The C64 Dead Test Font
The article explores the unique font used in the C64 Dead Test diagnostic cartridge, highlighting its distinct characteristics and implementation. It notes the lack of existing documentation on this font and aims to fill that gap. Additionally, the article discusses the relationship between the Dead Test font and other Commodore character ROMs.
- ▪The C64 Dead Test cartridge features a special font embedded in its ROM, independent of the built-in Character ROM.
- ▪This font is instantly recognizable and is not used in any other context.
- ▪The Dead Test cartridge implements only 58 characters, focusing on upper-case letters, digits, and a few punctuation marks.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The C64 Dead Test Font May 24, 2026 A deep dive into the font of the “Dead Test” diagnostic cartridge of the C64, including an Easter egg, a look into the implementation, and, finally, some Commodore 8-bit character ROMs for download. kbd { display: inline-block; height: 1.4em; width: 1.4em; text-align: center; background-color: #eee; border-radius: 3px; color: #555; border: #dcdcdc 1px solid; box-sizing: border-box; vertical-align: bottom; line-height: normal; } article aside { margin: 2em 0.5em; padding: 1.5em 1.25em 2em 1.5em; background-color: rgba(155,224,239,0.125); border-radius: 8px; color: #555; } pre small { font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px; } main article ul.blue-bullet li::marker { color: #99c7d9; } main article h2 { margin-top: 2em; } Recently, having a cursory look around…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Now Go Bang! — mass:werk / Blog.
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