The final part of the restoration is to clean up the monitor and test everything. Removing the top case reveals the chassis type monitor. The next step for the future is to create a Wi-Fi modem with an ESP8266 microcontroler for the terminal. This will give us the ability to connect it to the internet…
Next it`s time to tackle the keyboard.
The time has finally come to take a look at the other terminal we acquired in our last haul from a local factory here in our town. CM1604 M3 is the third revision of the computer terminals manufactured in 1985 by ZZU – Veliko Tarnovo and sold by the brand “IZOT” here in Bulgaria. The system is a…
Last month we finally acquired a “Transporter-1” conveyor belt for our ROBKO-01. For our luck it was brand new in the bag with the instruction manual. At first it looked like it took a beat at the side and part of the metal chassis was bent. We decided to take it apart and do a…
After we acquired and restored our Sinclair ZX Spectrum, we wanted a quick way to load games and using a tape was not an option. Due to the bad experiences, we had trying to convert TAP files to WAV and then recording them on tape, we decided to look for an alternative. The only way…
Recently we saved from the scrap two IZOT terminals, used in the local factories here. Basically these are DEC VT100 clones, made in Bulgaria in the 80`s. In the following articles to come we will take on a more detailed aproach on the CM1604 and the M3, whis is the third revision.
Most of the so-called “Home computers” we have in our collection were meant to be used with the old bulky CRT television sets. Back in the day you would use a coax cable to connect your computer to the TV via the RF input. Some models like the Commodore 64 have a dedicated RGB video output and you would solve the problem…
CAUTION! Improper tuning of the disk speed may cause your floppy to stop reading disks. Be sure that you have a spare working floppy so you can boot Locksmith from it. Thing you will need: 1. Locksmith boot disk 2. Working floppy drive so you can boot from it 3. Blank 5.25 inch floppy disk or an old one that you don’t care for. 4. Flathead screwdriver for turning the motor speed trimer 5. Oil or lithium grease 6. 99% alcohol 7. Q-tips If you…
Recently we acquired a Commodore 64c in working condition from an online auction site. These computers are pretty rare to find here in Bulgaria, because we had our own computer manufacturing industry back in the day. Plus, it came with the original box and European type power supply. At first sight the condition of the…