What is the Commodore 1702 monitor?

The Commodore 1702 is a 13-inch CRT colour monitor made by Commodore for the Commodore 64. It connects via a dedicated Chroma/Luma cable, which gives a sharper and more colourful picture than a standard composite or RF television connection. It also has built-in speakers for the C64's audio output.

How do I connect a 1702 to my Commodore 64?

Plug the DIN connector of a Chroma/Luma cable into the video port on the right side of the C64, and the other end into the matching input on the back of the 1702. Connect the C64's audio output to the audio input on the monitor. Switch on the monitor first, adjust brightness and contrast, then switch on the C64.

What resolution does the 1702 display?

The 1702 displays the Commodore 64's native output of 320 x 200 pixels in standard mode, or 160 x 200 pixels in multicolour mode. Because the monitor was made specifically for the C64, it reproduces the 16-colour palette with accuracy that a general-purpose television cannot match.

Can I use a modern monitor instead of the 1702?

Yes. Modern monitors and televisions do not have a Chroma/Luma input, so you need an adapter. A common option is an S-Video to HDMI converter, which takes the C64's video signal and outputs it to a standard HDMI display. The picture quality is good but differs slightly from the analogue CRT look of the original 1702.

Does the 1702 have built-in speakers?

Yes. The 1702 has built-in mono speakers and an audio input that accepts the C64's audio signal directly. You only need the monitor and a single audio cable to get both picture and sound from your C64, without an external amplifier or television.

Is the Commodore 1702 compatible with other computers?

The 1702 accepts a composite video signal as well as the Chroma/Luma input, so it can work with other computers and game consoles from the same era that use composite output. It was sold primarily as a C64 accessory but is not exclusive to the C64.

Where can I find a user manual for the 1702?

A scanned copy of the original Commodore 1702 user manual is available as a PDF download on this page. The manual covers connection, setup, and adjustment of brightness, contrast, colour, tint and sharpness.

How does the 1702 compare to using a television?

The 1702 produces a noticeably sharper image than a standard composite television connection because it uses the separate Chroma and Luma signals from the C64's video port. Colours are more accurate, text is easier to read, and there is no RF interference. For anyone using a real C64, the 1702 is the closest to how the machine was intended to be seen.

Commodore 1702 Monitor

The original 13-inch CRT monitor made by Commodore for the C64. Dedicated Chroma/Luma input, built-in speakers, and accurate 16-colour display.

Commodore 1702: the dedicated CRT monitor for the C64

The Commodore 1702 is the original display designed specifically for the Commodore 64. Released alongside the C64, it was built to show the machine's graphics and colour palette at their best.

Unlike a standard television, the 1702 uses a dedicated Chroma/Luma input that separates the colour and brightness signals from the C64's video port. This produces a sharper, more accurate picture than composite or RF connections. Built-in speakers handle the C64's audio output, so no external amplifier is needed.

The 1702 remains the benchmark for authentic C64 display quality. Its 13-inch screen, accurate colour reproduction and period-correct CRT look make it the preferred choice for collectors and retro enthusiasts who want the original experience.

Commodore 1702 CRT monitor for the Commodore 64

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Design and features of the 1702

Commodore designed the 1702 to complement the C64's visual capabilities in a way that a household television could not. The monitor sits on a matching grey base and shares the same industrial styling as the C64 and 1541 disk drive, giving a cohesive look to a complete Commodore setup.

The front panel controls give direct access to brightness, contrast, colour and tint. The Chroma/Luma input on the rear ensures that the C64's graphics are displayed with the same clarity intended by the VIC-II chip designers. The SID chip audio output feeds directly into the built-in speakers via a standard audio cable.

▶13-inch CRT screen with dedicated Chroma/Luma input
▶Supports the full C64 colour palette of 16 colours
▶Built-in mono speakers with audio input
▶Front-panel controls: brightness, contrast, colour and tint
▶Composite video input for compatibility with other devices
▶Designed to match the C64's grey colour scheme

How to connect the 1702 to your C64

Setting up the 1702 is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best picture and sound quality from your Commodore 64.

01
Connect the video cable
With the C64 switched off, plug the Chroma/Luma DIN cable into the video port on the right side of the C64. Connect the other end to the matching input on the back of the 1702.
02
Connect the audio cable
Run an audio cable from the C64's audio output to the audio input on the 1702. This feeds the SID chip output directly to the monitor's built-in speakers.
03
Connect the power lead
Plug the 1702's power lead into a mains socket. The monitor has its own built-in power supply and does not draw power from the C64.
04
Switch on and adjust
Switch the monitor on using the power button. Use the front-panel controls to adjust brightness, contrast, colour and tint to your preference before switching on the C64.
05
Switch on the C64
Switch on the Commodore 64. The display will appear immediately. No additional driver software or configuration is required.

Download the user manual

▶Commodore 1702 User Manual (PDF)

Original Commodore manual covering installation, adjustment and maintenance.

Commodore 1702 monitor user manual cover page

Technical specifications

Display

Screen type	CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube)
Screen size	13 inches
Native resolution	320 x 200 pixels
Colour support	Up to 16 colours
Aspect ratio	4:3

Connections

Video input	Chroma/Luma (S-Video style)
Composite input	Yes
Audio input	3.5mm / RCA mono
Power	Built-in power supply

Audio

Speakers	Built-in mono
Audio source	C64 SID chip output
Volume control	Yes, front-panel knob

General

Manufacturer	Commodore Business Machines
Model number	1702
Compatible with	Commodore 64, VIC-20, C128
Colour	Light grey (matches C64)
Year introduced	1982

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