[UPDATE] Converting the “Competition Pro Extra USB” to C64/Amiga/Atari DB9
I updated the instructions to a USB Competition Pro to DB9, so you can use it with a C64, Amiga etc. They now include the new “V3” and “V04T” pinouts and were updated with the use of a joystick extension cable.
Building the Tynemouth Mini PET
Dumping MiniDisc Media
If you have music on a collection of MiniDisc media and want to finally copy the data off onto modern media (or the cloud!), here are simple instructions for some different solutions:
Tynemouth Minstrel ZX80 Clone Kit
I have previously shown an unassembled Sinclair ZX81 Kit that could be bought in the early 80s. Today, it is possible to buy a clone of the ZX80 from Tynemouth Software. Here are some pictures.
Converting a Commodore 1541 or 1570 Drive into a 1551
The 1551 is the weird outlier in the family of Commodore disk drives: It is the only drive using the “TCBM” bus instead of Serial or IEEE-488. And what’s even weirder? 1541 and 1570 drives converted into 1551s!
Sinclair ZX81 Kit
Here are hi-res photos of an unassembled Sinclair ZX81 kit, with German assembly instructions.
Converting the “Competition Pro Extra USB” to C64/Amiga/Atari DB9
Updated 2022-01-14: Includes “SL-6603-SBK” and “KOKA” pinouts.
Repairing a Commodore 1084S Power Switch
The power switch of the Commodore 1084S tends to break easily. To replace it, you will need a standard “Preh TV3” switch (which can be found online), a screwdriver, a soldering iron, desoldering braid, and some basic soldering skills.