HARDWARE IDEAS
This information is from Hardwired, A sub-board hosted by Disk Handler (Kevin
Dunn) on Operator Headgap. Edited by Bob Nunn

128 EXPANSION?

From: << DR.DOX >> (John Blackmer) 
  I hear there's an empty socket in some (or all) 128's . can't that be used
for ram expansion.  Utilities Unlimited has a chip designed for it that
contains a term prog-copy programs and other utilities.  Disk Handler, why
can't that socket be used for expansion?

From: DISK HANDLER

  You're right.  In ALL 128's, there is an empty chip socket, near the video
box I believe (the one on the 128D I think is close to the power supply on the
inside).  It can be accessed as COMMON ram through bank 4 and 5, but, it isn't
programmable ram. It's more like ROM.  It can be updated though. The main
reason you can't put extra ram in this socket is; 1.  The pin-out is different
2.  The MMU is designed to handle only 128 k of ram.

  That's why you can't use that empty socket, or even an REU to add extra
PROGRAMMABLE memory.  If the MMU is re-done (a new chip designed) to
accomodate more than 128k of RAM, then you would still have to go through the
trouble of re-doing the internal configuration to be able to use this extra
chip socket for RAM.  D B Inc. (Donald Buchanan) is looking for a way to
change the MMU around to work with more RAM.  It is a good idea but not as
easy  as it seems.   Otherwise, I would try this. 

From: D.B. INC.

  There are many additional hardware items to add to the computer, but here
are a few that might be useful.
  If you have a monitor or vcr that needs cables, you can always add a video
out plug on the computer, typically a RCA plug is needed.  Use them for Audio
input & output plugs as well.  I also added a video input, but don't use it
much(haven't added software switch capabilities in hardware).  These RCA
female plugs are standard on VCRs and TV made in the past 5 years that have
in/outputs on them.  Also 128 users with monochrome could add a switch on the
outside of the computer to switch between 40/80 column (mine is a set of
microswitches).

  If you would like to experiment with the hardware, a nice addition to the
computer is an experimenter's circuit board.  Both RCA plug & expansion boards
are sold at Radio Shack.  To hookup video out, connect to the composite out on
the video connector, and 80 column,connect to monochrome out on the RGB plug. 
This will work on 80 even with a RGB monitor attached, because mine is this
way.  The audio input is connected to pin 26 of chip 6581 (u5 in 128,chip
8580).  These add-ons are useful if you have an internal second sid chip for
stereo.  The audio outs should be run the same way as the original sid
chip,with a driver trans & capacitor, connect outs to Audio Out from cap's.

From: GEORGE
  
Well this is old news to most of you...but I hooked the 64 up to the
audio/video inputs of my vcr and ran the sound through my stereo... and it
sounds great and looks great too!!! It adds a whole new dimension to such
games as WIZBALL which have good sound effects and stuff...It is wild with
sids and digital stuff too!! 

WILD 1541!

From: SPACE CAPTAIN_
I have a 1541 with Jiffy Dos.  When it is on for about 1 minute it goes crazy!
The power light and drive light blink and the drive spins.  What is the
problem??

From: BOB NUNN

Your drive may have brain damage.  My diagnostic chart from the November 88
MCUC Newsletter says that it is likely the 6502 or may possibly be the 6522
chip.  Lastly it might be the 90122905.  Any of the problems you described
will likely be best diagnosed by a technician.  Before spending any money
though, I would first try replacing the stock drive kernal in place of the
Jiffy chip.  If that fixes it check out your warrantee registration with
Creative Micro Designs.  I suspect however that static zapped your chip when
you installed it.

From: Disk Handler_
Exactly!