Ultra36
A menu-driven multi-ROM system for the Commodore 128. Keep your essential function ROMs together, select them from one interface, and create a menu image labelled for your exact configuration.
One system, your ROM collection
Ultra36 is designed for the C128 internal function-ROM socket and supports either eight or sixteen 32KB banks. Its dedicated menu ROM provides quick bank selection alongside useful C128 system information and controls. Note that on some models you may need to cut or remove the metal shielding around the U36 Socket. If you remove the shielding please add heatsinks instead, note that Ultra36 does not need one.
Why Ultra36?
- No soldering or case modifications: Ultra36 requires no soldering inside the Commodore 128 and no drilling into its case.
- Store up to 14 ROM images inside your C128, providing up to 448KB of selectable Function ROMs.
- Return your C128 to stock operation at any time: simply select the Empty Bank.
- Keep multiple diagnostic ROMs ready to use, without swapping cartridges or chips.
- Store multiple StartApp ROMs and select the one you need from the menu.
- Switch freely between the GEOS 1571 and GEOS 1581 loaders.
- Control JiffyDOS directly from the menu, alongside your internal Function ROM selection.
- Build your multi-ROM image online; the menu program automatically uses the names entered in the online builder.
- Update the microcontroller firmware at any time, allowing Ultra36 to receive future improvements and new features.
- The User Port adapter is only required for communication. Select the Empty Bank or any Function ROM, then unplug the Ultra36 User Port adapter; your selection is remembered and remains active.
Menu-driven selection
Select a labelled ROM bank directly on the Commodore 128 without rebuilding a generic menu by hand.
8 or 16 banks
Build a 256KB image for eight banks or a 512KB image for the full sixteen-bank configuration.
Built for your setup
The online builder compiles Bank 0 with your display names and assembles the final image locally.
Predictable bank layout
Specifications
- PlatformCommodore 128
- Bank size32KB
- Configurations8 or 16 banks
- Final image256KB or 512KB
- ROM input16KB / 32KB
Build and maintain your device
The User Zone contains the custom Multi-ROM builder and will also host Tiny84A controller firmware and update instructions. A valid Ultra36 serial number is required to access these owner tools.
Enter User ZoneLinks and resources
Useful software, ROM collections, diagnostics, and development resources for Ultra36 and the Commodore 128.
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Create C128 function ROMs with StartApps
An excellent open-source project for creating your own Commodore 128 function ROMs from PRG files.
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Ready-to-use StartApps collections
Download prepared StartApps collections that can be used with Ultra36.
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UC-Builder for Windows
A useful Windows tool by Diddl for building your own ROMs. The page is in German; check the Function ROM section, and the download links are at the bottom.
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C128 function ROM archive
The usual place to find Commodore 128 function ROM images.
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GEOS 128 loading accelerator ROM
Build your own GEOS 128 loading accelerator function ROM. For personal use, enter any hexadecimal word whose two bytes differ—for example, $1013 is valid, while $1010 and $1313 are not.
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C128 diagnostic cartridges from Jani
Diagnostic cartridge images and a goldmine of technical information about the Commodore 128.
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More C128 diagnostic cartridges
Additional diagnostic ROM images from the Zimmers.net archive.
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Ultra36 Hardware Instructions
Instructions for installing and using the Ultra36 hardware.
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Ultra36 Menu ROM
Source code for the Ultra36 menu program with some documentation.
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Build your own function ROM
Build your own function ROM or cartridge for the Commodore 128 with the cc65 C compiler.