET style keyboard is 7829.

Now that is what I would call an early number.
... unless they wrapped it after 10,000,000!

Is that a "Made in Canada" model?
Would be interested to see a photo of the serial tag.
I am comparing the ones I have to see if they differ in any way.
2 USA made VICs are heading here soon, so I will take photos of all my serial tags for comparison.

Brad

eslapion wrote:My own VIC-20 with PET style keyboard is 7829.

Radical Brad wrote:Now that is what I would call an early number.
... unless they wrapped it after 10,000,000!

Is that a "Made in Canada" model?
Would be interested to see a photo of the serial tag.

I don't think Commodore had sold 10'000'000 VIC-20s in 1981. All chips inside are dated '81...

This unit is 'Made In U.S.A.'.

I will try to post a photo of the tag but I think I did already, a long time ago.

As promised...

Very cool!
I will take shots of mine when I recap them all.
All but one are 2 prong early models, but I don't think any have such a low number.

Brad

eslapion wrote:As promised...

102_0797.JPG

Don't forget to log them in Giacomo's excellent VIC Registry

http://cbmvic.net/registry

Cool, thanks!

srowe wrote:Don't forget to log them in Giacomo's excellent VIC Registry
http://cbmvic.net/registry