1968 PortaMount 120 4-Track / 8-Track Player Dan OConnor 2026-09-24 | 1968 PortaMount 120 4-Track / 8-Track Player
1975 Esselte Electronic Diary Dan OConnor 2023-07-26 | Put pencil marks on the sheet at the times you want the alarm to sound. The unit reads the graphite conductivity and controls the alarm that way.00:00 Introduction and Unboxing02:45 Principle of Operation/Basic Theory04:15 Tour of Unit07:21 Accessory Sheet09:30 Instruction Sheet12:25 Testing Clock Setting13:30 Alarm Tests16:06 Pencil/Holder, etc.17:33 Sensor Cleaning18:40 History talk (1975)19:45 Look at Electronics Inside22:00 Wrap-Up#Vintage Swedish Office Electronics
Desktop Powered Data Retrieval in the 1970s (Datax TBX-30) Dan OConnor 2023-03-29 | A battery-operated card-indexing machine from around 1977. Enter phone numbers, stock numbers, account data -whatever you choose. Code the key caps with to match the location of the data cards. Press the key and cards spin to your request.(Sorry for the occasional bouts of the camera's poor focusing in the later part of the video when focusing on the keys.)00:00 Introduction/Box Information02:25 Patents (U.S.)04:37 See Smaller TBX-1505:02 1979 Wireless World Small Article05:52 Pricing06:21 Start Machine Tour08:20 Typing Up Data Cards08:40 Tour Continues09:58 Original Instructions11:19 Demonstration: Key Cap Removal/Key Label Added12:24 Placing Data Cards in Holders13:10 Practicing Using The Overall System14:40 Conclusion/Wrap-Up
Did You Need This On Your Windshield Visor? Dan OConnor 2023-03-22 | A phone number index, like a Rolodex, from Pronto for your windshield visor probably from the 1990's. It works but it would have been dangerous to use when the car was in motion. Of course we just use voice control today. A pocket notebook would hold more information and have been quicker and safer I think.
Radio Shack Computerized Phone Accountant (1987) Dan OConnor 2023-02-10 | This is not an answering machine. It is the DuoFone CPA-1000. It presents itself as a way to control phone abuse by tracking calls made and keeping track of time for billing hours. I can only test it in a very limited fashion because of the limitations of my phone system. I think it would have been a very difficult method of tracking phone misuse.00:00 Introduction01:22 1987 Radio Shack Ad03:12 Machine Tour Part 103:37 Test Call Printouts Close up04:42 Machine Tour Part 206:25 Look Inside at Electronics06:48 Machine Tour Part 309:14 Look at Instruction Book10:51 Connection Method for Tests11:15 Start Tests: Incoming calls/Activity Printing13:48 Outgoing Calls/Activity Printing15:58 Outgoing call test #2 (Naval Observatory)17:27 Ink Roller check and more call tests20:40 Wrap-up
When A Normal Desk Nameplate Isnt Enough Dan OConnor 2023-01-31 | If you were bored with your old-fashioned desk nameplate in 2001 you could have checked out this electronic programmable one from Brookstone. It can be programmed with 3 different messages that can be set to scrolling (or not) along with the Time/Date/Temperature and has an ink pen and a spot for business cards. It uses 4 AAA batteries.00:00 Introduction00:20 Packaging01:38 Pen Trial02:28 Messages Management04:28 Time/Date/Temp05:10 Small Oversights06:00 Instructions06:40 Pausing Message Display07:30 Wrap Up
The Time Slot: A complicated attempt to control kids TV screen time in the 1980s/1990s Dan OConnor 2023-01-24 | The Time Slot was supposed to allow parents a "simple and easy" way to control their children's TV and video game screen time in the 1980's. It uses "credit cards" programmed with hours and lengths-of-time a child could turn the television on. I found it to be incredibly hard to work with and wonder who would have kept going with it after experiencing the programming grief. Couldn't parents just tell their kids to turn the television off or turn it off themselves?UPDATE: I've posted a photo of the inside electronics on the Community tab of my channel. In that photo I see a chip with a 1993 date code and a transformer with a 1992 date code. I've also found a website from 1994 that says it was selling for $150, so maybe the original patent (now expired) was granted several years before the device actually came out or there was an earlier version of this 1994 version.00:00 Introduction03:48 Examine device07:00 Owner's Manual11:25 Security door access12:15 Power up trials (fails)15:07 Power up success16:35 Video powers up17:40 First Programming test24:00 Child's card programming27:00 Child's card test28:30 Reading brochure Q&A's30:50 Test suddenly ends31:48 Conclusion and wrap-upCredit: The video that is sometimes shown is Taming Stalls and Spins from King Air
1970s Longines Symphonette Slumber Center LCR-500 Dan OConnor 2023-01-14 | This clock radio with an attached telescoping lamp and external satellite speaker was apparently meant as a bedside unit in the early 1970's. The articulating lamp has three different intensity levels and doubles as an FM antenna.00:00 Overview01:52 Inside Electronics04:06 Closer Overview05:10 Schematic Details06:41 Band Scan08:15 Satellite Speaker Test 09:00 More on Lamp/FM Antenna09:45 Conclusion
Seiko Talking Egg Message Center TE-100 (1980s ?) Dan OConnor 2022-09-14 | A novelty recording device from Seiko that uses a magnetic disk to record and play back 20 second messages. It might have had some input from Aiwa per the speaker badging. Recording quality isn't good as you might expect.00:00 Introduction00:30 Instructions02:00 Remember Play It Cool02:30 Operation Test03:40 Examine Insides05:41 Inside Recording Test 106:45 Examine Magnetic Disk07:30 Inside Recording Test 2 (with epic fail)10:15 Wrap-Up
Exploring a SounDesign Radio Recorder #5888 (1989) Dan OConnor 2022-08-20 | SounDesign was an inexpensive audio brand so its equipment wasn't high quality. This recorder was apparently part of a "system" that included a matching record player (photos included). That's probably why there is a 12V output jack on the back. The dubbing/play deck doesn't work properly and microphone recording is horrible but the radio works fine and the record/play deck works well as demonstrated.
1963 Numechron Tymeter Interval Timer Dan OConnor 2022-08-06 | This old Numechron has two powered outlets. An appliance plugged into the right outlet has power while the timer is counting down and an appliance plugged into the left outlet has power on after the countdown has stopped. It has a buzzer feature but my unit might not be operating as designed.
Norelco 2000 Cassette Deck (1971) Dan OConnor 2022-06-13 | From Philips/Norelco here is the Model 2000 stereo cassette recorder/deck from 1971 (I think). It was possibly made for them by Nakamichi in Japan. My example doesn't fast forward or rewind and it plays a little too fast, but it records from the line inputs and plays back at least well enough for a sample video. There's a brief second or two AV sync issue during the video when I'm pressing the pause button - I don't know why.00:00 Introduction/Examine machine01:40 Record/Playback Tests05:40 Instructions/Schematic08:45 Insides Maintenance Exam10:30 Wrap-Up
1980 Realistic CTR-80A with Mods Dan OConnor 2022-06-03 | A very standard cassette recorder from Radio Shack in 1980 that has been modified at one time to add a volume(?) meter and an external jack of unknown properties that connects to the internal electronics. The internal speaker has been removed and the battery compartment is bad.00:00 Tour of machine01:10 Playback test #1 02:00 Meter Mod deflection02:45 Inside electronics/mechanicals and Mod #2 05:17 Recording/Playback Tests09:00 Conclusion
My 2001 Compuserve Member Web Page made with Trellix Web Dan OConnor 2022-05-07 | Compuserve used to let its members make a web page to be hosted on its servers. I made a small one around 2001 using Trellix Web software. I don't remember what other ways a casual internet user could have a web page hosted back then, but there must have been other ways. I found this on a ZIP drive and reviewed it on my 1999 Gateway Essential 500 running Windows 98.
The Astro Personal Astrological Computer by Kosmos (1979) Dan OConnor 2022-04-28 | This is a regular calculator with an added ability to use Astrology to determine someone's trends for the day and compare people's compatibility. I don't believe in astrology, but I like the vintage electronic gadgets that pretend to be useful.00:00 Introduction01:55 Algebraic 4-function calculator02:24 Astrological Functions03:30 Find Personal Astrological Info06:00 Compatibility check - two people07:55 A bit of the written instructions08:30 A couple of other buttons09:45 Examine inside electronic components11:20 Wrap-up
Scotch VCR Head Cleaner (2001) Dan OConnor 2022-04-20 | Quick demo of a Scotch/3M "dry" tape cleaner. The box shows a 2001 date code but the video seems to have been used from 1995. It seems to have been sponsored by Best Buy - Turn On The Fun! It promises 30 head cleanings and 6 tape path cleanings. I use the tape in a 1978 Panasonic PV-1100 VCR watching on a 1976 Sony Trinitron KV-1741R.My Panasonic PV-1100 video from 2013: youtu.be/vSBPBjCd8u0My Sony Trinitron KV-1741R video from 2013: youtu.be/qf2kcQWxY_g
Kosmos Bio-Clock (1978) Dan OConnor 2022-03-23 | Here's a rather involved piece of electronics from around 1978 that goes into the pseudo-science of biorhythms. I've made several videos about various biorhythm calculators including one about a handheld Kosmos similar to this desktop unit: youtu.be/q3dOrl7KuK4I don't place any stock in biorhythms but I do enjoy the electronics that were developed for them.In this video I make use of a manual I downloaded from PreservationSound.com: preservationsound.com/2019/01/fairly-o-t-the-1978-kosmos-bio-clock-full-manual-download 00:00 Introduction /Device examination03:27 Some of the manual including the specs04:42 Inside electronics06:12 Set Clock07:15 World Time08:47 Stopwatch09:22 Alarm10:08 Biorhythm Wikipedia page10:37 Biorhythm examples16:48 Calculator17:40 Wrap-up
1968 Stylophone Electronic Organ Dan OConnor 2022-02-20 | They called it an organ in1968, probably because not many people had heard of synthesizers. David Bowie used it in 1969 on Space Oddity. It has 20 "keys" and operates on 9V. Mine is scratchy with capacitors that should probably be replaced but it can still make some tunes. I'm not a musician...please see many of the other videos on YouTube by people who can play it correctly.00:00 Overview02:14 Instruction/Song Book04:25 History/Pop Culture Talk06:11 Stylus/Operation07:00 Pitch Test (not too good)07:58 Inside Electronics08:57 Talking09:40 I Try to play it (not well)11:38 Wrap Up
Olympus Pearlcorder SD Micro-Cassette System (1977) Dan OConnor 2021-12-18 | A Microcassette player from Olympus that could use attachments to play/record FM radio (the DRA2) and perform voice activation (the DVA1).I think there was also an AM radio tuner available which I don't have.At around $300 in 1977, in 2021 dollars it might cost over $1,300.00:00 Introduction00:32 Some specs02:00 Hardware Tour03:25 Voice Recording Trial04:35 Voice Activation (DVA1) Trial06:53 Radio Recording Trial (DRA2) (very limited: copyright)07:53 Carrying Case08:53 Quick look at a non-working SD209:25 Look inside the SD, electronics, etc.10:30 Wrap-up
Realistic TR-175B 8-Track Deck (1970) Dan OConnor 2021-11-09 | A solid representation of a 1970 8-track deck from Realistic (Radio Shack). This model has the capability to repeat one track or all of the tracks. It originally cost $60.
Broken 1987 Tandy Disk Drive 2 Dan OConnor 2021-10-23 | My first effort at a #Short. The 1987 disk drive for my Tandy 102 computer has failed. I look inside but I don't see anything obviously wrong with it.
RCA CC9390 MiniDV Camera (2001) Dan OConnor 2021-10-18 | This MiniDV camera has all of the usual features of such cameras, with one extra special one: The LCD screen can be removed and attached to a cable that lets the operator use it as a monitor and remote control for hard-to-shoot situations. Don't expect a complete camera review here. My example works just well enough with an SD card to demonstrate the remote system, but with a tape stuck in the tape compartment it doesn't work much. You can see my review of a working Sony TRV-50 MiniDV system with Internet Connectivity and photo printing capabilities here: youtu.be/Q5RcJBfifpg00:00 CC9390 Kit Contents03:21 Tape won't eject03:45 Memory card04:35 Camcorder tour and features05:05 LCD touchscreen05:53 Color viewfinder06:05 Batteries and more06:52 Specifications07:05 Attach light test07:14 Detach LCD and attach to remote cable09:24 Remote control tests11:53 Popular Science 2001 mini-review12:30 Conclusion
Garrett ITM2 Desktop Clock/Calculator and More (1974) Dan OConnor 2021-10-03 | Garrett Comtronics of San Diego, CA. made this classic wood-grained desktop unit in 1974. It uses a Panaplex display which is a form of gas discharge or plasma display. I've seen them called "planar-nixie" displays. It can be kept on a clock display or switched to an RPN calculator display, with stopwatch, alarm and timer functions as well. My example works pretty well except for the alarms which are silent. I don't know if the alarm is broken or if there is a button setting somewhere that has them turned off. I don't have the instructions, diagnostic skills or a schematic to help clarify that fault.00:00 Introduction and Overview02:05 Power Up02:33 Set Time03:26 Set Date05:38 Test Timer07:08 Test Stopwatch07:40 Set Alarm08:45 Look at Electronics Inside11:20 Keypad Close-up11:48 Calculator Test13:16 Small Instruction Label on Keypad Cover13:50 Conclusion
Casio Personal Video Printer VG100 (1994) Dan OConnor 2021-09-20 | Casio's VG100 video printer connects to an output like a television, camcorder, VCR or video game console. You can then grab a screen-shot from that input and print it out on paper or labels. In this video I use a Sony GV-D1000 mini-DV player/Memory Stick reader to get input into the Casio.Here's a link to my very old 2011 video about the GV-D1000:youtu.be/vexmMfkkRpw00:00 Introduction01:37 Box Contents02:12 VG-100 Overview03:21 Examine Ink Cartridge, Compartment; Install Cartridge04:28 DC Adapter04:53 Included Paperwork05:42 Flip Through Instructions10:35 On-Screen Displays; Layout Format Trials13:38 First Print Trials, Sony Memory Stick Photos17:15 Double Print/Color Frame18:25 Eight Small Prints Trial19:20 Printing selected smaller areas of a selection20:52 Printing from a mini-DV video tape24:20 Print VHS Tape Label25:50 Conclusion
PayPal Security Key: Whats Inside? Dan OConnor 2021-09-13 | These small key fobs that produced a 6-digit random number were used by some PayPal/eBay customers about 15 years ago to help protect their accounts. They have been replaced with a 2-stage verification system using SMS methods. Mine no longer displays anything. With no obvious way to get inside I crack it open to take a look.
Hanimex HSP430 Stereopak BoomBag Dan OConnor 2021-09-07 | A clever little bag with 2 speakers inside that accepts an output from a cassette player/radio placed in a pouch area. It might be slightly more rain resistant than a normal boombox, especially if you're using a Sports Walkman like I use here. You could carry more cassette tapes with you in the extra compartment provided with a microphone too.
Smart Shopper: You Could Use It, but Why Would You? Dan OConnor 2021-08-26 | When a pencil and paper is just too much...here's a handheld grocery list printer. It has a database in its memory of 2,500 items - more than just groceries - errands, etc. It uses voice recognition to make a list which can then be printed out. It does what it promises, but a pencil and paper might be quicker!00:00 Introduction01:00 Unboxing03:07 Instructions04:15 Paper Loading04:35 Adding Items To The List10:14 Printing List11:04 Wrap-Up
Casio Life Cycles Biorhythm Kit (1975?) Dan OConnor 2021-08-16 | Casio was selling a calculator, the H-801, to help people determine their biorhythms back in the 1970's. This kit came complete with a reference book and a pad of individual daily worksheets to fill out. This isn't for real science, it's for entertainment purposes only.00:00 Introduction01:06 Unboxing02:48 Instruction Booklet05:35 Biorhythms Life Cycle Book10:05 Examine Biolator Calculator11:45 Sample Biorhythms Calculation15:15 Wrap-Up
Audec Command Dialer Telephone with Voice Recognition, the VRT-1100 (1984) Dan OConnor 2021-07-29 | This telephone used new voice recognition tools (in 1984) to store and recall names and phone numbers. You should have just been able to say a name and have the phone dial it. At least in my case that plan barely works. The instructions fail epically to tell you how to achieve those results. I eventually got somewhere I think is close to the promised result.00:00 Introduction and Examine Packaging02:40 Instructions04:24 Phone Tour08:20 Phone Tests (Voice Recognition Programming, etc.)17:21 Command Dial Trial19:48 Examine Electronics Inside21:06 Wrap-Up
The 1984 Olympics Called... Dan OConnor 2021-07-10 | Here's an AT&T landline telephone Olympic commemorative set with two interchangeable decorative plaques, a "Stars in Motion" plaque and an "Olympic Event Pictogram" plaque. AT&T was a sponsor of the Olympics.00:00 Introduction/Packaging01:45 Phone Tour02:55 Paperwork: Promotions & Instructions06:22 Clock Repair Attempt Fail07:14 Installing Olympic Event Pictogram Plaque09:56 Insides Photo10:08 Phone Tests: Incoming Ringer Volume and Outgoing call11:13 Wrap-up
1966 General Electric C550G Clock Radio Dan OConnor 2021-06-26 | A nice example of a G.E. clock radio (AM only) from the mid-1960's. Nothing fancy here but it all still works and is a family heirloom as I explain in the video.00:00 Introduction & Radio Overview02:17 Family History03:00 Let's Get Inside05:19 Power-Up06:14 Band Scan07:50 Timer/Alarm Tests09:23 Wrap-up
Realistic SCP-14 Cassette Player (1984) Dan OConnor 2021-06-10 | This was a $50 cassette player from Realistic (Radio Shack) in 1984. It has a selector switch for either Type I or Type II/Metal tapes. My kit is fairly complete although you had to provide your own headphones and my player is missing its belt clip. This SCP-14 seems to work well for being 37 years old.00:00 Introduction00:25 Vintage Packaging01:35 Unboxing Contents02:16 Owners Manual04:05 Schematic Diagram04:22 Vinyl Case05:37 Tour of Player08:45 1985 Radio Shack Catalog09:05 Compare Type I and Type II Tapes10:30 Type I tape playback test (with Tandy MMS-10 amp)12:22 Type II tape playback test (with Tandy MMS-10 amp)14:00 Balance and Volume controls test (with Tandy MMS-10 amp)14:55 Look at external screws - very small!15:37 Wrap-up
Examine a Non-Working 1967 Sharp Compet-16 Calculator (Nixie Tubes) Dan OConnor 2021-06-04 | My $5 estate sale example doesn't work, but let's look around and inside anyway. This is the Compet -16C.Here's a link to a site with everything you might want to know about it:oldcalculatormuseum.com/comp16.html
Cassette Recorder Designed by John Vassos (RCA, 1972) Dan OConnor 2021-05-28 | John Vassos (1898 - 1985), a Romanian of Greek descent, was a well-known industrial designer who came to America in 1919. His designs spanned many decades and many genres. His work for RCA from 1933 on produced many television and radio cabinets, record players and other equipment. Equipment he designed of all sorts is held by many museums. This particular compact cassette recorder, the RCA YZB 532Y, is an example of his later designs for RCA. My machine doesn't work very well, but this doesn't subtract from its beauty. A good spot to begin to get an idea of the breadth of his designs is this Wikipedia page, but there are many others:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_VassosThe very short music clips on the playback trials include pieces from MC Lyte Feat. XScape, Keep On Keepin" On, 1996, Electra Entertainment and Kathleen O'Connor, Springboard, 1997, BMI.00:00 Introduction/John Vassos00:49 Examine Recorder03:55 Missing Parts04:53 SAMS Photofact06:17 Internal Mechanicals/Operation07:40 Tape Playback Trials (Mostly Fail)08:45 Wrap-up
1981 Panasonic TR-5040P Portable Television Dan OConnor 2021-05-23 | This is a 5-inch B&W television. It still works well after 40 years. The picture and sound are good when the DTA converter box and external antenna are behaving.00:00 Introduction/Unboxing02:45 Paperwork/Instructions06:04 Examine Television08:26 Turn Television On09:29 Inside Electronics, etc.12:00 Television Reception Trials (DTA Converter Box)17:00 Concluding Thoughts
Checking a Faulty 1970 MGA TC-20 Cassette Recorder Kit Dan OConnor 2021-05-12 | This kit from MGA (Mitsubishi Electronics) is a time capsule of styling , features, accessories and case presentation from 1970. From the very thorough instructions for first-time cassette users to the well-thought-out case that opens from both ends, it shows how well things could be done over 50 years ago. My example has functional problems (No FF/Rew, too Fast playback and wow and flutter problems) but is still a welcome addition to my collection.00:00 TC-20 Kit Contents02:55 Owner's Paperwork/Instructions07:53 Maintenance Bench Tests12:04 Tour of TC-2015:29 Tape Playback Test (Bad!)16:22 Voice Recording Test18:02 Aux in Music Recording Test (Really Bad!)19:23 Wrap-up
1970s MGA RPM-47 5-Band Radio Dan OConnor 2021-05-05 | MGA was a part of the Mitsubishi electronics companies. I think this 5-Band radio is from the 1970's. It was made in Taiwan. It operates on AC or 4 "C" cells. It has an MB band (SW), AM, FM, Aviation and Police Bands. There is a Weather Frequency call-out on the Police Band. The MB Band has callouts for 90 and 120 Meters (both assigned to Latin America, so this radio might not have been originally marketed in the USA. It has an Earphone jack, a Phono-In jack and something called a "DET-Out" jack which just seems to be an audio out jack, maybe for connecting to a home stereo (Why - if you already have a home stereo?) The antenna is 27 inches extended. 00:00 Radio Overview01:25 Inside Views02:45 Overview Continues03:45 Police Band Weather Check04:33 AM Band Scan05:45 MB Band (Canadian Time signal on 90M (CHU 3.33 MHz)07:07 FM Band Scan08:57 Aviation Band Scan09:30 Police Band Scan10:28 Dial Light10:48 Phono Input (Boom Born Blues, Dan-O Songs.com)11:45 DET-Out (Audio into a Tandy MMS-10 Amplifier)12:55 Wrap-up
New for 2021: Polaroid Go Camera and Film Dan OConnor 2021-04-29 | Here's an extremely small Polaroid instant film camera. It uses film cartridges that hold 8 exposures. I pre-ordered the camera and 2-pack of film which I think would normally cost $100 and $20 respectively for $115 and got free shipping (about $7.80), so I saved about $12 total.The simple camera functions work OK but I couldn't get the double exposure to work well. I couldn't download the manual because the web address for downloading comes up with "404 error page doesn't exist." Maybe by the time you see this it will be working. Any poor results I had could possibly be fixed by more experience with the camera and better shooting conditions. There's a lot to like about the camera given its small size and easy handling.00:00 Introduction/Cost01:30 Packaging03:03 Unboxing04:15 Quick Start Guide06:02 Open Film06:41 Examine Camera08:00 Film Insertion09:15 Photo Trials12:05 Examining indicator icons below flash (timer/double Exposure)13:53 Take selfie (results later)14:05 More photo tests15:34 Double Exposure Trials17:41 Compare with Fujifilm Instax Mini 50S18:43 Apply a Sticker19:25 Double Exposure Prints (Poor)20:37 Selfie Print20:48 Wrap-up
Vintage National Radicame C-R3 Radio/Camera Dan OConnor 2021-04-21 | An odd little combination AM radio and film camera from National (Panasonic) in an unknown year (1980?). I suspect it might use 110 film cartridges, but I don't have any to try. It has an autowind feature that works. I tend to want to pronounce it as a "radio came", but it might be "RayDeCam"? It came with a nice leather carrying case and has reasonable AM performance.
1984 Sharp EL-5500II Pocket PC (BASIC) Dan OConnor 2021-04-12 | This pocket-sized scientific calculator with some programmable BASIC functions was sold as the PC-1401 in other parts of the world in 1984. It might have been re-named in the USA to keep it separate from the Sharp Pocket devices they were making for Radio Shack at the same time. In this video I pair it with its optional printer/cassette interface unit, the Sharp CE-126P. I also use a 1983 Radio Shack TRS-80, CCR-81 cassette recorder to save and load files onto the EL-5500. My BASIC skills are weak and the unit acted up sometimes so the video has some temporary fails in it that I've decided to leave in to show the old unit's fussiness and limitations. It's a nice gadget but there were probably better options available in 1984.00:00 Introduction0047: Unboxing04:35 Power-up05:16 Keyboard examination06:50 Reference Books09:42 Calculator Operations12:13 CE-126P Printer/Cassette Interface Unboxing16:36 Trials (Printing and BASIC)19:00 Saving and Loading Programs with TRS-80 Cassette Recorder27:45 Conclusion
Failed Repair of a 1981 G.E. Radio 4885 Dan OConnor 2021-04-05 | This programmable Clock Radio from G.E. in 1981 is a real beauty but has a major problem with a frozen and random keypad. In this video I attempt repairs, but pretty much fail. I do show the inside and the problem, so if you get one you'll have an idea of what to maybe expect.00:00 Radio Overview 04:00 Power-Up/Trials07:05 Internals/Repair attempts11:24 More Fails/Conclusion
Casio My Talking Diary (1996) Dan OConnor 2021-03-26 | From Casio's "Cool" branded products for youngsters, here's a small device designed to look like a flip-phone of the 90's era, the JD-4200 My Talking Diary. It holds phone numbers, memos, a calculator, clock/alarm and has some games in it like fortune-telling and compatibility screener. I shouldn't have to say this but history has shown me I do have to say it: The demonstration phone numbers I show aren't real - don't try to call them!! (and props to those of you who might notice something about them!)00:00 Introduction01:25 Device Overview03:54 Instructions08:04 Voice Check Mode08:45 Phone Directory Mode09:21 Secret Phone Directory Mode10:25 Fortune Telling Mode10:55 Compatibility Mode (and hear daily alarm)11:37 Memo Mode12:30 Time/Alarm Mode14:00 Calculator Mode15:19 IR Beaming Mode16:21 Deleting Data16:54 Conclusion
Opal and her Kodak EK6 Instant Film Camera from the 1970s Dan OConnor 2021-03-17 | Kodak copied Polaroid's instant film cameras in the 1970's until Polaroid won a lawsuit forcing Kodak to stop selling their instant film cameras and film. I got a box of Kodak EK6 items that had been owned by "Opal" that included her correspondence with Kodak about her EK6 and potential refund Kodak was forced to offer. I do manage to get a dark slide to eject before the camera seemed to totally fail, but no film exposure.00:00 Unboxing01:35 Owner's Manual04:50 Examine Camera05:54 Lawsuit Paperwork10:34 Battery Insertion11:53 Film Cartridge Insertion12:15 Dark Slide Trial12:53 Film Pack Trial (Fail)13:45 Camera misbehaves even more14:41 Conclusion
Intel Pocket PC Camera (2000) Dan OConnor 2021-02-26 | This small camera can be used as a webcam or portable. It comes with Intel's Create and Share software. I try it out on a Gateway PC running Windows 98.00:00 Introduction and Unboxing03:10 Examine Contents04:02 Instructions, etc.06:57 Camera Display and Controls09:47 Take a Timer Photo10:20 Start Software Install and Use12:20 Create and Share Software14:42 Look at camera's results16:34 A webcam game?17:44 Wrap-up
Examining a Vintage Tempest 8-Track/Receiver Dan OConnor 2020-12-28 | I take a quick look at an AM/FM receiver with an 8-track player from Tempest, a "budget" electronics manufacturer from the 1970's. It was made in Japan. I count 24 transistors on the included schematic. It seems to be of a relatively sturdy construction and its radio and tape player still operate somewhat. It also has a phono input I don't test here and a headphone jack. Nice VFD with a right lamp apparently out. It's one of hundreds of its kind from that era, nothing too special about it.
More Vintage Biorhythm Calculators Dan OConnor 2020-12-25 | Following up an earlier video about a 1980 Radio Shack Biorhythm calculator with 3 more from the same era. Two work fine as normal calculators but the video is about their biorhythm application. Remember: the "science" of biorhythms has been debunked as pseudo-science, so these are just for entertainment value, kind of like astrology - don't let the results run your life.00:00 Introduction01:41 Kosmos 107:54 Casio Biolator09:44 Biomate12:30 Summary
Casio MQ-2 (1978) Dan OConnor 2020-12-12 | This small "Micro Computer Quartz" MQ-2 device from Casio includes an always-on 8 digit LCD display with yellow filter (no on/off switch), buzzer, calculator, watch, calendar, dual alarms and a 24hr countdown timer. It comes with a protective case that has a display window. Complete specifications are shown at the 10:00 mark of the video.
Combination 35mm Camera with Cassette Player Dan OConnor 2020-12-05 | It looks like a video camera but it isn't. It's just a 35mm film camera - that works, and it has a cassette player as well. It's probably from the 1990's by an unknown manufacturer although it's badged as an "eCamera/V3000" It came with some old film expired in 2004 which I tried it with and got some reasonably good prints from in good lighting. The cassette player doesn't record and doesn't sound good.
Talking Road Whiz Travel Computer (2003) Dan OConnor 2020-11-28 | This little gadget pre-dates many smartphones and vehicle navigation systems common today. You enter the interstate number you're interested in, the direction you're traveling and the mileage marker and then ask it questions about dining spots, motels, cities, etc coming up. It also has some other features like route planning.
