“Transporter” for our ROBKO-01
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…
Loading from cartridge on the ZX Spectrum
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…
IZOT CM1604 – restoration and repair
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.
Simple composite video mod for your ZX Spectrum
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…
How to service an old Apple II floppy drive
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…
Commodore 64c. The newest addition in the 8Bitclub
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…
PRAVETZ 8A – restoration and cleaning
After long years of searching, we finally acquired not one but two very well-preserved computers. Pravetz 8A is considered to be one the rare models here in Bulgaria, mostly because most of them were exported to the USSR. Also, they were not sold freely here, only certain institutions had access to owning them. Although it…