And it's here... SO well packed that it took me about a quarter of an hour to get through the outer layers. Also a very nice hand written note inside as well.
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Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 13 Jul 2026 13:03
by exxos
Very nice :)
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 13 Jul 2026 13:38
by PhilC
Looks good to me @stephen_usher
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 13 Jul 2026 13:56
by stephen_usher
Other than the keyboard membrane it looks to be fully working!
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The one issue is that the OSSC doesn't generate an HDMI output that the TV likes even though the OSSC says that it's fully locked onto the sync.
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 13 Jul 2026 14:24
by rubber_jonnie
Very nice indeed.
:girldance:
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 13 Jul 2026 15:29
by stephen_usher
I fixed the membrane by trimming the ends and removing the remains from the sockets. Worked for a short while but now it's failed again.
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 13 Jul 2026 19:54
by stephen_usher
Just to prove that it worked for a very short while...
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But it was very short and now it's toast. In fact toast is less likely to crack if bent.
I tried annealing the plastic with some heat. Although the craze of cracks did disappear with heat the plastic just crazed again if bent.
Anyway, I've ordered a replacement from RWAP Software. Rather more expensive than the ZX Spectrum and ZX81 membranes though. Probably a smaller production run.
As I had the machine open I took the opportunity to fit a replacement ROM with BASIC built in so it doesn't require the IS BASIC cartridge.
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To upgrade the memory I'm going to have to suck out the solder on the expansion header positions and fit headers.
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I put the machine back together without the keyboard connected, removed the Arabic stickers from the keys and gave it a bit of a clean. It didn't need much cleaning at all actually. It's in very nice condition. I also designed and printed a joystick handle. I used the dimensions and shape from the hole for the original in the polystyrene. It's the wrong colour of course, but it can be painted.
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Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 16 Jul 2026 12:50
by stephen_usher
The replacement keyboard membrane has arrived from RWAP, so that's fitted. I've also fitted the necessary header and fly lead for a RAM expansion.
I'm now trying out the demo tape.
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 16 Jul 2026 12:51
by PhilC
stephen_usher wrote: 16 Jul 2026 12:50
The replacement keyboard membrane has arrived from RWAP, so that's fitted. I've also fitted the necessary header and fly lead for a RAM expansion.
I'm now trying out the demo tape.
Which ram upgrade are you going for? I've not got round to ordering one yet.
Re: General Stuff(tm)
Posted: 16 Jul 2026 13:14
by stephen_usher
One of the members of the Retro Hardware Discord is sending one of his own design of 512K one.