ShredJan 28, 2024
This #RetroWeekend I have something very special for you: A #Commodore #A1060 #Sidecar. 😁​ I got it in May 2023. The restoration wasn't easy, and it took me several month (with longer breaks). I will tell you about it in this thread. 🧵​ #RetroComputer
Show threadShredDec 31, 2023

Okay, before I let you go to your New Year's party, let's finish the #ZXSpectrum128. 😁​

I checked the RGB to SCART cable I got from Sintech, and found two problems: The "bright" signal is not connected, and they actually used a Stereo audio jack, so the sound came from the left side only. I bought a pre-assembled cable so I won't have to solder it myself. Now I had to fix it with three additional 150Ω resistors and three 1N4148, which was quite tricky in the tiny space.

Now the bright colors are displayed, and the sound is much better. First problem (AY sound and bright mode) is fixed. #Retrocomputing #RetroWeekend

ShredDec 30, 2023

What about ending the year 2023 with another #RetroWeekend? 😀​ Yesterday I got a #ZXSpectrum128 that I am going to restore now. This model is nicknamed "Toastrack" because of the shape of the heatsink on the right side.

The Toastrack Speccys are a bit hard to find today, especially in a good condition. But this model here is even harder to find...

#Retro #Sinclair #SinclairZxSpectrum

ShredNov 18, 2023

Let's do a bit of #RetroWeekend again. I have two #CompetitionPro mini here, both with worn out microswitches. Instead of replacing the switches, I will build up new boards (I will tell later why). The replica boards are designed by @Zitruskeks and can be found here: https://github.com/InsaneDruid/CompetitionProStarMini .

#Retro #RetroComputing

GitHub - InsaneDruid/CompetitionProStarMini: A replacement PCB for the Competition pro mini and pro star mini Joysticks to easily replace failing microswitches.

A replacement PCB for the Competition pro mini and pro star mini Joysticks to easily replace failing microswitches. - GitHub - InsaneDruid/CompetitionProStarMini: A replacement PCB for the Competit...

GitHub
ShredAug 20, 2023

This #RetroWeekend I will have a look at the #Lambda8300. It is a #ZX81 clone from 1983 that was made in Hong Kong. It was sold worldwide under different names, like PC 8300, DEF 3000, Tonel PC, Futura 8300, Power 3000.

Although it's a clone, there are a few, but major differences. It has 2KB of internal RAM (ZX81 had only 1KB), a slightly different character set, it could make sound, and BASIC keywords could be typed out (ZX81 had the keywords assigned to individual keys).

ShredAug 12, 2023
For this #RetroWeekend I planned something classic. I got this #Sinclair #ZXSpectrum several months ago. It's very likely broken, but I haven't found the time to check it. I already did the composite mod, so let's hook it up to a monitor and find out what's happening.
ShredAug 11, 2023
Sneak preview of one of the upcoming #RetroWeekend|s. Do you know which home computer model it is?
ShredJul 7, 2023

Quite some time ago, I asked you what I should restore next, and you voted for a #Commodore #Amiga #CD32 that was showing no picture. This project was waiting in my to-do box for some months now, and I did a bit here and a bit there. Let's use this #RetroWeekend to (hopefully) fix this machine.

#RetroComputing #RetroRepair

ShredJun 3, 2023

Today I'm going to refurbish the second of three #C64 that are still waiting for repair. When I got this one, it was quite dirty and with permanent marker text on the back. It was sold as defective because it showed no picture, which I could already fix by replacing the VIC. I also already cleaned the case, and fully disassembled and cleaned the keyboard. (Photo shows the "before" state, of course. 😉​ )

Next step: Recapping, and replacing the 7805 with a DC/DC converter.

#RetroWeekend #Commodore #RetroComputing #RetroRepairs

ShredMay 29, 2023

I still have three #C64 that are waiting for repair. Today is a holiday here, and since my mancave is currently in a mess anyway, let's refurbish them (or at least one of them).

#RetroWeekend #Commodore #RetroComputing #RetroRepairs