https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/ Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:45:18 +0000 MyBB https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9511 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:01:14 +0000 DrStrangelove]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9511
Been there, done that, for half a labful of PicStarts: fortunately at that time the Microchip updation PCB was available so I bought about 10 of those and did the needful doings.

I'm not sure I'd care to recreate that little board myself but I'm sure it's doable.

Having looked at the picture on the Farnell site it looks eminently doable, dunno about any bootloader the new chip might need though.

I was mildly interested to see that the PicStart had a number of Siliconix analogue switches inside it.

I think they were DG308 quad single switches.

Which, in turn, brought back memories of writing test programs for ATE to test said analogue switches.]]>
Been there, done that, for half a labful of PicStarts: fortunately at that time the Microchip updation PCB was available so I bought about 10 of those and did the needful doings.

I'm not sure I'd care to recreate that little board myself but I'm sure it's doable.

Having looked at the picture on the Farnell site it looks eminently doable, dunno about any bootloader the new chip might need though.

I was mildly interested to see that the PicStart had a number of Siliconix analogue switches inside it.

I think they were DG308 quad single switches.

Which, in turn, brought back memories of writing test programs for ATE to test said analogue switches.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9404 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 13:47:08 +0000 DrStrangelove]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9404
Me, working away on a Friday afternoon hacking away at some FORTRAN IV program or other.

Chap from the Burn In QA lab comes in to speak to me about something.

Cue an enormous cloud of smoke from the GA16 powersupply: one of the diodes had just shorted out because the fixings had become loose & it overheated.

It was a bog standard heavy old psu & easy to fix once I'd ordered the bits from RS.

I think there's still a couple of those big old bolt mounting diodes in my junk box next door, not that they're likely to be used.

Must have been 40 years ago if it's a day.

I still remember the stink of the melted cable insulation.]]>
Me, working away on a Friday afternoon hacking away at some FORTRAN IV program or other.

Chap from the Burn In QA lab comes in to speak to me about something.

Cue an enormous cloud of smoke from the GA16 powersupply: one of the diodes had just shorted out because the fixings had become loose & it overheated.

It was a bog standard heavy old psu & easy to fix once I'd ordered the bits from RS.

I think there's still a couple of those big old bolt mounting diodes in my junk box next door, not that they're likely to be used.

Must have been 40 years ago if it's a day.

I still remember the stink of the melted cable insulation.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9378 Sun, 15 Dec 2024 13:44:25 +0000 DrStrangelove]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9378
It gets most of the way through then generates a STOP which disappears so fast I can't read it.

Tried reinstalling on a different drive but that fails part way through too.

Runs Win 98SE ok. 

Ho hum.

Installs ok on another pc but I don't have Win2k drivers for that.

The only thing it's used for is driving a printer/scanner.]]>
It gets most of the way through then generates a STOP which disappears so fast I can't read it.

Tried reinstalling on a different drive but that fails part way through too.

Runs Win 98SE ok. 

Ho hum.

Installs ok on another pc but I don't have Win2k drivers for that.

The only thing it's used for is driving a printer/scanner.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9369 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:20:34 +0000 Radio Fixer]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9369
I know there is an interest in old computing and before chucking would ask.

Free to a good home   

Gary

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I know there is an interest in old computing and before chucking would ask.

Free to a good home   

Gary

  Mem 1.jpg (Size: 274.47 KB / Downloads: 22)

  Mem 2.jpg (Size: 331.17 KB / Downloads: 22) ]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9334 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:20:39 +0000 DrStrangelove]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9334
On powering a couple of days ago it was fine, showing the boot up on the pc, followed by showing Windows.

Then on following power ups it just showed a purple raster but switching it on and off a couple of time when the box had reached the Windows persuaded it to work.

But, as expected, it got worse & now it's stuck in purple mode, seemingly permanently.

Has anyone experience of working on these?

Getting into the thing seems difficult judging by the solitary vid on the web.

It's a lovely thing but destined for the skip. Ho very hum.]]>
On powering a couple of days ago it was fine, showing the boot up on the pc, followed by showing Windows.

Then on following power ups it just showed a purple raster but switching it on and off a couple of time when the box had reached the Windows persuaded it to work.

But, as expected, it got worse & now it's stuck in purple mode, seemingly permanently.

Has anyone experience of working on these?

Getting into the thing seems difficult judging by the solitary vid on the web.

It's a lovely thing but destined for the skip. Ho very hum.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9202 Sat, 17 Feb 2024 15:09:53 +0000 DrStrangelove]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=9202
There's a box of floppy disks (5.25") in the junk room cum office that contains said OS.

I think it did run on an AT many years ago.

For at least 5 minutes before returning to said box.]]>
There's a box of floppy disks (5.25") in the junk room cum office that contains said OS.

I think it did run on an AT many years ago.

For at least 5 minutes before returning to said box.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8924 Sun, 06 Nov 2022 19:41:44 +0000 ppppenguin]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8924 http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/

Special demonstration day with lots of people showing their favourite toys. Jeremy Owen (BVWS secretary) had early HP desktop computers and pen plotters. Of special interest to me was a working Quantel Paintbox.

The photo shows a neat little display. You picked up an item, put it on the red target and an explanation appeared on the screen.

  computer_museum1.jpg (Size: 1.49 MB / Downloads: 41) ]]> http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/

Special demonstration day with lots of people showing their favourite toys. Jeremy Owen (BVWS secretary) had early HP desktop computers and pen plotters. Of special interest to me was a working Quantel Paintbox.

The photo shows a neat little display. You picked up an item, put it on the red target and an explanation appeared on the screen.

  computer_museum1.jpg (Size: 1.49 MB / Downloads: 41) ]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8689 Thu, 23 Dec 2021 15:02:47 +0000 Exiled Yorkshireman]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8689
Has anyone else here tried one of these, and if so, what were your experiences with it?]]>
Has anyone else here tried one of these, and if so, what were your experiences with it?]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8285 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 07:36:02 +0000 ppppenguin]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8285
This one isn't strictly a computer but it's still computing machinery. This article discusses the origin of a photo that's had wide circulation: http://www.righto.com/2017/11/identifyin...er-in.html

This article is about core memory with special mention of the Apollo Guidance Computer:
https://www.amusingplanet.com/2020/02/th...y-was.html]]>
This one isn't strictly a computer but it's still computing machinery. This article discusses the origin of a photo that's had wide circulation: http://www.righto.com/2017/11/identifyin...er-in.html

This article is about core memory with special mention of the Apollo Guidance Computer:
https://www.amusingplanet.com/2020/02/th...y-was.html]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8037 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 14:37:24 +0000 Doodlebug]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=8037 over many years for old times sake.

One has a label on it £3 which I must have bought ages ago from a junk shop.

I've just run it up on a variac and it has DFS fitted and appears all OK.
Not bad for £3 !
One can add two noughts on that price nearly these days on eBay.]]> over many years for old times sake.

One has a label on it £3 which I must have bought ages ago from a junk shop.

I've just run it up on a variac and it has DFS fitted and appears all OK.
Not bad for £3 !
One can add two noughts on that price nearly these days on eBay.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=7104 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:19:21 +0000 lucas.francozo]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=7104
I'm really interested in old stuff and computers are my passion. I have had some old computers I did experiements on them (Including adapting a pentium III processor in a Pentium II/Celeron motherboard socket) and the only old pc I have is a very good and working Pentium III AT motherboard with two DIMM slots where I put two 512mb ram and a 20gb IDE winchester. Now the specs are:
Pcchips Motherboard m757
Pentium III 1,1ghz socket 370
2x 512mb ram DIMM = 1gb
20gb hard drive
onboard 64mb shared video memory 
DVD-R Unit Pioneer

My intention is to install Windows 7.
To do this, I start the install in another computer, a compatible one because Windows 7 dvd refuses to install in a pc with less than a PEntium IV processor. 

I've done it before in an Athlon 750mhz AT and worked well. So I'll try and update here the results. 
Keep good machines alive is what I like.]]>
I'm really interested in old stuff and computers are my passion. I have had some old computers I did experiements on them (Including adapting a pentium III processor in a Pentium II/Celeron motherboard socket) and the only old pc I have is a very good and working Pentium III AT motherboard with two DIMM slots where I put two 512mb ram and a 20gb IDE winchester. Now the specs are:
Pcchips Motherboard m757
Pentium III 1,1ghz socket 370
2x 512mb ram DIMM = 1gb
20gb hard drive
onboard 64mb shared video memory 
DVD-R Unit Pioneer

My intention is to install Windows 7.
To do this, I start the install in another computer, a compatible one because Windows 7 dvd refuses to install in a pc with less than a PEntium IV processor. 

I've done it before in an Athlon 750mhz AT and worked well. So I'll try and update here the results. 
Keep good machines alive is what I like.]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=6995 Thu, 19 Jul 2018 12:39:16 +0000 Alistair D]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=6995

Now would be a good time to ditch Windows and go over to Linux. I'm looking for suggestions for something relatively easy to use with a graphic GUI that can support a PDF file reader, terminal emulator, Irfanview (or similar) etc. 

The spec of the laptop is
Dell Inspiron 2200
1.4GHz Celeron processor.
1.2GByte Ram
75GB hard disc
DVD-RW drive

Al]]>

Now would be a good time to ditch Windows and go over to Linux. I'm looking for suggestions for something relatively easy to use with a graphic GUI that can support a PDF file reader, terminal emulator, Irfanview (or similar) etc. 

The spec of the laptop is
Dell Inspiron 2200
1.4GHz Celeron processor.
1.2GByte Ram
75GB hard disc
DVD-RW drive

Al]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=6882 Fri, 11 May 2018 06:18:04 +0000 Crackle]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=6882 I wonder if any of you have information on it.

Thanks
Mike]]> I wonder if any of you have information on it.

Thanks
Mike]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=6873 Sat, 05 May 2018 21:30:57 +0000 ed731pdh]]> https://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?tid=6873
Based on the ARM250 series processor the A3010 is quite a nice little machine and was touted for educational use in schools.  This one was on the top of my worry list as the battery backup in this (and in other computers of the same vintage) were prone to leakage and PCB damage.  Getting the lid off was a doddle, three screws, lift the upper lid back and away.  Then the fun started.

Once getting the keyboard and shielding off, something was amiss.  Capacitor C157 didn't look right, and closer investigation found that it had not been soldered in as part of the original manf process, connection into the board was relying on a wedge fit into the through plated holes.  How it had got through quality control is a mystery.  Cleaning up and a touch of solder sorted that one out.

Moving onto the battery, a solder in NiCad type.  There was signs of rot on the negative lead but once it was out the true state of the battery was revealed with a clear leak starting on one of the seal edges.  The replacement was made up of a pair of 1.5v AA batteries in a holder, plus a 120R resistor and an 1N4004 diode wired in series, the diode allowing battery power to the backup systems but not allowing the computer to try and charge the AA cells.  This pack was mounted on a bare space next the motherboard, the diode and resistor protected in a section of heat shrink tubing.

Part assembled and minus the upper lid, power was restored to a basic black screen and prompt.  When changing battery backup systems this often happens but is easy to fix.  Holding down the R key while powering up does a partial system reset and gets the GUI operational.  Holding down the DELETE key on power up does a complete and full system reset and restoration.

Overall a nice machine.

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Based on the ARM250 series processor the A3010 is quite a nice little machine and was touted for educational use in schools.  This one was on the top of my worry list as the battery backup in this (and in other computers of the same vintage) were prone to leakage and PCB damage.  Getting the lid off was a doddle, three screws, lift the upper lid back and away.  Then the fun started.

Once getting the keyboard and shielding off, something was amiss.  Capacitor C157 didn't look right, and closer investigation found that it had not been soldered in as part of the original manf process, connection into the board was relying on a wedge fit into the through plated holes.  How it had got through quality control is a mystery.  Cleaning up and a touch of solder sorted that one out.

Moving onto the battery, a solder in NiCad type.  There was signs of rot on the negative lead but once it was out the true state of the battery was revealed with a clear leak starting on one of the seal edges.  The replacement was made up of a pair of 1.5v AA batteries in a holder, plus a 120R resistor and an 1N4004 diode wired in series, the diode allowing battery power to the backup systems but not allowing the computer to try and charge the AA cells.  This pack was mounted on a bare space next the motherboard, the diode and resistor protected in a section of heat shrink tubing.

Part assembled and minus the upper lid, power was restored to a basic black screen and prompt.  When changing battery backup systems this often happens but is easy to fix.  Holding down the R key while powering up does a partial system reset and gets the GUI operational.  Holding down the DELETE key on power up does a complete and full system reset and restoration.

Overall a nice machine.

  DSC03620.JPG (Size: 1.08 MB / Downloads: 20)

  DSC03621.JPG (Size: 1.27 MB / Downloads: 12)

  DSC03622.JPG (Size: 1.18 MB / Downloads: 11)

  DSC03623.JPG (Size: 939.85 KB / Downloads: 8)

  DSC03624.JPG (Size: 715.99 KB / Downloads: 8)

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The PSU for these units is built into the rear of the drive, and contains a nice toroid transformer along with a selection of capacitors and the usual 78xx regulators.  Of note, three fuses inside, one for mains, and two for each output voltage rail, +5 and +12 volts.  Getting the circuit board out is a grade A pig, you need to pull out the power switch before releasing the four PCB screws and the nut and bolts for the regulator.  All of the capacitors were tested on an ESR meter and found to be perfectly good in quality, a pleasant surprise for a thirty plus year old unit.  Testing, all voltages correct, the PSU was reassembled.

The two 5.25 drives were in good condition.  Failure of the 40/80tpi option was traced to a loose yellow wire that had been poorly soldered years before and some cleaning of the solder pad on the control board enabled a good fix.  

Testing tomorrow, and an opportunity to dig the BBC out of storage.  

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The PSU for these units is built into the rear of the drive, and contains a nice toroid transformer along with a selection of capacitors and the usual 78xx regulators.  Of note, three fuses inside, one for mains, and two for each output voltage rail, +5 and +12 volts.  Getting the circuit board out is a grade A pig, you need to pull out the power switch before releasing the four PCB screws and the nut and bolts for the regulator.  All of the capacitors were tested on an ESR meter and found to be perfectly good in quality, a pleasant surprise for a thirty plus year old unit.  Testing, all voltages correct, the PSU was reassembled.

The two 5.25 drives were in good condition.  Failure of the 40/80tpi option was traced to a loose yellow wire that had been poorly soldered years before and some cleaning of the solder pad on the control board enabled a good fix.  

Testing tomorrow, and an opportunity to dig the BBC out of storage.  

  IMG-20180210-02064.jpg (Size: 71.07 KB / Downloads: 10)

  IMG-20180210-02063.jpg (Size: 135.27 KB / Downloads: 9)

  IMG-20180210-02062.jpg (Size: 344.53 KB / Downloads: 9)

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