Tiny Datasette (Patreon)

Published:

2025-08-31 16:00:35

Imported:

2026-11

Content

Hey friends!
Please enjoy this adfree version of the video.
This concludes the first experiments with the mini datasette I worked on for months. I see a ton of possibilities to improve it and probably double or triple the data rate, but we all need a break from it. I'm really happy with the state to which we got it now. It really works reliably. I wished I was able to make mass storage work but I had to postpone that to finish this video.
Next up might be trying to store an analog video signal to micro tapes. I have ideas... it will be challenging!
I also wanted to thank you very much for supporting my work for now 12 YEARS! This is madness. Some of you are following along for just as long and it's been an amazing journey.
The things I learned I could not have imagined at the beginning and I can't see an end to the stuff I want to experiment with. Starting with the livestreams and the hangouts was one of the best choices in the past years. It helps to connect and the help I get with my projects is invaluable.
Thanks for your support!

Files

I Made a Tiny Commodore 64 Datasette (supporter version)

I built a miniature Commodore Datasette that connects over USB and uses tiny microcassettes to store and load C64 games. In this video, I show how I hacked a dictaphone, designed custom electronics, and implemented data encoding with frequency shift keying. Watch me battle tape glitches, broken flex cables, and error correction until Pac-Man finally loads from tape again—40 years after the original C64! Project code: https://github.com/bitluni/CDCTape Tools and parts (affiliate links): RISC-V CH32V208: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/ch32v208 LinkE RISC-V Programmer: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/LinkE Low Temp Solder Paste: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/lowTempPaste Flux: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/flux Tweezer set: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/tweezers Soldering iron TS80P: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/TS80P Preheating Station: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/heatingStation Ultrasonic Cleaner: https://aliexpress.bitluni.net/cleaner Github Sponsors: https://github.com/sponsors/bitluni Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bitluni Channel membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_5PO66faM4dBFbFFBdPSQ/join Paypal: https://paypal.me/bitluni bitluni live: https://www.youtube.com/@bitluniLive Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bitluni Mastodon: https://chaos.social/@bitluni Discord: https://link.bitluni.net/discord #Commodore64 #RetroTech #Electronics #DIY #C64