NEC PC-8201a: Crumbling death foam – Can we save this poor slabtop? Hey Birt! 2021-12-09 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comI was not planning on making a video out of this PC-8201a that someone sent to me to repair but part of the way though I changed my mind. It was a good example of the benefits of taking a break when you’re heading down the wrong path and things are starting to look like they are getting complicated. The initial problem of not booting had a simple cause, battery corrosion but finding it was a challenge. There were also corrosion problems with the LCD and a hard-fought battle with the LCD sealing foam of doom. Were we able to nurse this sick PC-8201a back to health? Join us and find out. Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:21 – Investigation and repair09:54 – LCD woes21:02 – Power supply recap32:32 – LCD crumbling death foam40:07 – Testing it out42:12 – Wrap up, Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksAmazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Easy Lithium Power Upgrade Hey Birt! 2023-03-11 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at some spiffy AA/AAA sized Lithium rechargeable batteries. Modern rechargeable lithium power for vintage gear without any modifications. I have been testing these cells for more than a year now and am pleased with how they perform. It was time to be a little more scientific though and do some actual tests to see how they perform compared to alkaline cells. Join us for the results.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:14 – Introduction to Lithium AA/AAA cells06:22 – Testing10:14 – Test results12:49 – Differences in battery chemistry14:05 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTenavolt AA cells: amzn.to/3yeOffITenavolt AAA cells: amzn.to/3kOqLLo Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Dial-A-ROM - A nifty new multi-ROM for vintage portable computers. Hey Birt! 2023-02-25 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at the ‘Dial-A-ROM’ a spiffy new multi-ROM for vintage portable computers. It was designed by the same guy who did the Backpack drive. First, we’ll learn how to use the Dial-A-ROM with the ROM images that come preinstalled on it. Then we’ll see how to add our own ROM images if we so desire.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:10 – DAR Intro, installation and ROM activation04:44 – DAR programming (option)10:34 – Testing new ROM we programmed13:50 – Wrap upJoin us and see how nifty the DAR is!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksDial-A-ROM page: soigeneris.com/dial-a-rom-for-vintage-computersNewer version of programmer I used: amzn.to/3Ib9WljHexEdit (free hex editor): sourceforge.net/projects/hexeditHxD (free hex editor): https://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Easy TRS-80 M100 (and NEC PC-8201a) factory RS-232 mod 40 years late! Hey Birt! 2023-02-18 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2-layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at an official TRS-80 Model 100 factory modification that was done to the RS-232 port. This was released as TSB 100-001 almost 40 years ago. The early M100s had too large a currently limiting resistor in the RS-232 output lines which caused compatibility problems with some other TRS-80 products as well as other RS-232 devices. We discover what the problem is, we apply the modification as per the bulletin, and test the results to see how it performs. We also find this same modification also applies to the NEC-8201a which uses the exact same RS-232 circuit design and has the same problem. Timeline:00:00 – Welcome02:46 – Problem demonstration and source10:48 – Fixing the problem16:32 – Testing our fix18:17 – It works for the NEC PC-8201a too!18:50 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTRS-80 Portable Tech Bulletins: soigeneris.com/document/vintcom/Tandy_Technical_Bulletins.zipAmazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
DIY - Alps plotter mechanism paper feed gear ‘patch’ Hey Birt! 2023-02-11 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at a ‘patch’ for the ubiquitous Alps plotter mechanism. The most common issue with these lovely plotters is cracked stepper pinion gears, we fixed that previously by installing new, custom made, brass gears. The second most common problem is a cracked hub on the paper feed ‘anti-backlash’ gear. Join us as we find a way to patch this cracked hub up so we can plot again.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:15 – Problem description, patch demo 07:50 – Fixing a real printer14:18 – Testing, and fixing the fix, retesting18:15 – Wrap up, so you have broken plotter?Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksVideo on TRS-80 CGP-115 and MCP-40: youtu.be/DD29dklcD9ENew brass pinion gears: soigeneris.com/alps-printer-plotter-mechanism-pinion-gears Gear installation video: youtu.be/mZAMPPSQpqo Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Plot(ter) Twist, Two different vintage printer/plotters get refurbished (CGP-115, MCP-40) Hey Birt! 2023-01-28 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at a pair of vintage printers/plotters from two different manufacturers. They both use the infamous Alps mechanism. We’ll have a peek inside to see how much they are alike and how they differ. We’ll then try to fix what needs fixing and give them both a whirl. Will we get them both running? Join us and find out.00:00 – Welcome01:10 – Overview of plotters03:11 – A look at the mechanisms13:58 – Replacing pinion gears22:09 – Putting it back together23:46 – Testing35:25 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksNew brass pinion gears: soigeneris.com/alps-printer-plotter-mechanism-pinion-gears Gear installation video: youtu.be/mZAMPPSQpqo Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
NEC PC-8201A: Where was I? Finishing up a repair started two years ago! Hey Birt! 2023-01-21 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comAfter spending the last 3 weeks finishing up old projects that have been accumulating on my workbench, I am down to two projects left on the bench. In this video we will tackle one of them, a NEC PC-8201A that was started about two years ago. I don’t remember where I left off, why I did not finish it at the time or even if I still have all the parts. Join us and see if the PC-8201A can be saved.As a bonus we will look inside a very odd option ROM that came in this PC-8201A. It is not what it seems on the outside…Timeline:00:00 – Welcome02:02 – Evaluation, sorting parts, power on test11:26 – Refurbish LCD/Keyboard, replacing ‘death foam’22:51 – Replacing memory battery, short circuit prevention31:08 – Power supply recap33:02 – Reassembly39:21 – Testing, configuring batter cassettes41:53 – Bonus, the faux EPROM44:46 – Wrap up, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksPC-8201A ‘Death Foam’ video: youtu.be/yWuko4ysxVI PC-8201A information site: web8201.netPC-8201A NiCad configuration: web8201.net/NiCadMod.asp Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Dodgy Bodgy? A very hungry TRS-80 26-3612, RS-232 Interface (Sharp CE-158) Hey Birt! 2022-12-31 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at a TRS-80 26-3612 RS-232 interface for the PC-2. It appeared to be a NIB find but does not work. When trying to power on it has excessive current draw. The fix was accidental and surprising leading to discovering a very odd factory mod. I still have no idea what this factory mod was for.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:37 – Problem description and demonstration06:00 – Research and DC-DC convertor secondary testing08:11 – Testing primary side of DC-DC convertor. It magically works!12:37 – Testing operation, loading a program from PC.Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksAmazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
A TRS-80 Model 200 that does not know when to quit, or start again. Hey Birt! 2022-12-24 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at a Model 200 with an interesting problem. It turns itself on and you can’t turn it off. Once off you can’t turn it back on again. This was an interesting problem, and I get thrown off track a bit at first. We get there in the end with a very simple solution.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:21 – Problem demo and research03:27 – Teardown, temporary power switch and false hope09:42 – New switch, same problem!16:53 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksModel 200 videos: youtube.com/watch?v=OJcvws9j3IoModel 200 videos: youtube.com/watch?v=1adlQo3UI90 Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
(Cassette) Deck the Halls! – Christmas magic for two compact decks. (GE 3-5353B, Tandy CCR-82) Hey Birt! 2022-12-17 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn thing video we take a look at two small cassette decks. One of them, A GE 3-5353B, was my dad’s and was part of a Christmas ornament that one of my sisters now have. The other is a Tandy CCR-82 which was made specifically for use for computer mass storage. We’ll see if we can get them both fixed up and the GE unit back to my sister in time for Christmas.Belts used, links to my belt source is in links section below.Radio Shack CCR-82B1 - 208mm, 1mm square, SCY8.2B2 - 132mm, 1mm square, SCY5.2B3 - 89mm, 0.6mm square, SCY3.5GE 3-5353B Mini RecorderB1 - 145mm, 1mm square, SCY5.7B2 - 117mm, 1mm square, SCY4.6Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:20 – Overview of our two decks04:47 – GE teardown and cleanup21:04 – Tandy teardown and cleanup31:42 – How to measure and specify belts34:46 – New belts for the GE36:38 – New belts for Tandy44:33 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksPRB Belt Catalog: http://www.russellind.com/catalog.htm Marvac (for belts): marvac.comAmazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
DIY - Hybrid module decapping, repair and re-encapsulation Hey Birt! 2022-12-03 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we try to find a way to repair a hybrid module I damaged a few weeks ago. A hybrid module is a sort of ‘macro component’, a small PCB with a few parts and pins encapsulated in epoxy. We’ll find a hardware store chemical to remove the encapsulation, fix the module and then re-encapsulate it in epoxy again. Almost like new. Join us and find out how the process works.Timeline00:00 – Welcome02:16 – Module testing05:54 – Decapping the hybrid module10:28 – Evaluation of decapped module15:05 – Rework of module19:25 – Testing repaired module23:10 – Encapsulation26:48 – Installation and adjustment34:20 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:Jasco Epoxy Remover: amzn.to/3XAle9M Electronics Potting Epoxy: amzn.to/3XAle9M 303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Ferengi Friday! Is that a computer in your pocket? Hey Birt! 2022-11-18 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIt’s time for another Ferengi Friday, that time when we take a look at all the recent acquisitions that have made their way to the shop. This week we have a zany box from a friend, and all sorts of pocket computer goodness.Join us and find out what was in this week’s haul.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:13 – Zany box from friend10:26 – Sharp EL-510012:55 – Sharp EL-5500III15:36 – Panasonic RL-H1400, RL-P100418:42 – Sharp PC-1600K, Casio PB-200, Sharp CE-15231:15 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksSharp EL-5150 Video: youtube.com/watch?v=iLTznI9vaVoHX-20 Refurb video: youtube.com/watch?v=g3Ri7zjneHE Sharp CE-152 refurb: youtube.com/watch?v=aG65TAqzqyc Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Discovering PC-1500 BASIC programs hidden for 35 years! Hey Birt! 2022-11-12 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we try to discover a day to discover the BASIC programs which have been hidden away on ROM modules for 35 years. The programs cannot be directly listed or printed to other methods had to be found. Join us as we try a few methods to recover these ROMs and find out what these programs do.WARNING: Vintage pocket computers were harmed during the filming of this video!Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:32 – Types of PC-1500 modules05:45 – Possible methods of discovering hidden programs08:35 – Let’s dump some ROMs!12:56 – Converting ROM dump to BASIC listing18:39 – Vintage pocket computers were harmed!22:05 – Wrap up, thanks.Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksSilicium forum post: http://silicium.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=39076&p=470110&hilit=pc+1500+module+dump#p470110 PC-1500.info post: http://www.pc-1500.info/2015/03/16/edtech-inc-administrator-memory-module lhTools: http://www.pc1500.com/lhTools.htmlDumped ROM repo: github.com/Jeff-Birt/PC-1500_ROM_ModulesPC-1500 Tech Ref Manual: http://www.pc1500.com/technical_reference_manual.htmlPC-1500 HVAC software history: hvaccomputer.com/hvac/whoweare.asp Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Vintage Charging Challenge – How to: Using modern wall warts to charge vintage gear Hey Birt! 2022-10-29 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we learn all about wall warts, those ubiquitous power adapters that litter our walls and power strips. We’ll cover the types available back in the day compared to today and how we can safely use a modern power adapter to charge our vintage gear. Timeline:00:00 – Welcome02:44 – Types of wall warts06:37 – Let’s do some experiments16:23 – Let’s look at some machines30:15 – Wrap up, questions, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksAmazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy Assembly 2022 – The greatest Tandy show on Earth! Hey Birt! 2022-10-15 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comI headed back to Ohio this fall to Tandy Assembly 2022 to partake in all the Tandy centric fun and frivolity. It was a blast again this year; a lot of great presentations, a peek at folks’ collections, projects, swapping parts, etc. I took a few minutes of video to try to give everyone who could not attend a flavor of the event. Hats off to the show organizers who put a lot of time and effort into pulling it off every year.Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTA2022 Videos: youtube.com/channel/UCPyGtUzQU0Vf7CiSiJLySUg Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy Pocket Computer Palooza – Overview, testing and repairs Hey Birt! 2022-09-24 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at my Tandy branded pocket computer collection. We’ll do some cleaning and we’ll so some repairs. At times things break faster than they can be fixed but we wind up with almost everything working and ready to take to Tandy Assembly 2022. At the end we show off some items that were donated by a 3rd party for the TASM 2022 auction.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:10 – The Tandy PC-802:10 – The Tandy PC-704:06 – The Tandy PC-6 and PC-506:17 – The Tandy/TRS-80 PC-4 and Tandy PC-318:22 – The TRS-80 PC-2, some repairs too48:35 – The TRS-80 PC-1, some repairs too 58:14 – Wrap up, donations, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksPC-1 LCD and Printer interface video: youtu.be/KHzOBoSHLtgPC-3 LCD video: youtu.be/Ztap71qR8LI PC-4/PB-100 mini refurb video: youtu.be/paPgbJTcOeA CE-150 disaster video: youtu.be/YQW75PUVCIsAlps plotter gear installation video: youtu.be/mZAMPPSQpqo3D printable pocket computer port covers: thingiverse.com/hey_birt/designs Amazon Associated Links Tools:Fiberglass pen: amzn.to/3pWRzIkFiberglass pen refills: amzn.to/3RgqGdQ OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Not a fan of fan noise? A few paths to a quieter retro computing experience. Hey Birt! 2022-09-10 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at a few different ways to quiet down a noisy vintage computer fan. We’ll compare the temperature control and noise level of the original fan to a modern quiet and then add a temperature regulated speed control board to the new fan to see if that offers any additional noise reduction.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:26 – Bench test of fan speed control09:16 – Temp test #1, original fan w/case off12:42 – Temp test #1, original fan w/case off15:14 – Bench test new vs. old fan, install new fan21:11 – Final results, wrap up.Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksFan Speed Control: ebay.com/itm/203983563405 Noctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ TRS_80 Model 4P videos: youtube.com/c/HeyBirt/search?query=TRS-80%20Model%204P Amazon Associated Links Tools:OWDEN Hollow punch set: amzn.to/3PXzTXW Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5YCiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXNoctua 80mm NF-A8 FLX fan: amzn.to/3ASVhsJ CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Can we get our yellow to mellow VIC-20 working? Hey Birt! 2022-08-31 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we finish up restoring a VIC-20 that started out with a very bad sunburn, in fact it was almost orange. In Part #1 we took care of most of the cosmetic restoration and now in Part #2 we get the computer running again and finish up with few more cosmetic restoration jobs. How does our sad old VIC-20 turn out? Join us and find out.Part 1: youtu.be/PZ6AuV-flvgTimeline:00:00 – Welcome01:17 – Bench testing the main board06:30 – Fixing the power switch15:55 – Testing cartridges and IEC port24:06 – Keyboard testing and assembly27:57 – Install RF shield and bottom case31:27 – Polishing faded keys37:36 – Finishing top case, final assembly45:02 – Wrap up, Thanks!?Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksChuck Hutchins video: youtu.be/w5sTxsx4qgY PSU5 Voltage regulators: ezsbc.com/product-category/voltage-regulators-2 Case Saver Kits: soigeneris.com/search?q=case+saver Key tester: soigeneris.com/mitsumi-key-tester-pcb-or-kit Retr0Brite science: youtu.be/YPl356YKcVsAmazon Associated Links Tools:Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
VIC-20 Sunburn - Can we transform this sad old VIC-20 from yellow to mellow? Hey Birt! 2022-08-13 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we start on the process of trying to restore a very sunburned VIC-20 back to its former glory. Well, closer anyhow. In this first episode we go at things a bit backwards and do the cosmetic restoration first. Can we use a Retr0Brite bath to take the case from yellow to mellow or will it crumble to bits? Join us and find out.Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome01:08 – Disassembly08:20 – Giving the VIC-20 a bath10:40 – Retr0Brite14:22 – Keyboard testing and assembly16:32 – PCB Cleaning27:18 – Results34:03 – Wrap up, what’s next?Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksCase Saver Kits: soigeneris.com/search?q=case+saver Key tester: soigeneris.com/mitsumi-key-tester-pcb-or-kit Retr0Brite science: youtu.be/YPl356YKcVsAmazon Associated Links Tools:Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Lets restore a TRS-80 Model 4P Part #3 – Cosmetic resto, soap, water, Retr0Brite & a lick of paint. Hey Birt! 2022-08-06 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we continue with Part #3 a series covering the restoration of a TRS-80 Model 4P. The Model 4P is a smaller, portable version of the Model 4 which was the last of the classic TRS-80 computers. We’ll go all out to cosmetically restore this little gem, so it looks as good on the outside as it works on the inside. The Gotek and drive adapter get a coat of paint and the yellowed case parts are treated to a therapeutic H2O2 spa treatment. How did we do? Can we get rid of that jaundiced exterior and bring back its shine? Join us and find out. What is next for our little 4P? Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:06 – Keyboard teardown10:46 – Retr0Brite preparation and tank17:55 – Keyboard assembly29:56 – Fan noise reduction33:31 – Chassis assembly50:42 – Results, games, wrap-upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTRS-80 Disassembly Guide: trs-80.com/wordpress/repairs/how-to-open-your-trs-80 TRS-80 Model 1-4 Diagnostic Disk: archive.org/details/sb-utils-m-4-tandy-model-4-diagnostics-tdc-4-v-01 TRS-80 Model 1-4 Diagnostic Disk Manual: ia803207.us.archive.org/20/items/Model_3-4-4P_Diagnostics_Manual_1983_Tandy/Model_3-4-4P_Diagnostics_Manual_1983_Tandy_text.pdf Rubber KB strip: mcmaster.com/1372N12 Science of Retr0Brite: youtu.be/YPl356YKcVs Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hollow Punch set: amzn.to/3Qcj7VbBattery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:303 Aerospace Protectant: amzn.to/3BxRa5Y CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Ferengi Friday Zen(market) and the Art of Vintage Computers :) Hey Birt! 2022-07-29 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIt’s time for another Ferengi Friday where we take a look at the new vintage computer acquisitions that have made their way into the workshop. This time we have an elusive Kyotronic 85 slabtop, an MCP-40 printer/plotter and a box of goodies imported from Japan through Zenmarket. Grab a cup of coffee or a black hole and join us.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:09 – Kyrotronic 8506:19 – MCP-40 Plotter11:57 – Goodies from Japan26:37 – Wrap up, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksCasio FX-840P video: youtu.be/RdEhWpgQ1r4 Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Pocket Banner, Data compression in BASIC. Fitting a 5K program into 3K. Hey Birt! 2022-07-23 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we discuss how to fit a 5K BASIC program into 3K of RAM. Finding ways to work within the limitations of vintage computers can be interesting. This was the case when I decided a banner printing program for a pocket computer would be fun. The problem is that the bitmaps for the characters alone would take more than the total amount of RAM available.How did we get around this limited RAM problem? Data compression of course? “Data compression in BASIC?” you ask. Yes, at it is not as difficult as it seems at first. Join us and find out how it works and maybe even port ‘Pocket Banner’ to your own small vintage computer.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:43 – Too much data, too little RAM04:06 – Demo #1, graph paper alphabet09:38 – Program listing and overview15:16 – Wrap up and Demo #2Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksPocket Banner: github.com/Jeff-Birt/PocketBanner Casio FX-820P refurb: youtu.be/RdEhWpgQ1r4 Amazon Associated Links Tools:Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Lets restore a TRS-80 Model 4P. Part #2 – Floppy drive restore & making bootable floppy Hey Birt! 2022-07-16 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we continue with Part #2 a series covering the restoration of a TRS-80 Model 4P. The Model 4P is a smaller, portable version of the Model 4 which was the last of the classic TRS-80 computers. We’ll refurbish the original Tandon TM50-1 floppy drive, test it with a Super Card Pro and then (eventually) make a bootable floppy from an image. As part of this process we even manage to set up a Gotek for the 4P as well. After getting the machine booting, we’ll explore the Model 1-4 Diagnostic Disk that Radio Shack made for technicians back in the day. Then we’ll expand the RAM to a whopping 128K and let the RAM test run for hours.In the next video we’ll concentrate on the cosmetics and try to get rid of the jaundiced look of the plastic case. Perhaps we’ll even paint the Gotek to match the decor?Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:24 – Tandon TM50-1 Floppy Restoration13:00 – Testing Tandon drive with Super Card Pro15:41 – Can’t get there from here, long road to a bootable floppy21:50 – TRS-80 Diagnostic disk and 128K RAM upgrade28:32 – Next steps, Wrap up, Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksSuper Card Pro: cbmstuff.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=52 HxC software: hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/index.html Gotek Setup info: github.com/keirf/flashfloppy/wiki/Firmware-Programming Flash Floppy Wiki: github.com/keirf/flashfloppy/wiki TRS-80 Model 1-4 Diagnostic Disk: archive.org/details/sb-utils-m-4-tandy-model-4-diagnostics-tdc-4-v-01 TRS-80 Model 1-4 Diagnostic Disk Manual: ia803207.us.archive.org/20/items/Model_3-4-4P_Diagnostics_Manual_1983_Tandy/Model_3-4-4P_Diagnostics_Manual_1983_Tandy_text.pdf Amazon Associated Links Tools:Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Lets restore a TRS-80 Model 4P. Part #1 - Teardown, inspection, first power up and testing Hey Birt! 2022-07-11 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we kick off a series covering the restoration of a TRS-80 Model 4P. The Model 4P is a smaller, portable version of the Model 4 which was the last of the classic TRS-80 computers. We’ll start by tearing the unit down, calling an exterminator, replacing the power supply and applying power to this beauty for the first time in years. In the next video we’ll clean up the floppy drives and cover a few ways to make a bootable floppy from an image. Join us and see if we can bring this 4P back to life.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:39 – Teardown, extermination12:20 – The truth about CRT high voltage danger16:53 – Pre power up test, new power supply, power up23:10 – Built in RAM test28:53 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTRS-80 Model 4P Service Manual: archive.org/details/TRS80Model4PServiceManual Truth about CRT High Voltage: lowendmac.com/2007/the-truth-about-crts-and-shock-danger New TRS-80 power supplies: plaidvest.com/newsoft/#mod4ppower Amazon Associated Links Tools:Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
A Casio Pokécom Compendium, fixing up a collection of Casio pocket computers Hey Birt! 2022-07-02 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at some Casio pocket computers in my collection that still needed some sort of TLC. The first order of business was to #GTDBO (Get The Darn Batteries Out), then we’ll concentrate on three different models which have three different issues. We’ll dissect an LCD, build a battery pack, and attempt a internal RAM upgrade. How did we make out? Join us and find out!Timeline:00:00 – Welcome02:23 – PB-100, LCD dissection12:23 – FX-820P, new battery pack install30:59 – FX-840P, internal 32K RAM upgrade attempt49:16 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksFX-840P Info: http://kyoro205.g.dgdg.jp/cgi/calcdb.cgi?k=FX-840P FX-880P Teardown: https://neil.computer/notes/casio-fx-880p-personal-computer-teardown/ FX-880P 64K internal hack: manib.bplaced.net/blog/?page_id=207 FX-850P Service Manual: archive.org/details/casio-fx-850-p-service-manual RP-33 Redux: soigeneris.com/casio-rp-33-module-redux Amazon Associated Links Tools:Battery Spot Welder: amzn.to/3QMaG3T Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsWorking of LCD GIF: http://www.circuitstoday.com/liquid-crystal-displays-lcd-working Chiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Aldi C64 and more! Tandy PC-2 RS-232 Interface, Tandy PC-5, Whiz-Kids comics Hey Birt! 2022-06-19 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIt is time for another Ferengi Friday where we take a look at the recent acquisitions that have made their way into the shop. We always pay head to the 64th Rule of Acquisition which states, "Vintage computers are always a shrewd investment." This time we have a lovely Aldi C64 with matching 1541 drive from Germany, some pocket computer pieces and a few Whiz-Kids comic books. Grab a Raktajino or a cup of coffee from Papua New Guinea and join us.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:16 – Aldi C64 with matching 154111:10 – TRS-80 PC-2 RS232 interface15:41 – Tandy PC-526:49 – Whiz-Kids comic books29:22 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksJan Beta Aldi C64 video: youtube.com/watch?v=R0S61L3Vy_0 Hey Birt! C64 Brick of death video Pt 1: youtu.be/nYcBERZUuB8 Hey Birt! C64 Brick of death video Pt 2 : youtu.be/30Tc-ziUDg4Tandy PC-5/6 latch replacement: thingiverse.com/thing:5409498 Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Vintage LCD x3 – Let’s try to repair 3 different TRS-80 Model 100 LCD panels Hey Birt! 2022-06-11 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at three different TRS-80 Model 100 LCD screens, each of which has a different problem. We’ll learn how to test the LCD driver chips, interpret the waveforms they put out and see how many of the screens can be fixed.How many can we get working properly again? Perhaps one or two or maybe even all three? Join us and find out.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome 01:08 – Evaluating the LCD screens06:35 – Screen A repair15:58 – Screen B repair29:38 – Screen C repair45:59 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksM100 Zebra strips: soigeneris.com/trs-80-model-100-lcd-zebra-strips M100 Screen tips: ftp.whtech.com/club100/ref/lcdtip.doc M100 Screen Test Program: github.com/Jeff-Birt/M100_Screen_Test Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
A 1581 Refurb that is nearly a disaster. Will we get it working? Hey Birt! 2022-06-04 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we do a complete refurbishment of a Commodore 1581 3.5” disk drive. This 1581 came out late in the C64/C128 life cycle but offered owners of those machines a comparatively large amount of storage per disk. It shares the same 3.5” drive mechanism with early Amigas with a built-in interface PCB for the C= IEC serial bus.The restoration was going along swimmingly until it was noticed that the write protect/enable switches were not working properly. An attempt to fix them was a near disaster. Will we get the drive running again? Join us and find out.Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome01:18 – Evaluation, PS testing, teardown13:20 – Drive mechanism evaluation and teardown20:45 – Drive mechanism cleaning and lubrication31:24 – Retr0Briting the case33:05 – Surprise look at power supply innards37:29 – Reassembly and basic testing45:55 Close up of drive operating, problem found, disaster strikes1:01:32 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksGadgetUK Amiga Floppy Drive Videos: youtube.com/c/GadgetUK164/search?query=Amiga%20floppyHey Birt! Brick of death teardown Part #1: youtu.be/nYcBERZUuB8Hey Birt! Brick of death teardown Part #2: youtu.be/30Tc-ziUDg4 Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Epson HX-20: Can we repair the ‘nonrepairable’ keyboard with the help of a FLIR laboratory camera? Hey Birt! 2022-05-25 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we attempt to repair a ‘nonrepairable’ Epson HX-20 keyboard. A very sensitive FLIR IR laboratory camera was borrowed to aide in the diagnoses and a special fixture was machined and 3D printed for the attempt as well. Will all of this result in repairing Epson’s ‘nonrepairable’ keyboard? Join us and find out.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:39 – Whacky keyboard symptoms05:32 – Breaking out the fancy FLIR camera09:24 – How FLIR camera used in laboratory10:07 – Keyboard surgery19:24 – Modification needed to put it back together27:37 – Testing, more surgery, testing, repeat36:28 – Kapton tape donuts and pen springs, a la MacGyver41:50 – Wrap up and Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksMy other HX-20 videos: youtube.com/c/HeyBirt/search?query=Epson%20HX-20 Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Getting belted – Belt R&R on 2 cassette decks gets interesting Realistic Minisette-9 Sharp CE-152 Hey Birt! 2022-05-15 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we set out to refurbish two small cassette decks. It should be a simple matter of replacing the belts and general cleaning on both decks. The Realistic Minisette-9 reveals some hidden damage when it comes time to reassemble it and I don’t help matters by making a few mistakes along the way. The Sharp CE-152 also has a surprise waiting in store. Can we fix them? Join us and find out.Belts:Realistic Minisette-9 (14-812)B1 - Counter, SCY6.7B2 - Motor, SCX7.4B3 - Reels, SCX7.0Sharp CE-122B1 - Counter, SCY3.5B2 - Motor SCX8.6B3 - Reels SCX7.0Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome02:14 – Minisette-9 teardown and evaluation06:22 – Belt installation and disaster11:28 – Plastic surgery, cleaning18:30 – The old backing soda and superglue trick27:32 – Testing, fixing my goofs, more testing37:20 – Sharp CE-152 Teardown and Evaluation42:21 – Belt installation and assembly52:18 – Testing and another surprise56:17 – Testing with a pocket computer59:45 – Wrap up, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksChuck Hutchins videos: youtube.com/c/CAHUTCH1000/search?query=cassette Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Foam sheet, 1mm: amzn.to/37CfTtt Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy PC-1 / Sharp PC-1211 New LCD, Printer/Cassette Interface Refurb Hey Birt! 2022-05-07 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we fit a new replacement LCD in a Tandy PC-1 which is the same as the Sharp PC-1211. Thankfully someone is reproducing the LCDs for these vintage pocket computers. (Link further down.) Inside we’ll find a mystery bodge board.We’ll also refurbish the printer and cassette interface. There is a crusty old battery pack to replace and some corrosion to clean up. Join us and see how we made out.Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome01:18 – PC-1: Overview and Initial test03:51 – PC-1: Teardown09:38 – PC-1: LCD removal19:14 – PC-1: Reassembly34:54 – Printer: Overview and teardown42:47 – Printer: Corrosion cleanup45:17 – Printer: Reassemble55:24 – Printer: Final test57:38 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksReplacement PC-1, Sharp PC-1211 LCD: tindie.com/products/halfbakedmaker/lcd-replacement-for-trs-80-pc-1-sharp-pc-1211 LCD makers install video: youtube.com/watch?v=S8Vagc0FJK8 DIY battery pack video: youtu.be/0qmvtZMLIMU Extreme PCB corrosion repair video: youtu.be/o0a6JhiZ1Gk Amazon Associated Links Tools:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwlAmazon Associated Links Chemicals:CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV Electronics / PCB cleaner: amzn.to/3ORx62D Citric Acid: amzn.to/3krkgdt Amazon Associated Links Parts / Supplies:Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed Sun-C: amzn.to/3nHCbxL NiMh tabbed AA: amzn.to/3OMjBkW uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBXCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
A new replacement LCD for Tandy PC-3 & Sharp PC-1250/51/55 Hey Birt! 2022-04-23 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we fit a new replacement LCD in a Tandy PC-3 which is the same as the Sharp PC-1250/51/55. Thankfully someone is reproducing the LCDs for these vintage pocket computers. (Link further down.) We’ll try a different method to separate the old LCD glass from the adhesive on the metal frame. We’ll try using a hotplate to soften the glue rather than acetone. Will it work? If so it should save hours of waiting. Join us and see how we made out.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:05 – Initial test and tear down12:23 – Hot plate experiment15:19 – Aligning new LCD in frame19:43 – Reassembly26:01 – Testing27:02 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksReplacement PC-3, Sharp PC-1250/51/55 LCD: tindie.com/products/halfbakedmaker/lcd-replacement-for-trs-80-pc-3-sharp-pc-125x LCD makers install video: youtube.com/watch?v=Oa630UVaWp0 Find bad chips with ohmmeter: youtu.be/3zBBl4526Sw Amazon Associated Links:Hotplate: amzn.to/3rxOtLU Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Ferengi Friday – I traded my VW Bug for a VIC-20! Am I nuts? Hey Birt! 2022-04-15 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIt that time again, time for another Ferengi Friday! This is the day we take a look at all the recent acquisitions that have found their way into the shop. I recently traded my 1971 VW Super Beetle for a VIC-20! Am I nuts? There is more to the story, nothing like some click bait though. We also look at a few other goodies: some new test gear, a lot of C128 chips, etc.Join us and see what I got for my VW Bug 😊Timeline00:00 – Intro 01:24 – Brymen BM786 from EEVBLOG09:12 – A lot of Commodore C128 chips11:10 – ‘The’ book about PCBs14:22 – A VIC-20 for a VW Bug?20:15 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksEEVBLOG BM786 Multimeter: eevblog.com/product/eevblog-bm786-multimeter Amazon Associated Links:MG Chem. Liquid Tin: amzn.to/3K8cEb3 Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
DIY - Reproducing obsolete vintage connectors at home Hey Birt! 2022-04-07 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comWhat do you do when you want to plug something into a vintage computer but don’t have the correct cable and the connector used is long since obsolete or proprietary? In this video we’re going to talk about DIY solutions to recreating obsolete electrical connectors at home. We’ll cover the design process of a connector I made for the 12-pin Casio 4-bit bus and see how it evolved over time from the initial concept. We’ll also take a look at a few mains connectors that Sven Petersen made for vintage computing devices. NOTE: I did modify the PCB to move the ribbon cable holes inward, about 0.050", new files uploaded to GitHub on 4 April, 2022.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:00 – Connector conundrum02:38 – Casio 4-bit bus, connector V107:00 – Measuring up a real Casio peripheral, Connector V211:40 – Tin man cometh – DIY tinplating, Connector V318:20 – DIY Casio 4-bit bus connector in situ20:49 – Sven Petersen’s European VIC-20 power connector24:08 – Sven Petersen’s ‘Japanese Calculator’ mains connector26:41 – Wrap-up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksPoitr’s site: http://pisi.com.pl/piotr433/hardware.htm Hey Birt’s Casio 12-pin connector design: github.com/Jeff-Birt/Casio_12Pin Sven’s VIC-20 mains connector: tech.guitarsite.de/vic20_power_plug.htmlSven’s Japanese calculator mains connector: tech.guitarsite.de/3dprintcon.htmlAmazon Associated Links:MG Chem. Liquid Tin: amzn.to/3K8cEb3 Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Shorts 0007h, Finding bad chips using only an ohmmeter! Hey Birt! 2022-03-17 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a quick look at a RAM/ROM board from a Sharp PC-1251 pocket computer. A chap form the UK sent this board in to see if could be repaired. It has the unusual symptom of the ‘BUSY’ annunciator being stuck on, even when the computer was turned off.We were able to locate the faulty component using only an ohmmeter. Join us and find out how this diagnostic technique works.Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!paypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en Amazon Associated Links:CRC Electronic cleaner: amzn.to/35TfrWe Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaPCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Casio VX-4 RAM expansion - Part 2: Casio RP-33 redux. Designing with zebra strips Hey Birt! 2022-03-12 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comPCBWay Article Submission: pcbway.com/blog/Activities/Submit_for_Publication___Now_I_Write_Articles_in_PCBWay.htmlThis is a second of a two-part series covering memory expansions for the Casio VX-4 pokecon. The VX-4 was an educational market version of the FX-870P sold only in Japan. In the first video we replaced the internal 8K SRAM with a 32K part taking the VX-4 up to the spec of the FX-870P. In this second part we’ll build a Casio RP-33 32K RAM upgrade module clone and also cover the design process. We started with a big push by a few friends and learned some about working with Zebra strips along the way. BTW, the RP-33 works with the following Casio models: FX-840P, FX-841P, FX-850P, FX-860P, FX-860Pvc, FX-870P, FX-880P, FX-890P, VX-1, VX-2, VX-3, VX-4, Z-1, Z-1GR, PB2000C and AI-1000.Buy an RP-33 module: soigeneris.com/casio-rp-33-module-redux The RP-33 design files are on my GitHub: github.com/Jeff-Birt/Casio_VX-4_RAM_Upgrade Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:29 – Designing with zebra strips08:44 – Design of RP-33 clone14:17 – Soldering parts to the PCB19:53 – Gluing the 3D printed shim to PCB26:20 – Zebra strip installation, installing RP-3328:35 – Testing the RP-33 clone31:04 – Wrap up, Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksFujipoly booklet: fujipoly.com/usa/assets/files/Fujipoly%202015%20Zebra%20Catalog%20for%20web.pdf VX-4 Repair video #1: youtu.be/wpbwxjeGzUIVX-4 Repair video #2: youtu.be/o0a6JhiZ1GkIcelord’s website: icelord.net/wordpress/archives/17133 Japanese Pokecon site: http://www.lsigame.com/pb-1000/technote/mem32k/mem32k.htm Amazon Associated Links:CRC Electronic cleaner: amzn.to/35TfrWe Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Casio VX-4 RAM expansion -Part 1: Easy 32K internal upgrade to FX-870 spec Hey Birt! 2022-03-05 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comPCBWay Article Submission: pcbway.com/blog/Activities/Submit_for_Publication___Now_I_Write_Articles_in_PCBWay.htmlThis is a first of a two-part series covering memory expansions for the Casio VX-4 pokecon. The VX_4 was an educational market version of the FX-870P sold only in Japan. In this video we will replace the internal 8K SRAM with a 32K part taking the VX-4 up to the spec of the FX-870P. We’ll cover the parts swap and how to properly reset the computer and then use an originally undocumented self-test feature to check the RAM upgrade.In the second part we’ll build a Casio RP-33 32K RAM upgrade module clone and also cover the design process. We started with a big push by a few friends and learned some about working with Zebra strips along the way.The RP-33 design files are on my GitHub: github.com/Jeff-Birt/Casio_VX-4_RAM_Upgrade Timeline: 00:00 – Welcome01:31 – Disassembly10:22 – Installing the new SRAM15:36 – Reassembly21:08 – Batteries and testing24:08 – Wrap up, Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksVX-4 Repair video #1: youtu.be/wpbwxjeGzUIVX-4 Repair video #2: youtu.be/o0a6JhiZ1GkIcelord’s website: icelord.net/wordpress/archives/17133 Japanese Pokecon site: http://www.lsigame.com/pb-1000/technote/mem32k/mem32k.htm Amazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Suncom Tac 3 Joystick Refurb - A worthy successor to the TAC-2? Hey Birt! 2022-02-24 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comI dug out this pair of Suncom TAC-3 joysticks for the recent C-64 build I did for my nephew. They did not feel like very well make joysticks so I sat them aside. I refurbished one just to see what was inside and My Patreons expressed an interest in a video showing the refurb of the second stick.We wind up with a pair of nice looking vintage joysticks but how well do they work? Are they a worthy successor to the famous TAC-2 or a stylish let down? Join us and find out. Timeline:00:00 – Welcome00:33 – No disassembly Stephanie!07:24 – Switch block clean, fix, glue, frustration17:27 – An intermission for a paint job19:03 – Switch block final assembly22:37 – ASMR reassembly at 999% speed23:56 – A quick test24:29 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksAmazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Total Refurb – Refurbishing a Commodore 64 system for my nephew Hey Birt! 2022-02-10 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video I set out to refurbish a Commodore 64 system for my nephew. My nephew Matt was sort of like a kid brother to me. His dad was the one who introduced me to the C64 in fact. When I heard he was interested in getting a C64 I was happy to pull once from my stash and refurbish is for him.A dirty but decent looking C64 was retrieved from the stash and the refurb was started. Join in as we go through it step by step cleaning it up, fixing the problem we find and doing a through test. An S-Video adapter cable is made, an old S-Video to HSMI adapter dug out of a box, a new Kevin Ottum power supply and SD2IEC was obtained as well as other bits and bobs to put together a good starter system.Join us to see how it all turns out.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:31 – Disassembly and Inspection05:54 – Power on test and using the test harness11:22 – PCB inspection and cleaning15:43 – Test #2, testing the paddle inputs22:28 – Cleaning and testing the keyboard31:53 – Scrubbing and repairing the case34:01 – Reassembly and system overview36:45 – Wrap up, Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksKeven Ottum power supply: kevin@puppybreath.orgSven Peterson test harness: github.com/svenpetersen1965/C64-Diagnostic-Rev.-586220-Harness/tree/master/Diag586220_HarnessPlaylist of videos mentioned in this video: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLegscpHOheJvubw7fdFIjQvjQiqJjdNq8 Amazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Shorts 0006h - Stupid Proof Your Edge Connectors Hey Birt! 2022-02-05 | In this video we take a quick look at how to ‘Stupid Proof” your vintage computer edge connectors. Most all manufacturers added keying slots to the edge connector on the PCB. The slots like up with keys, slips of plastic inserted into connector, which prevent one from plugging the connector in upside down. Many manufacturers of devices that plug into these slots don’t bother adding the keys to the connectors even though it is cheap and easy to do. Add your own keys and ‘Stupid Proof’ your edge connectors. Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksAmazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Ferengi Friday - Preponderance of Pokecoms - Sharp, Casio, Tandy Pokecoms and some misc too! Hey Birt! 2022-01-28 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIt that time again, time for another Ferengi Friday! This is the day we take a look at all the recent acquisitions that have found their way into the shop. This episode is all about Pokecoms, that is Pocket Computers with a bit of test equipment (for Pokecoms) thrown in too. Join us as we see what the postman brought and see what works and what does not. Remember the 64th Rule of Acquisition states that vintage computers always a good investment. Timeline: SP00:00 – Intro 01:10 – A nice Tandy PC-4 flat pack05:56 – A pair of broken Sharp PC-1500As08:28 – Casio PB-100, not working11:48 – Tandy PC-8, NOT a Casio16:38 – Sharp PC-E500, local Pokecom find21:24 – Current Ranger, very low current test gear23:03 – Sharp EL-5100 book24:36 – Tandy PC-7, a different form factor30:02 – Tandy PC-3, missing LCD row34:30 – Bundle of ugly duckling Sharp Pokecoms38:25 – Excellent Tandy PC-4 bundle46:33 – Wrap up. Thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksPC-4 Repair video: youtu.be/paPgbJTcOeACurrent Ranger: lowpowerlab.com/guide/currentranger Amazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
3D Modeling and Printing Vintage Computer Parts. A simple case study. Hey Birt! 2022-01-14 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comA few months ago, a viewer asked if I would go into detail about how I modeled and printed a port cover for a Casio VX-4. I recently needed to model/print a similar cover for a Tandy PC-4/Casio FP-100 and documented the process in this video. It is longer than I had originally intended but a quick poll on Twitter revealed that 9-10 folks would prefer the longer video with more detail. Here we try to cover the process of measuring a part up, creating a sketch by hand to use as a reference and then formulating a plan on how to 3D model the part. We then create a 3D model, learn about using parameters and finally we slice it and then print it out. Next comes the iterative process making small tweaks to the design to get the fit just right.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:52 – Measuring up the problem07:33 – Refining hand drawn sketch and making a plan09:20 – 3D Modeling27:04 – Slice and Print29:18 – Test fit and iterate as needed31:07 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!paypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en Links:Project on Thingiverse: thingiverse.com/thing:5193685 Amazon Associated Links:1mm self-adhesive foam: amzn.to/3Evqhh0 Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaPCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Prototype to Product – Bringing your idea to market. Challenges, risks, rewards, pricing tips… Hey Birt! 2022-01-05 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comThis video is about the process of taking an idea from prototype to product. How do you move from the few prototype boards you shared with friends to getting a large number of boards professionally produced? What are the risks, rewards, and reality about covering your costs and maybe turning a modest profit?My friend designed a very nifty SD card drive for the TRS-80 Model 100 family of computers it was so awesome I encouraged him to bring them to market and offered to help any way I could. Even with two of us, this would be a big task, so we had the boards assembled by PCBWay. Product link: soigeneris.com/tandy-tpdd-2-backpack-driveWe have both worked in the industry, but it was the first time we had done a project together and worked with an outside contractor for PCB assembly. We decided to document so as to offer some insight and encouragement to other hobbyists.Timeline:00:00 – Intro01:50 – Project flow, an outline03:47 – PCB Assembly service08:37 – The assembled PCBs have arrived!11:42 – Final assembly, lots of work16:29 – Paperwork, not fun but essential19:00 – Risks, Rewards, Reality24:01 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksBackpack: soigeneris.com/tandy-tpdd-2-backpack-drivePCBWay: pcbway.com Amazon Associated Links:1mm self-adhesive foam: amzn.to/3Evqhh0 Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaPCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy PC-4 (Casio PB-100). Mini refurb of a 4-bit pocket computer. Hey Birt! 2021-12-29 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comIn this video we take a look at a Tandy PC-4 (same as Casio PB-100) which has a flickering display. Taking it apart and cleaning things up was easy. Figuring out how to properly assemble it was another matter. While it took three attempts and dumping half the keys out on the table, we got there in the end and do explain in detail how to assemble one of these easily avoiding the mistakes first made.Timeline: SP00:00 – Welcome01:44 – Look at problem and disassembly05:12 – Clean up, Assembly attempt #107:25 – Polish plastic bezel09:30 – Assembly attempt #211:33 – Dumping the keys, Assembly attempt #318:13 – Replacing foam pad21:24 – Final test, wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTandy PC-4 Service Manual: archive.org/details/manualzilla-id-6027413 1mm self-adhesive foam: amzn.to/3Evqhh0Amazon Associated Links:1mm self-adhesive foam: amzn.to/3Evqhh0 Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Ferengi Friday – The perfect recipe for a vintage computer treat Hey Birt! 2021-12-17 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comTime for another Ferengi Friday where we take a look at all the recent acquisitions in the shop. This week we are cooking up a real vintage treat with a little Commodore, Psion, TRS-80 and other tasty vintage goodness. Remember the 64th Rule of Acquisition: Vintage computers are always a shrewd investment.So, grab a cup of black coffee or a black hole and join us.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:08 – A cup of Commodore04:52 – A pinch of Psion II06:44 – A teaspoon of TRS-8008:02 – A smidge of Sharp12:49 – A dollop of documentation14:58 – A heaping helping of Sharp PC-150026:05 – A nip of NEC29:52 – Wrap up and enjoyPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksKevin Ottum Power Supply: kevin@puppybreath.org A Menadue Psion Projects: youtube.com/channel/UCNweFQHar6-JMdXFk-MrOtQ Amazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy 102 Turmoil Pt.2 – Corrosion repair, hidden damage, ‘The Gambler’ scenario Hey Birt! 2021-11-27 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comA friend sent me his Tandy 102 which had quit working after a hiatus in storage. At first glance the main board looked OK, but a closer inspection revealed hidden horrors. In Part 1 we get the machine booting again and get the LCD fixed up, but we didn’t solve all the problems. In this episode we continue with the detective work, follow a few false paths. This job required considering ‘The Gambler’ scenario and making a tough call but we but do wind up with a working T102 for my friend in the end.Timeline: SP00:00 – Welcome01:25 – Scoping it out05:43 – Exploratory surgery07:51 – Transplant surgery10:28 – Is patient alive?16:13 – Scoping good board20:01 – Wrap up, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksAmazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaP CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy Assembly 2021 – The greatest Tandy show on Earth! Hey Birt! 2021-11-16 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comI was honored to be asked to speak at the Tandy Assembly 2021 show in Springfield Ohio. The organizers soldiered through and put together a great retro computer show at a challenging time. While ongoing travel restrictions meant our international friends could not join in person the event was streamed.This video is a short walk through of the show highlighting just a few of the great things there. There was all manner of Tandy computers represented and it was great to meet folks in real life that I’ve been chatting with for years online. I’m already looking forward to next year.Timeline SP:00:00 – Welcome01:03 – Let’s go to the show!07:17 – Some goodies from the show10:39 – Wrap up and thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTandy Assembly: http://www.tandyassembly.com NewSoft power supplies: plaidvest.com/newsoft PocketTRS: github.com/apuder/PocketTRS Amazon Associated Links:Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CiaKot: amzn.to/3CvVKiY Overcaot Pen: amzn.to/3s439Bt Novus Plastic Polish: amzn.to/2VwtFaV 3M Double sided tape: amzn.to/3rYCxBX Heat mats: amzn.to/3boKDwl Uxcell shrink wrap: amzn.to/3boKJEd NiMh tabbed cells: amzn.to/3nHCbxL uxCell strain reliefs: amzn.to/3nJ5AaPCreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Flat Flex Cable Repair - Can we save our aging FFCs? Hey Birt! 2021-10-28 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comOne problem we often come across when repairing a vintage computer is a bad FFC, a Flat Flex Cable. These cables are made the same way as flexible PCBs but have the contact fingers exposed on the ends and typically some sort of plastic stiffener sheet glued on.With age the fingers sometimes come loose which leaves your repair stuck until you can locate a good used cable. Many of the cables and connectors they used are no longer available as new replacement parts. So, a damaged cable can leave an otherwise working system out of commission. Being faced this this problem recently I tried to come up with a way to repair these cables. Join us as we see how it worked out.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:24 – Effect and Cause03:24 – Idea to implementation09:16 – Initial results12:39 – Testing13:56 – ConclusionPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Tandy 102 Turmoil Pt.1 - Battery corrosion repair, hidden damage, LCD corruption fix Hey Birt! 2021-10-23 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comA friend sent me his Tandy 102 which had quit working after a hiatus in storage. At first glance the main board looked OK but a closer inspection revealed hidden horrors. Working on it as time allowed it took several weeks to track down all the major problem preventing it from booting. Once booting we were faced with LCD corruption. Oh my.In Part 1 we get the machine booting again and get the LCD fixed up, but we don’t solve all the problems this time around. There is more detective work in store to find the remaining problems sorted. Join us as we discover the horrors hiding in this T102.Timeline:00:00 – Welcome01:22 – Inspection07:44 – NiCad disaster10:28 – Repair process17:46 – Some progress20:57 – Keyboard fix and test27:00 – Magic Bus (Contention)36:06 – Wrap upPlease consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
Ferengi Friday - A deluge of 5-1/4 drives and an 11kg pocket computer? Hey Birt! 2021-09-30 | Video sponsor: PCBWay: $5 for 2 layer PCBs with 24hr turnaround at pcbway.comPCBWay Design Contest: pcbway.com/activity/4th-pcb-design-contest.htmlIn this episode of Ferengi Friday we sort through the generous donation of a deluge of 5-1/4” disk drives, from early 360K half height up to the latter of the 5-1/4” models. One of them is even NIB. Then we look at a special package from Japan. While it is large and weighs 11kg it contains Sharp Pocket Computer goodness. What could be pocket computer related and be this big and heavy? We’ll wind up doing some emergency surgery to stabilize the patient until the full surgical restoration can be scheduled. Join us and find out.Timeline01:36 – Deluge of drives09:23 – 11kg Pocket Computer unboxing12:06 – Unveiling of the Pocket computer20:28 – PC-1500 inspection and testing22:53 – CE-150 inspection and nicad removal28:37 – CE-152 check up and quick clean29:36 – CE-153 inspection and cleaning31:31 – All cleaned and back in case33:20 – Wrap up, thanks!Please consider clicking on the Subscribe button below and then click the bell icon. That way you will be notified when I post a new video. Thanks!Help support Hey Birt!heybirt.com - merchpaypal.me/HeyBirtpatreon.com/heybirtsubscribestar.com/hey-birt Hey Birt! On Social Media!Facebook: Soigeneris: facebook.com/Soigeneris-295527583797729 Hey Birt!: facebook.com/HeyBirt Twitter:Hey Birt!: twitter.com/HeyBirt?lang=en LinksTAEC FD55 Series Drives: vogonswiki.com/index.php/Teac_FD-55_series Buying from Japanese auctions: youtu.be/93AhEyAtvfQ Replacement battery contacts: youtu.be/HwqvUbz0vPY Amazon (associated links)Spudger set I use: amzn.to/3z19pM7 CreditsChiptune Thing No. 3 "Victory" by Steven O’Brien soundcloud.com/stevenobrienCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b... Music provided by Music for Creators youtu.be/ujIMRIJ1JG8
