Category Archives: Post Increment

Kaypro, Microbee, Post Increment, Vintage Computers

Gotek Disk Images

Here are the disk images I use for some of my vintage computers.

These are intended for use with the excellent HxC2001 firmware. The HFE format should work with the standard Gotek firmwre but I have not tried that personally.

Microbee – double sided 40 track

Kaypro IV – double sided 40 track

Kaypro II – single sided 40 track. Note that the Gotek will need to be configured to ignore the side select signal.

Microbee, Post Increment, Vintage Computers

Buying a Microbee

I recently purchased a large cache of Microbee computers with the intent of refurbishing them and reselling to the retro computer community.

My original intent was to work my way through them, repair them as needed, and sell them onto the vintage community at cost.

I’ve done this for five or six systems, but I no longer have the time to invest in returning the remainder of the systems to fully working conditions.

I’m now offering seven Microbees in as is condition. All are tested and working. DRAM has passed a memory test, video is stable, and at least some of the keys on the keyboard are working

All Microbees have been sold. I’ll post again if I have more for sale.

  • Systems 1 through 4 are network clients, which means they have 64k of DRAM, and no floppy controller. An additionall 64k of RAM and floppy controller can be fitted but will require medium to high level soldering skills.
    These systems are $350AUD each, plus shipping. I can include extra 64k of DRAM, floppy controller, 128k PAL, and 34 connector for an extra $50.
  • Systems 5 through 7 are ROM systems. They have 32k of RAM, but cannot be upgraded to more RAM, nor can they have a floppy controller added. They would be suitable someone who wants a case for the new Microbee Classic Plus when it is available.
    These systems are $275 each plus shipping.

The follow caveats apply:

  • The cases have a variety of markings and some have stickers. These can be removed with some elbow grease and Windex.
  • The cases and keyswitches may be yellowed from age or sun exposure.
  • All cases are engraved with “Lisarow High School” in some manner. This can be sanded off, or the case can be refinished with a filling primer.
  • The keyswitches will need cleaning, so not all keys may work correctly. You will need to clean then (excellent instructions from Ewan Wordsworth of Microbee Technology can be found here), or you can buy a full keyboard replacement kit from www.microbeetechnology.com.au
  • The systems do NOT include a cable or power supply. These can be purchased from www.microbeetechnology.com.au
  • None of these systems have colour boards fitted, nor are they Premium motherboards with the extra keys

Post Increment, TRS-80

System-80 working (sort of)

This poor System 80 has been subject to cruel and unusual punishment at the hands of previous owners.

I’ve got the Ready prompt (the equivalent of the TRS-80 Memory Size) but it’s been hard work. All of the 2102 video RAMs needed replacing, as well as several LS157 muxes. I managed to link A4 and A5 when replacing a mux – that cost me a few days.

Pressing Enter gives a screen of full graphics blocks – I think the video RAM read is not working fully. But to debug that, I need to understand what is left of a lower case support mod and (I think) software switch for 32 col mode

Post Increment, TRS-80

Restoring the System-80

The battle for the System 80 has begun!

I started with no video, no CPU activity, and a very bodgy looking 64k DRAM upgrade using 4164s

Fixed the CPU issue by replacing a dead electrolytic in the reset circuit. Video came back when I replaced the cable between the boards.

I’ve reversed the 4164 upgrade and am working on the Drastik.

The time honoured “ROM of NOP” is generating square waves on the lower 8 address lines. Now I need to find where they stop being square!

Drastik, Post Increment, TRS-80, Vintage Computers

Drasktik working on Model 1

Success!

The Model 1 is reporting 48k memory without a DRAM in sight. Only two solder wires required, plus adjustments to the two sets of jumper pads which I have replaced with DIP switches for ease of testing.

I’m still working on the solder-less 16k upgrade. May not be possible. Will look at this tomorrow (maybe).

Two minor issues with the board. Seems I can demux 14 bit DRAM addresses but have forgotten how NOR gates work. 🙂

Also had to rewire the keyboard cable as the janky job performed by the previous owner died when I opened the case.

I’ve also 3D printed some replacements for the rubber-ish board standoffs that crumbled to dust when I flattened the boards. If anyone wants the files, let me know.