Products

Commodore Right-Angle Power Adapters

A photo of the top right quarter of a C64 using a right angle power adapter.A couple of years ago, I restored my childhood Commodore 64. The process reignited my love of collecting retro and vintage computers.

I keep my original breadbin on my desk with a few other prized classics, but with the collection growing and lots of projects happening, desk and display space is at a premium. That prompted me to build a minimalist monitor stand that could house my 64 when I needed that bit of desk space.

This is when I got annoyed with the big DIN connector jutting from the side, the considerable arc of its thick cable making matters all the worse.

So I designed a simple adapter to shift the power connector 90°, saving space, and making it easy to garage my C64 when not in use.

I had three main goals:

  • Simplicity: plug it in and be done with it… no fiddly parts or extra electronics
  • A good fit: contours where needed to adapt nicely to the case
  • Stability: reduce strain on my C64’s 30+ year old power connector and motherboard

One thing I noticed early on: an adapter like this becomes a lever, putting rotational strain on the port (and, by extension, its solder joints on the motherboard). So I added a little foot to reduce the downward stress, basing the height on a typical C64 with original or closely matched rubber feet.

A desk level photo of the right front half of a C64 in a hutch under a monitor.As luck would have it, the case shape and pinout of the “breadbin” VICs-20s and original C64s are virtually identical, so it works equally well for both. The main version (RAP2064) works on all of the 64s including the more sleek, gray 64C of later years. However, for the best possible fit, I did also make a unique version for the 64C (RAP64C) that better fits its more rectangular contours, as well as adding a horizontal rib to keep the adapter better vertically squared to the case.

TL;DR: the adapters are generally interchangeable, but you have the option for a 64C-specific fit if that’s your generation.

While I’m currently offering them only in matte black, I am exploring other color options that might better align with the various computers. The trick is that our decades-old machines — even if fully restored — tend to have a color shift (or outright yellowing) that makes a perfect match a moving target. If you have a special color desire or need, though, let me know and I might be able to accommodate you somehow.

Have additional questions or curious for more details? Have a look at the FAQ page or contact me with specific questions!