Emulator Pi1541-III for Commodore 1541 Disk Drive, Black

The device is an emulator for the 1541 disk drive based on Raspberry Pi 3B+.

Functionality

Pi1541 allows playback of disk images on Commodore computers using a 32Gb microSD card. Compatible computer models:

• Commodore 64
• Commodore 128
• Commodore Vic20
• Commodore 16
• Commodore Plus4

Design

The set includes:

• Power cable with USB plug (compatible with any 5V power supply, e.g., a phone charger).
• Serial cable for the disk drive.

Technical highlights without fluff:

• Top-notch compatibility:
  Nearly 100% compatibility with the original, including support for many fast loaders, even those with copied originals and demo scene gems. The 6502 code operates in full cycle-exact mode, just like in 1982. Forget heuristic guessing of SD2IEC!

• Sci-fi working modes:
  The device boots in minimal SD2IEC mode (for browsing PRG and D64 files). After loading a disk image, it transitions to full 1541/1581 emulation, enabling reading and writing data with multi-channel and sequential file support.

• Classy hardware:
  Built on Raspberry Pi 3B+. The PCB features a logic level converter (5V CBM → 3.3V Pi), IEC connectors, and a chain option for cascading connections with other drives – both real and emulated.
  Version III offers a 1.3" OLED display and rotary encoder for navigation – browse folders like on a smartphone instead of fumbling with a joystick.

• Media support:
  You can place hundreds of D64 files on an SD card (up to 32GB+), browse them using Pi's keyboard/screen or C64 commands (LOAD "*",8). Writing is possible, but remember: retro is retro – always make a backup before your cat sits on the card.

• Power and assembly:
  Powered by 5V from C64 (up to 1A). Compact casing ensures ease of use.

Based on the project:

https://github.com/tebl/C64-Pi1541-III

Youtube:

Instructional video