The 128 has a 80 column mode where you can connect it to a CGA-compatible display using the 9 pin video connector. Without the video RAM upgrade, t display would only be monochrome. But with the upgrade, you can get all t Commodore colors in 80 column mode.
The software exists. Ex: https://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/c128/
But the 128 mode of the C128 was not heavily used. The vast majority of t software available was for the C64. And software vendors targeted the C64 since it had the wider market.
Bo Holt wrote to Dr. What <=-
Thanks! I had planned to connect the 128 side to one of my Tandy
CM-11a or my IBM 5153.
Last night, I got a Sony 20" PVM from Commodore Sam, and I want to get
a breakout cable for the "S-video" (isn't that just chroma luma?) to connect to it as well as my other PVMs. Also for my 64U.
BBSing is a huge part of my vintage activities. Any suggestions on
term software for both the 64 and 128? 80 column support?
Thanks! I had planned to connect the 128 side to one of my Tandy CM-11a or my IBM 5153.
That ought to work.
Last night, I got a Sony 20" PVM from Commodore Sam, and I want to ge a breakout cable for the "S-video" (isn't that just chroma luma?) to connect to it as well as my other PVMs. Also for my 64U.
I'm not sure. What I've heard is that Luma/Chroma is S-Video, but the cab different.
I know that you can get an S-Video cable for your C-64 that will just plug though.
BBSing is a huge part of my vintage activities. Any suggestions on term software for both the 64 and 128? 80 column support?
Not off the top of my head. I only had a C128 for a short time before cle it out for other things.
I guess you get to have fun trying them out. :)
I am borrowing an SD2IEC from Commodore...
I am borrowing an SD2IEC from Commodore...
How did you do that?
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Interesting. I had a C128 for a short period of time. In 80 column mode it was only monochrome. When I researched it, everything I read said "they skimped
on the video RAM" was the reason.
BBSing is a huge part of my vintage activities. Any suggestions on term software for both the 64 and 128? 80 column support?Thanks for the links! I got a SD2IEC from Commodore Sam and have been learning how to use it and got the File Browser. Thatmakes it easier to get started since the Commodore command lines are not second nature to me ;) I've got to get a Wimodem for it eventually.
First, look at the C128 Commercial Software/Hardware list at
https://portcommodore.com/retro-link/index.php/topic,1366.msg3695.html#msg3
That will give you an idea of what is out there for the C128, even though some of the commercial items may be hard to find.
As for the latest news on new C128 software, see
https://c-128.freeforums.net/
and you can look under Games for C128 or under Herdware.
Truly,
Robert Bernardo
Fresno Commodore User Group -
To answer the terminal question, DesTerm is the go to terminal program (8 Column ONLY) for the C-128.Wonderful! Now I need compatible modem devices.
Rug Rat (Brent Hendricks)
Blog and Forums - www.catracing.org
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What are you looking to do with the Terminal Program?
Connect to TELNET BBSs
or
Old fashioned DIALUPs? (There are a few of those around..).
Either way, your first step would be to get a highspeed modem card (This g in to the C=128s cartridge port).
My recommendation would be the Turbo232/Swiftlink clone the GLINK 232T by GGLABS.
https://www.tindie.com/stores/gglabs/
Once aquired, you can build a special serial cable and BBS link to connect a PC and telnet out. (I can help with that if you require assistance.).
Other options are a WiFi modem (But I do not have any experience with that
P.S. I'm not an expert in BBS term software, but I can direct you to a club member who runs BBS's.
The B&W output from the 9pin 80col port on the 128 could've been the composite out (pin 7 iirc)?
To: RobertB
Re: Re: Commodore 128
By: RobertB to comp.sys.cbm on Sun Aug 02 2026 00:55:07
P.S. I'm not an expert in BBS term software, but I can direct you to a club member who runs BBS's.
For C128 using the 80 columns out, DesTerm is the program to use.
For C64, StrikeTerm2014 is the one to use for 80 column ANSI support. CCGMS Future v0.2 is the one to use for 40 column AND 80 column PETSCII.
The B&W output from the 9pin 80col port on the 128 could've been the compos out (pin 7 iirc)?
Dan, make the PETSCII things for yourself, others will follow. People that frequent those web forums don't necessarily use BBSes and vice versa. Here typing on my breadbin, and I don't use web forums ;).
This reply was to multiple people.
The B&W output from the 9pin 80col port on the 128 could've been the
composite out (pin 7 iirc)?
Not really - the 80-column port uses the RGBI standard, as used by IBM
on the CGA, and this includes mono video on that pin as a carry-over
The B&W output from the 9pin 80col port on the 128 could've been
the composite out (pin 7 iirc)?
Not really - the 80-column port uses the RGBI standard, as used by
IBM on the CGA, and this includes mono video on that pin as a
carry-over
Nope, the memory of having a mono pic out of the 9pin port couldn't
have possibly been using a composite cable, connected to that "mono
video on that pin"... Is that what you're saying here? ;)
Cool, cool.
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