PIEEE-488 Prototype SD drive for the Commodore PET Tims Retro Corner 2023-01-16 | My Christmas/New Year "maker project" is this IEEE-488 device for the Commodore PET. Thanks to my sponsor PCBWay pcbway.com Making a PCB couldn't be easier, from just $5 for 10 boards.I enjoyed making the Pi-1541 a few weeks ago, and I decided to try making something similar for the PET. The initial prototype is sketched out on breadboard, and programmed in Python, using a Pi400.Yes I know there are devices out there that already do something similar (SD2PET and Pet Disk Max are two that I own), but they don't quite do what I want of them to in one way or another. And yes I also know the NoDiskEmu software that drives these devices can be forked and adapted. But I'm learning Python for work, and this is a learning experience: I want to figure out my own solution. It may not even work, but I'll have fun finding out!This is a bit of an experiment in trying something different: it's not a repair video; it's not even a tutorial as such. In the week or so that I allowed myself to work on it, I only got so far. If you'd like to see it go further, please comment below. The next stage would be to take it to a PCB, maybe make a 3d printed case, and of course, continue the software.🔴 *NEW!!* Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction04:16 - Sponsor Massage04:57 - Hardware Sketch09:46 - Equipment13:33 - Intermediate Breadboard Layout17:30 - Configuring the Pi - Enable I2C19:19 - Buttons & LEDs - mini demo20:08 - IEEE Data Transfer Demo
A Pair of Plus/4s Pose Problems, Will I get them to work, or even make one working machine? Tims Retro Corner 2024-10-10 | Thanks to PCBWay pcbway.com/g/3DeAat for great PCBs from $5! I got a pair of Commodore Plus/4 machines that were described as "not working". Let's see is we can figure out what's wrong with them, and maybe get them working.My ebay store: ebay.co.uk/usr/timsretroCheck out these channels:Control-Alt-Rees: / @ctrlaltrees 8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Power On Test - Machine 101:38 - Power On Test - Machine 202:15 - Sponsor Ad02:53 - Disassemble Number 204:35 - Check Voltages07:04 - Removing the Power Switch10:09 - Chip Testing in the C1616:19 - Disassemble Number 119:39 - Let’s Use Our Known Working TED…21:31 - Diag264: You’re Up!28:08 - RAM Tests32:10 - Diag Test with New RAM
Relatively Universal Eprom Programmer for Arduino Tims Retro Corner 2024-09-29 | The Relatively Universal EPROM Programmer is an open source Arduino shield by Anders Nielsen. It comes with the SMD components already fitted, and just the through-hole stuff to do. So I'm going to build one up and use it to program some Commodore ROMs...Links for this video:Project Github page: github.com/AndersBNielsen/Relatively-Universal-ROM-ProgrammerFirestarter Githup page: github.com/henols/firestarter_appThe Vpp voltage divider mod video: youtube.com/watch?v=ydVQS5m5d7IThe EPROM device list: ctrl-alt-rees.com/2022-07-03-eprom-device-id-list.htmlMy ebay page (buy one of my spares): ebay.co.uk/usr/timsretroAnders Nielsen's store (EU/US): https://www.imania.dk/samlesaet-hobbyelektronik-og-ic-er.htmCheck out these channels:Control-Alt-Rees: / @ctrlaltrees 8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Components01:51 - Soldering the Connectors02:55 - Top Side Connectors05:04 - ZIF Socket06:18 - Setting the Pin Headers07:23 - Put Tape On The USB Socket13:26 - A New Arduino15:28 - Connecting to the Computer17:56 - Introducing the Software19:21 - Installing Homebrew20:54 - Installing AVRDUDE21:35 - Installing FireStarter22:12 - Running Firestarter22:46 - Checking Voltages24:09 - Configuration25:36 - Reading an EPROM30:29 - Blank Check31:47 - Writing an EPROM33:18 - EPROM ID List38:09 - Wrap up
I Bought A Microscope From China. PLUS: Lets Build A BlinkenBus! Tims Retro Corner 2024-09-06 | One thing the past few videos has taught me is that there's scope for a little breakout board with some buffered LEDs, that you can plug into, say, a CIA or VIA. So I made one! Meet the BlinkenBus.Oh, and I got a microscope so I can see what I'm doing. It's not one of those cutesy all-in-one jobs, but rather it's an Ali Express special, where the parts are separate...Check out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Join the Discord: discord.gg/q37TbgRWIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc
I Broke my Commodore 64C, but can I fix it? Tims Retro Corner 2024-08-22 | So I managed to "k word" my 64C during the making of my last video. Either I plugged in/unplugged the cartridge I was working on without checking the 64 was switched off, or I got it at a bad angle, or something. I'll be honest, I don't exactly know what. But regardless, it ended up totally inoperative with just a black screen.So now I have to figure out exactly what got fried, and fix it. And hope it costs less in replacement chips than I paid for the machine in the first place (spoiler: it's a close-run thing...)Check out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc
Lets Turn a Commodore 64 Into a Retro Chip Tester Tims Retro Corner 2024-07-24 | All the PCBs used in this video came from pcbway.com Thanks to them for sponsoring this video.The Commodore 64 is so much more than a games machine.I recently bought a batch of 6532 RIOT chips to use in another project. (RIOT - RAM I/O Timer. Think of it as similar to the C64's 6526 CIA, but with added RAM), and needed a way to test them. Not being able to afford the likes of the Retro Chip Tester Pro. Surely I could design a cartridge to take a 6532, and then write a program to test it? In BASIC even?Watch and find out!Big shout of thanks to André Fachat, John Riney, and other on Big Herd's Discord, for help with this project. Check out André's you tube channel: @8bittimes C64 cartridge proto board: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Commodore_64_Expansion_Port_Cartridge_Project_Development_PCB_85ba470a.htmlCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdeptIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction00:55 - What Is a 6532?03:15 - Using A Cartridge06:27 - 6532 Description18:29 - FIRST POWER-ON TEST22:21 - Put a Chip In It29:36 - PCBs32:30 - Yellow PCB Test35:51 - It’s Dead, Jim!39:26 - TIMER51:07 - Scoping the R/W Line52:27 - Read/Write Buffer54:46 - Re-Checking the Flip-Flop57:30 - One Last Thing
Commodore 64 Breadbin Checkout Tims Retro Corner 2024-07-11 | Thanks to BCBWay pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. Check out their 10 year anniversary deals.I finally got a 'Breadbin' Commodore 64, and I got it from fellow YouTuber, Glen at @CRG Let's check it out, make sure it works, and maybe do a few mods...Modulator replacement Git Repository: github.com/mbarszcz-pcb/c64-rf-modulator-replacementIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction01:15 - Disassembly Inspection04:34 - Switching It On05:56 - Ad06:48 - Diagnostic Cart16:48 - The Infamous Desoldering Montage20:37 - Modulator Replacement32:33 - Final Thoughts and Outtakes
Commodore 16 64K Upgrade by Tynemouth Software Tims Retro Corner 2024-06-27 | Dave from Tynemouth Software (makers of the MiniPET, Minstrel 4D, and many of the gadgets from TFW8b) asked me if I'd be interested in checking out his new 64K RAM card for the Commodore 16. Having just acquired a C16, of course I jumped at the chance.The C16 was a cut down version of Commodore's Plus/4 TED 'business' computer. It didn't have the (admittedly not very good) business software suite that came in an internal ROM, it only had 16K of RAM, not 64 (only 12K usable) , and it had a rebadged Commodore 64 case instead of the more sci-fi looks of the Plus/4. But it was cheap, and that made it a big hit for sure in parts of Europe.The lack of a Function ROM can be argued as no big loss. But the memory... let's just say there's no such thing as 'too much memory'.Thanks to Tynemouth for providing the expansion free of charge. Now, while I am a Patron, this is still my unbiased commentary, and Tynemouth have had no say in the content, nor have they seen or approved this video in advance.Tynemouth's blog post on the 64K expansion: http://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2024/06/new-commodore-16-internal-64k-ram-upgrade.htmlBuy one: sellmyretro.com/offer/details/64324If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdept00:00 - Introduction00:29 - Unboxing02:39 - C16 - A Look Inside03:36 - Figuring Out the Board05:23 - Desoldering Montage06:55 - Put Sockets In08:13 - Fly Leads09:08 - Soldering Montage09:57 - Let’s Fit It11:08 - Hook Up the Wires12:01 - Testing13:22 - App Time15:54 - Put the Machine Back Together16:57 - Jumper Settings
Commodore 1551 Disk Drive Part 2: The Final PCB Tims Retro Corner 2024-06-13 | Kindly sponsored by my favourite PCB fab, PCBWay pcbway.com I finish up the replacement adapter for my Commodore 1551 drive, and (eventually!) get it working...PCBWay Shared project: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Commodore_1551_Drive_Cartridge_Replacement_90f9bc66.htmlIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdept
Can you test a CPU with a handful of spare parts? Tims Retro Corner 2024-05-31 | Big thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. I bought a batch of 6507 microprocessors from China for another project. But do they work? How can I test them? The 6507 is well known for being used in the Atari 2600, but I don't have one, so I need to think of another way to test them.A technique I've used before on the Commodore 64 and VIC-20 is the 'NOP Tester'. Essentially this is a ROM replacement that hardwires the data bus to 'NOP', which moves the CPU to the next address. This will cycle through every address, which can be measured.Sure it's a quick and dirty test, and in no way comprehensive. But can I build a NOP tester and test this batch of 6507s? Let's find out...If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdept
Amstrads ALT-286 Laptop - Gem or Junk? Tims Retro Corner 2024-05-16 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring. PCBs starting at $5. And now with full colour UV printing.Amstrad's second generation "laptop" was basically a full blown 286 PC in a luggable laptop body. It had a 20MB hard drive, 3.5" floppy, 1MB memory (expandable to 4), an internal VGA card, 800 x 600 x 16 shades monochrome LCD panel, and even an ISA expansion slot. Oh, and it doubles as a 7Kg dumbbell for weight training.So, I thought where better to start my MS-DOS adventure? But is this not so little machine a gem, or a pile of junk?If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdept
Parallel Zip drive on the Amiga 1200 Tims Retro Corner 2024-05-02 | Thanks to pcbway.com for generously supplying the PCBs used in this project. The Iomega Zip drive was released a year after Commodore went bust, and for a brief few years it was the best, cheapest way to access large amounts of removable storage. Despite the Amiga's parallel port being incompatible with the drive, we're gonna hook one up and get it working!PCBWay Shared Projects:pcbway.com/project/shareproject/W51017ASR27_Gerber_Parallel_ZIP_Adapter.htmlpcbway.com/project/shareproject/_IOAMIGA_Amiga_to_Iomega_ZIP_100_24b295ee.html@hackbuildrestore has a video on his pcb: youtube.com/watch?v=OmjO12MW9NkDownloads:PPAZip: aminet.net/package/docs/hard/ppazipADF Opus: adfopus.sourceforge.netIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdept00:00 - Introduction04:31 - Building the Adapter10:46 - Downloading the Drivers14:10 - Installing the Drivers19:26 - Running The Zip Drive23:31 - Next Steps24:41 - Reading the Zip Disc on a modern Mac26:14 - Summing Up
Amiga A1200 Refurb Tims Retro Corner 2024-04-18 | Kindly sponsored by pcbway.com - PCBs and more from just $5. An "untested" Amiga 1200 (rev 1B). Let's get it cleaned up, recapped, and working. And then... is it a keeper? and if so, what to do with it?f you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Jess B's Tech Department / @techdept00:00 - Start01:11 - Teardown04:52 - Trying It Out06:25 - PCBWay07:13 - Cleaning10:20 - VapourBrighting11:54 - Recapping16:36 - Fitting the new capacitors20:41 - Trying the Recapped Board22:59 - Retrobright Results26:48 - Does It Still Work?29:39 - Refit the Hard Drive31:30 - Installing Workbench… Take 138:02 - … Take 359 …41:00 - So Here’s What I Did
1581 Followup: Lets get this thing working! (and figure out why it isnt) Tims Retro Corner 2024-04-04 | Thanks to pcbway.com for kindly sponsoring this video. So in this part 2 video we are going to get to the bottom of what's wrong with my 1581 builds, figure out what doesn't work, and what does, and why, and how to fix it.We're gonna start with a big stack of drive mechanisms....SFD-321B to Amiga drive mod: http://jope.fi/drives/sfd321b-lcp3/Badgeman case stickers: retro8bitshop.com/retrostore/badgemanGithub page for the floppy adapter I built in this video: github.com/gianlucarenzi/AmigaPCDriveAdapterIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Alices Retro Wonderland: / @Alices.Retro.Wonderland 00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:40 - Baseline Tests00:05:52 - Drive 1 - SFD321B00:08:14 - Drive 2 - Techmedia TFD31000:10:18 - Drive 3 - NEC FD1321T00:11:44 - Drive 4 - SONY MPF92000:13:05 - Drive 5 - SAMSUNG SFD-321B #200:15:07 - Drive 6 - CHINON FB-35400:16:35 - Drive 7 - TEAC00:18:01 - Drive 8 - CHINON00:19:32 - Drive 9 - SAMSUNG SFD-321B #300:20:54 - Baseline Test Results00:25:03 - Building a Different Adaptor Board - PCBWay00:35:10 - Comparing Adapter Schematics00:38:33 - Scoping Pin 34 - Tom’s Hardware Adapter00:42:01 - Pin 34 On the Yellow Board00:44:41 - Interface wired up correctly this time…00:48:25 - Presentation of initial results00:52:57 - C5 Cap Fix01:02:39 - Testing Amiga Converted Drives01:04:19 - Drive #5 as an Amiga Drive01:06:46 - The Infamous Drive 9, modified01:09:54 - If converting an SFD-321B works, why doesn’t the adapter?01:13:34 - Testing the Modded Adapter01:20:28 - Badges01:21:54 - Coda: another SFD-321B01:26:58 - Summary
Atari 65XE Restoration...ish Tims Retro Corner 2024-03-15 | Thanks to pcbway.com Great PCBs from $5. Sometimes a restoration goes really well. Other times, not so much.Now, although I'd seen Ataris in the shops ever since the 400 and 800 came out, I didn't know much about them and I'd certainly never used or owned one. Enter the 65XE, This is Tramiel-era Atari. A cost-reduced version of the already cost-reduced 800XL, in a move I guess designed to out-Commodore Commodore.So when I got hold of one, I decided to check it over, clean it, retrobright it, and so on. What could possibly go wrong? Well actually it turns out, quite a lot...
Commodore1551 Floppy Repair: I built a whole new interface! Tims Retro Corner 2024-02-15 | Thanks to pcbway.com for supplying the pcbs used in this video.The 1551 was Commodore's attempt at making a parallel disk drive for the TED series computers. Unfortunately it was tied to the TED machines by specific hardware, so it never got wide adoption.I got this example "untested" (ie broken) in a job lot, and in this video I'm going to try and get it working.But what do you do when the only dead IC is one that is completely unavailable? Watch to find out...Commodore History's benchmark video: youtube.com/watch?v=7SPr5S0eEYMIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcCheck out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Alices Retro Wonderland: / @Alices.Retro.Wonderland 00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:23 - Teardown00:04:09 - Fixing the Door Latch00:08:22 - Inside the Paddle00:09:47 - Power itUp00:13:50 - A Test Program Off the Internet00:19:36 - EEPROM Programming00:22:20 - Dismantling the Paddle00:25:45 - EEPROM Adapter00:32:36 - Testing the EEPROM PLA00:34:43 - Interlude: Case Repair00:40:33 - NEW PLA Test00:41:50 - Let’s Just Try The Drive On Its Own00:43:11 - Scope Tests00:46:38 - Enter PCBWay…00:47:24 - And A 6525 From Poland00:53:23 - Test with New Cartridge00:55:35 - A New Test Program00:59:29 - New Test with Old Paddle01:01:08 - Transferring the Cable to the New paddle01:05:57 - Test: Drive + New Paddle01:09:23 - Retest the Original PLA01:11:22 - Performance Test and Benchmarks
Commodore 1581 Replica Build Tims Retro Corner 2024-01-26 | Thanks to PCBWay for supplying the boards for this build: pcbway.comWith original 1581 drives becoming increasingly rare and correspondingly expensive, building a replica may be the only way to get your hands on Commodore's 8-bit wonder drive at a reasonable price.And it turns out that while some components are not particularly cheap, it isn't a difficult build to complete.But getting it to work reliably might be a lot harder than you think...Check out Lee's Gotek 1581: youtube.com/watch?v=ZaS55XLTBcURetrobits 1581 build: youtube.com/watch?v=8_3zLvWC-ZI1581 Enhanced PCB: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Commodore_1581_Enhanced_Drive_Board_1581D_1582_build_compatible_d1430f2c.htmlPC Drive Adapter: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/1581_PC_Drive_adapter_7b0c4d86.htmlIf you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:27 - Parts Overview00:01:15 - Checking the PCBs00:02:24 - Soldering the Small Parts00:06:46 - Soldering the Sockets00:08:44 - Crystal Oscillator Confusion00:14:19 - Putting In The ICs00:19:41 - The Final IC00:23:44 - First Power-On Test00:28:31 - Power up with drive attached00:31:10 - Plug it in to the Plus/400:44:18 - And then it all went wrong01:00:12 - Recapping the drive01:04:55 - Trying the Recapped Drive01:06:53 - Boxes and Screws01:14:27 - Conclusions
Amiga CD32 Restoration Part 2: Replace and calibrate the laser. Rectifying Mistakes. Tims Retro Corner 2024-01-12 | Thanks to pcbway.com Great PCBs from $5. In part 2 of my CD32 restoration, I fit and calibrate a new laser assembly, replace the two bulging capacitors that I fitted backwards last time, and investigate the left audio channel producing no sound.Instructions for calibrating the laser came from Mike's Vintage Tech, check out his video here: youtube.com/watch?v=chIF8JrIFS4and from the TSB blog, check that out here: https://www.tsb.space/knowledge-base/amiga-cd32-laser-calibration-replace-laser-pickup-procedure/Check out these channels:8-Bit Retro Refix: / @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: / @CaptainCommodore Retro4u: / @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: / @JosipRetroBits Retro Krazy: / @RetroKrazy 8bitsinthebasement: / @8bitsinthebasement Alices Retro Wonderland: @Alices.Retro.Wonderland If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction00:21 - Disassembling the Laser Assembly04:27 - PCB WAY05:00 - Fitting the new Laser Assembly07:55 - Trying the new Laser09:44 - Next Steps10:21 - Remember those Caps?12:37 - Another Problem - No Left Audio14:47 - Removing the two Backwards Caps18:19 - Getting it to Read a CD20:18 - Calibrating the Laser23:15 - Adjusting the TEB Pot24:35 - Adjusting the FEB Pot27:54 - Adjusting the laser Output - First Try28:46 - OK, let’s have another go30:04 - The ‘Eye Diagram’30:59 - First Pot (again)32:13 - Second Pot (again)34:37 - Fourth Pot - Focus Error Gain35:43 - Summing Up
Merry Christmas 2023 - A little PC Build... with bricks! Tims Retro Corner 2023-12-24 | Happy Christmas everyone! Today we're in a light hearted mood and we turn to our Chrismas Computer build... but with a difference. This PC is made of bricks! Ok, so it's not actual LEGO (TM etc), but it's "compatible", made by Pantasy in China, and distributed in the UK by BrikkAffiliate Amazon links if you want to build your ownUK: amzn.to/3TCOCfTUS: amzn.to/3NEBbIE(if you use the link even to buy something different, it will help the channel)Other ways to help support my channel: Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcYou can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.
Restoring My CD32 - Part 1. Mistakes Were Made. Tims Retro Corner 2023-12-20 | PCBWay Christmas Sale is now on! - Up to 50% off: pcbway.com My Amiga CD32 has been in the attic for most of its 30 year life. But does it still work? Has it leaked cap juice all over its motherboard? It's time to find out...f you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcChannels mentioned in this video & worth checking:8BitRetroRefix: @8BitRetroReFix Josip Retro Bits: @JosipRetroBits Retro4u: @Retro4u Captain Commodore: @CaptainCommodore
Commodore Plus/4 Black Screen of DEATH Tims Retro Corner 2023-12-07 | Kindly sponsored by https://www.PCBWay.com $5 for 10PCBs. Just a week after building a new power supply for it, my Plus/4 decided it was no longer for this world, and produced the dreaded Black Screen Of Death.So what's wrong with it? And Can I fix it...?If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcChannels mentioned in this video:8BitRetroRefix: @8BitRetroReFix Retro Krazy: @RetroKrazy00:00 - Introduction00:35 - Initial examination02:46 - PCB Way03:16 - Checking the TED05:06 - Trying a replacement TED08:17 - 8501 and PLA09:42 - Try a GAL PLA10:41 - Another Plus/4!11:13 - Send the Chips to Steve!11:41 - Steve’s Report17:28 - What to Do For a CPU?18:20 - 6510 CPU Adapter20:31 - Refitting the working chips21:58 - Building and fitting the Adapters29:04 - First Test30:40 - Diagnostics Test33:02 - Further Testing
Powerbook Duo 230 - Gem or Junk? Tims Retro Corner 2023-11-24 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. $5 of 10 PCBs, and much more. Sometimes you see a real bargain on eBay that's just too good to be true...And so, the PowerBook Duo 230 - Gem or Junk. The Duo was my first encounter with the Apple Macintosh, way back in 1994. I jumped at this incredibly cheap example.Was it a good buy? Is it a gem, or is it junk...? If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcSome other channels you should check out:8BitRetroRefix: @8BitRetroReFix Captain Commodore: @CaptainCommodoreJess B's Tech Dept @techdeptJosip Retro Bits: @JosipRetroBitsRetro Krazy: @RetroKrazyRetro4u: @Retro4u 00:00 - Introduction01:21 - PCBWay02:44 - First Look09:54 - Taking it Apart29:56 - Oh No! He’s Twisting It!!31:28 - The Keyboard36:27 - New Capacitors40:24 - Reassembly43:31 - Trying it Out45:42 - Conclusions and Summary
Building a Modern Power Supply for the Commodore Plus/4 Tims Retro Corner 2023-11-10 | Check out our sponsor pcbway.com for all your PCB needs, starting at $5.The foot-warmer brick-of-death power supply that came with this Plus/4 needs to be replaced. Urgently. Before it destroys the computer.These power supplies are notorious for failing, and when they do, the voltage regulator shorts its output to its input, sending lethal voltages to all the chips in the computer.But we can make a brand new one that's safe and reliable. And all it takes is a 9 volt transformer, a small 5 volt Mean Well, a bit of soldering, and some 3D printing. Oh, and an LED. Because you've got to have LEDs.BTW this build will work equally well with a C64 or C128, all you need is the appropriate plug for the computer.Obligatory warning: mains voltages can be lethal. Do not attempt this project unless you are comfortable working with mains voltage and know what you're doing. The mains here is 240V, yours may be different.If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcSome other channels you should check out:8BitRetroRefix: @8BitRetroReFix Retro4u: @Retro4u Josip Retro Bits: @JosipRetroBits Captain Commodore: @CaptainCommodoreRetro Krazy: @RetroKrazy00:00 - Introduction01:48 - PCBWay02:25 - The PSU Connector03:10 - Plus/4, C64, or C128?06:16 - What we’re gonna do10:23 - Take the Cables Off the Old One12:33 - Breaking and Entering17:09 - Wiring up the Transformer21:45 - Fitting the Mean Well22:16 - Wiring up the Connectors23:42 - Wiring the output of the transformer26:20 - Swap Over the Fuse26:55 - Add an LED27:38 - First Test29:12 - Hooking Up the LED29:27 - LED34:10 - Moment of Truth
Happy Halloween! #retro #commodore #printing Tims Retro Corner 2023-10-29 | #shorts Happy Halloween folks! Here's a little message printed from a Commodore 64 onto an Epson FX80 Dot Matrix Printer. As 1980s as it gets!Oh, andBOO!The full width version is available exclusive to patrons. Check it out - patreon.com/timsretrocorner
Commodore 64 KeyBright turns into a Repair Tims Retro Corner 2023-10-27 | Thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video. Top quality PCBs from just $5 pcbway.com I thought it would be a simple job: just retrobright the keycaps. But then . . . Disaster!!! Now it won't even power up! What could have gone wrong? Check this out!If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction00:35 - De-Keying the Keyboard02:45 - PCBWay03:19 - Wash - Rinse - Repeat05:27 - Give it some Blue08:04 - Re-Keying the Keyboard10:22 - The “Oh No!” moment10:56 - Overcurrent Protection12:25 - A Brief Digression About Screws13:11 - De-Capping the Cap15:00 - Try it Again16:00 - Fixing the Broken Plastic Bits17:56 - Summing Up
Print to an Epson FX-80 from a Commodore 64 Tims Retro Corner 2023-10-13 | Thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video. $5 gets you 10 boards with fast turnaround. pcbway.com The FX-80 is a great retro printer for 16-bit machines with a parallel port - Amigas, Atari STs, DOS PCs etc. But what about the humble Commodore 64?Well, there were two solutions: one is to fit an interface card to the printer itself. These are rare and hard to find (and were, even back in the day). The second is to use a serial to centronics converter. And that's just what we're going to do...If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out my Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction02:17 - PCBWay02:59 - Disassembly04:37 - Cleaning05:49 - 5V Connection07:04 - Printing!12:52 - PrintMaster Plus15:17 - Wrap Up
Commodore Plus/4 Restoration Tims Retro Corner 2023-09-29 | Sponsored by pcbway.com - great PCBs from just $5The Plus/4 was Commodore's much underappreciated successor to the C64. I found one online "untested" for a great price. It looks pretty grubby. Does it work? Let's find out...If you'd like to help support this channel, please check out our Patreon. You can also make a one-off donation or use the channel Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc00:00 - Introduction02:20 - PCBWay03:06 - PSU Test04:59 - Initial Disassembly12:28 - Pulling Keycaps13:25 - In the Sink22:54 - C2N Datasette25:02 - Let’s try a tape30:41 - Re-Capping33:56 - Put it back together
More C64 Sensors Tims Retro Corner 2023-09-18 | The prototype boards used in this video came from our sponsor, PCBWay. Check them out at https:www.pcbway.comContinuing our exploration of probes and sensors on the Commodore 64. We look into uses for the data, and also explore analogue probes, and I2C Bus devices such as the Pimoroni BME280 to measure pressure and humidity, as well as temperature.Check out part 1 of this series: youtu.be/SLdSVMFEKJwJosip's original video that acted as inspiration: youtube.com/watch?v=bwWxnF6vDwEPlease consider supporting this channel through our Patreon, or via a one-off donation or Super Thanks.Patreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRNFollow us on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcParts used in this project:PCB: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Commodore_64_User_Port_Project_Development_PCB_bb031400.htmlDS18B20 waterproof sensor thepihut.com/products/waterproof-ds18b20-digital-temperature-sensor-extras?variant=27740417873TMP36 analog sensor thepihut.com/products/tmp36-analog-temperature-sensor?variant=27739528401Pimoroni BME280 shop.pimoroni.com/products/bme280-breakout?variant=29420960677971ENVIII thepihut.com/products/env-iii-unit-with-temperature-humidity-air-pressure-sensor-sht30-qmp6988?variant=40639008014531Thermistor* amzn.to/44Nu8mE (UK) amzn.to/3sOmSJQ (US)7 Segment Display* amzn.to/3sXRvg7 (UK) amzn.to/3PI3Vlm (US)IS31 matrix display thepihut.com/products/adafruit-is31fl3741-13x9-pwm-rgb-led-matrix-driver-stemma-qt-qwiicWire, terminal block (optional), pin header (optional)* denotes affiliate link. Brands may differ between UK/US storesData Sheets:DS18B20: analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/DS18B20.pdfTMP36: analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/TMP35_36_37.pdfBME280: mouser.com/datasheet/2/783/BST-BME280-DS002-1509607.pdfSHT30: digikey.co.uk/htmldatasheets/production/1873079/0/0/1/sht31-smart-gadget.pdfTM1637: m5stack.oss-cn-shenzhen.aliyuncs.com/resource/docs/datasheet/unit/digi_clock/TM1637.pdfIS31FL3741A lumissil.com/assets/pdf/core/IS31FL3741A_DS.pdfCode:Please see Josip's video above for the original code.Code for this episode: dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zpoqryvu1b66i5vqr0nx/TRC047-Sensors.zip?rlkey=cqrgydudkhweicrws3zmlsmva&dl=000:00 - Introduction01:03 - Program Changes05:10 - PCB Way12:04 - Run the Program14:04 - Adafruit TMP36 Sensor16:06 - TMP36 - Analogue Temperature Probe20:58 - Testing the Joystick Port with a Pot22:53 - I-squared-C You23:29 - I2C Primer26:24 - Connecting up the I2C sensors29:09 - I2C Data40:08 - ENV-III50:23 - Analogue Thermistor54:27 - Round Up54:50 - One Last Thing
Commodore 64 as a Thermometer! Tims Retro Corner 2023-08-31 | You can get the PCB used in this video for just $5 from our sponsor PCBWay. Check them out - pcbway.com There's a User Port on the back of the C64 that's got to be useful for something, right? Right! So with a few components and a little bit of programming, let's turn our C64 into a thermometer!This video was inspired by the following video on Josip's Retro Bits: youtube.com/watch?v=bwWxnF6vDwE Please check it out, and while you're there, subscribe to his channel. It's good stuff.So, the bits:User port port board: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Commodore_64_User_Port_Project_Development_PCB_bb031400.htmlDS18B20 waterproof sensor thepihut.com/products/waterproof-ds18b20-digital-temperature-sensor-extras?variant=27740417873Wire, terminal block (optional), pin header (optional)Data Sheet: analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/DS18B20.pdfThe code:Please see Josip's video above for the original code.Code for this episode: dropbox.com/scl/fi/i146eqbjt9tli0le5q1od/DS18-TRC.zip?rlkey=zmc48ugy5ikdjl5m3099qfjfc&dl=0Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcPatreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN
Epson FX80 Dot Matrix Printer Refurb Tims Retro Corner 2023-08-01 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. Top quality PCBs and more from just $5 for 10 boards.The Epson FX 80 was the workhorse printer in my old 8-bit days. It wasn't my first - that was the Commodore MPS801 (spoiler: it was bloody awful). Very quickly I replaced that with an FX 80, and this printer served me well through C64, C128, Amiga and even my first PC.So imagine my delight when I found one for sale at an incredibly cheap price. I grabbed it straight away, and now let's see if we can get it going...FX80 user manual: files.support.epson.com/pdf/fx80__/fx80__uv.pdfFX80 Windows drivers: epson.com/Support/Printers/Impact-Printers/FX-Series/Epson-FX-80/s/SPT_F102#drivers SAMS FX80 Service Manual: archive.org/details/Sams_Computerfacts_Epson_FX-80_Printer_1985_Howard_SamsAmazon book links (affiliate): UK: amzn.to/43MgpMtUS: amzn.to/3OaH4N3Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trcPatreon: patreon.com/timsretrocornerDonate: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN00:00 - Introduction00:36 - The Epson FX8003:38 - Sponsor Segment04:23 - Disassembly07:34 - Further Disassembly and Cleaning09:03 - Print Head Cleaning13:33 - Does it Work?17:35 - Printing with Protext25:05 - Graphics Printing26:12 - Retrobrighting28:49 - Reassembly31:20 - Final Thoughts
Amiga 600: New Floppy drive, and Compact Flash Upgrade WITHOUT using WinUAE Tims Retro Corner 2023-07-13 | Some upgrades for my A600. Firstly the floppy drive finally gets replaced, then we're gonna fit a Compact Flash drive and install Kickstart + Workbench 3.2 WITHOUT resorting to emulators.Jan Beta's video on fixing the HDD LED: youtube.com/watch?v=1v5m-86RBf8 (see the comments section for more suggestions)20K resistor fix: forum.amiga.org/index.php?topic=72859.0MOSFET fix: http://megaburken.net/~patrik/Amiga%20SD%20Adapter%20HD%20LED%20Fix/fix.txtMOSFET photo: http://megaburken.net/~patrik/Amiga%20SD%20Adapter%20HD%20LED%20Fix/example.jpgPlease consider supporting the channel through a one-off Super Thanks, or the upcoming channel memberships. We're approaching the magic 1000 subscribers mark, so your subscription would also be really welcome. No pressure, of course.00:00 - Introduction00:46 - Fitting a new Floppy02:36 - Testing the floppy drive03:38 - Fitting a CF adapter06:04 - PRogramming the Kickstart ROM07:06 - Fitting the new Kickstart10:46 - Partition CF - Take 114:39 - Partition CF - Take 216:01 - 2M Chip RAM expansion17:38 - Partition CF - Take 319:35 - Partition CF - This Time it’s War!20:42 - Partition CF - DIe you B@$*(£^¢&29:15 - EPROM Stickers, and the LED Problem
Commodore 8050 Dual Floppy Drive Repair and Restoration Tims Retro Corner 2023-06-21 | I bought a cheap 8050 floppy drive off eBay as "spares or repair". Can I fix it up and make it work? Thanks to pcbway.com - awesome PCBs and more starting at just $5Resources:8050 Service Manual & schematics: http://www.zimmers.net/anonftp/pub/cbm/schematics/drives/old/8050/index.html🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.com
Agon Light 2 - A Z80-based SBC Tims Retro Corner 2023-06-02 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. I take a look at the Agon Light, an open source SBC (Single Board Computer) that's based on the eZ80 and runs BBC BASIC. Get an Agon Light from The Pi Hut (not sponsored): thepihut.com/products/agonlight2-z80-bbc-basic-retro-single-board-computerAgon Light Links:thebyteattic.com/p/agon.htmlgithub.com/TheByteAttic/AgonLightgithub.com/breakintoprogram/agon-docs/wiki/Updating-Firmware🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.com00:00 - Introduction01:38 - Board Assembly02:29 - “Put These on That!”04:16 - Testing05:55 - Working Board!08:48 - One-Line Maze09:39 - Firmware Update15:37 - GPIO21:11 - Conclusion22:20 - Outtake
Playing with LED Panels Tims Retro Corner 2023-05-18 | Everyone loves LEDs! This video is kindly sponsored by PCBWay. The best PCBs from $5 pcbway.com I got hold of a selection of LED matrix panels, ranging from a 64x32 HUB95 through a 16x16 I2C panel and even a string of NeoPixels. Just how easy is it to make a useful display out of them?Let's find out...🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.com00:00 - Introduction00:22 - Unboxing03:42 - Sponsor Message04:13 - Hub75 64x32 Panel07:18 - Assembling the Interface11:11 - Hooking up the Matrix14:13 - Adafruit 13x9 I2C Matrix17:24 - Pimoroni Ubercorn 16x1623:24 - WS2812b “Neopixel” String
I Killed My VIC-20! But Can I Fix It? Tims Retro Corner 2023-05-03 | Thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video - you can get the EPROM adapter PCB used in this video, and more starting at just $5 for 10 boards, from pcbway.com So, buoyed up from my success at getting the "untested" VIC working (see youtu.be/nTLfV4o0OdI ) Decided to fit some ZIF sockets to enable me to use this machine as a 6502/6522 chip tester.And of course it all went horribly wrong . . .🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:53 - Sponsor Message01:39 - Desoldering Montage06:28 - Testing with the ZIF Sockets06:50 - Well bugger.09:05 - Oscilloscope Traces11:36 - Swapping out the 24513:49 - EPROM Adapter board18:34 - Replacing the ROMs20:06 - Try it out again22:28 - Interlude… Some Cleaning23:26 - Another Week Later24:29 - Retest with everything Socketed26:42 - Put it Back Together27:54 - Cartridges28:25 - Definitely NOT a gamer!
AMIGA 1200: 68882 FPU Card and Restoration Part 2 Tims Retro Corner 2023-04-14 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video.In the second part of this Amiga 1200 restoration, we'll be replacing the mechanical hard drive with a modern Compact Flash drive, attempting to repair the QuickShot dual Amiga/ST mouse, and fitting the Power Computing PC1208 FPU & RAM card.There will be Benchmarks!A1200 Part 1: youtu.be/XDJea1J3W5M🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:55 - Sponsor Message03:57 - FPU & RAM Card07:00 - Fitting the FPU Card08:27 - Quickshot Mouse12:43 - Another Mouse14:02 - Back to the FPU Card15:23 - Benchmarks19:00 - Summing Up
VIC-20 Cassette Port Fix Tims Retro Corner 2023-03-31 | Thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring this video - PCBs and more from just $5 at pcbway.com I got this Vic-20 from eBay "untested". It seems to work but it fails the diagnostics with a bad tape motor error. So let's fix it. 🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction01:09 - Sponsor Message01:51 - Teardown03:48 - First Test05:32 - Checking the 9 Volts07:28 - Replacing the fuse holder11:17 - Replacing the Zener Diode13:25 - Coming Up In Part 2
Battered Mac LC 630 Restoration - #MARCHintosh 2023 Tims Retro Corner 2023-03-24 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. My first "old" Mac arrived in a battered and sorry state, with "some assembly required", thanks to a relaxed attitude to packaging on the part of the vendor. So of course I'm going to pull it apart and fix it up. I might even get it to work...🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction01:24 - Taking it Apart02:47 - Motherboard Inspection05:58 - Recapping the mainboard08:49 - Lifted Pad09:40 - Fitting new Capacitors12:18 - Fitting the Bodge Wire16:09 - Further Disassembly29:03 - Oops!30:19 - Putting it all Back Together32:55 - Floppy Drive Cleanup36:35 - Final Assembly37:41 - Magic Smoke Test41:55 - Second Test44:34 - Final Assembly Montage45:19 - Build Review
PIEEE-488 Prototype Project Part 2: Designing & Building the PCB Tims Retro Corner 2023-02-24 | Thanks to my sponsor PCBWay pcbway.com They made this PCB for just $5 for 10 boards. If I can do it, anyone can!Last month I built a breadboard floppy replacement for my MiniPET. Well, a prototype for it anyway. In this video I turn that prototype into a PCB.Watch part 1: youtu.be/g1RisoxQX9I🔴 Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:20 - Titles01:08 - KiCad - Circuit Schematic05:55 - KiCad - Board Layout08:49 - Exporting the Gerber Files16:07 - Upload to PCBWay17:52 - The Great PCB Unboxing20:17 - Building the Board31:04 - Cockups and Admissions33:28 - Testing35:52 - Mini “State of the Nation”
Amiga 1200 Restore and Repair Tims Retro Corner 2023-02-15 | I was very generously given an Amiga 1200 by the past chairman of ICPUG (Independent Commodore Products User Group). // Kindly sponsored by PCBWay - high quality PCBs for just $5 pcbway.comIn this video I do some basic restoration and recapping. But then: what is that weird problem with the mouse? Let's find out...ICPUG still maintains an online presence to this day: http://www.icpug.org.uk🔴 *NEW!!* Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:50 - Unboxing05:01 - Sponsor Message12:11 - Test 1: Basic power up/. Does it work?13:40 - Test 2: Hard Drive17:20 - Re-Cap Preparation23:27 - SMD Cap Removal27:05 - Tracking Down the Trace28:41 - Replacing the capacitor with the broken pad31:34 - Attaching the ‘normal’ SMD caps32:02 - Fitting the thru hole caps33:10 - Refit the Keyboard Connector34:06 - Testing the recapped board37:18 - Scope It!41:57 - Removing the Mouse Filter Capacitor43:21 - Retest
Minstrel 4D - Amazing Jupiter Ace Compatible Kit Computer: One Day Build Tims Retro Corner 2022-12-30 | Today I'm building a Minstrel 4D kit computer. Thanks to pcbway.com for kindly sponsoring this video - easy PCB prototyping from just $5.The Minstrel 4D is a kit computer built from modern day available parts. It's based on the Jupiter Ace, a small Z-80 micro from 1982 that was notable for running FORTH. But the kit expands on the Ace and gives it a full 49K of RAM, turbo mode, and an RC-2014 expansion bus.The kit is available from The Future Was 8-Bit thefuturewas8bit.com and I'm going to build it...Resources:Jupiter Ace Archive: jupiter-ace.co.uk/index.htmlRC-2014 Kits & Modules: rc2014.co.ukTynemouth Software Blog: http://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk🔴 *NEW!!* Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:21 - Unboxing05:14 - Sponsor Message05:46 - The Jupiter Ace07:16 - The Minstrel Series Kits08:24 - Let’s Make It!09:25 - Low Profile Components11:24 - Diodes13:28 - Capacitors16:35 - Resistance Isn’t Futile19:10 - Sockets26:59 - Resistor Arrays28:04 - MOSFETs and Regulators29:33 - Crystal, Transducer, DIP Switch30:50 - LEDs & Electrolytics31:43 - Connectors36:25 - Keyboard Switches38:10 - Pillars38:50 - KeyCaps and Overlay43:47 - First Power On Test46:28 - Demo49:11 - Bonus
Amiga 600 Restoration Part 2: Floppy Repair and Retro Bright Tims Retro Corner 2022-12-22 | Part 2 of restoring my Amiga 600. In which I attempt to fix the floppy drive, and retrobright the case. pcbway.com - the easy way to PCB, from just $5.The floppy drive on this A600 (a Panasonic JU-253-043P) doesn't work. At least, it doesn't spin. The heads tick back & forth as you'd expect, but nothing happens when you put a disk in. Hopefully I can find the problem. And since it's the coldest, darkest time of the year, it must be time to do some retrobrighting! So we'll do that too...🔴 *NEW!!* Follow me on Mastodon: https://retrorewind.social/@trc🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction02:13 - Sponsor Message03:40 - The disk’s not spinning!04:39 - A leaky capacitor in the drive?07:45 - Replacing the Capacitor08:42 - Recapped Drive Test10:43 - Trying an A500 Drive12:59 - Drive Motor Tests14:52 - Drive Disassembly16:16 - Let’s Retrobright!17:12 - Keys26:06 - Keyboard Brush Down26:41 - Keyboard Reassembly28:22 - Case Assembly
Amiga 600 Restoration Part 1: Re-Capping Tims Retro Corner 2022-12-15 | I'm taking a first look at my "untested" Amiga 600. Kindly sponsored by my favourite PCB maker, PCBWay. pcbway.com On initial inspection the case looks to be in reasonable condition. Yellow for sure and there's a crack by the floppy button. But at least it's clean. Oh, and one of the two warranty seals is still intact (but not for long!)Of course that means that inside lurk those nasty, leaky, surface mount capacitors. Better get the soldering iron heated up...This is my first time with SMD caps, so the technique I'm using comes from literally minutes of watching YouTube! Big shout out to Ravenwolf Retro Tech youtube.com/@RavenWolfRetroTech for this one. Do check out his channel. And in particular this one: youtube.com/watch?v=zhUpcBpJUzg🔴 Subscribe to be notified of more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction01:26 - Sponsor Message01:52 - Surface Mount Capacitors06:31 - Plug it in, see what it does…06:50 - Recapping - Introduction07:55 - Unsoldering the first cap09:05 - Removing the Keyboard Connector10:22 - Remove the Audio Connector10:50 - Removing the Surface Mount Caps16:23 - Fitting New Capacitors20:45 - Fitting the Through Hole Capacitors22:20 - Preliminary Test24:57 - Testing the System26:38 - Diagrom
Building a PI1541 for the Commodore 64 Tims Retro Corner 2022-11-23 | Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video. The Pi 1541 is a modern day replacement for the venerable Commodore 1541 disk drive. Unlike devices like the SD2IEC, it is a cycle exact emulator, which means anything you can do on a real 1541, you can do on this. Including run code.This is an open source project by Steve White, and the project page is here: cbm-pi1541.firebaseapp.com There is also a GitHub page for the source code: github.com/pi1541/Pi1541I bought mine as a kit from eBay, but there are many other variations. If you want to source the components yourself, you can order PCBs through the shared project page on PCBWay: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Pi1541_IO_Adapter__Rev_4.htmlThe case I used: thingiverse.com/thing:4892996I made the following modifications to it- Extended the width by 1mm just to make it an easier fit- Extended the front by 20mm to make it easier to fit the LEDs in the front panel- Shifted the OLED window by 4mm to suit my particular OLED screen🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:32 - Discussion02:48 - Sponsor message03:23 - The Build07:46 - Set Up the SD Card13:23 - First Test15:15 - External Monitor Test16:05 - Startup Problem Fixed17:44 - I Missed some Board Jumpers!19:00 - Final Test22:07 - 3D Printing the Case25:04 - The Completed unit in Operation
Amiga 500 Plus Repair - Take 2 Tims Retro Corner 2022-11-03 | This Amiga does't boot: it just has a black screen and a flashing drive light. Check out pcbway.com for great PCBs, 3D printing and other services from just $5.From the initial look I suspected the 2MB Agnus was dead ( a very expensive IC), but maybe there are problems with the RAM support logic? and there's always the old standby... battery damage.Also viewers suggested checking out this video youtube.com/watch?v=V3yC2DFsNlc&t=1698s for what looks to be a similar problem. So let's do that.🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/musicChapters00:00 - Introduction02:52 - Sponsor Message03:40 - First Test06:32 - Scope it Out10:17 - Desoldering Montage13:30 - Chips tested15:18 - Beeping the PCB16:34 - Green Goo20:02 - Bodge Wire20:58 - New Chip, Crystal22:39 - After all that… Does it work?23:48 - Vanilla A500 Comparison25:22 - Clean the PLCC Socket26:56 - A New Agnus29:05 - Trying the New Agnus30:45 - Another Desoldering Montage. Oh joy!34:53 - Epilogue
Lets Make an 8-bit Adapter PCB - From Scratch! Tims Retro Corner 2022-09-28 | What do you do when you can no longer get that PCB you desperately need? You make one! Thanks to pcbway.com for sponsoring this video, and also for providing the PCBs free of charge.The 6530 RRIOT chip is used in all the Commodore IEEE disk drives. And if it dies, it's impossible to find a replacement. EXCEPT, with an adapter we can use a much more common 6532 in its place.Today we will make that adapter, using our own PCB design.This project is based on the original work of Ruud Baltissen, who came up with the schematic. The project page on his site is: http://www.baltissen.org/newhtm/6530repl.htmKiCad PCB layout software: kicad.orgFreeRouting autoroute: freerouting.orgPCB Shared Project order link: pcbway.com/project/shareproject/6530_to_6532_RRIOT_to_RIOT_adapter_for_IEEE_disk_drives_16cf7551.html🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction01:03 - Why this Board?04:36 - Introducing KiCad05:02 - Starting KiCad06:06 - Create the Schematic07:18 - Bring the schematic into the PCB Layout editor08:23 - DRC - Design Rules Checker09:07 - Fix missing connection in schematic09:43 - FreeRouting - Java autoroute app10:28 - Re-import and check10:38 - Power Rails & Tweaks11:18 - 3D VIEW11:54 - Gerber Files15:13 - Unboxing20:21 - Building the Board21:28 - The Legendary and Infamous Soldering Montage25:29 - Will It Work?
Commodore 128 Keyboard Repair Tims Retro Corner 2022-09-08 | The F key is broken on my Commodore 128, and the 6 key wobbles! Thanks to PCB Way for sponsoring this video. Go to pcbway.com for quality PCB manufacture from just $5.It's time to take my C128 keyboard apart and find out what's wrong with it. And put it right. Warning: this video contains scenes of 3D Printing...Key Plunger STL file on Thingiverse: thingiverse.com/thing:3910131Also, if you've ever taken your keyboard apart and found a mysterious tiny spring left over, this video is for you!🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: Arpanauts by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:35 - Removing the affected keys01:31 - Keyboard Disassembly03:41 - The Damage is Revealed04:42 - 3D Printing New Posts06:08 - Fitting and Adjustment09:05 - An Extra Tiny Spring09:44 - First Test12:20 - Reassembly and Final Comments
Commodore SFD 1001 Drive Teardown and Repair: Part 3 Tims Retro Corner 2022-08-22 | It looks like a 1541 but it's not! Thanks to my sponsor, PCBWay. pcbway.com Quality PCBs and more from just $5. This SFD 1001 drive came with a surprise: it once belonged to the company where I got my first programming job! In the last episode we finished our restoration of the drive and powered it on. But it didn't work.This time we go in depth, searching for bad chips and other problems with the motherboard. And we discover a worrying problem on the drive itself.See the first video in this series: youtu.be/yVyCzW7McdUSee the MiniPET build series: youtu.be/EQ5zd12L4u4🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: A Night of Dizzy Spells by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:55 - Easy Chip Tests02:58 - Sponsor Message04:16 - Testing in a 154122:15 - SFD Drive Architecture29:33 - First Test36:06 - Yes, I was a numpty!38:50 - Broken Sensor Wire45:10 - Progress - One Step Forward…47:34 - Reading an 8250 format Disk49:53 - … 2 Steps Back53:07 - Socket Replacement Montage54:27 - One Last Test56:21 - Epilogue
Apple Silicon Mac Emulates Amiga: the M2 MacBook Airmiga Tims Retro Corner 2022-08-08 | Back in the day, the Amiga was used to emulate the Apple Macintosh.So when I got my brand new M2 MacBook Air, what was the logical first thing to do with it? Install an Amiga emulator of course!No the irony is not lost that I should use a £1500 new computer to emulate a £300 old one! This is What We Do!Thanks for watching.(Now, I think the next step might be to install a Mac emulator on the Amiga, so I can have a Mac emulating an Amiga emulating a Mac....)🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1🔴 Buy me a coffee or make a one-time donation: paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DC2YUGZDYKHRN🔴 Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: A Night of Dizzy Spells by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/musicTime Stamps:00:00 - Introduction05:15 - Installing AmiBerry10:22 - Configuring AmiBerry - Kickstart11:59 - Creating a hard drive with Workbench23:25 - Sysinfo26:21 - Frontier Elete Demo30:03 - Summary
Commodore SFD 1001 Drive Teardown and Repair: Part 2 Tims Retro Corner 2022-07-26 | It looks like a 1541 but it's not! Thanks to my sponsor, PCBWay. pcbway.com Quality PCBs from just $5. This SFD 1001 drive came with a surprise: it once belonged to the company where I got my first programming job! Last week we stripped the drive down and repaired a corroded spindle motor board. This week we turn our attention to the power supply and the main PCB.Let's see if we can fix it up and get it working.In this video we're working on wires that directly connect to the mains (230V AC in our case). DO NOT MESS WITH MAINS CONNECTIONS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. THE MAINS CAN KILL YOU.🔴 Subscribe for more retro stuff: youtube.com/c/TimsRetroCorner?sub_confirmation=1Blog: timsretrocorner.comMusic: A Night of Dizzy Spells by Eric Skiff - http://ericskiff.com/music00:00 - Introduction00:48 - Installing The Power Supply - Part 105:33 - Sponsor Message13:38 - Re-Capping the main PCB16:52 - Replacing the IEEE Connector21:52 - Checking the Voltages22:46 - Reassembly23:33 - Retrobright Results29:07 - The Magic Smoke Test
