OK, so I have some SIMMS but not quite enough pin headers to convert all of them to SIPPs, so have ordered some more.I'll make 2 up and test fitment and take it from there.
IMG20240916120131.jpg (251.17 KiB) Viewed 130 times
The ribbon cable arrived today, pitch is correct as is the number of pins but I cocked up and got .5mm pins not 1mm. D'oh.
IMG20240916120026.jpg (205.57 KiB) Viewed 130 times
I really must measure twice and cut once...
I also had a look inside the Conner:
IMG20240916114801.jpg (257.88 KiB) Viewed 130 times
It's surprisingly clean and does spin up, and the buffer seems to be fine, so not sticky, but the missing seal, which has just vaporised has clearly let crap in, so I've found a 128MB CF card and adapter that 'should' work, but until I get the FDD drive belt sorted I can't test that as it uses a non-standard FDD data/power connection so connecting another FDD is completely impractical.
The belt, hopefully now the correct size, is on the way, so hopefully here tomorrow or Wednesday. CMOS is now holding having put a new CR2032 in.
So progress for sure.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
Hmm, so the new belt arrived and the disk now spins, but it's not reading anything
Need to see if I can figure out what speed it's spinning at and check the heads.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
It may just need some exercise. Just looks at the latest Adrian's Digital Basement. He was confused that the drive started working, but I could see that it was actually just the stepper motor bearing becoming freer as it was being used and hence the heads were getting better alignment.
I'd try lubing up the drive first (and manually cleaning the heads) before anything else such as checking the caps.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
stephen_usher wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 3:42 pm
I take it that it's seeking OK?
It may just need some exercise. Just looks at the latest Adrian's Digital Basement. He was confused that the drive started working, but I could see that it was actually just the stepper motor bearing becoming freer as it was being used and hence the heads were getting better alignment.
I'd try lubing up the drive first (and manually cleaning the heads) before anything else such as checking the caps.
Yeah, I'm going to do that, but not had lot of time due to work getting me on hundreds of meetings
Not 100% sure that the bet is sitting quite right either, so need to look a bit closer. Maybe when I get home from training tonight...
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
OK, so the FDD is still an issue and needs work, not sure what's what, but I have been able to manufacture some SIPPs They are a bit difficult to see, but are no more than turned pin headers soldered onto some 1MB Simms. They are a bit of a faff to get out, hence the in place photo:
IMG20240920101754.jpg (194.56 KiB) Viewed 81 times
And they show up perfectly in the BIOS:
IMG20240920101811.jpg (307.53 KiB) Viewed 81 times
Need to try and figure out what is going on with that FDD now.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
HigashiJun wrote: ↑Sat Sep 21, 2024 5:49 am
This little Arche looks very neat.
Is it UK made ?
Honestly I don't know, I suspect it's some sort of machine from a larger sized manufacturer and then re-badged. Will see if I can find out.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
But no matter where it was built, you made a great repair job.
Interesting. Not out of the woods until I can sort out that FDD though as I have no other way to install an OS otherwise...
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
rubber_jonnie wrote: ↑Sat Sep 21, 2024 11:02 am
Interesting. Not out of the woods until I can sort out that FDD though as I have no other way to install an OS otherwise...
They are a bit difficult to see, but are no more than turned pin headers soldered onto some 1MB Simms. They are a bit of a faff to get out, hence the in place photo:
