![π―π΅ National γγ·γ§γγ« CF-3000 MSX Computer: Part 2 (HDMI Upgrade 1/2) [#TCE0701] @Brfff](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vbAl0F2aXNE/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Ad-free version on my Patreon ... patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Let's upgrade the video output to HDMI by replacing the TMS9928 with a Pico9918. There is definitely a marked improvement over the composite video output - we load Boulder Dash and play a level to compare.
Pico9918 on Github:
github.com/visrealm/pico9918
Regarding the CN4 2x17 connector, the consensus (from Part 1) is that it's for the floppy disk controller PCB that is installed in the CF-3300 ... somewhere.
Future plans are to replace the 100VAC power supply with a 12VDC universal power supply and pull the keyboard apart to discern its matrix so I can design a replacement for machines that are sans keyboard.
If I wasn't going to install the Pico9918 then I would also design some sort of RGB21-to-VGA converter.
There is a service manual/schematic available for the related CF-2700 (export CF-2000?) but it's not exactly the same - more relevant to the CF-2000 model.
00:00 ... Intro
01:45 ... Motherboard removal
02:15 ... Japanese power supply
04:55 ... TMS9928 removed
06:10 ... Boulder Dash via composite (TMS9928)
09:30 ... Pico9918 output options
12:00 ... Boulder Dash via HDMI (Pico9918)
16:20 ... HDMI mounting options
17:55 ... Channel thanks & outro
--------------------------------
From Part 1:
Let's have a look at the interesting "component system" style MSX1 computer from National or γγ·γ§γγ«. It's the big brother to the CF-2000 (traditional all-in-one) and fraternal twin to the CF-3300 that includes a 3Β½" floppy drive & 2nd drive interface.
It's a pretty standard MSX1 computer:
- Z80 CPU with 64KB of RAM
- TMS9928 VDP with 16KB of VRAM
- two cartridge slots
- two DE9 MSX joystick ports
- 8-pin DIN cassette port
- composite video & audio output
- RGB21 video output (SCART-like connector but not SCART pinout)
- Printer port (Centronics)
- Superimpose (γΉγΌγγΌγ€γ³γγΌγΊ) port for the CF-2601 Superimposition Unit
- 100VAC passthrough for CF-2601
The Superimposition Unit would connect via the dedicated Centronics connector and allow you to overlay ... superimpose ... computer graphics on to NTSC video. A pretty rare unit these days I imagine.
The keyboard connects via a 2x10 pin header so a reproduction could be designed and connected relatively easily ... much easier than if it had some sort of exotic 14-pin DIN port, for example.
--------------------------------
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you don't think it's worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if it's just subscribing to my YouTube channel!
patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
--------------------------------
Outro music: "Delta City" (White Bat 42) by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
karlcasey.bandcamp.com
youtube.com/@WhiteBatAudio
Ad-free version on my Patreon ... patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Let's upgrade the video output to HDMI by replacing the TMS9928 with a Pico9918. There is definitely a marked improvement over the composite video output - we load Boulder Dash and play a level to compare.
Pico9918 on Github:
github.com/visrealm/pico9918
Regarding the CN4 2x17 connector, the consensus (from Part 1) is that it's for the floppy disk controller PCB that is installed in the CF-3300 ... somewhere.
Future plans are to replace the 100VAC power supply with a 12VDC universal power supply and pull the keyboard apart to discern its matrix so I can design a replacement for machines that are sans keyboard.
If I wasn't going to install the Pico9918 then I would also design some sort of RGB21-to-VGA converter.
There is a service manual/schematic available for the related CF-2700 (export CF-2000?) but it's not exactly the same - more relevant to the CF-2000 model.
00:00 ... Intro
01:45 ... Motherboard removal
02:15 ... Japanese power supply
04:55 ... TMS9928 removed
06:10 ... Boulder Dash via composite (TMS9928)
09:30 ... Pico9918 output options
12:00 ... Boulder Dash via HDMI (Pico9918)
16:20 ... HDMI mounting options
17:55 ... Channel thanks & outro
--------------------------------
From Part 1:
Let's have a look at the interesting "component system" style MSX1 computer from National or γγ·γ§γγ«. It's the big brother to the CF-2000 (traditional all-in-one) and fraternal twin to the CF-3300 that includes a 3Β½" floppy drive & 2nd drive interface.
It's a pretty standard MSX1 computer:
- Z80 CPU with 64KB of RAM
- TMS9928 VDP with 16KB of VRAM
- two cartridge slots
- two DE9 MSX joystick ports
- 8-pin DIN cassette port
- composite video & audio output
- RGB21 video output (SCART-like connector but not SCART pinout)
- Printer port (Centronics)
- Superimpose (γΉγΌγγΌγ€γ³γγΌγΊ) port for the CF-2601 Superimposition Unit
- 100VAC passthrough for CF-2601
The Superimposition Unit would connect via the dedicated Centronics connector and allow you to overlay ... superimpose ... computer graphics on to NTSC video. A pretty rare unit these days I imagine.
The keyboard connects via a 2x10 pin header so a reproduction could be designed and connected relatively easily ... much easier than if it had some sort of exotic 14-pin DIN port, for example.
--------------------------------
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you don't think it's worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if it's just subscribing to my YouTube channel!
patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
--------------------------------
Outro music: "Delta City" (White Bat 42) by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
karlcasey.bandcamp.com
youtube.com/@WhiteBatAudio
![π―π΅ National γγ·γ§γγ« CF-3000 MSX Computer: Part 2 (HDMI Upgrade 1/2) [#TCE0701]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vbAl0F2aXNE/mqdefault.jpg "π―π΅ National γγ·γ§γγ« CF-3000 MSX Computer: Part 2 (HDMI Upgrade 1/2) [#TCE0701]
Ad-free version on my Patreon ... https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Lets upgrade the video output to HDMI by replacing the TMS9928 with a Pico9918. There is definitely a marked improvement over the composite video output - we load Boulder Dash and play a level to compare.
Pico9918 on Github:
https://github.com/visrealm/pico9918
Regarding the CN4 2x17 connector, the consensus (from Part 1) is that its for the floppy disk controller PCB that is installed in the CF-3300 ... somewhere.
Future plans are to replace the 100VAC power supply with a 12VDC universal power supply and pull the keyboard apart to discern its matrix so I can design a replacement for machines that are sans keyboard.
If I wasnt going to install the Pico9918 then I would also design some sort of RGB21-to-VGA converter.
There is a service manual/schematic available for the related CF-2700 (export CF-2000?) but its not exactly the same - more relevant to the CF-2000 model.
00:00 ... Intro
01:45 ... Motherboard removal
02:15 ... Japanese power supply
04:55 ... TMS9928 removed
06:10 ... Boulder Dash via composite (TMS9928)
09:30 ... Pico9918 output options
12:00 ... Boulder Dash via HDMI (Pico9918)
16:20 ... HDMI mounting options
17:55 ... Channel thanks & outro
From Part 1:
Lets have a look at the interesting component system style MSX1 computer from National or γγ·γ§γγ«. Its the big brother to the CF-2000 (traditional all-in-one) and fraternal twin to the CF-3300 that includes a 3Β½ floppy drive & 2nd drive interface.
Its a pretty standard MSX1 computer:
- Z80 CPU with 64KB of RAM
- TMS9928 VDP with 16KB of VRAM
- two cartridge slots
- two DE9 MSX joystick ports
- 8-pin DIN cassette port
- composite video & audio output
- RGB21 video output (SCART-like connector but not SCART pinout)
- Printer port (Centronics)
- Superimpose (γΉγΌγγΌγ€γ³γγΌγΊ) port for the CF-2601 Superimposition Unit
- 100VAC passthrough for CF-2601
The Superimposition Unit would connect via the dedicated Centronics connector and allow you to overlay ... superimpose ... computer graphics on to NTSC video. A pretty rare unit these days I imagine.
The keyboard connects via a 2x10 pin header so a reproduction could be designed and connected relatively easily ... much easier than if it had some sort of exotic 14-pin DIN port, for example.
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you dont think its worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if its just subscribing to my YouTube channel!
https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Outro music: Delta City (White Bat 42) by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteBatAudio")
![π―π΅ Sanyo PHC-30N MSX Computer: Part 2 (Pico9918 Installation & Keyboard Clean) [#TCE0686]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wInAnoi41x8/mqdefault.jpg "π―π΅ Sanyo PHC-30N MSX Computer: Part 2 (Pico9918 Installation & Keyboard Clean) [#TCE0686]
Ad-free version on my Patreon ... https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Lets give the keyboard of this 1984 MSX1 computer from δΈζ΄ Sanyo a good clean/refurbish and replace the composite video output of the TMS9118 VDP with crisp RGB/VGA output from a Pico9918.
My Github:
https://github.com/BrettHallen/Sanyo_PHC-30_MSX_Computer
Pico9918 details:
https://www.tindie.com/products/visrealm/pico9918-pro/
https://github.com/visrealm/pico9918
{Regarding issue with the Pico9918 & warm reset via RESET button: it might be an issue with the Sanyo itself, rather than the Pico9918 ... need to test further}
00:00 ... Intro
02:45 ... Keyboard plate resprayed
03:25 ... Keyboard Rebuild Tunes
05:55 ... Rebuild completed
06:45 ... Key switch orientation
08:35 ... New power supply plans
09:35 ... Pico9918 vs TMS9118
11:35 ... TMS9118 removed
12:55 ... Ready to test
14:35 ... TMS9118 vs. Pico9918
16:40 ... γ²γγγͺ and γ«γΏγ«γ (thanks to @JonCo)
18:00 ... Channel thanks & outro
From Part 1:
https://youtu.be/X6lxfxol4aE
Lets have a look at δΈζ΄ Sanyos 1984 MSX computer, in a rather striking red colour, the PHC-30N. This machine has 64KB of RAM compared with the earlier PHC-30 (1983) with only 16KB of RAM.
This is my first MSX computer so all quite new to me. As these machines were fairly standardised it has a Z80 CPU, 64KB of RAM, 32KB ROM, and a TMS9118 VDP and 16KB of dedicated video RAM (in a pair of TMS4416 , 16K x 1-bit).
The Japanese 100VAC power supply generates Β±12VDC and +5VDC. It looks like +12VDC is used by the data recorder in some fashion, and I guess the Β±12VDC is made available for cartridge use (RS232 interface?).
It might be possible to power the machine with +5VDC only, i.e. via a USB charger, if I wanted to forgo anything that needs Β±12VDC. Lets see.
My plans are:
[1] Scrub the case & keyboard;
[2] Try the Pico9918 in place of the TMS9118;
[3] Figure out how to replace the Japanese 100VAC power supply;
[4] See if I can add an audio input to the data recorder so I can load digitised tapes;
[5] Check out what home brew cartridge designs there are;
[6] Test my Clueless Joypad in MSX mode.
Main parts list:
- Sharp LH0080A Z80 CPU
- Fujitsu MB64H120 gate array
- Mitsubishi M5L8255AP-5 peripheral interface (PPI)
- Hitachi HN613256P 32Kbit ROM (mask code Y00)
- General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generator (PSG)
- 8 x Fujitsu MB8264A-15 64K x 1-bit main DRAM
- TI TMS9118NL Video Display Processor (VDP)
- 2 x TI TMS4416-20NL 16K x 4-bit video DRAM
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you dont think its worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if its just subscribing to my YouTube channel!
https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Background music:
Nocturne No. 2 in E Flat Major Op.9 no.2 by π΅π± FreΜdeΜric Chopin
https://www.classicals.de
Publisher: Musopen Kickstarter Recording Project - Set Chopin Free
Copyright: Creative Commons - Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal")
![π―π΅ National γγ·γ§γγ« JR-200: Part 1 (First Look) [#TCE0695]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wLMDZcOQIaI/mqdefault.jpg "π―π΅ National γγ·γ§γγ« JR-200: Part 1 (First Look) [#TCE0695]
Ad-free version on my Patreon ... https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Lets have a look at this MC6802-based computer, released in 1982, from Matsushita in Japan. Unfortunately it seems to be faulty so well work on that in Part 2 after giving it a bit of a clean.
It was also sold as the Panasonic JR-200U (North America) and the JR-200UP (PAL) in Europe. It succeeded the JR-100 and preceded the JR-300.
This machine is from Japan so requires 100VAC (were 240VAC here in Australia) so will need a step-down transformer. But it might be possible to convert by swapping the transformer (100-to-21V).
Its main chips are:
- MN1800A CPU (an MC6802 minus the clock generator & with the internal RAM disabled ... so, like an MC6800?)
- HD61K201F CRT (plus other things) controller
- MN1271 I/O interface (equivalent to two 6522 VIAs?)
- MN1544CJR 4-bit microprocessor for the keyboard & joystick I/O
Ignoring the CPU, its a bit of an odd machine ... it has 32KBytes of RAM implemented as four 4864 64Kbit DRAMs ... 4-bit RAM? There is 4KByte of video RAM (two 6116 SRAM) which would be faster as its 8-bit ... ?
It has a screen resolution of 256x192 pixels and a text screen size of 32x24 in eight colours.
It has a good array of ports:
- two MSX-compatible joystick ports
- RCA jack for 8Ξ© speaker (there is also an internal speaker)
- 8-pin DIN for cassette (seems a little excessive)
- 8-pin DIN for RGB and composite video
- Printer port
- System bus expansion port
- Space for an RS232 port
The composite video output can be switched between colour (γ«γ©γΌ) and monochrome/B&W (γ’γγ―γ) and the cassette can be switched between 600 & 2400 Baud.
Some good information here:
http://www.kameli.net/marq/?page_id=1270
https://github.com/ypsitau/jr200
https://github.com/0cjs/sedoc/tree/main/8bit/jr-200
00:00 ... Intro
01:45 ... External ports
04:50 ... Testing composite video output (NOK)
06:50 ... Opening the case
09:00 ... Keyboard
10:35 ... Motherboard
13:15 ... Closer look
15:30 ... Channel thanks & outro
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you dont think its worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if its just subscribing to my YouTube channel!
https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Outro music: Lexicon (White Bat 40) by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@WhiteBatAudio")
![π·πΊ Sura PC8000 (Π‘ΡΡΠ° ΠΠ8000): Part 1 (First Look) [#TCE0690]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wWDCWSeaxUg/mqdefault.jpg "π·πΊ Sura PC8000 (Π‘ΡΡΠ° ΠΠ8000): Part 1 (First Look) [#TCE0690]
Ad-free version on my Patreon ... https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Lets have a look at this ... inspired by MSX ... computer from the Soviet Union, specifically the Russian SFSR. Unfortunately this one isnt working ... the 220VAC power supply is making a horrible whining sound ... more info below ... likely all of those beautiful electrolytic capacitors have probably failed.
The MSX was apparently imported in the late 80s and used in education. An attempt was made to reproduce a domestic version but it simply wasnt possible with the available Soviet technology at the time.
One major difference is the use of the ΠΠ 580ΠΠ80Π, the Soviets clone of the Intel 8080, and not the Z80. I believe it was kind-of compatible in BASIC but that was about it. It also uses the Soviet-era JCUKEN keyboard layout, not QWERTY.
This particular model was built in 1989 and sold for 1035 Soviet Rubles (maybe just over four months salary at the time).
There were other versions produced by other factories called:
- ΠΠ΅ΡΡΠ° (Vesta)
- Π₯ΠΎΠ±Π±ΠΈ (Hobby)
- ΠΠ°ΡΠ°Ρ (Carat)
The PSU is supposed to generate +5VDC and Β±12VDC but doesnt appear to be doing do ... it also needs -5VDC for the ΠΠ 580ΠΠ80Π (Intel 8080A clone) which it generates from the -12V and +5V rails. Im thinking that I will repurpose the replacement PSU I designed for the Sanyo PHC-30N so I can run it on just +12VDC (will add to my Github).
It doesnt have dual cartridge ports but has dual DD50-like ports ... X1 and X2 ... theyre not truly DD50 as theyre using Soviet 2.5mm pin pitch.
More information can be found here:
https://pk8000.narod.ru/
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/ΠΠ8000
And I will put information on my Github here:
https://github.com/BrettHallen/Sura_PC8000
00:00 ... Intro
03:30 ... Information plate
04:30 ... Ports
06:20 ... Opening the case
11:40 ... Removing the daughterboard
13:55 ... Heat sinks?
14:35 ... Video pinout
17:00 ... Power on attempt (NOK)
18:35 ... Wheres the -5VDC for the 8080?
22:00 ... Channel thanks & outro
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you dont think its worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if its just subscribing to my YouTube channel!
https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Outro music:
Sunshine Drive
https://youtu.be/HBQbFCq-G2E
Lavaros @LavarosMusic
https://lavaros.bandcamp.com")
![π¬π§ Psion Organiser: Part 2 (Comparing the Organiser I & Organiser II) [#TCE0527]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wuXOnCx6u9I/mqdefault.jpg "π¬π§ Psion Organiser: Part 2 (Comparing the Organiser I & Organiser II) [#TCE0527]
π¬π§ Psion Organiser: Part 2 (Comparing the Organiser I & Organiser II) [#TCE0527]")
![π¦πΊ Breville BSK500 Kitchen Scale Teardown [#TCE0500]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yDk3B_En0bc/mqdefault.jpg "π¦πΊ Breville BSK500 Kitchen Scale Teardown [#TCE0500]
π¦πΊ Breville BSK500 Kitchen Scale Teardown [#TCE0500]")
