CoCo-2 Repair Guide 3 - A Subscribers Coco Garbled Video! TRS-80 Color Computer video fix ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-11-13 | This is the third an d final episode of the repair, and the Coco will be ready to go. A channel subscriber has a CoCo 2 that will not start up properly, and he has agreed to send it to me to attempt to repair. What is wrong and can it be repaired? You will soon find out.
Building a Mechanical Keyboard from Scratch #trs80 #septandy #3dprinting #pcbdesign ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-09-17 | PCB mounted switches, custom board, 3D printed housing/bezel, and a complete step-by-step build showing all the steps for building a new keyboard for a TRS-80 Color Computer 1 or 2 or 3. Although the standard key caps that I used are more suitable for standard key layouts, they will be perfect for my new CoCo 3 computer. If you can remember the non-standard positions of some of the CoCo's shifted characters, then you could potentially use this in a CoCo 1 or 2. In the Coco 3, I will remap the standard key presses to those expected by the key scan routine of the Color Computer's BASIC ROM. That allows us to use common, standard keycaps.#trs80 #septandy #3dprinting #pcbdesign #mechanicalkeyboard
2 of 2: Best Composite Mod. Tandy versus Mark Data Products #septandy #trs80 #hardware #hacks ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-09-08 | Tandy vs Mark Data Products. Two boards to fit either style of RF modulator. Each using a competing composite circuit. I could have used the same circuit in both, however, I wanted to see if there is any difference in output quality. I compare the pictures produced by both boards, on different TVs. Another thing that you will notice is that the analog TV tuner can make a difference in the picture. This is part of why composite video quality is so subjective, that and the variations in modulator ICs, capacitor age, signal quality in the modulator IC, and all these varying analog quantities. #septandy #trs80 #hardware #hacks
1 of 2: Simplest No-Wires Composite Video upgrade! #trs80 Color Computer ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-09-04 | This PCB is an upgraded, updated improvement of the 1983 Mark Data Products "Universal Video Driver board". Instead of clipping it into place with jumper and fly leads, this board installs in place of the old RF modulator.
Dragons, Cocos, and Tanos. All digital video output. #septandy #trs80 ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-09-01 | I designed CocoDV as a digital video upgrade board for DVI output, exclusively for TRS-80 color computers 1 and 2. Now, it works in the Tano Dragon and Dragon 32.
Coco1 64K Upgrade ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-02-11 | How to upgrade the RAM from 16K to 64K in the version F board also known as the 285, or the NC board. Some PCBs have "NC" inked below the PCB number 8709285. Others are missing the ink. But you can identify it as the F board as I show in the video.Upgrading the F board is much easier than the D and E.The Coco 1 will usually have a version 1.0 and 1.1 Color BASIC ROM that will need to be upgraded first to at least version 1.2. I used version 1.3. The newer versions are able to use 64K.The 4116 chips will need to be replaced with 4164, 8 in total. Each RAM holds one bit of the data byte. Some 8 capacitors must be removed (or one lead clipped) and 3 jumpers moved to the 64K position, a new jumper added where there was none.
A Clever Relocator Board for CocoDV Avoid Clipping Out the Plastic Post in Color Computer 1. ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-02-04 | Thanks go out to Michael Rojas for sending his PCB into AC's 8-Bit Zone.
Address Decoding 2 ROMs into 1 for the Color Computer Extended Color Basic 1.1 ACs 8-Bit Zone 2023-02-02 | The old 24-pin ROM is not very available, but 28-pin is easily bought. Here are two little boards for different ways of upgrading the CB and ECB (Extended Color BASIC) ROM in a Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer 1 or 2. One board is a minimal and compact adapter for 28 to 24 pin conversion. The second board does a logic trick to decode 2 ROMs into 1. I use the ST M27C256B or the Winbond W27C512. Also 27C128 will work. Any of those type of ROMs will do as long as they are at least 16 KB and come in a 28 pin DIP package.
Installing CocoDV into the Color Computer ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-11-29 | The TRS-80 Color Computer 1 and 2 had one way to display their video output - the RF modulator to a TV set. It was blurry back in the day, and nowadays, retro computer enthusiasts are finding the old RF modulator even more troublesome. While the composite NTSC signals on the 8-bit's main board may be just fine, the tuneable components in the RF chain may have shifted value or even failed. 1981 was a long time ago, after all, in the computer age. We need upgraded video output that can convert the NTSC signals to something more usable. CocoDV provides a path by picking off the Coco signals farther upstream than even the composite signals. It monitors all the input signals of the data-to-composite converter chip, the VDG (Video Display Generator) or the infamous MC6847. By monitoring graphics mode pins, data bus pins, clock pins, and recreating the same hardware logic as in the VDG, the CocoDV is able to avoid all the signal quality loss that occurs trying to convert NTSC (analog) into VGA (other analog). CocoDV converts directly from digital data into DVI (HDMI cable compatible) signals that directly drive modern monitors and displays.Send inquiries to ac8bitzone at gmail dot com.
Upgraded Clear Video in an 8-Bit Color Computer with FPGA Enhancement ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-10-22 | CoCoDV is now available to buy. This video covers the basics and how I build them. Using Digital Video DVI output to a monitor or TV screen, this hardware upgrade provides one of the clearest possible displays. The upgrade board plugs into the 40-pin socket of the VDG (Video Display Generator). Note that some CoCo models need the socket added as the VDG was soldered directly into the board in some cost optimized ones. This update really refreshes and future proofs the video display quality. As of October 2022, ICs are available so this board can resume production. #trs80 #retrogaming
Canyon Climber- Sprites and 16 Colors ! SepTandy 2022 #trs80 #septandy Steve Bjork ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-09-11 | Tandy and Datasoft released Canyon Climber in 1982 by James Garon and Steve Bjork on cartridge to be sold at Radio Shack and other stores. The game was masterfully written back then for the Motorola 6809 microprocessor in the TRS-80 Color Computer 1. As good as it was though, there is a bug in Level 3 and a mechanics problem that detract from the game experience. See the patched version that I recently made. Also, see the game in 16 colors using the CocoDV upgrade board. See this video as part of the Septandy celebration for 2022. #trs80 #tandy #retrogaming #septandy #colorcomputer
Trying Heat to Fix TRS-80 Case ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-09-11 | I said "my old" computer when I recorded this, but this is not my original. This one came from Ebay. A Color Computer 1 from 1982.
Recreating Pac-man on TRS-80 Coco 1 16KB || Sprites || Scrolling || Tile Graphics || SID Sound ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-05-28 | #TRS-80 #Coco Pac-man Recreation is getting closer to completion! Programming this game is great fun, but I really needed to do it to prove out new hardware features in the Coco Digital Video (CocoDV) upgrade board. I've been contemplating a new graphics mode for the Coco for some time. That mode is tile graphics, similar to hardware in the Commodore C64 or the Nintendo NES. The traditional Coco graphics screen is a 256 x 192 pixel field. Tile graphics beats that resolution with 256, 320, 512, or 640 columns and 192, 200, 224, and 240 rows. The real power of tiles is that one byte of RAM controls 64 pixels at a time as opposed to only 8 at a time in traditional raster graphics modes. This is because one byte specifies one of 256 tiles in a lookup table, and the tile is 8x8 pixels. Up to 256 unique tiles can be loaded at a time, providing an endless array of graphics possibilities.
Color Computer Tile Graphics Scrolling | Animation | Game Effects #trs80 #CocoDV ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-05-08 | In the last video I introduced tile graphics and the new screen aspect ratios with graphics upto 640 x 240. In this video the tiles are animated by using a hardware scrolling feature. The display is like a 24 x 32 viewport into the memory which is N x 64. Meaning that the memory is virtually twice the "width" of the screen.In the next video we'll use the grid of tiles to build a full size Pacman maze and show how tile color RAM works to change the palette!
Color Computer 2 with 30 x 80 Tile Graphics #trs80 #retro ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-05-08 | #nes #commodore64 CocoDV is an upgrade board that I designed to upgrade the Color Computer's video output to DVI or HDMI. Here I demo a new feature in progress that increases the screen pixel usage from 256 x 192 up to 640 x 240. I'm showing it using character cells, but the real point of this is about making a Tile Graphics capability for arcade or NES style or C64 type of games. In the old style of raster graphics, an 8x8 pixel area requires 8 bytes. In the NES way, it takes 1 byte. The graphics hardware handles the fast lookup in the symbol table to pull bytes as needed for the display refresh. This speeds up the game!
Cool It Or Lose It! 8-Bit Retro Tech CPU Cooling ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-04-09 | Those who are into the retro computing hobby realize that the 80s 8-bit machines are on borrowed time. Here is a future proofing upgrade that is arguably more important than "recapping". Simple cooling solution using a 5VDC fan and a DC to DC adjustable output voltage converter. These simple components are found all over. The DC-DC board uses an LM2596 Simple Switcher. The nice thing about this solution is that you may choose to lower the voltage to the fan to reduce the audible noise.Link to the regulators:amazon.com/Converter-Adjustable-Regulator-Efficiency-Transformer/dp/B08L5VRBZSLink to the fans:amazon.com/WINSINN-50x15mm-Turbine-Brushless-Extruder/dp/B07KRSXKB1
A ZIF Socket seemed perfect at first... then a pit of despair... and then finally awesome. ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-03-06 | Seriously, what did I do to deserve these challenges installing a ZIF socket? The reason you would want a Zero Insertion Force is when you expect to insert and remove a lot of ICs as in a test setup (what I'm doing). Or do you have an old IC, one with fragile pins that you do not want to risk damaging? A ZIF will allow the IC to literally fall into place without needing force to press the legs into a socket, and the chip will not be subjected to the heat of soldering. This is an impromptu video I recorded when I realized how difficult the fit can be in some PC boards. The ZIF went into my Color Computer 2 that will be used for testing CocoDV circuit boards. This will avoid bent pins and prevent wear and tear on the test hardware in the long run.
I bought the worst Color Computer 2 on Ebay | still works after 40 Years | Fixing stuck keyboards ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-02-26 | I wanted a shell that could be upgraded with new video, more RAM, and eventually a Coco 3 conversion. It would be fine if several ICs were bad, or if it had missing ROM or RAM. I mainly wanted a case, a keyboard, and main board where the PCB is in good shape and the connectors are solid. It was actually a slight disappointment that it powered right up and had a clear display. You really are hard pressed to find a non-working Color Computer. If you ever do, it is quite fixable. In case you don't want to do it yourself, reach out and contact me or anyone else in the community and there would be many glad to help restore one. One place to find help besides at @acs8-bitzone651 is the coco Discord server. It's a great place to discuss hardware, software, upgrades, mods, games, Nitros9, you name it.
I Found a Cheat Mode in Fighter Pilot - TRS-80 Coco 2 ACs 8-Bit Zone 2022-02-12 | This is very mysterious. As soon as I realized I was in, I paused the game and started recording the video. Somehow, I found my score had jumped into the 200,000s and it gave me 7 planes. A normal high score for me is around 50,000 or 60,000. The most planes that I have ever seen in normal play is 4. I'm still trying to recreate how I got into this mode. So I posted this video in hopes someone else knows about it and can explain what is going on.
Hardware Scrolling is NOT supposed to be possible on the Color Computer - VDG scrolling ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-12-30 | The Tandy Radioshack Color Computer is wrangled into scrolling text and semigraphics in this demo program written by Ciaran Anscomb and with support from Stewart Orchard, Steve "Bosco" Bamford, and Simon Jonassen "InvisibleMan". I hope those names are spelled correctly.
New Hardware Gives TRS-80 Color Computer Commodore 64 Sprites ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-12-27 | @ACs 8-Bit Zone Part 3 in a series on Sprites, Animation, Graphics, and Programming Video Games on Retro console gaming and home computer systems from the 1980s. Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer. Atari 800XL. Texas Instruments TI-99/4A. Commodore 64. TRS-80 Coco 2
Software Sprites are 10 Times Better with Machine Language than BASIC - Part 2 ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-11-04 | @ACs 8-Bit Zone Part 2 in a series on Sprites, Animation, Graphics, and Programming Video Games on Retro console gaming and home computer systems from the 1980s. Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer. Atari 800XL. Texas Instruments TI-99/4A. Commodore 64. TRS-80 Coco 2
How Sprites saved Video Games in the 1980s. Hardware Sprite Generation, Software Techniques ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-10-24 | @acs8-bitzone651 Beginning a series on Sprites, Animation, Graphics, and Programming Video Games on Retro console gaming and home computer systems from the 1980s. Tandy Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer. Atari 800XL. Texas Instruments TI-99/4A. Commodore 64.
TRS-80 CoCo HDMI - Will the first Prototype Boards Work? ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-04-03 | Prototype boards arrived from JLCPCB this week! This is a detailed look at the type of product you can receive from them. My project is a VDG (Video Display Generator) replacement that connects into the CoCo 1/2 main board 40-pin socket. Best of all, if I can get this working, it will upgrade the old RF modulator video to DVI or HDMI ! Both standards are related and both provide the same high quality digital video.#CoCoDV #CoCoDigitalVideo #CoCoHDMI
8 Bit CoCo HDMI || Pure Digital Video! || HW emulated artifact colors || Playing Moon Cresta ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-03-27 | I'm playing the game of the week from CocoTalk and introducing the first ever ( I believe ) purely digital video hardware for the TRS-80. There is no digital-to-analog and back to digital conversion here. Display data is moved directly from DRAM and transmitted using DVI or HDMI connections.
Free LCD for the Zone! LG 37 Power Supply Failure and Repair of LG 37LC7D ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-03-07 | Another trash to treasure video of repairing an LCD panel. This one will be used in the lab for testing 8-bit computers in several video modes. The S-Video, Composite, and HDMI inputs will all be used in my upcoming videos.This is a simple repair and there are even kits online. I used (1) 10V 2200 uF and (3) 35V 1000 uF capacitors to match what the power supply originally used.
Convert old IBM PCjr Joysticks to TANDY CoCo Deluxe || 6847T1 VDG lowercase text || 64k RAM upgrade ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-01-18 | There are new old-stock joysticks for the IBM PCjr on the market. They can be converted to a Tandy TRS-80 Deluxe joystick for using with the Coco. Also, I show the hidden lowercase text mode in the Motorola 6847T1 Video Display Generator (VDG) IC. Finally, I will show glimpses into upcoming episodes and electronics projects.Here is a folder containing JOYTEST.BAS (and even a joytest.dsk image with the same) that I used to test the buttons:drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iLiZ0iwM-_J-u5zqMMSdkh-WJrGjjmvK
The 64-in-1 Super ROM Pak - Step by step guide to DIY - Soldering and Wiring Tips! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2021-01-06 | This is the long version of the original video. A few viewers wanted to see more details so this version shows more of the soldering and build steps. Enjoy!Here is a folder with the schematic image: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GfhMx3QNKMugfDl5Cwo5M7WL5YQzOHT8
Super 64-in-1 ROM Pak - TRS-80 Color Computer cartridge using AM29F040 Flash ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-12-29 | Convert an old cartridge into a Super 64-in-1 cartridge for holding games and utilities. Mine has DECB, Diagnostics, HDB-DOS, and 56 games. Switch ROMs by powering down the Coco, flipping the 6 DIP switches, and repowering.Here is a folder with the schematic image: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GfhMx3QNKMugfDl5Cwo5M7WL5YQzOHT8
Hacking the ROM in TRS-80 Coco - Improving CSAVE and CLOAD Fidelity - Weak DAC? ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-12-18 | The days of saving and loading data to cassette tape are long gone, or are they? Maybe not! Retro usage of tape seems to be making a comeback in the retro 8-bit world. In fact, the Coco cassette tape load speed rivals the floppy disk speed of some contemporary systems of that age.Although I restored my cassette recorder from 1984, I was still having issues while CLOADing a program. It was too sensitive to the volume (gain) setting, and there were Data I/O errors creeping in at lower volumes. As you will see in this video, it is not the fault of the tape media or cassette recorder. It is a problem with the marriage of the Coco hardware (DAC) and the Microsoft Color Basic ROM routine for CSAVE. I will present my hacked ROM to solve the issue. With that hack in place, my Coco doesn't mind if the volume is anywhere between 4 (barely audible) and 10 (max volume)!Link to "CSAVEMOD.DSK" : drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iLiZ0iwM-_J-u5zqMMSdkh-WJrGjjmvK?usp=sharing
How was Computer Data Stored on Cassettes in the 80s? || TRS-80 CoCo repair on a CCR-82 Recorder! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-12-11 | Mechanical failure, IC chip failure,... Can it be restored? Find out whether this CCR-82 (Tandy / Radio Shack computer cassette recorder), Compact CCR will ever work correctly again!
Building a Low-Profile 28- to 24-pin ROM Adapter || RAM-test for TRS-80 Color Computer 2 (CoCo-2) ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-11-28 | It's difficult to find 24-pin ROM chips for updating the TRS-80 Coco or Commodore 64. Many people use 28-pin chips instead, but an adapter board or socket must be used. Here, I show how to make a socket-to-socket style adapter. This one is a low profile deal that will fit inside a cartridge or floppy controller pak!I also show a copy of Denis Bisson's CoCo-1/2 RAM Test that runs from ROM!You have to check out his video. It is a real treat:youtube.com/watch?v=zJWWcZIZkBM&t=149sKapton Tape: amazon.com/gp/product/B07F8TZZ4NDIP switches: amazon.com/gp/product/B01N6E5NFY24-Pin Round Sockets: ebay.com/itm/10pcs-24Pin-wide-DIP-Round-IC-Sockets-Adaptor-Solder-Type-gold-plated-machined/293687770311?hash=item446127bcc728-pin Round Sockets: ebay.com/itm/10pcs-28Pin-wide-DIP-Round-IC-Sockets-Adaptor-Solder-Type-gold-plated-machined/293687783854?hash=item446127f1ae
CoCo Black Screen Repair - Video Fix : TRS-80 Hardware Repair Series ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-11-21 | There are at least two failures in the Color Computer that are contributing to its black screen, no video output. There may be a blown fuse. There is a possible tuning capacitor issue. Something has to explain the popping sound that I heard while I was attempting to add Composite Video to it last month. The problem is found and repaired in this episode.components:amazon.com/gp/product/B00VLBAF84amazon.com/gp/product/B074LBH6NLamazon.com/gp/product/B06Y4MP4JM
Games Intro for the Channel ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-11-21 | I am curious if anyone likes or dislikes this as a possible video intro clip. I am thinking about changing the 15 second blip that I usually play in the front of all my videos. There's this, but another idea is to use a short, simple theme song or melody. It could be from a computer game or even something original. Graphics and sound editing are not exactly my specialties.
CoCo-2 Repair Guide 2 - A Subscribers Coco Garbled Video! TRS-80 Color Computer video fix ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-11-06 | A channel subscriber has a CoCo 2 that will not start up properly, and he has agreed to send it to me to attempt to repair. What is wrong and can it be repaired? You will soon find out.
CoCo-2 Repair Guide 1 - A Subscribers Coco Garbled Video! TRS-80 Color Computer video fix ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-10-30 | A channel subscriber has a CoCo 2 that will not start up properly, and he has agreed to send it to me to attempt to repair. What is wrong and can it be repaired? You will soon find out.
Transferring files between TRS-80 Color Computer and modern PCs with DriveWire ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-10-24 | Use DriveWire to transfer files between the TRS-80 Color Computer 1/2/3 and a modern PC. Use the PC hard-drive as a vast virtual storage medium for your Coco! This covers DriveWire 3, Toolshed decb utilities, creating and formatting virtual disk images, and USB-to-serial cable connection. View BAS and DAT and BIN files from your TRS-80 on a modern PC text editor. Recover and backup old files on floppy disks.Jump-in Index00:00 Intro00:55 HW Connections02:28 SW utilities plus RS-DOS or HDB-DOS03:30 Loading HDB-DOS from WAV file (no cassette needed)04:40 DriveWire 305:28 Drive busses vs. drive numbers09:30 DECB DSKINI to create a virtual disk11:15 DECB DIR11:45 BACKUP 0 TO 4 --- Copy floppy to virtual13:15 View/Edit the copied BAS program16:10 Copy virtual disk to floppy disk19:00 Is it a Bug or User Error?20:30 WRAP-UP and Next Episode Intro
PLATester: Make a Cheap $15 IC Chip Tester for Commodore 64 PLA Programmable Logic Array: DIY ! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-10-17 | The PLATester! I show you how to build a chip tester for the Commodore 64's PLA (Programmable Logic Array). This chip is one of the most common failures in the C64. I have 1 or 2 in my collection that are bad right now, that I know of! Sometimes if there is a bad RAM IC and bad PLA, it can take some time to figure it out. I wanted a way to know quickly and easily, and I like to build gadgets like this.00:00 Intro02:15 HW Build13:40 HW to SW Mapping16:00 PLA Theory "The Transactor", William Levak18:05 PLA Theory "PLA Dissected", Thomas Giesel18:45 PLA Truth Table22:45 First HW Test Program, c64_pla_tester.ino (Arduino code)36:40 Second HW Test Program, c64_pla_tester_onebit.ino41:55 Final PLA Tester Program, c64_pla_tester_complete_eqn.ino44:35 A Quicker Test Program?48:00 Code Walkabout57:00 Archiving the Code57:15 The Original PLA, Signetics 82S100, tested live!58:50 What is reported if the PLA is bad?1:03:55 WRAP-UPArduino ATMEGA 2560: amazon.com/ELEGOO-ATmega2560-ATMEGA16U2-Projects-Compliant/dp/B01H4ZLZLQProto Shield: amazon.com/gp/product/B0169WHVGS30 AWG Wire Wrap: amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWI20M0Use the following link for the Arduino code for the PLATester:drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Hi3fpctLm0Fd3Fk8hkJWmXUbx0uIGyO?usp=sharing
My Most Unique TRS-80 Keyboard: A Melty CoCo2 Spacebar Replacement ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-10-11 | This CoCo2 came to me 20 years ago and was missing its Space key. Its case had streaks of yellow from UV damage. It was covered by old tape and dirt. Given all that, it still powered on (although to a black-and-white screen) after years in storage! You will hardly believe what it looks like now!Link to STL 3D model:drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Hi3fpctLm0Fd3Fk8hkJWmXUbx0uIGyO?usp=sharing
You Can Add CoCo-2 S-Video and Composite Video ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-10-07 | Follow-up video to correct a schematic oversight in the original video, plus added Hi-Res photographs.
Build S-Video and Composite Video mods for TRS-80 Color Computer 2 ! || A late #SEPTANDY production! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-10-04 | Modify the Color Computer 2 to add S-Video, Composite Video, and RCA Audio outputs! No drilling of the case is required.The Color Computer 1 and 2 were designed with only RF output for video. That means that without some upgrade, the only way to have any display other than with emulators is by connecting a TV that has the analog tuner for NTSC. Recently, I discovered two of my computers were slipping out of tune and their LC tank circuits needed tuning. One of them responded but the other would only stay on frequency for a short time period and then the picture would once again fade away.Looking around on the web, I found plenty of suggestions for simple mods for the Coco-1 using only a couple of BJT components to create composite video. However, it seemed something was different about the Coco-2 that required more complicated upgrades. I decided to dig into this, and the result is this episode. I show several relevant mods people have made and a couple of PCBs you can purchase. Then I made three different circuits that all worked well, and I will show you the results in this video.Here are some jump-in spots in the video:00:00 Intro01:16 The Various CoCo 2's03:45 Two Styles of RF Modulator07:10 Theory of MC6847 (VDG) + MC1372 (RF)15:40 Why the CoCo-1 Mod Doesn't Work18:00 Reversed both RF Modulator Schematics22:30 Origins of the Comp. Mod.25:00 An Unlikely Reference...26:00 CoCo-1 Hints/Tricks/Secrets28:15 Scouring the WEB for MAGIC circuits37:30 S-Video to Composite Converter42:00 My Circuits & Mods & PCB Layouts56:00 Case Mods - Oh No!57:30 2 Tiny - BUT important - Mods58:50 Display Tests!1:09:35 Final Look Under the Case1:11:50 Commentary on CoCo Quality1:13:00 Alternate S-Video to Composite Conversion (By Cables)My mods feature several components that you could need, all readily available:2N4401, 2N4403 transistorsWimas 1/8W Carbon Film Resistor Assortment Kit amazon.com/gp/product/B07GZR7K2C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=13 Pin PCB Mount Female 3.5mm Stereo Jack Socket Connector amazon.com/gp/product/B008SNZUYC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=13.5mm to 2-Male RCA Adapter Audio Stereo Cable, 6 Feet amazon.com/gp/product/B071R4R5B8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=13.5mm Male Jack to RCA Male Video and Audio Cable amazon.com/gp/product/B07SH34WXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1uxcell 3.5 mm Audio Jack Connector PCB Mount Female Socket 4 Pin PJ-320A amazon.com/gp/product/B07KY862P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1uxcell S-video PCB Mount 4 Pin Din Socket Audio Video Connector amazon.com/gp/product/B07PDYPJKK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1uxcell PCB Panel Mount Single RCA Socket Female Jack Audio Video AV Connector Red amazon.com/gp/product/B07PFV1BL9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Thanks for watching and subscribing! Good luck and let me know how it goes for you.Link to the schematics:drive.google.com/drive/folders/16Hi3fpctLm0Fd3Fk8hkJWmXUbx0uIGyO?usp=sharing#SEPTANDY #COCO
TRS-80 Coco-2 Composite and S-Video Modification - Preview ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-29 | See my plans for the connector layout of the Composite and S-Video Mod for the TRS-80 Coco-2 (Color Computer 2). This is part of my "Midweek Coffee Break" series and also part of the #SepTandy event.I open packages containing some lab restock items and of most importance the TRRS 3.5 mm cable to RCA connectors x 3. With this plus a 4-pin S-Video connector, you can utilize the two already existing openings through the back of the Coco-2 case for Composite Video, S-Video, and Audio channels. No case modifications needed! No drilling in the case was a goal I had in mind all along. The most I would be willing to do is slightly round-out the rectangular channel selector opening, if needed, to accommodate the audio output channel.A/V Cable, 3.5 mm plug to red, white, yellow RCA connectors:amazon.com/gp/product/B07SH34WXY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1PCB mounted 3.5 mm jack:amazon.com/gp/product/B07KY862P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Heat resistant insulating tape:amazon.com/gp/product/B07F8TZZ4N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Electrolytic capacitor assortment:amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSQOX0Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Carbon film 1/8 Watt 5% tolerance resistor kit:amazon.com/gp/product/B07GZR7K2C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
#SepTandy Coco-2 RF Modulator Fix ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-26 | Two TRS-80 Color Computer 2 computers have the same problem, they have lost their color video output. See the cause of the problem and the solution at AC's 8-Bit Zone!The Coco-2 was my second computer ever after my original Coco-1.#COCO #SEPTANDY
#SEPTANDY Will All 5 CoCo-2s Work? TRS-80 Color Computer 2 ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-19 | Put your prediction in the comments. I'll tell you mine. Whatever happens, I will do whatever is necessary to see these machines whole again. The TRS-80 Color Computer 2 was my second computer ever, just after the Coco 1. See my original Coco 2 and 4 others from Ebay.
#SEPTANDY Preview of Coco 2 Repairs, Coco 2 Composite Video, and ZIF Sockets for Commodore 64 ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-16 | Here are three reasons you should subscribe to my channel: 1) More components arrive for the Commodore 64 IC tester, 2) this Saturday, a new video on five (5) Coco 2 computers. How many can I make work? and 3) next week, a video about the Coco 2 RF modulator - schematic created and explained and then Composite Video mod! See the previews in this Midweek Coffee Break series.
(Updated) Build RGB Cable for Coco 3 for #SepTandy, See TRS-80 in Composite and RGB First Time Ever! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-13 | New color for a retro machine! In my second #SepTandy episode, I troubleshoot the Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer 3 (Coco 3) video output issues and build different RGB cables. See the difference in Composite and RGB Video quality. Looking into the generation of artifact colors in Composite mode, we trial legendary games Cyrus Chess, Dragon Fire, and Canyon Climber.The monitor is a Philips Magnavox RGB Monitor 80 model 8CM515.The internet resources for Coco3 RGB pinout are shown to be incorrect. The RGB pinout here is marked incorrectly : oocities.org/theother_bob/cocofaq/cocofaq.html. What is shown is the mirror image which would be the view of the cable end rather than the Coco 3 connector. See the corrected wiring diagrams at 36:30 in the video.
Building RGB Cable for Coco 3 for #SepTandy, Seeing TRS-80 in Composite and RGB First Time Ever! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-12 | New color for a retro machine! In my second #SepTandy episode, I troubleshoot the Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer 3 (Coco 3) video output issues and build different RGB cables. See the difference in Composite and RGB Video quality. Looking into the generation of artifact colors in Composite mode, we trial legendary games Cyrus Chess, Dragon Fire, and Canyon Climber.The internet resources for RGB pinout are shown to be incorrect. The RGB pinout here is marked incorrectly : oocities.org/theother_bob/cocofaq/cocofaq.html. What is shown is the mirror image which would be the view of the cable end rather than the Coco 3 connector.See wiring diagrams at 36:30.
HUGE TRS-80 Color Computer Collection for #SepTandy, Radio Shack Hardware, Game Disks and Cartridges ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-10 | There are too many Coco computers to count! See my first computer which is original stock from 1983. My first two computers were Coco 1 and Coco 2 from Radio Shack. See this giant collection of computers and accessories. I plan for a month of Tandy (and other Retro) content. There is a mini-disk drive, dual disk drives, cassette player/recorder, modem, printer, CM-80 monitor, Color Computer 1, Color Computer 2, and Color Computer 3, and the MULTI-PAK Interface. There are Games, Assembly language editor, OS-9, and a library-worth of Coco reference books.
Brief 3D Print Commodore 64 Case Repair: TinkerCAD, CHITUBOX, and Siraya Tech BLU, Mars 3D printer! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-05 | A broken, trashed Commodore 64 is saved! Or, at least the case has been saved... The PCB electronics repair is coming in a new episode.Siraya Tech BLU Resin makes fluorescent repair. See effective methods for using cyanoacrylate glue adhesive on plastic. A simple step-by-step method for modelling the case clips, slicing them for resin printing with the ELEGOO MARS 3D printer.The ELEGOO Mars is equipped with 2560x1440 2K HD masking LCD for printing with photosensitive resin.Get the STL models here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uSFakuF7fhhp_32u35edMy399KVVvB3F?usp=sharingIf you would like to purchase clips instead of making your own, check out:soigeneris.com/commodore-64-caser-saver-repair-kitWhich I will cover in the beginning of my video.
Simple 3D Print Commodore 64 Case Repair: TinkerCAD, CHITUBOX, and Siraya Tech BLU, Mars 3D printer! ACs 8-Bit Zone 2020-09-05 | A broken, trashed Commodore 64 is saved! Or, at least the case has been saved... The PCB electronics repair is coming in a new episode.Siraya Tech BLU Resin makes fluorescent repair. See effective methods for using cyanoacrylate glue adhesive on plastic. A simple step-by-step method for modelling the case clips, slicing them for resin printing with the ELEGOO MARS 3D printer.The ELEGOO Mars is equipped with 2560x1440 2K HD masking LCD for printing with photosensitive resin.If you would like to purchase clips instead of making your own, check out:soigeneris.com/commodore-64-caser-saver-repair-kitWhich I will cover in the beginning of my video.
