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CMD RAMLink

So how many people think we can retire in 10 years as rich vintage tech geeks or will we be stuck junking the equivalent of electronic beany babies?
 
So, anyway, they're rare but they're not THAT useful. Lots of software won't work correctly with them, though to be fair, when they do work, they're incredibly fast. Also, they make using GEOS substantially less trying. If you just want to play games, though, I can think of better ways.

I don't run software that would benefit much, but if I were in the market, I'd probably pay no more than half what he's asking.
 
Don't need the super CPU to make use of the RAMlink? Other then GEOS I don't know of anything else to use a RAM expansion on the C64/128.
 
Unknown_K said:
Don't need the super CPU to make use of the RAMlink? Other then GEOS I don't know of anything else to use a RAM expansion on the C64/128.
Click to expand...

No, you don't need a SuperCPU, but it makes the RamLink all the faster. RamLink, however, is not just a ram expander, but primarily a ram disk drive that's partitionable like a hard drive and compatible with most software (it doesn't require a special loader). It also typically comes with a battery-backup of some sort, so the stuff stored on it can persist as long as the AC power and/or batteries do.

Back in the day, I swore by it for GEOS work. Especially stuff that was very disk-bound, such as compiling, linking, and paging through source. It made development in GEOS absolutely dreamy. With a SuperCPU it was second to none. That said, I don't use my RamLink at ALL any more. Heck, I haven't even loaded software on it in years. I only use it now as a glorified expansion port doubler, so I can have ram expansion and a 64NIC cart in at once.

These days, I've found the speed of an sd2IEC more than adequate, and those don't require reloading when the power dies or batteries blink. I think I have 3 RamLinks sitting around the house somewhere. If I see one go for more than $100, I'll probably consider putting mine on the block also.

- Bo
 
ClassicHasClass said:
So, anyway, they're rare but they're not THAT useful. Lots of software won't work correctly with them...
Click to expand...
Think of the RL as a large cartridge that can hold your software. So, single file programs load ridiculously fast, but multi-file programs may not recognize the RL. If you partition the RL with 1541 partitions, then the programs may work better. I dare say that program loading/saving compatibility is better with the RL than with a SD2IEC/uIEC.
...if I were in the market, I'd probably pay no more than half what he's asking.
Click to expand...
Heh, we have a Ray Carlsen-refurbished RAMLink for raffle at this year's CommVEx -- one ticket for $10, three tickets for $20.

FCUG celebrating 33 years,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
July 18-19 Commodore Vegas Expo v11 -
http://www.portcommodore.com/commvex
 
g4ugm said:
Searching on E-Bay for sold items show that two sold for similar amounts, so folks are prepared to pay that.
Click to expand...

That's quite astonishing, I must have missed those previous listings!

What price is an SCPU then these days, I thought they were around £250+ but they must be well in excess of that then if a ramlink is around £500.

You must be looking at £1000+ for Ramlink & SCPU set up these days which is well beyond reach of ordinary users.

On the subject of Ramlink what cool stuff can you do with one?
 
amadama said:
The 1541 Ultimate II can do what the Ramlink does and then some. It's also less than $150.
Don't know when the next batch will be made but this is a must-have accessory for the die-hard C64 fans:
http://www.1541ultimate.net/content/index.php
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate Amadama? I thought the 1541 Ultimate only did 170k 1541 disk images, and was tied to IEC speeds. No?

- Bo
 
The 1541 Ultimate-II can function as a REU just like the 16MB ramlink (or smaller like the 1750 or 1764). It also has things like Fast-load, tape emulation (extra cable needed for tape).
It will also simulate cycle-accurate 1541 virtual drives and has a stereo SID emulator and real time clock.
This is the best item I have ever gotten for my C64. The only thing I wish it did was 1571 and 1581 disk image support (so I can use it with CP/M on my C128, will get an sdIEC for that).
Spec sheet is here:
http://www.1541ultimate.net/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42&Itemid=20
 
amadama said:
Don't know when the next batch will be made...
Click to expand...
When I spoke with Gideon Zweijtzer at the Netherlands Commodore Show - June, 2011, he told me that he was getting out of 1541U2 production, feeling that the market was saturated.

Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group
http://www.dickestel.com/fcug.htm
July 18-19 Commodore Vegas Expo v11 -
httP//www.portcommodore.com/commvex
 
FWIW, the 1541 Ultimate II currently is sold out, but a new batch is expected in a week. It doesn't say how long the waiting list is.
http://www.1541ultimate.net/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42&Itemid=20

It has a REU up to 16 MB, but it doesn't say if it retains the content when powered off (saves to Flash perhaps?) which may be a difference from a battery-backed RAMlink.

Based on the project status updates, Gideon is far from leaving the 1541U2 behind, rather both updating the product and producing new batches that get sold out right away.
 
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