Retro Computer System

Commodore PET System Guide

The Commodore PET was one of the pioneering personal computers of the late 1970s, combining the computer, keyboard, monitor, BASIC, and storage into a distinctive all-in-one machine. This page serves as a central hub for Commodore PET videos, PET 2001 and PET 4032 projects, software, demos, repairs, and upgrades, with more available in the video archive.

"The Worlds First Personal Computer: The Commodore PET (Personal Electronic Transactor)" - Chuck Peddle

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Commodore PET Videos, Systems, and Resources

Explore Commodore PET systems, restoration projects, storage devices, video upgrades, software, games, demos, repairs, and related hardware featured in the Geek With Social Skills archive.

Videos and Projects

This section features Geek With Social Skills videos covering Commodore PET systems, restoration projects, storage devices, display upgrades, software, games, demos, repairs, and related hardware.

Commodore PET Systems

Storage and Peripherals

Video Output and Display Upgrades

Software, Games, and Demos

Repairs and Restoration

This section will continue to grow as new Commodore PET videos and project pages are published.

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Commodore PET Resources and Downloads

The following external resources provide software, documentation, hardware projects, modern accessories, utilities, programming references, and other valuable information for the Commodore PET line of computers.

Hardware and Accessories

The below resources offer modern Commodore PET hardware upgrades, accessories, and kits available for purchase.

Commodore PET Assembled or Kits:

Commodore PET Repair or Replacement Parts:

Software Archives

Community Forums

The name VOGONS stands for "Very Old Games On New Systems" and is a playful reference to the bureaucratic alien race from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

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System Overview

The Commodore PET developed into a family of related systems, so memory, keyboard style, display size, storage, and other features vary by model.

  • Introduced: 1977
  • CPU: MOS Technology 6502, approximately 1 MHz
  • Built-in Operating System: Commodore BASIC in ROM
  • Memory: Configurations ranged from early 4 KB and 8 KB systems to later 16 KB and 32 KB models
  • Display: Built-in monochrome CRT, with 40-column and later 80-column models
  • Keyboard: Early calculator-style keyboard on the original PET 2001, followed by full-size keyboards on later models
  • Storage: Cassette storage on early systems, with external cassette and IEEE-488 disk drive options across the PET/CBM line
  • Graphics: Character-based display using Commodore PETSCII characters

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Technical Specifications

Specifications changed throughout the Commodore PET and CBM product line. The following describes the core architecture and common features shared across many PET systems rather than a single model.

Processor and Memory

  • MOS Technology 6502 processor running at approximately 1 MHz
  • Commodore BASIC stored in ROM
  • RAM configurations varied by model, including 4 KB, 8 KB, 16 KB, and 32 KB systems

Video and Display

  • Built-in monochrome CRT display
  • 40-column x 25-line text display on many PET models
  • 80-column x 25-line text display on later business-oriented models
  • PETSCII character set for text, symbols, and character-based graphics

Storage and Expansion

  • Cassette storage using Commodore Datasette hardware
  • IEEE-488 interface for compatible Commodore disk drives and peripherals
  • Expansion and user ports varied across the PET/CBM family

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History and Legacy

Introduced in 1977, the Commodore PET was one of the landmark machines of the early personal computer era.

The original PET 2001 combined a MOS Technology 6502 processor, Commodore BASIC in ROM, a keyboard, monochrome display, and built-in cassette storage in a single case.

Later PET and CBM models expanded the line with more memory, improved keyboards, larger displays, business-friendly configurations, and machines such as the PET 4032 that became familiar in schools, offices, and computer labs.

The Commodore PET helped define what an all-in-one personal computer could be before the Commodore VIC-20, Commodore 64, and later Commodore machines reached a much larger home audience.

Its built-in BASIC, character-based display, PETSCII graphics, IEEE-488 peripherals, cassette and disk storage options, and sturdy classroom-friendly design made it an important part of early computing history.

For Geek With Social Skills, the PET line connects restoration, preservation, homebrew software, demos, vintage games, school computer memories, and the broader story of Commodore before the C64 era.

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