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Commodore VIC-20 User Manual

Commodore VIC-20
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Commodore VIC-20 Specifications

General IconGeneral
ManufacturerCommodore International
ModelVIC-20
Release Year1980
ProcessorMOS Technology 6502
RAM5 KB
ROM20 KB
Graphics ChipMOS Technology VIC
Text Display22 columns x 23 rows
Power SupplyExternal power supply
RAM ExpandableUp to 32 KB
Graphics Resolution176 x 184
Sound3-voice sound generator
StorageCassette tape
PortsCartridge, Serial, User, Cassette, Video
Operating SystemCommodore BASIC 2.0
Colors16
Dimensions406 x 216 x 76 mm

Summary

CHAPTER 1 Introducing the VIC 20 Computer

THE KEYBOARD

Explanation of the VIC 20 keyboard layout, key classifications, and alphabetic key functions.

CHAPTER 2 Operating the VIC 20

IMMEDIATE MODE

Basic computer operation and statement execution without program mode.

Screen Editing

Using the cursor keys and editing text directly on the screen.

PROGRAM MODE

Entering and running programs using line numbers and statements.

CHAPTER 3 Programming the VIC 20 Computer

Operators

Usage of arithmetic, relational, and Boolean operators in expressions.

BASIC Statements

Syntax and usage of fundamental BASIC statements.

Control Statements

Statements that control program execution flow.

Subroutine Statements

Using GOSUB and RETURN for modular program design.

Input/Output Statements

Statements controlling data transfer to/from devices.

CHAPTER 4 Advanced BASIC Programming

PROGRAMMING WITH STRINGS

Manipulating string data using operations and functions.

Concatenating Strings

Linking shorter strings end-to-end to create longer strings.

Data Entry (Input)

Strategies for designing user-friendly data entry programs.

CHAPTER 5 Game Controllers

THE JOYSTICK CONTROLLER

Understanding joystick hardware and its input mechanism.

Testing the Joystick Switches

Reading joystick input using memory locations and PEEK/POKE.

KEYBOARD COMMUNICATION USING THE GET STATEMENT

Reading single keystrokes without waiting for RETURN.

CHAPTER 6 Graphics

Video Interface Chip

The function of the VIC chip in generating video output and sound.

Border, Background, and Character Colors

Methods for controlling display colors using POKE.

GRAPHICS WITH THE EXTENDED CHARACTER SET

Using built-in and custom characters for graphics.

Creating a Formatted Display

Techniques for creating visually organized and readable displays.

Color Memory

Understanding and manipulating character colors via memory locations.

Designing Characters

Steps for creating custom character patterns using graph paper and POKE.

USING YOUR CHARACTERS ON THE VIC

Loading and using custom character sets in programs.

CHAPTER 7 Sound

THE VIC SOUND REGISTERS

Memory locations controlling volume, tone, and noise output.

CHAPTER 8 Peripheral Devices

APPENDIX G: BASIC Statements

IF-THEN

Provides conditional execution based on a relational expression.

INPUT

Receives data input from the keyboard.

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