In this video we take a look at a Sharp CE-515P A4 sized 4-color printer/plotter imported from Japan. It uses a 3rd generation Alps printer/plotter mechanism. How similar is this mech to the older generations? Will our unit work? Will there be any complications with the voltage or character set differences? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 02:09 - # generations of Alps mechanism 04:53 – Teardown, theory of operation 17:56 – Power supply testing, 1st powerup 23:57 – If you fail to print, try, try again 32:07 – Wrap up, Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Sharp CE-515P, a 3rd gen Alps mech, A4 sized, 4-color printer/plotter. Clean up and test.Hey Birt!2023-08-19 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at a Sharp CE-515P A4 sized 4-color printer/plotter imported from Japan. It uses a 3rd generation Alps printer/plotter mechanism. How similar is this mech to the older generations? Will our unit work? Will there be any complications with the voltage or character set differences? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 02:09 - # generations of Alps mechanism 04:53 – Teardown, theory of operation 17:56 – Power supply testing, 1st powerup 23:57 – If you fail to print, try, try again 32:07 – Wrap up, Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Lets refurbish king of 1st gen Sharp pokecoms, the PC-1600K, with PC-1600P dock & CE-1600F floppy.Hey Birt!2024-09-21 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at the king of 1st generation Sharp pocket computers the PC-1600K along with its CE-1600P printer/sock and CE-1600F 2.5” floppy drive. Join in as we refurbish the whole system and see what surprise one of the components has in store for us.
Timeline: 00:00:00 – Welcome 00:01:47 – Evaluation of whole system 00:04:55 – PC-1600K computer teardown 00:17:31 – CE-1600P printer teardown 00:31:45 – CE-1600F floppy drive teardown 00:50:29 – The printer strikes back 01:01:42 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Tandy-Tastic! 38 Pounds of Tandy Model 100 literature and accessories!Hey Birt!2024-09-13 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look inside a rather large box of Tandy Model 100 goodies that was recently donated to the channel by Walt. Inside we find loads of literature and ample accessories. Join us and find out about all the acquisitions.
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Two oddball TRS-80 Model 100s. One is a one-of-a-kind prototype and the other has a blonde keyboard.Hey Birt!2024-09-07 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we refurbish two odd TRS-80 Model 100s. One of them is a one-of-a-kind prototype from the estate of Tandy engineer Frank Druda (thanks to my friend Eric D.). Second M100 has an odd ‘blonde’ keyboard. Let dig into both and see how much the prototype differs from a production unit and get them both fully operational again.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:37 – Teardown of ‘Blondie’ 05:55 – Tear down of the prototype 12:31 – Quick test on both units 20:16 – How to clean the DC input jack 21:43 – Prototype partial recap and testing 26:01 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Vintage DMM repair: Repairing and testing a Fluke 8810A and two Fluke 8000A DMMs.Hey Birt!2024-08-24 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
It’s time for another test instrument repair video. This episode we have three vintage Fluke DMMs on the bench. A nice 8810A 5 ½ digit meter with piano keys and two 8000As which are a more cost effective 3 ½ digit bit of kit. Can we get all three working. Will we have to fight with the ganged mechanical switches? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:13 – Fluke 8810A teardown, evaluation 09:52 – Fluke 8810A first power on and test 15:09 – Cleaning the ganged switches and retest 23:02 – Fluke 8000A 2x overview 24:55 – Fluke 8000A #1 teardown, test 34:06 – Fluke 8000A #2 teardown, test 37:50 – Fluke 8000A front panel removal, switch deep clean 43:32 – Wrap up. For want of unobtanium…
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Ferengi Friday - Odd Pockets from Japan, and some not so pocketable!Hey Birt!2024-08-16 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
It’s time for Ferengi Friday! This time we are opening a box of vintage goodies from Japan. Inside we have some pocket computers and computers that are not so pocketable. There are also some vintage Japanese pokecom ads and an interesting docking station. Join us for the fun.
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Universal Backpack DriveHey Birt!2024-08-10 | In this video we take a look at the newest member of the Backpack family, the ‘Universal Backpack Drive’. A newer version of the same microcontroller family was selected to allow both branches of firmware Epson + everything else to be merged into one ‘Universal’ firmware. Some design changes were also made to simplify construction and allow us to stay with the same low price.
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8TRS-80 Model 100 Beginners guide. I got a TRS-80 Model 100, now what?Hey Birt!2024-08-10 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
This video is a sort of quick start for those just getting a TRS-80 Model 100, 102 or Olivetti M10. I have done repairs videos on these machines but not a ‘getting started’ type of video. In this video we’ll try to cover the questions you might have when you get your first M100, T102, or Olivetti M10 which is a sexy Italian cousin of the M100. In a future video we’ll cover the M200 in a similar manner. We’ll cover things in general and I’ll include links to other videos where I do specific repairs. Buckle up. Let’s get started.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 02:11 – Visual inspection 04:55 – First power up 09:17 – Teardown and preventative maintenance 17:42 – Testing, keyboard, Serial port and burn in 24:03 – Modern mass storage options 30:21 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Sharp PC-1211 (TRS-80 PC-1) Repair-a-thon #2. Turning 5 broken pokecoms into 4 working ones!Hey Birt!2024-07-27 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a stack of 5 Sharp PC-1211 (TRS-80 PC-1) pokecoms and try to turn them into 4 working ones. In Part #1 we evaluated all 5 units and managed to fix two of them. In Part #2 we will attempt to get two more units working. It was quite the struggle, will we manage it? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:59 – Testing RAM/Logic chips 08:21 – CPU 1, CPU 2 swap 14:21 – LCD Driver #1 swap 15:28 – More chip swapping nonsense 23:41 – Back to unit #1 26:32 – Wrap up, thanks
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Sharp PC-1211 (TRS-80 PC-1) Repair-a-thon #1. Turning 5 broken pokecoms into 4 working ones!Hey Birt!2024-07-06 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a stack of 5 Sharp PC-1211 (TRS-80 PC-1) pokecoms and try to turn them into 4 working ones. We’ll first evaluate all 5 units to see what’s wrong and develop a game plan. Then we’ll dig into each unit in more detail to get as many fixed up as possible. Will we get 4 units out of 5 working? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:21 – Evaluate Units #1 - #4 12:07 – Evaluate Unit #5, detailed checks 22:09 – Detailed checks of Units #4 30:17 – Fix Unit #1 with guts of Unit #5 37:09 – Fix Unit #4, chip swap, LCD swap 47:40 – Wrap up, #2 near future Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8It’s alive! Finally, the recalcitrant PX-8 is reanimated.Hey Birt!2024-06-22 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we get back to the Epson PX-8 which failed to come back to life a few months ago. We recap episode #1 and cover new developments. Will we get it to boot? Will we find yet more problems? Join us and find out!
Timeline 00:00 – Welcome 01:21 – Recap of episode 1 & new progress 06:58 – Diagnostic ROM testing 12:48 – RAM R&R, retest 17:40 – Will it now boot? 19:02 – Cassette deck woes 30:22 – Reassemble and test 37:47 – More deck fun, wrap up
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Ferengi Friday! Casio-tastic with a smidge of SharpHey Birt!2024-06-14 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this Ferengi Friday video we take a belated look at some Japanese goodies that arrived just before Christmas last year and some related kit that just arrived this week. Lots of interesting Casio gear with a few Sharp units thrown in for good measure. Also, some nifty Japanese pocket computer advertisements.
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8The joy of (free) old technical manualsHey Birt!2024-05-25 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at some vintage technical manuals I obtained from a professor clearing out his office. Old manuals such as these are such a joy. They are full of great information that in many cases is hard or impossible to find elsewhere. The writing is also typically better than what we get today, more succinct and written by someone who is highly skilled at conveying technical information in written form.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:00 – Logitech IO digitizing notebooks 02:39 – HP DC Power Supply Handbook 03:51 – Motorola Zener Diode Handbook 04:41 – Sams Transistor Substitution Handbook 05:50 – Understanding Transformers and Coils 06:42 – Sylvania GTE Transistor Clinic 07:34 – Electrical Systems for Computer Installations 08:38 – IEEE TV Technology Today 09:35 – Introduction to Historical Geology 11:15 – K&R C Programming / ATT C Reference 13:06 – Chemistry in Agriculture 15:27 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8TRS-80 Model I with a screwy screen. Let’s fix it!Hey Birt!2024-05-04 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at one of the original ‘big three’ computers. A TRS-80 Model I. It has a screw screen output consisting of garbage repeated 4 times. Let’s take a look at this classic piece of computing history and get it working like new once again.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 00:52 – Symptoms and PCR 05:00 – Video Divider Chain 11:24 – Garbage screen cleaning 16:04 – Will Diag. ROM help? 24:38 – Keyboard testing 26:55 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Two new memory modules for Sharp PC-1500[A]!! 8x16K RAM or 8x16K RAM + 8x16K FLASHHey Birt!2024-04-05 | In this video we introduce two new memory modules for the Sharp PC-1500. The CE-1638 features 8x 16K RAM banks. The CE-163F also has 8x 16K RAM banks + 8x 16K FLASH banks. Both come with backup batteries for the RAM and firmware that runs behind the scenes which makes bank switching easy.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 00:29 – Overview of the new memory modules 04:46 – The CE-163F RAM/FLASH module 09:36 – The CE-1638 RAM module 15:32 – Wrap up. Questions?
Join us and find out how nifty these two modules are. Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8CE-158X Intro – A modern serial / parallel interface for Sharp PC-1500[A], PC-1600, TRS-80 PC-2Hey Birt!2024-04-02 | In this video we take a look at the CE-158X, a modern serial / parallel interface for the Sharp PC-1500[A], PC-1600 computers. The original Sharp CE-158 interfaces are rare, expensive and limited to 2400bps. We created the CE-158X as a modern higher speed replacement. With a solid transfer speed of 19200bps and an experimental 38400bps it takes far less time to transfer programs. We also incorporated a second serial port with a USB interface and the parallel port is now bidirectional.
Join us and find out more about the CE-158X.
Timeline: 00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – Overview, battery installation, How to Connect 05:56 – How to use, loading files, using parallel port 16:57 – Using USB serial port, How to disconnect Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Epson PX-8. A troubled triple processor CPM laptop from the 1980s. Part #1Hey Birt!2024-03-02 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at a very troubled Epson PX-8. This little beauty was quite the laptop back in the 1980s featuring the CPM operating system, a multiline tilt-up LCD, built in microcassette drive and a whopping three processors. We do our best to bring it back to fighting shape in this episode. There are signs of life, but we fall short of getting it booting up. Join us for the trial and tribulations of working on vintage computers.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 02:44 – Disassembly and evaluation 17:14 – Microcassette refurbishment 27:44 – LCD refurbishment 39:39 – Batteries and final assembly 57:57 – Testing 1-2-3 59:06 – Wrap up, next steps
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Recap or not? When to and not to recap. How to choose correct replacement parts.Hey Birt!2024-01-31 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we are going to try and demystify ‘recapping’. When should you replace capacitors, when should you leave well enough alone? We will also cover how to make a capacitor map and how to select the correct replacement parts.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:23 – Avoiding fads, when to recap, when not to 06:44 – Case study, VIC-20 12:58 – Cataloging caps, cap rating and specs 29:56 – Evaluating leaks 36:49 – Capacitor map, selecting replacement parts 50:46 – Wrap up
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Credits Capacitor image: By Suyash Dwivedi - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51532442 PCB Image: By User:Romanski - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1254100 Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Raise3D E2 Filament Stripping Quick Fix. May also apply to other printers.Hey Birt!2024-01-28 | Description In this video I show a quick fix to the occasional filament stripping problem I had with some filaments on my Raise3D E2 printer. I suspect that other printers could also benefit from this simple modification.
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8RS-232 Woes? Serial Coms setup and troubleshooting for your vintage gear.Hey Birt!2024-01-06 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look why ‘simple RS-232 communications are not always so simple. We’ll learn a bit about what RS-232 is, figure out how to properly wire two devices together and about tools that can help in this regard. We also learn how to configure the communication parameters and how to figure out why things aren’t working with your hardware and/or software.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:14 – Introduction to RS-232 05:28 – Wiring, connectors and tools. 16:05 – Example #1, DB9 to DB25 adapter 19:36 – Example #2, CGP-115 cable 35:05 – Example #3, EOL handshaking, wrap up, thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Modem Image: By secretlondon123 - Flickr: analogue modem, CC BY-SA 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13081709Sharp EL-5100, a groundbreaking and stylish 1979 programmable calculator gets a new LCD.Hey Birt!2023-12-23 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we install a newly manufactured LCD into Sharp EL-5100 calculator. The EL-5100, released in 1979, was a groundbreaking programmable calculator for Sharp. It was first to feature the AER algebraic programming and a dot matrix LCD. It is also a very stylish machine. Join us and find out how it all works out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:42 – LCD test for life 05:25 – Teardown 20:08 – Prep PCB and zebra strips 23:50 – LCD Swap, assemble, test 40:28 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Ferengi Friday Christmas 2023. TI 68K calcs, Mystery HP-71, Sharp goodies, PCBWay ChristmasHey Birt!2023-12-15 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
It’s time for another Ferengi Friday, Christmas 2023 edition! Join us as we take a look at the recent acquisitions that have made their way into the shop. We have some of TI’s 68K calculators, a mystery HP-71 system in bomb proof case, a little box of Sharp goodness and some PCBWay Christmas Swag. Grab your eggnog and hit play!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Foiled again! TRS-80 Model 2 keyboard refurbishment. Foil and foam pad replacement.Hey Birt!2023-11-29 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we refurbish a TRS-80 Model 2 Keytronic ‘foam and foil’ keyboard. After learning how to identify the type of keyboard we have a good general cleaning done and a new set of foil/foam pads are installed. We then use a simple BASIC program to test all the keys. Will we get all the keys functioning once more? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:04 – Keyboard types, teardown 12:14 – Foam/Foil pad R&R 22:46 – Reassembly, keycap cleaning and installation 34:23 – Testing 39:02 – Wrap up
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Interfacing the TRS-80 Model II and PC-2. The two ends of the TRS-80 spectrum working together.Hey Birt!2023-11-18 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we interface the opposite ends of the TRS-80 computer spectrum: the Model 2 and PC-2. We’ll find a way to create PC-2 programs on the M2, and transfer them using the M2’s TERMINAL program. Well also remotely control the M2 with the PC-2 using the HOST program. We’ll cover how things are wired up and then go over some upcoming M2 related episodes. Join us for the fun.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:18 – Using M2 BASIC as a text editor 07:39 – Using TERMINAL on M2 and PC-2, program transfer 13:57 – Trying HOST, remote control of Model 2 18:48 – How to wire M2 to PC-2 23:31 – Wrap up, upcoming M2 videos, thanks!
Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG82 different LCD problems, 2 repair attempts, 2 times the disappointmentHey Birt!2023-11-04 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at a pair of Casio FX-841P pocket computers sent in from England for repair. They both have LCD troubles, but each is a unique problem. We’ll do our best to get this pair of pokecoms purring perfectly. But sometimes fate has other plans.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:31 – Unit #2, missing rows on LCD 09:50 – LCD reseal attempt 13:57 – Testing and bodging 18:18 – Unit #1, dim LCD 21:51 – Testing and sadness 25:34 – Replacing mystery cap, test #2 27:37 – Wrap up Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Ferengi Friday On the Road: Acquisitions from a 2750 mile trek across USA.Hey Birt!2023-10-27 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this episode we take a look at all the acquisitions from a recent 2750 mile trek across the USA. We found everything from vintage paper to vintage pixels to computing devices pocket sized and well, not so pocket sized. Join us and have a gander.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:32 – Misc. from Tandy Assembly 2023 04:55 – Goodies from HHC 2023 14:27 – TRS-80 Model II Overview 22:28 – TRS-80 Model II Look Inside 25:03 – TRS-80 Model II Accessories 36:00 – TRS-80 Model II Power! 37:15 – Wrap up. Thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Tandy Assembly 2023 – A walk around the floor to see the displaysHey Birt!2023-10-21 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
I was able to attend Tandy Assembly 2023 this year. It is always a good time. Reuniting with friends, enjoying the presentations and machines, parts, misc. that folks bring to display and sell. I took a few walks around the floor to look at everything and stopped and talked to folks about their displays when I could. The audio quality is not great but then such shows are always noisy in person too.
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Testing 1-2-3, Testing a bunch of random vintage gear Im taking to a few showsHey Birt!2023-10-01 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we test a bunch of random vintage computer gear I’m taking along with me to two computer shows. I want folks to be able to use the computer and printers so we’ll try to work the bugs out now, before we leave. Join us and let’s see what works, what does not and how we get along with some last minute fixes.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:21 – Panasonic HHC, 6502 based pocket computer 05:26 – Two cassette decks we fixed a year ago 06:54 – Testing a Tandy TPDD-1 and TPDD-2 15:37 – The ‘Pig Pin” TRS-80 PC-1 and printer/cassette interface 21:02 – A quick look at a PC-1251/CE-125P and EL-5500-III/CE-122P 24:26 – TRS-80 Model 100, BPD+ and CGP-115 Printer/Plotter 28:29 – TRS-80 PC-2 with Printer/Cassette interface and CGP-115
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8MSD Super (leaky) Disk Drive SD-1. Can we cure this drive of incontinent capacitor syndrome?Hey Birt!2023-09-16 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at an MSD Super Disk Drive SD-1 for the Commodore VIC-20, C 64, and B series business machines. These have the reputation of being sturdily built but are also known for having leaking capacitors. This unit does not disappoint. Can we get it working again?
Join us and find out. Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:24 – Unboxing and tour 06:02 – Teardown and cap hunt on main PCB 23:10 – Drive disaster! 36:25 – Drive motor board 41:42 – Clean, lube, assemble 48:26 – Testing, fix and fix and fix again, set drive speed 56:18 – Wrap up, thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Ferengi Friday! Two boxes, one repair attempt. Once success, one failure.Hey Birt!2023-09-08 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
It’s time for another Ferengi Friday where we take a look at some of the recent acquisitions that have made their way into the shop. This week we have two boxes and do one repair attempt. We have one success and one failure but we learn a lot along and way.
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Sharp CE 125Hey Birt!2023-09-02 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we’ll refurbish a Sharp CE-125 microcassette and printer interface for the PC-1250/PC-1251 pocket computer. It will need a new set of belts installed after removing all the goo left behind by the originals. We’ll also install a new, custom-made battery pack. We’ll finish up testing it out and seeing if there are programs on the cassette that came with the unit.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 03:02 – Teardown, belt R & R 23:40 – Cassette mech install, printer check, battery pack install 33:50 – Tape eraser 34:47 – Testing 50:27 – Tidbits and wrap up
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8HP 3476A - Repair of a pair of slim sexy seventies Digital Multi MetersHey Birt!2023-08-05 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at a pair of slim sexy 70s digital multimeters by HP, the HP 3476A. These have been on the shelf for years. It is time to take them down. See what condition they are in and try to fix what is broken. Will we get lucky and get two testers ticking? Join us and find out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:25 – Initial evaluation and testing of both units 08:11 – Unit #1 Tear down and display doctoring 16:51 – Assembly and testing 26:56 – Unit #2 Big problem with a little meter 31:56 – Last desperate diagnostics 36:55 – Wrap up, thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8TRS 80 Model 200: No boot - Strange symptom, Simple fix. Bonus AA battery contact repairHey Birt!2023-07-29 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at a TRS-80 Model 200 which does not boot and has a strange symptom. This sort of symptom can lead one down the primrose path but luckily we find it is a simple fix and as a bonus we fix a bent AA battery contact as well.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:07 – Strange symptom 02:10 – Memory battery testing and replacement 08:11 – Partial assembly for testing and testing 11:08 – Bonus AA contact repair 14:37 – Wrap up. Thanks! Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Mini Monitor Mayhem, Hitachi VM-910AU, Comrex CR-5500Hey Birt!2023-07-22 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at two early 1980s composite CRT displays. One is a ultra boring 9” security monitor. Not much to look at but compact and sturdily built. The other is a super sexy 12” amber monitor which looks like it was made from a groovy 1970’s portable TV chassis. Let’s see if we can get these two mini monitors working.
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Alps Y Axis Gears Test 1Hey Birt!2023-07-20 | A quick test of a newly printed Y-Axis, anti-backlash, gearset for the Alps printer mechanisms. I mentioned in the video that the fitment between two gears was too tight and prevented offsetting for the proper anti-backlash effect. Turns out it was operator error; I was trying to rotate the inner gear the wrong direction. Silly me.Sharp CE-158X ‘EXTREME’. Long-term project – building the tools to then build the project.Hey Birt!2023-07-01 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at the CE-158X ‘EXTREME’, a more modern and improved RS232/LPT/USB interface for the Sharp PC-1500. This project has taken a few years to first build the tooling: Assembler, disassembler, processor simulator, library file generator. Thanks to a friend who created a PC-1500 simulator in hardware as well as the actual CE-158X the project really took off. Join us as we find out about what went into creating the CE-158X and what it can do.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:18 – Project introduction 04:40 – Phone a friend, a friend unleashes his wizardry 14:56 – Demonstrations 24:25 – Wrap up, next steps
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Chill out! Easy, reversable, efficient, inexpensive way to cool down your C= 1541.Hey Birt!2023-06-17 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we discover why the Commodore 1541 disk drive gets so warm. We cover a few modern remedies for this problem and then try one out. We’ll instrument our 1541 and collect temperature data with both the original regulators and new modern replacements. How much cooler will our C= 1541 run? Join us and find out.
Timeline 00:00 – Welcome 01:06 – Why do linear regulators get hot? 06:08 – Switching regulators, data collection 13:34 – Swapping in new switching regulators 18:20 – Testing new switching regulators 26:00 – Results 28:13 – Wrap up Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Cart Trek – A five year mission to find the C64 fast loader cart of my youthHey Birt!2023-05-30 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
This video is a bit of a ‘mission report’ on my five-year trek to find the same sort of C64 fast load cart I had as a kid. Will I find one? Will it work? What about the compatibility problems I experienced as a kid? Join us and find out how this long turn mission worked out.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:20 – The five-year mission 06:07 – Testing and a surprise! 09:05 – Compatibility testing and another surprise! 13:!4 – Warp up, cart on/off switch?
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Vintage Document Preservation: Imaging HW, Editing SW, PDF creation. Featuring CZUR ET24 ProHey Birt!2023-05-13 | In this video we’ll explore both the hardware and software used to image and preserve vintage computer documentation. The first step of course is scanning or imaging the documentation. We’ll briefly talk about flatbed scanners but concentrate on using the CZUR ET 24 Pro as I recently got one.
Once the imaging is done, we’ll use various free software packages to edit the images and create a searchable PDF thanks to OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 00:35 – Overview of the process 05:49 – Using a flatbed scanner 10:18 – CZUR ET 24 Pro tour and use 25:42 – GIMP 37:04 – IRFANVIEW 40:10 – PDF Creator 46:27 – Wrap up, thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Ferengi Friday – Two months of unopened acquisitions. What is in those boxes?Hey Birt!2023-04-28 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
It is time for another Ferengi Friday! Ferengi Friday is that time when we take a look at the recent acquisitions that have made their way into the shop. Boxes have been piling up for months now, what is inside? Join us and find out!
Timeline: 00-00 – Welcome 00:36 – Box #1: TRS-80 PC-1 and PC-2 SW and HX, plus misc. 08:08 – Box #2: A Japanese redhead, NEC-8201 12:49 – Box #3: An M100 from a trade 14:31 – Box #4: Even more TRS-80 PC-1 boxed SW
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Dodgy Bodgy – Fixing up a TRS-80 Model 102 with a few questionable vintage upgrades.Hey Birt!2023-04-15 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com/g/m3hn11
In this video we take a look at a Tandy/TRS-80 Model 102 with a few questionable vintage upgrades. No doubt someone did the best they could back in the day but they did not age well. We’ll revert these mods to more of a factory condition and then get led down the primrose path when testing. Will we get this poor little T102 working again?
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:28 – What’s the problem? 06:13 – Fixing those ‘upgrades’ 21:42 – Testing 27:00 – Down the primrose path… 35:11 – Wrap up, thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Backpack Trip #1. uSD storage for vintage portable computers. Basic operation and CLI introduction.Hey Birt!2023-04-01 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we’ll follow on from the Backpack Quick Start. We’ll cover the differences in the newer Backpack Drive Plus (BPD+), and discuss the file layout on GitHub for both versions. We will also find out how to discover if the .BA programs for your M100 are really .DO, what problems this causes and how to avoid them. We will learn how to change the operating mode for machines covered in standard firmware, how to update firmware including updating to the special Epson version. We will then take a look at the adapters that are available to connect the Backpack with your computer.
In an upcoming episode we’ll go into more advanced Backpack topics such as transferring files using XMODEM, writing BASIC programs to access Backpack feature and connecting the BPD to your PC and accessing it through VirtualT.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:01 – Differences between BPD and BPD+ 04:28 – The users manual, GitHub page and product page 05:09 – Model T computers: How to tell if .BA files are really .DO 10:10 – CLI basics 17:30 – Adapters for other computers, wrap up
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Easy Lithium Power UpgradeHey Birt!2023-03-11 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at some spiffy AA/AAA sized Lithium rechargeable batteries. Modern rechargeable lithium power for vintage gear without any modifications. I have been testing these cells for more than a year now and am pleased with how they perform. It was time to be a little more scientific though and do some actual tests to see how they perform compared to alkaline cells. Join us for the results.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:14 – Introduction to Lithium AA/AAA cells 06:22 – Testing 10:14 – Test results 12:49 – Differences in battery chemistry 14:05 – Wrap up. Thanks! Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Dial-A-ROM - A nifty new multi-ROM for vintage portable computers.Hey Birt!2023-02-25 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at the ‘Dial-A-ROM’ a spiffy new multi-ROM for vintage portable computers. It was designed by the same guy who did the Backpack drive. First, we’ll learn how to use the Dial-A-ROM with the ROM images that come preinstalled on it. Then we’ll see how to add our own ROM images if we so desire.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:10 – DAR Intro, installation and ROM activation 04:44 – DAR programming (option) 10:34 – Testing new ROM we programmed 13:50 – Wrap up
Join us and see how nifty the DAR is! Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Easy TRS-80 M100 (and NEC PC-8201a) factory RS-232 mod 40 years late!Hey Birt!2023-02-18 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2-layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at an official TRS-80 Model 100 factory modification that was done to the RS-232 port. This was released as TSB 100-001 almost 40 years ago. The early M100s had too large a currently limiting resistor in the RS-232 output lines which caused compatibility problems with some other TRS-80 products as well as other RS-232 devices.
We discover what the problem is, we apply the modification as per the bulletin, and test the results to see how it performs. We also find this same modification also applies to the NEC-8201a which uses the exact same RS-232 circuit design and has the same problem.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 02:46 – Problem demonstration and source 10:48 – Fixing the problem 16:32 – Testing our fix 18:17 – It works for the NEC PC-8201a too! 18:50 – Wrap up. Thanks! Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8DIY - Alps plotter mechanism paper feed gear ‘patch’Hey Birt!2023-02-11 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at a ‘patch’ for the ubiquitous Alps plotter mechanism. The most common issue with these lovely plotters is cracked stepper pinion gears, we fixed that previously by installing new, custom made, brass gears. The second most common problem is a cracked hub on the paper feed ‘anti-backlash’ gear. Join us as we find a way to patch this cracked hub up so we can plot again.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:15 – Problem description, patch demo 07:50 – Fixing a real printer 14:18 – Testing, and fixing the fix, retesting 18:15 – Wrap up, so you have broken plotter?
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Plot(ter) Twist, Two different vintage printer/plotters get refurbished (CGP-115, MCP-40)Hey Birt!2023-01-28 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at a pair of vintage printers/plotters from two different manufacturers. They both use the infamous Alps mechanism. We’ll have a peek inside to see how much they are alike and how they differ. We’ll then try to fix what needs fixing and give them both a whirl. Will we get them both running? Join us and find out.
00:00 – Welcome 01:10 – Overview of plotters 03:11 – A look at the mechanisms 13:58 – Replacing pinion gears 22:09 – Putting it back together 23:46 – Testing 35:25 – Wrap up
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8NEC PC-8201A: Where was I? Finishing up a repair started two years ago!Hey Birt!2023-01-21 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
After spending the last 3 weeks finishing up old projects that have been accumulating on my workbench, I am down to two projects left on the bench. In this video we will tackle one of them, a NEC PC-8201A that was started about two years ago. I don’t remember where I left off, why I did not finish it at the time or even if I still have all the parts. Join us and see if the PC-8201A can be saved.
As a bonus we will look inside a very odd option ROM that came in this PC-8201A. It is not what it seems on the outside…
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 02:02 – Evaluation, sorting parts, power on test 11:26 – Refurbish LCD/Keyboard, replacing ‘death foam’ 22:51 – Replacing memory battery, short circuit prevention 31:08 – Power supply recap 33:02 – Reassembly 39:21 – Testing, configuring batter cassettes 41:53 – Bonus, the faux EPROM 44:46 – Wrap up, thanks!
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8Dodgy Bodgy? A very hungry TRS-80 26-3612, RS-232 Interface (Sharp CE-158)Hey Birt!2022-12-31 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at a TRS-80 26-3612 RS-232 interface for the PC-2. It appeared to be a NIB find but does not work. When trying to power on it has excessive current draw. The fix was accidental and surprising leading to discovering a very odd factory mod. I still have no idea what this factory mod was for.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:37 – Problem description and demonstration 06:00 – Research and DC-DC convertor secondary testing 08:11 – Testing primary side of DC-DC convertor. It magically works! 12:37 – Testing operation, loading a program from PC.
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Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8A TRS-80 Model 200 that does not know when to quit, or start again.Hey Birt!2022-12-24 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.com
In this video we take a look at a Model 200 with an interesting problem. It turns itself on and you can’t turn it off. Once off you can’t turn it back on again. This was an interesting problem, and I get thrown off track a bit at first. We get there in the end with a very simple solution.
Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome 01:21 – Problem demo and research 03:27 – Teardown, temporary power switch and false hope 09:42 – New switch, same problem! 16:53 – Wrap up. Thanks!
Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!
Credits Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrien Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8