Modern-day tribute to compact data storage: Tiny Datasette relies on USB technology

In an exciting development for retrocomputing enthusiasts, a creator known as [bitluni] has built a miniature replica of the Commodore Datasette using parts from a micro cassette dictaphone. The project, which serves as a proof-of-concept, improves on the original design by encoding data with frequency-shift keying, similar to how it was done on the Commodore 64.

The replica, reminiscent of the iconic "sticky tape and rust" associated with cassettes, is a testament to the ingenuity and passion of the retrocomputing community. [bitluni] disassembled the micro cassette dictaphone and rebuilt it into a Commodore-shaped case, making the device both functional and visually appealing.

The project involved prototyping and hacking, including building a resistor ladder DAC in an unpopulated part of a spare PCB from an unrelated project. The Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) is essential for getting data onto the micro cassettes. Due to the inferior tape transport of the dictaphone, [bitluni] duplicated each byte as a cheap error-correction hack to ensure correct reading.

Other cassette-mass-storage interfaces have been seen over the years, but this miniature replica stands out for its innovative approach and its faithful recreation of the Commodore Datasette. The micro cassette replica only fits about 1 MB of data, but [bitluni] has demonstrated loading PacMan (8 kB) from tape via USB, showcasing the functionality of the device.

The project was completed by at least early September 2025, as documented in a September 2025 Hackaday article and a YouTube video explaining [bitluni]'s process. The code for the project is available on GitHub for anyone interested in replicating the project or learning from it.

Interestingly, an old Datasette can be used with a modern PC, adding a nostalgic touch to modern computing. [bitluni] plans to turn the project into the world's least-practical mass storage device, further cementing its place in the annals of retrocomputing history.

Stephen Walters provided the tip for this project, sparking [bitluni]'s interest in creating this miniature replica. The project is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the retrocomputing community, and it's a reminder of the enduring appeal of the Commodore Datasette.