Topic: Chameleon?

[Hydrophilic]

Does anyone know if the Chameleon works with the C128 in 128 mode?
 
I've been thinking about getting an REU or some sort of memory expansion for a while now, but I would prefer not to tie up the expansion port with a device that only provides REU functions (but I guess if you have to use only 1 device, REU would be at the top of the list).  Anyway from what I read, the Chameleon has everything I would want in a cartridge: REU capability upto 16MB, reads SD memory cards, and can be connected to ethernet somehow as well... just amazing.  If that weren't enough, it also functions as a stand-alone system with video out and keyboard/mouse inputs...
 
So I want one, or something very similar.  The sellers say it runs on the C64 but make no mention of the C128, so I am assuming it does not work on the C128 (or they are just not savy marketers).
 
So who knows?

[Dirk Vroomen]

Here http://www.syntiac.com/chameleon_faq.html i have found the Turbo Chameleon FAQs. You should ask Jens Schoenfeld http://icomp.de/ about the current state.

Another option for you might be the 1541 Ultimate-II http://www.1541ultimate.net. It supports REU up to 16MB and works together with the C128. (I am using a 1541 U2 together with my C128.)

Best regards,
Dirk

[RobertB]

Does anyone know if the Chameleon works with the C128 in 128 mode?

     No.

So I want one, or something very similar.  The sellers say it runs on the C64 but make no mention of the C128, so I am assuming it does not work on the C128 (or they are just not savy marketers).

     The Chameleon is very expensive, considering the U.S. dollar exchange rate.

So who knows?

     It would be cheaper to get a CBM REU.

          Truly,
          Robert Bernardo
          Fresno Commodore User Group
          http://videocam.net.au/fcug

[tokra]

I have a 1541 Ultimate 2 as well. The 16 MB RAM-expansion alone would be worth the price. You can't get better 1541 emulation, period. It even emulates the drive noise through speaker output... On top of all that you can emulate a second SID as well. And soon the Ultimate should be able to emulate EasyFlash with a Firmware update. So this is really a fantastic all-in-one device. Only very small letdown: It really emulates a 1541 - so no 1571 support in C128-mode. You still have to have Jiffy Dos or something like that in your C128 to speed things up. Luckily you can load the ROM-image for the floppy into the 1541U by its menu. So you only need to switch a ROM for you C128. I have not done this, since I use the uIEC with your Burst-mode-patch for C128 operations and the 1541U in C64-mode mainly (apart from the REU feature)

[Hydrophilic]

Thanks everybody!  So per the FAQ, the Chameleon is NOT C128 compatible, and will even damage the C128!  Which is a good thing I asked, so thanks again.
 
Yes the Chameleon is expensive, which is another reason I thought to ask first!
 
Thanks for suggestions of 1541-Ultimate(II).  That was the other product I was considering, but as yet it still does not have ethernet capability.  Well I guess you can't have everything?  But still would prefer ethernet over 1541.  At least now I know it works with C128... that's probably the most important thing!

[MIRKOSOFT]

Hi!

So, I have experiences with 1541Ultimate-I with Ethernet, 1541Ultimate-II...

1541Ultimate-I works with C128 correctly all functions also Ethernet...

1541Ultimate-II has problems - USB connection in C128 mode, disk swapping in C128 mode... really works fine REU....

Chameleon. NEVER WILL WORK IN C128 MODE, C128 NOT COMPATIBLE! If compatible - not 100% in C64 mode...

Miro

[Hydrophilic]

1541 Ultimate-I has working ethernet?  Then I think I will get that, if I can find one... as I understand, only version II is still being produced.  Also I understand Ultimate-I uses standard SD cards while Ultimate-II uses micro-SD cards.  I prefer the standard SD cards.  They are pretty small already, and I'm always afraid I'll loose one.  Those micro-SD cards... I'm sure I would end up loosing them!  Thanks again.

[RobertB]

1541Ultimate-II has problems - USB connection in C128 mode, disk swapping in C128 mode...

     Oh, I didn't know that it had problems with C128 mode.  That's not good.

          Truly,
          Robert Bernardo
          Fresno Commodore User Group
          http://videocam.net.au/fcug