Ultimate64 Elite-II

Ultimate 64 Elite II

What is it?! This board is a hardware implementation (FPGA) of the entire C64, and it includes the Ultimate-II+ as well. An ALL IN ONE solution!

Due to the poor availability of the Intel FPGA that is present on the original Ultimate 64 and Ultimate 64 Elite boards, a new board is being developed.
Status (June 2024): First prototypes manufactured. Testing phase will soon start.

Questions you may ask:

• What is the difference between this "MK2" or "-II" version, compared to the 'good old Ultimate-64 Elite'? Well, there are a number of differences:
  • The L-shaped form of the board has been replaced by a regular shaped board in the size of a short C64-C board (390 x 135 mm). This eliminates the need of extra brackets to mount it in a breadbin or C64C style case.
  • The push button that was said to be one of the major complaints of the original U64 has been replaced with a rocker switch that has the same size as the original C64. The rocker switch has two momentary positions, which can still be used to enter the menu, reset the board or do a cartridge freeze.
  • The board function has been split in a base board with mostly connectors for C64-I/O, like keyboard, joysticks, cartridge port, serial port, analog video. Of course the Ultimate64 ports are also there; USB, Ethernet and HDMI. The 'brains' of the solution is placed on a separate board, which is only 7x7 cm in size. This allows different form factors in the future, using the same FPGA module.
  • The HDMI video resolution capability has been improved. Currently targeted at 1920 x 1080, also known as FullHD. Although the zero-latency mode will be preserved, it will also be possible to engage a frame-buffer, which allows display of 50 Hz content on a 60 Hz screen. These two changes will improve compatibility with crippled US TV-sets or monitors.
  • The keyboard is no longer tied to the joystick ports, which allows an independent keyboard scan. Although this may incur incompatibility with some hardware keyboard hacks, it will allow for shortcut key combinations for the common user, e.g. to enter the menu.
  • The board will come with a 3.5mm audio jack. This audio jack can be configured to carry the sound directly from the installed SIDs (SID-TAP), or the analog audio from the integrated audio mixer.
  • This aforementioned audio jack also supports optical S/PDIF.
  • The board is now powered from a USB-C source. This eliminates the need to supply a country specific power-supply in the package. Thus: power-supply is no longer included!
  • The speaker for the drive sounds is now included on the board itself. There is no longer any need for an additional speaker accessory.
  • .. there is probably more that I am currently forgetting...

Ordering Info

The Ultimate products for the Commodore computers presented on this website are made by a one-man company. This means dedication and passion, but it also introduces "small scale" effects. Orders are processed in spare time. Please do not expect overnight delivery as is often seen with large mail order companies.

Pre-orders and Back-orders

• Pre-orders are used for products that generally have a long lead time, caused by production that is just starting or scaling up. The delivery time is not certain and may shift. The Ultimate-64 falls into this category.
• Back orders When a product is in back-order, it means that the product is temporarily out of stock, but is expected to be filled within some weeks. Production stabilized and more stock is expected than current open orders.

Preordering procedure:

• Simply place your order through the webshop system. Make sure your shipping address is correct!
• It has been decided (and implemented in the webshop) that pre-orders do not need to be paid anymore in advance, per se. You can, but you don't have to.
• First come, first serve. Products will be dispatched in the same sequence as in which the orders were placed.
• Orders are internally labeled with production / shipping batch number. (May become visible in the order status, t.b.d.)
• General information about the production and shipping batch numbers will be made available on the website. (Location: t.b.d)
• When a production schedule is known for your order, you will receive an e-mail with an estimated shipping date.
• Your order needs to be paid before the scheduled shipping date. About 2 weeks before your order is scheduled for shipping, you will be reminded to pay for your order.
• Unpaid orders may be re-allocated after the payment reminder, or even canceled after a second reminder.
• Invoices are automatically issued after payment. You can use the order confirmation as a proforma invoice.

Shipping

The final assembly stage for the products takes place in the Netherlands. There are only a few feasible low-volume shipping options available that operate worldwide:

• PostNL
• Deutsche Post

The prices of PostNL went skyrocket a few years ago. Deutsche Post allows small packages to be sent as letters worldwide, which is a great option! The downside is that these packages can only be sent from a post office in Germany. I am willing to take a drive to Germany if there are many packages to send. This is usually the case after a new production batch arrives. So, whenever a product is on back order (or pre-order), you can select Deutsche Post; it won't cause any delays. For products that are on stock, you may choose between:

• PostNL
  • your package will be shipped whenever possible, but not at the lowest possible cost
• Deutsche Post
  • your package will be shipped in a batch shipping at an attractive rate.

Stock

Stock is usually limited. Products are produced in reasonable batch sizes, that balance between risk and cost. I tend to be conservative and like to keep risks small. I believe that only with this strategy I can continue this project and provide the 'ultimate' Commodore products for you.

Thank you for your understanding and patience!

Gideon