1) Amstrad CPC664 is an actually rare variant ;) 2) I’ve owned a CPC464 since new in the late 1980s, and picked up various 6128 computers second hand in the 90s and 2000s. Using them now, you’ll have to replace the tape belts on the 464, and likely replace the keyboard membrane on the 6128.
There was a 664 in the AMSTRAD lot but said it didn't power on and was missing the disc drive. Someone snapped that one up for less than $180 AU. I appreciate the tips on the belts and membrane. I'll be testing my 6128 keyboard shortly and if the membrane is damaged, I'll source a replacement. Luckily there is someone in Adelaide selling new replacements. Thanks for watching!
@@EvansRetroLane I’ve got one of those 6128 replacement membranes myself, but not having much luck using it the 6128 keyboard. Just getting spurious multiple key presses in the current (old) membrane, and no key presses at all with the replacement. The connectors on the PCB might be dirty. I’ve got multiple 6128s and they’ve all developed problems with the keyboard matrix :( The 464 keyboard matrix seems to be a bit more durable. The annoying/worrying thing is that the keyboard scanning occurs across both the AY PSG sound chip and the PPI chip, one of which is priced crazy now if genuine, the other is only from a donor :(
My first thought would be to check/clean the connector on the PCB. Maybe the ribbon isn't making good contact. Hopefully there isn't a problem with the chips - something I didn't consider was how easy/affordable they are to obtain if needed. Hopefully it's an easy fix.
i bought some old macintosh systems last year. i learned that retrobright needs heat more than UV to work properly and 'hot spots' will leave splotches. old dust can be conductive - clearn before power on. even if an old PSU 'works' - it can fail catastrophicly in short order when powered on for the first time in 20 years... also - old PSU wiring jacketing can be brittle - hidden 'surprise shorts' should be checked for. always plan to replace capacitors in PSU's and on boards finially i learned some cheap O scopes from ali express - along with digital soldering irons and hot air stations work just fine once you learn the above. liquid flux is required and a spare old cell phone with macro mode works wonders when fixing your broken boards. also - do not ship super heavy and old systems with out massive over wrappiong and insurance. there is a VERY high chance what ever you buy from a long distance seller will arrive shattered to bits.
Since i still own the original hardwares of the Commodore 64 (tapes / disks / cartridges) and Amiga 500, your channel is so retrospectively awesome, you deserve a new retrospective subscriber from Vantaa, Finland 🇫🇮. 😺👍🕹️
I enjoyed your video, I have a few retro computers in my collection . I have a 4 ZX Spectrums, 3 ZX Spectrum +, 3 ZX Spectrum +2 grey, 1 ZX Spectrum +2 black, 1 ZX 81, 1 ZX Harlequin 128, 1 Amiga 500, 1 Amiga 1200, 1 Sony MSX, 1 Acorn Electron, 1 Amstrad CPC464, plus a Pi 400 for Batocera, and The C64 and The A500 retro consoles from Retrogames. Still on the lookout for more. Could you post a link to the scart to HDMI you purchased? There's so many that don't give enough info on eBay to make an informed choice. Thanks.
Hi Phil, I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. I appreciate the feedback. You have quite a collection! Thanks for sharing. I've yet to start looking at the ZX Spectrum. And I can't wait to get the full size THE A500 from Retro Games (hopefully later this year). I spent some time researching the scart converters. I ignored listings avoiding any detail about supported inputs. I found one that specifically mentioned RGB scart to HDMI. I thought if I order it and is false advertising, I could dispute it on ebay. The product listing was from ebay dot com address /itm/164647807829. I assume you have the cable for the CPC, otherwise that is /itm/176282881828. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.
@@EvansRetroLane Thanks for that, yes I have cables for the others and want to have a HDMI option, unfortunately the numbers you quote come back not found, I'll keep looking. Looking forward to the next video.
Hi Phil, I didn't include the full URL so you could use your local ebay address. I can see you're in the UK so the link is www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164647807829
Hi Hwa, most people don't think about it. The plasticisers used in cables make them flexible but aren't chemically bonded. Therefore will react with certain plastics and polystyrene. Thanks for watching!
Hi Michael, thanks for this interesting information. I hadn't looked into it much, but have since learned CPC monitors supplied to North America only had the power PCB updated. It would seem the computer itself still output a 50Hz RGB signal assuming people use the supplied monitor. Could be wrong. Apparently there is a way to change the signal to 60Hz on the mainboard.
@@EvansRetroLane An aspect I do know about international distributions of the Amstrad CPC machines, and I think it might be unique to them. Is that the brand shown on the BASIC boot message can be changed with option links on the logic board. And I remember this when I was in Vienna, Austria in 1986. Because the CPCs I saw there were branded as Schneider, and showed "Schneider 64K Microcomputer" rather than "Amstrad 64K Microcomputer", and it could be changed to show other brands as well.
I agree with you! I remember 10-20 years back, I could pick up a VIC 20 lot for $50 AU. Unfortunately, tech markets aren't a thing where I live. I've bought some items from other platforms by negotiating. If I buy a bulk lot, I usually do so with the intent of restoring surplus items (such as the datassette shown in this video) to sell reducing my overall cost. I know that isn't for everyone. Thanks for watching.
@@EvansRetroLane are there no computer swap meets anymore? I remember the early 2000's going to warehouses in geelong full of enthusiasts selling or showing off their wares. If you brought gear you could also do exchanges.
Hi Andy! Living in Perth the last 7 years I've not come across anything like that. I'll be more than happy to hear from anyone that knows of any! 😀 I've gone to a few general swap meets but not the stuff I'm after. There are a few retro shops in Perth but they mainly deal with consoles. I don't think I've bought a single item in Perth. All my stuff has come from the eastern states - mainly Adelaide believe it or not.
I'm lucky i picked up lot of my retro computers back in the 90's when everything in the thrift stores was dirt cheap
1) Amstrad CPC664 is an actually rare variant ;)
2) I’ve owned a CPC464 since new in the late 1980s, and picked up various 6128 computers second hand in the 90s and 2000s. Using them now, you’ll have to replace the tape belts on the 464, and likely replace the keyboard membrane on the 6128.
There was a 664 in the AMSTRAD lot but said it didn't power on and was missing the disc drive. Someone snapped that one up for less than $180 AU. I appreciate the tips on the belts and membrane. I'll be testing my 6128 keyboard shortly and if the membrane is damaged, I'll source a replacement. Luckily there is someone in Adelaide selling new replacements. Thanks for watching!
@@EvansRetroLane I’ve got one of those 6128 replacement membranes myself, but not having much luck using it the 6128 keyboard. Just getting spurious multiple key presses in the current (old) membrane, and no key presses at all with the replacement. The connectors on the PCB might be dirty. I’ve got multiple 6128s and they’ve all developed problems with the keyboard matrix :(
The 464 keyboard matrix seems to be a bit more durable. The annoying/worrying thing is that the keyboard scanning occurs across both the AY PSG sound chip and the PPI chip, one of which is priced crazy now if genuine, the other is only from a donor :(
My first thought would be to check/clean the connector on the PCB. Maybe the ribbon isn't making good contact. Hopefully there isn't a problem with the chips - something I didn't consider was how easy/affordable they are to obtain if needed. Hopefully it's an easy fix.
i bought some old macintosh systems last year. i learned that retrobright needs heat more than UV to work properly and 'hot spots' will leave splotches. old dust can be conductive - clearn before power on. even if an old PSU 'works' - it can fail catastrophicly in short order when powered on for the first time in 20 years... also - old PSU wiring jacketing can be brittle - hidden 'surprise shorts' should be checked for. always plan to replace capacitors in PSU's and on boards
finially i learned some cheap O scopes from ali express - along with digital soldering irons and hot air stations work just fine once you learn the above. liquid flux is required and a spare old cell phone with macro mode works wonders when fixing your broken boards.
also - do not ship super heavy and old systems with out massive over wrappiong and insurance. there is a VERY high chance what ever you buy from a long distance seller will arrive shattered to bits.
I appreciate the excellent tips. I'll try work some of these into the next episode. Thanks for watching!
Since i still own the original hardwares
of the Commodore 64 (tapes / disks / cartridges) and Amiga 500,
your channel is so retrospectively awesome,
you deserve a new retrospective subscriber from Vantaa, Finland 🇫🇮.
😺👍🕹️
Wow, I really appreciate your comment Ari! It means a lot to me! Thanks for watching.
I enjoyed your video, I have a few retro computers in my collection . I have a 4 ZX Spectrums, 3 ZX Spectrum +, 3 ZX Spectrum +2 grey, 1 ZX Spectrum +2 black, 1 ZX 81, 1 ZX Harlequin 128, 1 Amiga 500, 1 Amiga 1200, 1 Sony MSX, 1 Acorn Electron, 1 Amstrad CPC464, plus a Pi 400 for Batocera, and The C64 and The A500 retro consoles from Retrogames. Still on the lookout for more. Could you post a link to the scart to HDMI you purchased? There's so many that don't give enough info on eBay to make an informed choice. Thanks.
Hi Phil,
I'm glad you enjoyed the episode. I appreciate the feedback.
You have quite a collection! Thanks for sharing. I've yet to start looking at the ZX Spectrum. And I can't wait to get the full size THE A500 from Retro Games (hopefully later this year).
I spent some time researching the scart converters. I ignored listings avoiding any detail about supported inputs. I found one that specifically mentioned RGB scart to HDMI. I thought if I order it and is false advertising, I could dispute it on ebay. The product listing was from ebay dot com address /itm/164647807829. I assume you have the cable for the CPC, otherwise that is /itm/176282881828.
Hope that helps! Thanks for watching.
@@EvansRetroLane Thanks for that, yes I have cables for the others and want to have a HDMI option, unfortunately the numbers you quote come back not found, I'll keep looking. Looking forward to the next video.
Hi Phil, I didn't include the full URL so you could use your local ebay address. I can see you're in the UK so the link is www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164647807829
I didn’t know wrapping cables around will eat into the plastic over time!
Hi Hwa, most people don't think about it. The plasticisers used in cables make them flexible but aren't chemically bonded. Therefore will react with certain plastics and polystyrene. Thanks for watching!
Dissimulator chemicals can react when brought together
Think the Amstrad CPCs were all PAL system, no NTSC ones.
Hi Michael, thanks for this interesting information. I hadn't looked into it much, but have since learned CPC monitors supplied to North America only had the power PCB updated. It would seem the computer itself still output a 50Hz RGB signal assuming people use the supplied monitor. Could be wrong. Apparently there is a way to change the signal to 60Hz on the mainboard.
@@EvansRetroLane An aspect I do know about international distributions of the Amstrad CPC machines, and I think it might be unique to them. Is that the brand shown on the BASIC boot message can be changed with option links on the logic board. And I remember this when I was in Vienna, Austria in 1986. Because the CPCs I saw there were branded as Schneider, and showed "Schneider 64K Microcomputer" rather than "Amstrad 64K Microcomputer", and it could be changed to show other brands as well.
music is louder than speech
Ebay is super overpriced!
I agree with you! I remember 10-20 years back, I could pick up a VIC 20 lot for $50 AU. Unfortunately, tech markets aren't a thing where I live. I've bought some items from other platforms by negotiating. If I buy a bulk lot, I usually do so with the intent of restoring surplus items (such as the datassette shown in this video) to sell reducing my overall cost. I know that isn't for everyone. Thanks for watching.
@@EvansRetroLane are there no computer swap meets anymore? I remember the early 2000's going to warehouses in geelong full of enthusiasts selling or showing off their wares. If you brought gear you could also do exchanges.
Hi Andy! Living in Perth the last 7 years I've not come across anything like that. I'll be more than happy to hear from anyone that knows of any! 😀 I've gone to a few general swap meets but not the stuff I'm after. There are a few retro shops in Perth but they mainly deal with consoles. I don't think I've bought a single item in Perth. All my stuff has come from the eastern states - mainly Adelaide believe it or not.