A few mods I've done over the years to my Spec 128k+
Hello,
Was a bit bored and decided to upload a few pics and sound files from my Spectrum 128k+ I've been tinkering around with over the past several years hehe.
Hope it's not too boring & let me know if you have any questions...
Quick outside look :)
This is a custom Stainless steel keyboard backing plate I designed (after the plastic one by Sinclair). Drew it all out on autocad (back then).
One thing I would highly recommend if you have the chance is to take the 7805 linear voltage regulator, throw it in the bin and get a switching voltage regulator. From the datasheet it's something around 80%+ efficient and zero heat (128k+ heat sink on side remains cold)
A bit pricey but worth it. Also has the exact same pinouts as the 7805's. This is the one I got:
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/de-sw050
Just a few heatsinks I added over the years:
The AY stereo circuit I built thanks to Ben Versteeg (his design) works awesome. Here is his website:
www.benophetinternet.nl/hobby
The rear with stereo jack and Stereo mode (ABC/ACB) switch:
If anyone is interested I captured the AY sound 'waves' in each mode (ABC & ACB)
Both are playing 128k version of Robocop in about the same place
I've never used this audio upload service, hopefully works OK. Changing from one mode to another I do hear differences and depending on the game as well. Here are the Mp3's of each, starting with ABC mode:
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/16964780/AY_Stereo_in_ABC_mode
And here is ACB mode:
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/16964784/AY_Stereo_in_ACB_mode
Whew lol...hope it's not too long or boring.
t
Was a bit bored and decided to upload a few pics and sound files from my Spectrum 128k+ I've been tinkering around with over the past several years hehe.
Hope it's not too boring & let me know if you have any questions...
Quick outside look :)
This is a custom Stainless steel keyboard backing plate I designed (after the plastic one by Sinclair). Drew it all out on autocad (back then).
One thing I would highly recommend if you have the chance is to take the 7805 linear voltage regulator, throw it in the bin and get a switching voltage regulator. From the datasheet it's something around 80%+ efficient and zero heat (128k+ heat sink on side remains cold)
A bit pricey but worth it. Also has the exact same pinouts as the 7805's. This is the one I got:
http://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/de-sw050
Just a few heatsinks I added over the years:
The AY stereo circuit I built thanks to Ben Versteeg (his design) works awesome. Here is his website:
www.benophetinternet.nl/hobby
The rear with stereo jack and Stereo mode (ABC/ACB) switch:
If anyone is interested I captured the AY sound 'waves' in each mode (ABC & ACB)
Both are playing 128k version of Robocop in about the same place
I've never used this audio upload service, hopefully works OK. Changing from one mode to another I do hear differences and depending on the game as well. Here are the Mp3's of each, starting with ABC mode:
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/16964780/AY_Stereo_in_ABC_mode
And here is ACB mode:
http://yourlisten.com/channel/content/16964784/AY_Stereo_in_ACB_mode
Whew lol...hope it's not too long or boring.
t
Post edited by thomas3120 on
Comments
I like the way that your mods take care of usability (metal base-plate), circuit safety (voltage regulator) and out-and-out enhancement with the AY stereo mod.
Nice pics too. Can't beat hardware pr0n :lol:
Excellent job!
Also tinkering around a bit with my +3.
Don't know much about the Amigas...don't really see them that much over here in the US.
A few years back, at a thrift store, they were selling an Amiga 1000 with the monitor.
The price was waay to high. I was really thinking about it (I guess really wanted a A500) until I talked to a friend in the UK and he said the 1000 is more of a business machine so I passed on it(that and the price).
t
My Arcade Cabinetl
amiga 600 / 1200's were mainly euro machines.. and things like the pc box machines 4000? etc were more in the US I guess.
Switching voltage regulator is all DC volts...(or rather DC to DC and regulation), so no problem :)
t
My Arcade Cabinetl
I like the fact that a humble machine, made by the epitome of British inventors, is so well received by our American cousins (and my Spanish cousins, too).
Have you got any more modded Speccys?? Please post more pics ;)
Ahh ok, can the Amiga 1000 play all games designed for the A500 and A1200?
I may visit a few thrift stores this weekend :)
I'm currently adding a HDD (CF card) to my +3e and also did the stereo mod to it.
I also have boxed complete versions of the 48k, 48k+ and another 128k+ but I'm keeping them stock.
My Arcade Cabinetl