A new arrival - Amstrad PPC512

[rubber_jonnie]

OK, so I found some info about upgrading the RAM, just needs 6 ICs, 4x 41464 and 2x 4164, then adjust jumpers to tell the machine it has extra RAM.

I've got 4164's but no 41464s, so they are now ordered. In the meantime I'll install the necessary sockets in preparation.

After an initial wobble the Gotek seems to be working fine, but as yet no luck finding the expander...

[rubber_jonnie]

OK, so that's the sockets installed ready for the RAM:

IMG20250315144808.jpg (397.65 KiB) Viewed 333 times

I've got the 2 4164's so I'll fit those, then just got to wait for the 41464's. Needs a lot of disassembly to get to this point, luckily the screws are all same throughout, with only the case screws being different.

[HigashiJun]

So much wires in this little machine...

[rubber_jonnie]

So much wires in this little machine...

Yeah, it's pretty bad for wires internally, and the floppy drive cable is fixed to be PCB like the STF/M, so unplugging it is a non starter.

Luckily a lot of other stuff is plugged in, so the top part of the board sandwich comes off relatively easily.

The construction is more like an Amstrad hifi than a computer!

[HigashiJun]

The construction is more like an Amstrad hifi than a computer!

Alan Sugar probably reused some parts...

[rubber_jonnie]

The construction is more like an Amstrad hifi than a computer!

Alan Sugar probably reused some parts...

That wouldn't surprise me at all.

[rubber_jonnie]

OK, so my RAM should arrive sometime this week, but in the meantime I am addressing another issue:

IMG20250317095047.jpg (167.27 KiB) Viewed 286 times

This is the left hand latching mechanism for the screen. The right on it's own is up to the job, just, but the left had completely given way. I glued the broken part back on with superglue, but just to hold it in place and have used GRP slivers (Used in nail extensions) and epoxy to to glue and reinforce.

I've done the same on the inside, and hopefully all should be solid by the time the RAM arrives.

IMG20250317102449.jpg (138.05 KiB) Viewed 286 times

The little GRP patches are great and really do add a lot of strength to the repair.

Also it looks like the Enide 3 slot expansion board is out of stock everywhere, so I'll have to order some from PCBWay. At least it's open source.

[HigashiJun]

The GRP should do the trick.

I have a special compound and fiber glass for such repairs, but I'm really not keen on broken plastics...

[rubber_jonnie]

The GRP should do the trick.

I have a special compound and fiber glass for such repairs, but I'm really not keen on broken plastics...

Me either, especially not after my Mega ST keyboard repair. I have to say that the little GRP patches are great though.

Superglue never seems to work, and I've tried using Acetone but that never seems to work either. The trouble with epoxy and GRP, is that it does work, but it is bulky.

[rubber_jonnie]

ISA expansion PCBs ordered.