Commodore Repair Tips

I am a Commodore owner, and am running a repair shop for Commodore equipment. I wanted to pass on a few tips to your readers. First, about 90 percent of all machines are returned due to a blown fuse. This causes a blank picture, even though the power LED still shines. The fuse is easy to replace if you can open the case. The second biggest problem is due to a blown PLA (programmable logic array) chip. Unfortunately, I have not been able to obtain parts from Commodore, and am relying on used and broken 64s for spare chips. Also, I welcome any questions on repairs or simply on how things work.

Steve Fogolini
8232 Richard Street
Fort Worth, TX 76108

We're publishing your address so that interested readers can contact you, but be ready for a deluge of mail. Also, readers should beware that they will void their 90-day warranty by opening or tampering with the computer. We have over a dozen 64s in-house, and if a 64 goes bad, it is indeed usually the result of a blown fuse or a damaged CIA (Complex Interface Adapter) chip. It's easy to destroy the CIA merely by touching the exposed joystick port (which is connected to the CIA) in a static-prone environment. As you said, though, Commodore is reluctant to supply individuals with replacement chips.