Most liked posts in thread: What's new Pussycat too?

Hey

The latest craze ...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/timotyem...5RkAAOSwxxpfjyXa&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562
Seems we have some A'Hole that sells Retro computers in bits,
Mother board, Case, Keyboard & Shield all for sale as seperate items..
Total ..
I'll let you check ..

 

I'd imagine most councils are trying to get extra income any way they can, taxing the drivers is an easy con as is putting up travel fares all in the name of COVID.

I expect nothing less from the con artists that rule our lives..

 

That's the EU sharing ideas

Well how else are they going to generate enough money to pay themselves... After all, they are helping save our lives, travelling to see if there eye sight is o.k. (Well ludicrous in my eyes ) and making sure to infect a train full of people ... now these politicians are real people and they are still in a job.. Only had to say sorry..

Paul just tell them sorry and quote above.. I’m sure they would have let you off..

Oh. F&%k what the emoticon for sarcasm

 

There's a language selector on there..If I remember right..

 

Yes, the website has an English option, though every page you click on seems to load everything twice, so it's a bit slow. If you are a member, there are also English PDF versions of ABBUC magazine on there too, so I have hard-copies in German and PDF's in English. I don't think there are English versions of their special edition magazine(s) though, like the Sondermagazin ABBUC supplemental. But I could be miss-remembering or it will be implemented in the future. I don't go there often myself, I think I've actually found time and remembered to read the English version of one or two. I need to do that.

I did go and download a new ATR of the disk side that wouldn't boot though. It has a new shooter on it that looks really cool (a new version of the shooter Oxygen(?) is also on one of the disk sides). I haven't tried either yet, I've been busy with other things, and when I did have time for the hobby lately, I've been trouble shooting my 1200XL and other peripherals I've put off because I only use them with the 1200XL; Like one of my 1050's that I recently upgraded to a Happy, which I had hoped would solve the issue, but didn't. The 1050 won't stop spinning after power-up, and no mention of this issue in the FSM. So I did some multi-meter testing and ordered a couple of parts I believe to be the problem, in the bags pictured below. The capacitors are what I ordered to replace the bad one in the 1200XL, which I hope will solve it's problems. I probably won't get too them until this weekend.

 

Brilliant, Vulcanman.

Here's to a safer, happier year ahead - and sharper, clearer video output to 2021, fella!

Please do post some before and afters, Andy.

 

What a shame, Matt. I can see that that was an ace model and if only..., eh, mate, if only?

Here's hoping you might get lucky and spot another at a reasonable price.

These babies are invaluable to you "boffins" who really delve deep into the guts of our micros as without them a lot of fault-finding must totally be either blind or via guess work?

 

Unless you are buying and selling for a profit, you are right, your are SICK! Or just a ******!
What is it that makes you decide to sell them once you have one if you want one so bad in the first place? (besides just being loony-if there is a besides)
I've bought and sold computers/consoles before and bought them again, but the reason was purely financial circumstances at the time. Otherwise if I sell something it's because I don't want it and then don't buy one again.

I say good for you though in getting another C64 (for the LAST time dammit!!), get her fixed if she needs it and KEEP THE DAMN THING! (and the next time you decide to sell it off again, just remember that you'll just end up buying another, so DON"T SELL YOU CHEEKY BASTARD!)

But I've caught myself, for now, as far as the Oscilloscope goes, now that I've been reminded of the cost for a decent one!

I did actually find my old Oscilloscope for sale on ebay, by a seller here in Oklahoma too, that is an absolutely incredible price compared to the same from others and all the other vintage ones I just browsed, but it's working condition is unknown except that it powers on. I almost clicked the buy-it-now, as shipping to me isn't bad either since it's only 100 miles away, but just put it on my watch list for now...I decided not to click buy-it-now because the last thing I need is an Oscilloscope that need to be repaired, and would probably require an Oscilloscope to help repair it!!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-5103N-Oscilloscope-3-PLUG-INS/253540552555

It might work fine, but I wouldn't know until it arrived. Putting it on my watch list allows me to stop myself, with the idea that I can go back and buy anytime, while hopefully letting it be sold out from under me so I don't go and spend money I shouldn't. Self-psychological treatment that...yes, I'm also a nutter and ******, but at least I too, can admit my issues just like you, so that's the first step to recovery of our addictions to the hobby! After all, one needs to find a point, a line in the sand, where we say to ourselves "I've got all I need to enjoy my hobby, so go enjoy it and stop wasting time and money!"

My RadioShack digital multi-meter actually has an RS232 out and software for a digital Oscilloscope program on my computer, so I don't really need more than that for what I do, but the software won't work on anything beyond WinXP, so I don't have it to use until I get my old PC up and running with WinXP again. But the PSU has some bad capacitors I have to replace first...

I think I'll just worry about getting my PC running again and use the RS Oscilloscope software for now...keep myself in check with buying stuff I may want, but don't really need...especially with Christmas a couple weeks away, I need to be buying gifts for others and not myself! I already just spent $200 on a new smart phone for myself for a Christmas present, and am expecting my 800 version of the Sophia 2 board will ready to purchase before Christmas too, and that's another PLN350...whatever that translates into $$.

 

Hi Matt
Yes they are nice scopes, just a minor warning if it's their in the new year , with the moduals included you will have approximatly 80 valves inside.. I'm sure some will o.k however older style electroletic capacitors, with time get leaky i.e. there resistance decreaces (from gigaOhms to !00'sMOhm's), this will cause more current to be drawn by the valve, and eventually they will be out of spec or not fuction. (And not cheap)
I'm in the process of ordering up replacement capacitors for an older oscilliscope, this one only about 10 valves . capacitors so far just over $30 US. (High voltage capacitors are expensive for known good makes not from China)
I'm lucky in that I can test mine, as I have other oscilliscopes, and this one I'll convert to a vector scope.

P.S Like Andy I get those itchy fingers, OO what to waste my money on next .. Sophia2 .. Left Poland Monday still not arrived in GB so who knows how they are transporting it, on foot I suspect ..

All the Best to you ALL
Hope I'll be out of isolation as had several 'scares' in a row but so far negative.. I am however going completly Nuts ..

 

Thanks for the link to the Sophia 2 tech docs @Graham .

I'm still waiting on the PM/email that the 800 version of Sopia 2 is ready to ship myself.
Is there a more complete user guide/tech reference manual available for the Sophia 2? Or is that something one gets a link to when they buy the board?

Anyway, I was looking at the tech docs you linked, and maybe you can verify something for me? Am I correct in believing that the RGB signals/lines off the Sophia 2 are standard ~15kHz and that only if bit 7 is set does Sophia 2 adjust for 31kHz VGA output? I'm planning on using the analog video outs. VGA to start, but once I get my CBM 1080S-P monitor working I'd like to use RGB on it. My current LCD monitors will only display DVI/HDMI in wide-screen 16:9 ratio stretching the Atari's image. But with VGA I can select a 4:3 screen ratio letter-boxed on my monitors.

I'm curious about the hardware side of the Sophia 2 though, and if Sophia 2 auto-detects what type of analog or digital output is being used or if jumpers are required, etc.

The Sophia 2 image in your blog is different, too, than the one Simius shows on AA:



The one in your blog:

 

Never mind on the question, I was reading the Sophia 2 thread further and see that the video out and resolution settings must be done via the software tool and I presume saves the settings to Sophia 2 firmware flash memory or whatever. At least until FJC completes the Incognito plug-in for it.

 

The one with 1 connector is what is shipped..

 

Yep I've put up an image from some while back, it is a Sophia2 as is marked as such however it's clearly not the final version, it appears that the programming jumper (the smaller ten pin one) has been substituted for a bare six pin header block.
Just checked update on my parcel and Royal Mail have at least processed it as of this morning, 8 days after leaving Poland
Matt you can use the software linked in the blog to alter the settings of Sophia2 and yes Bit Seven changes the Scan frequency when set to Horizontal rate of 31KHz and a verticle of either 50/60Hz when in this mode Bit 6 is ignored which would alter the RGB Sync's when used as RGB Analogue opposed to RGB VGA

 

Thank you very much, fellas.

Hossie should have been in touch today with Bev's operation date but as ever if it aint COVID you're on the back burner and she had to chase them and pull a few strings with folks she knows there who are in the know with the orthopaedic team.

Anyway, we go to the fracture clinic tomorrow for them to assess her x-rays and then they'll take bloods and maybe come up with a date sometime soon (preferably not Christmas Day).

We do appreciate your kind thoughts and sentiments as it's been a total write off this year for everyone so I'm sure feeling sorry for ourselves won't help - we'll just do what everyone else has done, roll our sleeves up and get on with the rest of what life's got to chuck at us - I mean anything's better than the thought of me cooking the sprouts... how hairy do you want em?!

 

All

I'd like to think we are all adult enough to realise a few written words are not a rant at each other, just a way of letting a lttle steam out, rather than the pressure relief valve failing ..

I wish every one all the best and like to think that 2021 will be better, I suspect that the worst is'nt over just yet but at least some light at the end of the tunnel.

I do however wonder how, 'WE' (UK) seem to have a variant of the virus that's so much more virulent

 

Fellas, all I can say in response is here, here, here and amen to prayers to deliver us from this crappy shitty situation we've all been dumped in and find ourselves incredulous due to way, way, way too late responses we've all seen to this pandemic. Border closures too slow, PPE gear issued too slow, Track and Trace apps... too crap, protecting the care homes....too slow and now leaving schools open far too long with folks testing postive...too ridiculous for words.
The whole world has gone to rat shit these past 12 months.
If we didn't let off a bit of steam and have a laugh on here I reckon there's every chance we'd be hurling Orics at folks down the street and foaming at our user ports etc.
As Paul said, so sorry for folks on here such as Graham who are seeing the suffering at close quarters (my mam and step dad are at each others' throats and she's threatening to leave him - it's all got too much for them) so we can totally appreciate the kind of family concerns going on around us and affecting our nearest and dearest. We've got to be there for them and we've got to pull together in the same direction, remember a bit of humour and patience and see it from the other point of view.
Graham, as Rich hinted, we have some news for you... we have (thanks to Richie) got you a now fully working....

SEE NEW THREAD!!

 

That sounds about right, @Graham , and my thoughts exactly (minus the component names like "bucking spring"

It's an RT101 sold by NEC. And supposedly a Hi-Tek, though I wouldn't know for sure without pictures or opening it up, but what I can see of it with plungers and feel, it's made by Hi-Tek.

 

Cheers, Graham.

As you know, one of the strengths of this little group is that everyone's keen to help others - as you've been doing from day one.

It's a pleasure and it sounds like you're now even busier with the XL, microdisc, PCBs, diagnostic boards, Oric Atmos to play with and heaven knows what other projects you've got up your sleeves, mate.

Enjoy and here's to a catch-up tomorrow.

I'm not sure Rich will be available as he said he was a little tied up during January but he'll be back with us for a video group chat as soon as.

Hoping we hear from Andy V, Matt B, Manu K and anyone else who is keen to join Al, me and thee.

Theme for tomorrow - build your own 3D printer.... with a 3D printer!

 

Good luck on building your own, Graham, I never really thought of that, but I think I have enough engineering ahead of me with the robot, and yes, I will definitely be using the printer where I can for parts for it. Actually, I was given links on AA to some things to print out to upgrade the printer itself once I get it too. Though the robot arm I have an eye on is a kit made of aluminum parts for me to have fun assembling. I may upgrade it with parts I design and print out...we'll see, I need to learn to use the printer first, and learn whatever new CAD program I need to design my own parts, and I think the printer itself require assembly on my own.

I don't know yet if I'll design my own tracks to make the robot mobile or not, but I will be designing my own body to go on the track base and have one or two arms attached to it and an 800 motherboard stashed inside. I'm sure there's a lot I haven't thought of yet, so the body won't be designed until the 11 hour. I do know It'll have camera's and sensors galore so it can find it's way around and no pre-programmed movements like the toy robots of old. I'll probably use sheet metal for the body, and I'll have to design a rudimentary brake-press to bend the sheet metal to my will. Luckily I had a job for six months running a brake-press and learned to set it up for different jobs, on the job, so I have an idea...

But I'm not and educated engineer, just an educated electronics techie, though I do my own minor engineering sometimes, but this is all about the learning process including teaching myself to be a bit of an engineer. I'm educated in art and sculpting and self-taught with construction, plumbing, electrical (well I really learned that bit when I was got my associate's in electronics). I've built a home, I've built a green house, I designed and built my own trailer for my business, etc. I learned to learn and that's what I do.

 

My 800 version Sophia 2 arrived today. I may install it tonight, but soon anyway.

 

Are you able to display a 4:3 screen ratio through HDMI on your TV/monitor or are you stuck with 16:9 wide screen stretching everything? I'm going with VGA I think, so I can get a 4:3 ratio which my LCD screens won't display in HDMI, or RGB which will work with my 1084S when I repair it, or I have a converter/upscaler to turn it to VGA. But if I'm not mistaken, I believe the pre-programmed modes on the Sophia 2 are DVI out on the main area of the plug/port and VGA where the 4 pins are grouped together. Anything else I believe you have to reflash the firmware, or it's programmable and savable in some way. I have to go read the PDF's on the Sophia 2 again, now that I have it.

As per getting the cable from your mate...you are probably right, it might not be such a good idea...I can see it now..."Yes Officer, I know no one's suppose to be about unless it's an emergency, but how can I live without my Atari displaying RGB!? Are we to live like barbarians!?"

 

With the config program you can get a 4:3

And yes, I don't think I want to ruffle the feathers of a Policeman..

 

I did not know there was a 4:3 option that way. My LCD monitors will only display HDMI in 16:9 ratio currently. If it's possible to change that at the source to display a 4:3 screen on my monitors, then I will stick with DVI and the 1084 monitor will stay with the 1200XL (I already painted it to match the XL livery anyway, and would have had to repaint)

 

It sounds very much like you will be tied up for the forseeable future, fella!

Do come up for air from time to time and report in, won't you, bud.

See you around Easter, mate.

You are sincerely sorted in a major way and like you say, have Atari times ever been sweeter in terms of the amazing possibilities out there?

I think not - grab these goodies with both hands and enjoy, Matt.

 

Nice Richie

Where did you get yours from again, any import charges?