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Project CBM v1.0.0

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@cdaters cdaters released this 28 Apr 05:08
· 32 commits to main since this release
v1.0.0
46fbf47

Project CBM v1.0.0 Release Notes

Release Summary

Project CBM v1.0.0 is the first public image release for Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4/400, Raspberry Pi 5, and Raspberry Pi 500-class systems.

This release provides a Raspberry Pi OS Lite-based Commodore emulation appliance using VICE 3.10 and the Project CBM console menu system.

Project Background

Project CBM v1.0.0 was created as a modern Raspberry Pi OS Lite-based Commodore emulation image inspired in part by the appliance-style experience of Carmelo Maiolino's Combian64.

Project CBM is independently assembled and is not a fork of Combian64. The v1.0.0 release focuses on providing a ready-to-image Project CBM environment for Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4/400, Raspberry Pi 5, and Raspberry Pi 500-class systems.

Downloads

Note: Project CBM does not include copyrighted ROMs, games, or commercial software. Users are responsible for providing software they are legally allowed to use.

This release includes three downloadable assets:

  • pcbm-v1.0.0-rpi3-5.img.xz - compressed Raspberry Pi image
  • pcbm-v1.0.0-docs.zip - offline documentation bundle
  • SHA256SUMS - checksums for verifying the downloaded files

Release Artifacts

pcbm-v1.0.0-rpi3-5.img.xz

The compressed Raspberry Pi image for Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4/400, Raspberry Pi 5, and Pi 500-class systems.

Flash this file to a microSD card using Raspberry Pi Imager, BalenaEtcher, or another imaging tool that supports .img.xz files.

Do not copy the .img.xz file to the SD card like a normal document. It must be written/flashed as a disk image.

pcbm-v1.0.0-docs.zip

Offline documentation bundle for this release.

This bundle includes the README, end-user documentation, flashing instructions, troubleshooting notes, support information, license notes, and release notes.

SHA256SUMS

Checksum file used to verify the downloaded release assets.

Use this file to confirm that the image and documentation bundle downloaded correctly before flashing the image.

Supported Hardware

Project CBM v1.0.0 targets Raspberry Pi 3 through Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 500-class systems.

Supported Raspberry Pi models:

  • Raspberry Pi 3
  • Raspberry Pi 4
  • Raspberry Pi 400
  • Raspberry Pi 5
  • Raspberry Pi 500 and Pi 500-class systems

Recommended setup:

  • Raspberry Pi 5 or Pi 500 for best performance
  • Quality 16GB or larger microSD card
  • HDMI display/audio
  • USB keyboard
  • Official or high-quality power supply
  • Optional USB gamepad/controller
  • Optional Ethernet connection for easiest first network setup

Notes:

  • Raspberry Pi 400 is treated as a Raspberry Pi 4-class system.
  • Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 500 are recommended for the smoothest experience.
  • Raspberry Pi 3 is supported, but heavier emulation or some demos may perform better on newer hardware.

First Boot Behavior

On first boot:

  • Raspberry Pi OS boots in console mode.
  • The root filesystem should expand to fill the SD card.
  • Project CBM launches on the primary console.
  • Users can start supported Commodore machines from the menu.

Included Features

  • Raspberry Pi OS Lite base
  • VICE 3.10 console/SDL2 build
  • Project CBM menu system
  • Commodore machine launchers
  • Content folders for games, demos, music, programs, and ROMs
  • USB import helper
  • Samba file sharing support
  • Network information and test tools
  • BBS/modem support hooks using TCPser
  • Safe shutdown and reboot menu options

Known Notes

  • Use a quality SD card, especially with Raspberry Pi 5 and Pi 500 systems.
  • Ethernet is the easiest first network setup.
  • WiFi is intentionally left unconfigured so each user can configure their own region and network.
  • Controller behavior may vary by USB gamepad model.
  • The Content menu launches files using the current default machine.

Verification

After downloading the release assets, verify them before flashing.

On Linux or Raspberry Pi OS:

sha256sum -c SHA256SUMS

On macOS:

shasum -a 256 -c SHA256SUMS

Expected result:

pcbm-v1.0.0-rpi3-5.img.xz: OK
pcbm-v1.0.0-docs.zip: OK

If either file does not return OK, download it again before flashing.

Recommended Flashing Tools

  • Raspberry Pi Imager
  • BalenaEtcher
  • Linux command line using xzcat and dd

Upgrade Notes

This is the first public release, so there is no previous Project CBM release to upgrade from.

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