Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Ad-free version on my Patreon ... patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
Let's have a look at this ... "inspired by MSX" ... computer from the Soviet Union, specifically the Russian SFSR. Unfortunately this one isn't 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 wasn't possible with the available Soviet technology at the time.

One major difference is the use of the КР580ВМ80А, the Soviet's 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:
- Веста (Vesta)
- Хобби (Hobby)
- Карат (Carat)

The PSU is supposed to generate +5VDC and ±12VDC but doesn't appear to be doing do ... it also needs -5VDC for the КР580ВМ80А (Intel 8080A clone) which it generates from the -12V and +5V rails. I'm 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 doesn't have dual cartridge ports but has dual DD50-like ports ... X1 and X2 ... they're not truly DD50 as they're using Soviet 2.5mm pin pitch.

More information can be found here:
https://pk8000.narod.ru/
ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/ПК8000

And I will put information on my Github here:
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 ... Where's the -5VDC for the 8080?
22:00 ... Channel thanks & outro

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Outro music:
Sunshine Drive
youtu.be/HBQbFCq-G2E
Lavaros @LavarosMusic
lavaros.bandcamp.com