ScuzzBlog: Diaries December 2018
Entry 11th December 2018: Post 02: Commodore plus/4 - Less than clear
Commodore plus/4 - Less than clear
So funny this machine. In the States it was known as the Minus 60
which kinda was reference to 64 less the 4. And yes it feels like
that. Released in 1984 and being basically a C16 it was incompatible
on the whole with the C64. Leaves you kinda asking ' why bother '?
The power connector is different to the C64. The tape socket is different.
Even the cartridge for the drive port made no sense. It really
was a strange beast, what with the four applications on the function
keys. There is also a slight nod to the MSX cursor arrows, which is
maybe where this computer was aimed.
For me the C16 and plus/4 range suffer from a dreadful failure rate.
I tend to get a one in three chance of any working. And this machine
happens to be one of those that is busted. Black screen and a failed
chip. I have another here that is also broken. Fortunately I do have
one working to show, not that it's very dynamic.
I had rotten luck with the floppy drive for this computer. Twice they
got smashed in the post. Took three goes and me collecting the drive
to get one that wasn't crushed by the post office.
Anyhoo... here is the plus/4 inside and out. I include a working screen
for you to marvel at. I do kinda know what is wrong, and I guess I
could fix it. But, I struggle with this computer. I really do. So she
sits with her broken companions on a shelf.
Sad.
Commodore plus/4 - Less than clear
Different plus/4.. cus its working.
The line is just from the camera, not the computer.
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