The C64 Mini is a beautiful and functional replica of the most popular computer ever made, except at 50% size and without a working keyboard. For maximum nostalgia, it was modeled after the brown breadbox C64 case which so characterized the model. However, [10p6] wanted to build a tiny C64C instead, so set about making a conversion happen.
The build is primarily about the case design. [10p6] created a nice 50% scale duplicate of the C64C, with an eye to making it work with the internals of the popular C64 Mini. The case was paired with a custom PETSCII keyboard PCB and keycaps designed by [Bleugh]. This was a key element, since it wouldn’t really feel like a functional C64C without a functional keyboard. The build also scored a bonus USB hub for more flexibility. For the best possible finish, the case, power button, and keycaps were all printed using a resin printer, which provides a more “production-like” result than FDM printers are capable of.
It’s funny how retro computers remain popular to this day, particularly amongst the hacker set. In contrast, we don’t see a whole lot of people trying to replicate Pentium II machines from the mid-1990s. If you do happen to have a crack at it, though, the tipsline is always open. Video after the break.
Needs banana for scale.
If you watch, skip thru the video …. Size will be evident. But just looking at the USB ports in picture gives you a pretty good idea of the ‘scale’ :) .
We’ll, yeah, but where’s the banana?
That’s what she said.
When there are 2 entries your website counts 2.
3 thoughts on “Converting The C64 Mini Into A C64C”
CityZen says:
April 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Needs banana for scale.
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rclark says:
April 14, 2025 at 3:05 pm
If you watch, skip thru the video …. Size will be evident. But just looking at the USB ports in picture gives you a pretty good idea of the ‘scale’ :) .
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Should be “counts 3”. My typo, my error.
Leaving aside I Alone’s inability to type (and weird decision to paste in the comments section text, unreadably), they’re right.
Before I started this comment there were 6 comments visible, but the intro said “7 THOUGHTS…”. Presumably after I post this 7th comment, it’ll go up to “8 THOUGHTS…”
(But since it only seems to be happening on THIS one post, not across the site generally, I’m guessing it’s deleted spam or a moderator-hidden comment still being counted.)
Well, the +1 comment must be the reader’s. (i.e. Leave a Reply) It could be clever if you let it.
Take a problem and make it a feature.
I never know why people go thru this and not sell them… its alot of work to not produce them.
They will be available. Check out Bleugh.biz
Making ‘one off’ things for yourself is super easy.
Design For Manufacture and making actual bulk production runs isn’t really hard, it’s VERY time consuming. especially with two primary school kids, a full time day job, renovating a house and having moved back to the other side of the planet.
I’ve already sold quite a few of the ‘you gotta solder over 600 joints’ C64mini keyboard kits, so much so that i really have to be sure to be able to deliver these projects well.
If i were to sell 100 of these tomorrow, with each taking 60 minutes of my time, that’s going to be the best part of 2 MONTHS to deliver!
spending time front loading and perfecting the processes / minimising the labour needed will get these out much quicker come ordering time…I’m aiming for less than 15 minutes ‘hands on’ with each kit to ensure it’s ‘cheap enough’.
oh, that and i’m working on half a dozen other projects at the same time, using each to springboard the next and keep it all going. Just one project, endlessly iterating gets boring!
Any excuse ;)