Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this video we begin work on a very special machine – the Sam Coupé, a rare 8-bit home computer created by Miles Gordon Technology as a spiritual successor to the ZX Spectrum. This particular unit was generously donated by Ian Stonelake, and it’s time to see what’s inside.
We’ll start with the unusual combined power supply and RF modulator – an Amstrad MP2 unit repurposed by MGT – and carry out the all-important safety checks before testing voltages. From there, it’s onto the mains plug, cable strain relief, fuses, and making sure everything is safe to power up.
// This video is proudly sponsored by PCBWay! Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, PCBWay offers you a wide range of high-quality services including PCB prototyping, PCB assembly, 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. Thank you to Elaine Hu and the entire PCBWay team for their support! //
Once the basics are in order, the Sam is connected to a display, and we’ll attempt to tune it in. From there, we’ll open up the computer itself, take a look at the unique T-shaped motherboard, and talk about the design choices made by ex-Sinclair engineer Bruce Gordon and Salesman Alan Miles.
Inside we’ll find the Z80B CPU, the custom ASIC, the Philips SAA1099 sound chip, the Motorola MC1377 video circuitry, and a few surprises in terms of RAM expansion and drive design. We’ll also check over the floppy drives, discuss common issues like failing drive belts and capacitors, and consider modern alternatives such as USB floppy emulators.
This is the first stage of what will be an ongoing restoration journey. There will be challenges ahead, but that’s all part of the fun of bringing a rare retro machine like the Sam Coupé back to life.
- Thanks! -
I couldn't have come even this far without the huge preservation efforts of the Sam Coupé community, including but not limited to Dan Doore over at worldofsam.org and the incredible Quazar (AKA Colin Piggot) at samcoupe.com where you can find many hints, tips, a fantastic magazine and his brilliant hardware innovations. He also has a youtube presence at @QuazarSamCoupe
A huge thank you to Ian Stonelake for donating this incredible system!
** Support the Channel**
If you enjoy the videos and would like to help keep these restorations going:
► Support the channel on Patreon
patreon.com/markfixesstuff
► One off support via Ko fi
ko-fi.com/markfixesstuff
#SamCoupe
#RetroComputing
#VintageTech
#retrocomputing #samcoupe #zxspectrum
In this video we begin work on a very special machine – the Sam Coupé, a rare 8-bit home computer created by Miles Gordon Technology as a spiritual successor to the ZX Spectrum. This particular unit was generously donated by Ian Stonelake, and it’s time to see what’s inside.
We’ll start with the unusual combined power supply and RF modulator – an Amstrad MP2 unit repurposed by MGT – and carry out the all-important safety checks before testing voltages. From there, it’s onto the mains plug, cable strain relief, fuses, and making sure everything is safe to power up.
// This video is proudly sponsored by PCBWay! Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, PCBWay offers you a wide range of high-quality services including PCB prototyping, PCB assembly, 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding. Thank you to Elaine Hu and the entire PCBWay team for their support! //
Once the basics are in order, the Sam is connected to a display, and we’ll attempt to tune it in. From there, we’ll open up the computer itself, take a look at the unique T-shaped motherboard, and talk about the design choices made by ex-Sinclair engineer Bruce Gordon and Salesman Alan Miles.
Inside we’ll find the Z80B CPU, the custom ASIC, the Philips SAA1099 sound chip, the Motorola MC1377 video circuitry, and a few surprises in terms of RAM expansion and drive design. We’ll also check over the floppy drives, discuss common issues like failing drive belts and capacitors, and consider modern alternatives such as USB floppy emulators.
This is the first stage of what will be an ongoing restoration journey. There will be challenges ahead, but that’s all part of the fun of bringing a rare retro machine like the Sam Coupé back to life.
- Thanks! -
I couldn't have come even this far without the huge preservation efforts of the Sam Coupé community, including but not limited to Dan Doore over at worldofsam.org and the incredible Quazar (AKA Colin Piggot) at samcoupe.com where you can find many hints, tips, a fantastic magazine and his brilliant hardware innovations. He also has a youtube presence at @QuazarSamCoupe
A huge thank you to Ian Stonelake for donating this incredible system!
** Support the Channel**
If you enjoy the videos and would like to help keep these restorations going:
► Support the channel on Patreon
patreon.com/markfixesstuff
► One off support via Ko fi
ko-fi.com/markfixesstuff
#SamCoupe
#RetroComputing
#VintageTech
#retrocomputing #samcoupe #zxspectrum
