Retro Computer Hardware Stash - Part 3 - Spectrum & AmigaError 422024-10-21 | Retro Computer Hardware Stash - Part 3 - Spectrum & AmigaWorkbench Camera Bracket ReplacementError 422023-09-11 | Replacing and altering a small plastic bracket for a GitUp GoPro style camera that I use to take snapshots of the workbench from time to time. It's been broken for a while and now I can get in the room again it seemed a good opportunity to get around to sorting it out.More Server Abuse - Lenovo System X3100 M5 - Testing It WorksError 422023-08-02 | Probably the last of the large system teardowns. This was also recorded some time ago around March 2022. This system was a bit of a pain, damaged in the post, issues with a locked BIOS and very limited on RAM support. The end result, a very frustrating evening with lots of swearing!CD30 MP3 Stereo Head Unit and Screen Change on Vauxhall Astra HError 422023-07-27 | I swap out a CD30 for a CD30 MP3 and the 2 line display for the the 3 line version. I wanted to be able to get a lot more playback time for music and podcast type audio recordings without having to mess about with CD's while on the go. I could use the line in an hook up an MP3 plater or phone, but I didn't want extra devices and wires. And I also wanted something tactile to use that didn't need looking at while driving. So the stereo upgrade made the most sense and was pretty cheap to do.
There were some problems I had when doing this as the first stereo/display pair I had was not a matched pair so was not usable. So a clip or two in the footage may be inconsistent. But the general process is pretty much covered.
If the head unit is not paired with the original display it came with, then "Display Safe" will be shown and the display will not show any information from the stereo/radio or onboard systems. This is a security measure to prevent head units being stolen to "upgrade" an existing installation. If you are buying 2nd hand make sure to get a matched display.Quick Look at a Lenovo D30 Workstation - Damaged in The PostError 422023-07-20 | This was recorded some time towards the end of 2021. Just taking a quick look at this one as the case was slightly damaged in the post.Server Gutting for Future Project - Fujitsu Primergy TX140 S1 TeardownError 422023-07-13 | This was recorded some time in 2021 along with a few other teardowns. I'm removing all the components as I only really wanted this system for the case and the hard drive bays. I got over what's inside the system and do a few checks to make sure that it will take standard PC components for the project I want to use it for. More to follow on the project when I eventually get around to it.Dell T20 PC Tower Teardown for Future Case RepurposingError 422023-07-06 | This was recorded some time in 2021 along with a few other teardowns. I'm removing all the components as I only really wanted this system for the case. I do a bit of checking to make sure that it will take a standard MATX sized motherboard. Hopefully at some point I will get around to doing something with the now empty case :-)Astra Side Light Lens RepairError 422023-07-04 | A quick repair to rebond the clear plastic lens back to the rest of the housing. It came away when I tried to remove the unit to replace a bulb and see why it was misting up with condensation.
4 Jul 2023Projects Going Nowhere FastError 422022-11-09 | I recorded this over a year ago and I'm still nowhere near getting done a fraction of the things I'd like to. Most of which isn't even mentioned here.Random vlog - July & August - Part 2Error 422022-11-07 | Just another random selection of crap I've recorded for no good reason at all.
Getting things back in place and sorting out the dodgy PSU fan. The usual bit of batch cooking. I still haven't figured out where the popping sounds came from though.Knackered Old Boots - TeardownError 422022-10-28 | These boots aren't made for walking anymore.Random vlog - July & August - Part 1Error 422022-10-24 | Just another random selection of crap I've recorded for no good reason at all.
Random mumbling in the garden. The usual look in the fridge and freezer. PC disassembly. Desk disassembly. A missing loaf of bread. And random popping sounds that I've still not figured out the source of...
This got a bit long so has been split into two parts.pH Testing Amiga A600 Capacitor Leakage on The PCBError 422022-07-07 | An experiment with pH testing across the whole of an Amiga A600 board for the affects of capacitor leakage and corrosion. This was just a bit of an experiment. I start off doing some hap hazard tests and then get a bit more methodical towards the end.Cleaning Up Old PC Cases - PC Buildathon - Part 2Error 422022-06-20 | Just a short video of some PC case cleaning. There will be some repairs along with reassembly in the next video. All of this footage was recorded some time ago.Totally Random vlog - A Waste of 45 Minutes of Your LifeError 422022-06-18 | Just a random vlog of random stuff, not retro related as such. This will probably be a waste of your time, so don't blame me :-)Another Amiga A600Error 422022-05-31 | This is another Amiga A600 bought some time ago. This was sold as not working. Apparently it powers on but only show a black screen.
I'll take a look inside first for any obvious problems before powering on, then see if it powers up at all and if it does to what extent.
There will be a follow up to this video with some recapping work. I'll want to recap this regardless of the state of the existing caps as a precautionary/preventative maintenance measure, against possible future capacitor leakage and corrosion.Stripping Down Old PCs - PC Buildathon - Part 1Error 422022-04-03 | Stripping down some old PC's to reuse the cases. These are mainly Dell Dimensions. All of this footage was recorded some time ago.PC Buildathon - Part 0Error 422022-04-03 | It's long past time to sort out all of this PC crap.BIOS Access Irritation - Its not just me is it?Error 422022-03-03 | It's not just me is it?Wham Storage Boxes - Cheap and StrongError 422022-01-24 | A quick look at some pretty sturdy Wham recycled plastic storage boxes I found to be quite cheap at Halfords.Wandering Mind Waffle 2022 Week 01-02Error 422022-01-18 | Waffling on about the first couple of weeks of the year so far.
Amiga A500 First Run and Testing Some Hardware youtu.be/fm8GNAx1C9kWandering Mind Waffle 2022 Week 00Error 422022-01-04 | Just trying something out and waffling on about nothing.
Retro Computer Hardware Stash - Part 3 - Spectrum & Amiga youtu.be/AMzPIDLxJ2oCore 2 Duo and Random Hardware Tangent - Teardown and WaffleError 422021-10-19 | Just a random video about nothing really :-)Saturn Server Tower Case - Teardown and Cleanup - Part 2Error 422021-10-11 | Finishing cleaning and looking through the hardware from the Saturn tower case.Saturn Server Tower Case - Teardown and Cleanup - Part 1Error 422021-07-17 | An old tower case I have had for some years that was bought second hand. I finally get around to doing a teardown and seeing what's inside it, apparently a lot of dust!PC Triffids In The Light of DayError 422021-07-14 | Just a little project that got out of hand :-)Dropkick Deliveries Inc and FU Parcels LtdError 422021-07-13 | There's nothing like receiving a nice freshly smashed parcel in the post...eBay eWaste - The Crap That People SellError 422021-07-12 | It's worth checking certain items thoroughly before using them when they are second hand. Especially CPUs.PC Triffids Are Taking Over The KitchenError 422021-06-19 | Help!Laser Mini Ratchet and Hex Bit Set ReviewError 422021-06-19 | A quick review of a really handy small ratchet that takes standard sized screwdriver hex bits. A great little tool for getting into awkward spaces that a screwdriver wouldn't otherwise fit into. Note: There are no lasers :-)An Ordinary Kitchen Appliance...Error 422021-06-18 | I think it fits in nicely with the microwave and kettle.A Weekend Down The DrainError 422021-02-25 | Uncovering and sorting out a blocked drain. Exciting times :-DYouTube Spam Bots and Hacked AccountsError 422020-05-27 | Taking a look at some of the spam bots currently on YouTube.
Links to other related videos on spamming/hacked accounts etc:
"Go To Channel" Option REMOVED in Apr 2020. YouTube Changes! youtube.com/watch?v=lYLsgEVVZvAElectrical Junk PileError 422020-05-26 | This is another older video. A bunch of stuff that was dropped off by a friend a long time ago finally gets sorted out. Most of it should probably have gone in the bin...Pentium MMX Based Windows 95 Tiny Computers PCError 422020-04-30 | A look at an old Pentium MMX based Tiny PC, most likely from the late 90's. I also have a look around the Windows 95 installation on here to see what I can find. There's nothing particularly interesting on here, but it's interesting to see all the old OS software again after a very long time.
This video was originally recorded around April 2019.Toaster TeardownError 422020-04-24 | After finally having had enough of the toaster jamming up I replaced it. So I decided to tear it down and take a look at how it all works (or doesn't).
There's a lot to be desired with how this thing is put together. At times I was wondering if it was made from recycled razor blades, the casing certainly felt like it might have been.
All in all, an interesting mechanism that's just sadly let down by one deficient part.
This is another older video, probably recorded some time around the end of 2019 I think.Sorting and WafflingError 422020-04-21 | Sorting and WafflingAmiga A600 - Looking for Red - RGB Fix - Part 8Error 422020-04-18 | A surprise new problem that didn't exist the last time I turned it on. All GB and no R. I spend some time trying the obvious then things get more involved and the scope comes out to help track down the problem.3 Minutes of Intense Disk SwappingError 422020-04-08 | I finally got fed up of the chaotic state of all the floppy disks I have, so decided to give them a bit of a sort out. There's something oddly satisfying about this video :-) Most of these disks where given to me from two other people. Only a small number of disks from my old Amiga and some early PC disks still remain.
This was recorder mid January 2020 on an unusually sunny day. If you look closely, you can see the sun moving across the sky in the rays that are cast onto the bench through the blinds.Amiga A600 - Testing and Chip Removal - Part 7Error 422020-04-06 | It's been a few weeks since the last video. This time I do some testing and going over various issues I've found. Also lot of waffle and the fairly smokey removal of a suspected faulty CIA chip.Just a Waffling UpdateError 422020-03-29 | Just a waffle about a few things: - A general where things are at. - Working from home. - The Folding@home project. - Amiga A600 series (there will be more). - Current projects and others on the long list.
Fran Blanche - Real HEPA Filters for the Lab! Blueair Classic 605 and 280i youtube.com/watch?v=j0bVS2iNXuAAmiga A600 - Reconnecting - Part 6Error 422020-03-04 | I put back a few of the ports and connectors that will be needed to do some testing.Amiga A600 - Drowning Her Sorrows - Part 5Error 422020-02-27 | A literally wash down of the A600 PCB with white vinegar and IPA, using the sonic toothbrush to aid cleanup. It comes up looking pretty good considering. But I do think it could do with more work in some areas.Amiga A600 - Connectors Cleanup - Part 4Error 422020-02-23 | I give a couple of the connectors a clean up as best I can. The 23 pin video port comes up quite well considering. Experimenting with the electric toothbrush for cleaning D connectors seems to have paid off.
I'm a little way ahead of the videos being released, so if I don't take up suggestions it's probably because I've already done it. However, any suggestions are still welcome, as they'll be helpful for future projects and to other people watching :-)Amiga A600 - Removing The Bad Bits - Part 3Error 422020-02-13 | Removing the modulator, the rest of the ports and some incinerated resistors!
I'm a little way ahead of the videos being released, so if I don't take up suggestions it's probably because I've already done it. However, any suggestions are still welcome, as they'll be helpful for future projects and to other people watching :-)Amiga A600 - A Bit of a Clean Up - Part 2Error 422020-02-07 | Just a brush down and removal of the first couple of ports from the board. I also take the keyboard apart to see how bad that is inside.
I'm a little way ahead of the videos being released, so if I don't take up suggestions it's probably because I've already done it. However, any suggestions are still welcome, as they'll be helpful for future projects and to other people watching :-)Amiga A600 - A Bit of a Mess - Part 1Error 422020-02-02 | An A600 that I probably should never have bought, but I felt sorry for it :-) Who knows where this little journey will lead to, but I do finally get around to doing some repairs in the end with this one.
This first part is just the initial teardown to survey the damage. Did someone say something about rust?
Links to places and people of interest:
GadgetUK164 - Retro Gaming Repairs & Mods YouTube Channel youtube.com/user/GadgetUK16425 Year Old Backups Restored to Amiga A590 - Part 2Error 422019-12-30 | Having found my VBS VHS based tape backups of my old A590 installation, I've restored the backups to the A590 and proceed to see how I had my Amiga Workbench configured all that time ago.
In this second part I look at the final backup that I made of my A590 hard disk. I take a look at a few more of the old programs I would have used back then, including the brilliant Directory Opus.
Links to places and people of interest:
Directory Opus for Windows https://www.gpsoft.com.au/
SCSI2SD for your Amiga - 10 Minute Amiga Retro Cast EP 38 youtube.com/watch?v=R4w5EZJkNC025 Year Old Backups Restored to Amiga A590 - Part 1Error 422019-12-28 | Having found my VBS VHS based tape backups of my old A590 installation, I've restored the backups to the A590 and proceed to see how I had my Amiga Workbench configured all that time ago.
In this first part I go over a few of the things I've done here, also mention the SCSI2SD adapter and a couple of issues I had with it and then I look at the first two of the backups that I've restored.
SCSI2SD for your Amiga - 10 Minute Amiga Retro Cast EP 38 youtube.com/watch?v=R4w5EZJkNC0Amiga Video Backup System - Part 3 - File and Hard Disk Backup and RestoreError 422019-11-12 | Further continuing with my coverage of the Amiga VBS (Video Backup System). I go over basic file backup and recovery, to and from floppy disks and hard drives.
I also start a fresh restore of my A590 from a nearly 25 year old backup, which I will be taking a look at in a later video.
Additional VBS related articles http://www.verycomputer.com/2_51353c1dfb9a22c5_1.htm https://www.lysator.liu.se/amiga/al/guide/al104/vbs30.HTMLIron Teardown - 2 of 2Error 422019-10-24 | Pulling apart the second of a couple of irons to take a look inside and see how it all fits together.