Retro Gaming & Computers. - Printable Version

Retro Gaming & Computers. - Printable Version

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RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - ukusagolf - 13-12-2025 02:21

Retro gaming is something that I'm into as well

I'm into the old consoles. I've been collecting systems (or just hoarding them) since the NES. I remember trading a bunch of games in for cash 30 years ago, and I just felt weird getting rid of those classic games. I did reacquire most of the games I had before they the prices started going up Smile

I would like to complete my gaming room soon. My setup is a bit convoluted, since my goal is to be able to play any system at anytime. It has modern convenience with the old hardware (better picture quality, wireless controllers, flash carts)
I did learn about that SCART connection you guys used Smile

It's a fun rabbit hole to go down, but it can be pricey.

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - Tumble_Drier - 13-12-2025 22:40

Strip down in progress. It's looking remarkably clean inside for something that's beenn in a loft well over 20 years. The inside of the case shows up how badly discoloured the keys are...

The more observant amongst you will no doubt marvel at the huge 85Mb Hard Drive

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - lovebabes56 - 14-12-2025 05:06

(13-12-2025 02:21 )ukusagolf Wrote: Retro gaming is something that I'm into as well

I'm into the old consoles. I've been collecting systems (or just hoarding them) since the NES. I remember trading a bunch of games in for cash 30 years ago, and I just felt weird getting rid of those classic games. I did reacquire most of the games I had before they the prices started going up

I would like to complete my gaming room soon. My setup is a bit convoluted, since my goal is to be able to play any system at anytime. It has modern convenience with the old hardware (better picture quality, wireless controllers, flash carts)
I did learn about that SCART connection you guys used

It's a fun rabbit hole to go down, but it can be pricey.

It can be fun, but at the same time it's also all about getting decent quality at a good price too and also all about keeping within your budget on something like this..

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - lovebabes56 - 14-12-2025 05:15

(13-12-2025 22:40 )Tumble_Drier Wrote: Strip down in progress. It's looking remarkably clean inside for something that's beenn in a loft well over 20 years. The inside of the case shows up how badly discoloured the keys are...
{snip}

Would you consider replacing the keyboard and having it configured in a way so that you could use a USB type keyboard at all?

I do like the 85mb HD drive too!! I don't think the Spectrum's Hard drive were as big either, but I have to say for that to be as clean as it is having spent all that time in the loft is quite remarkable and probably a real testament as to how they were produced as well. Let's just hope the power and wiring hasn't suffered too much.
did you keep any games or did you sell them off?

(12-12-2025 21:00 )Tumble_Drier Wrote: Well here's the other 2/3 of the collection so far...
{snip}

That's what I remember on the spectrum - the rubber keyboards!! I have to admit that the joystick was good when playing some games and often kept bashing the keys to a minimum! I saw on ebay for around £79 I think it was. (IF I went down that route I would say £70 - 90 would be my limit)

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - Tumble_Drier - 14-12-2025 23:57

(14-12-2025 05:15 )lovebabes56 Wrote: Would you consider replacing the keyboard and having it configured in a way so that you could use a USB type keyboard at all?

I do like the 85mb HD drive too!! I don't think the Spectrum's Hard drive were as big either, but I have to say for that to be as clean as it is having spent all that time in the loft is quite remarkable and probably a real testament as to how they were produced as well. Let's just hope the power and wiring hasn't suffered too much.
did you keep any games or did you sell them off?

The keys will be removed and cleaned using the same process as the case which involves hydrogen peroxide, aluminium foil, clingfilm and either some hard to find sunshine or a big fecking Ultra-Violet light (see the attached video). While it's disassembled the keyboard will be fully cleaned (and disinfected) because they're always filthy.

The Amiga's internal wiring looks as good as new as this doesn't tend to degrade and there really isn't much of it anyway. As for the games collection, yes there are quite a few and I'll post details of those later, however Floppy Diskettes do suffer from ageing and I'm expecting a few failures. Software issues will be addressed after the machine is safe to use....

As for the Speccy it never really had a Hard Drive as such. Sinclair did release the ZX Microdrive which was basically a loop of tape in a Cartridge but this wasn't the most reliable thing in the world mostly because it was a Sinclair product Bounce

The Spectrum+3 came with a 3 inch Floppy Disk drive but by this time the company had been taken over by Amstrad...

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - lovebabes56 - 19-12-2025 21:04

what's the latest update?

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - Tumble_Drier - 19-12-2025 23:08

Patience Dear Boy, patience. I'll post an update this weekend.

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - Tumble_Drier - 20-12-2025 19:50

As it seems some of you are waiting eagerly for an update Tongue

here it is.

I finally got around to opening up the metal RF shield that surrounds the mainboard and much to my surprise I found that not only was the shielding completely rust-free, the main board was also very clean indeed...

So, I gave the board a quick dust down and today I reassembled the Amiga. I'd been waiting for a RGB to SCART cable from Amazon and that arrived this morning so it was time to power everything up. Luckily I still have a spare TV with a SCART input.

This is where things didn't go quite so well...Or indeed, at all..

At switch on, absolutely nothing happened, not even a power light Big Laugh

so I opened up the PSU which didn't look quite so good inside but equally it didn't look knackered either. A quick check of the usual suspects Fuses, mains lead etc) didn't throw up any problems however a "sniff test" did reveal a faint whiff of burnt copper so there's a chance the PSU is dead. A new one is on order which was part of the plan anyway.

I'll double check all connections etc tomorrow and wait for the new PSU to arrive.

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - Tumble_Drier - 21-12-2025 10:39

Mini update...

She's Alive!!!! The new PSU arrived this morning from Amazon and the Amiga fired up immediately. As things never go smoothly in this house, it's not booting from the Hard Drive yet so I'll need to re-check the cables and see if I can get that running. However, a Compact Flash Card adapter is an easy option should the HDD be dead, or I might have a spare kicking around in a box somewhere that I can use.

Now that I know the main board is good I can start cleaning the case, upgrading etc.

Happy Days Tongue

RE: Retro Gaming & Computers. - lovebabes56 - 21-12-2025 11:44

It's that the main has survived and completely rust free to begin with. And that is a real testament to how they were built.

I'm sure you anticipated what was likely to happen once you booted it up, but I hope you have found a spare to use.

I ca n imagine Christmas morning is going to be good one in your house.