The HxC Floppy Drive Emulator is a software and hardware system created by jfdn aka Jeff.

The aim of this project is to replace the floppy disk drive by an electronic device emulating the floppy disk drive (list of supported Computer/Hardware).

There are two differents emulators:

• A USB version which allows to connect the floppy disk drive interface of the computer to a PC via a USB cable.
• A SDCARD version which allows to emulate floppy disks which images are stored in a SDCARD.

Download:

• HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v1.8.2.24 (1126)

Firmware SD HxCFloppyEmulator v1.8.2.24:

• Write Support completely redesigned / reworked :
  • Low level track format support added!
  • The host computer/machine can now do low level format of the disk images !
  • By this way the floppy disk image can be formatted with the right disk layout from the machine.
  • All the tracks parameters used by the machine (sector size, interleave/skew, gap, format value, index mark…)
  • will be written to the virtual disk tracks !
  • By this way the user have just to copy some blank HFE images to the SDCard, and format them with the host machine
  • as with a real floppy disk to make them usable.
  • Some blank disk images with various density will available for download on the HxC2001 website.
  • SD/DD/HD sector write support : all sector sizes are now supported ! : 128B, 256B, 512B, 1024B, 2048B, 4096B, 8192B…

  Read more…

Autopsy:

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I have removed the main filter capacitor of 0,47μF 250v (RIFA), avoiding that can explode.

from Wikipedia:

The Apple Monitor // was a CRT-based green monochrome 12-inch monitor manufactured by Apple Computer for the Apple II personal computer family. Apple didn’t manufacture the monitor until halfway through the lifespan of the II series.

The business-line Apple /// had its own Apple Monitor /// long before. Many home users of Apple II computers used their televisions as computer monitors before the Monitor // was released. It featured an inner vertical-swiveling frame. This allowed users to adjust the viewing angle up or down to suit their taste without the addition of a tilt-and-swivel device.

The Monitor // was widely adjustable for the time, as it included adjustments for the size and location of the image on the screen. These adjustments had a very small influence on the picture, however, much to the disliking of some users. The Monitor // was designed for the Apple II+, but was used widely throughout the Apple II product line, most recognizably on the Apple IIe.

Download:

• Apple Monitor II User\'s Manual (1508)
• Apple Monitor II Circuit Diagram (473)

source: wikipedia

A new version of the firmware for the interface C64SD Infinity + ITS Module by Manosoft is released.

Changelog:

• Added support for the long filenames and the ones containing special characters.

Download: C64SD Firmware v0.10.3.8 (1479)

source: manosoft.it

Autopsy:

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This is the translation of the Arabic boot screen:

© 1987, 1988 Sinclair of Egypt
presented by Matsico Corp, an authorized dealer of Sinclair & Amstrad in Egypt
prepared by Dr. Nabil Nazmi
(Version 3)

The computer is arrived in pitiful condition. The inside of the computer and the keyboard were are full of sand and dirt.

Restoration and repairs that have been made:

• Replaced the top case with a new one.
• Replaced the bottom case with a new one, then replaced again with the old one to keep the original appearance. (the hole for the switch is standard in the Arabic version)
• Replaced the tape recorder.
• Replaced the motherboard with a issue #2 instead of issue #1 (was not convenient the repair)
• Cleaned all keys and membrane.
• Replaced all rusty springs of the keyboard.
• General cleaning.
• Moved the ROM/EPROM mod on the new motherboard.
• Replaced the original switch with a new one, then replaced again with the old one to keep the original appearance.

from Wikipedia:

The ZX Spectrum +2 was Amstrad’s first Spectrum, coming shortly after their purchase of the Spectrum range and “Sinclair” brand in 1986. The machine featured an all-new grey case featuring a spring-loaded keyboard, dual joystick ports, and a built-in cassette recorder dubbed the “Datacorder” (like the Amstrad CPC 464), but was in most respects identical to the ZX Spectrum 128. The main menu screen lacked the Spectrum 128′s “Tape Test” option, and the ROM was altered to account for a new 1986 Amstrad copyright message. These changes resulted in minor incompatibility problems with software that accessed ROM routines at certain addresses. Production costs had been reduced and the retail price dropped to £139–£149.

The new keyboard did not include the BASIC keyword markings that were found on earlier Spectrums, except for the keywords LOAD, CODE and RUN which were useful for loading software. This was not a major issue however, as the +2 boasted a menu system, almost identical to the ZX Spectrum 128, where one could switch between 48k BASIC programming with the keywords, and 128k BASIC programming in which all words (keywords and otherwise) must be typed out in full (although the keywords are still stored internally as one character each). Despite these changes, the layout remained identical to that of the 128. The ZX Spectrum +2 power supply was a grey version of the ZX Spectrum+ and 128 power supply.

The ZX Spectrum +2A was a variant of the Spectrum +3 housed a black version of the Spectrum +2 case mouldings. The Spectrum +2A/+3 motherboard (AMSTRAD part number Z70830) was designed such that it could be assembled without the floppy disk controller or associated logic and a +2 style “datacorder” connected. Originally, Amstrad planned to introduce an additional disk interface for the +2A/+2B called the AMSTRAD SI-1, however this never appeared. If an external disk drive was added, the “+2A” on the system OS menu would change to a +3.

The power supply of the ZX Spectrum +2A used the same pinout as the +3. However, the power supply purchased with the +2A/B had “Sinclair +2″ written on the case.

source: wikipedia

A new version of the firmware for the interface 1541 Ultimate II is released. This version runs only on the 1541 Ultimate II cartridge (new fpga).

Version 2.6h includes some new features and fixes:

• Timing fixed for C64C
• Newer version of built-in MOD player.
• Bug fixes regarding USB stick removal.
• Enhancements under the hood for networking support. Network support will be enabled later, is not part of this version!

Release notes:

• Version 2.6h contains some small fixes on top of 2.6d.  This build is a DUAL DRIVE version with NO SID emulation.

Download: 1541 Ultimate II Firmware v2.6h (1447)

source: 1541ultimate.net

Autopsy:

The INDESIT T12 it’s a 12 inches B/W screen with 6 programs preselection and classic potentiometers tuning search for each program. It can be powered even with a 12volt source with a special socket on the rear side. (see photo)

It doesn’t weight much because it has not transformer in it but a special power supply converter. Was first 6 programs B/W television from INDESIT, earlyer model was with Rotary tuners. INDESIT was originary from Orbassano Near TORINO In Italy and indeed the telly here shown comes from there. It was a very big industry conglomerate present in all European lands even In Norvay.

INDESIT has a very heavy controversed history which is made of high loss of work places for people, financial disasters, loss of market, closing of production location and finally a complete destruction of one of the bigger Italian industry on European level. It was then brand name aquired by Merloni Elettrodomestici known as Ariston.

Video transmission made with a UHF Transmitter CH 36.

source: obsoletetellyemuseum.blogspot.it

I have upgraded my Personal Computer IBM 5160 by adding an 8-bit ISA Sound Card (adlib) and Video Card Vga 8/16 bit ISA from Octek.

12►

Below some videos of the tests done:

Read more…

Autopsy:

1234567►

from Wikipedia:

The IBM Personal Computer XT, often shortened to the IBM XT, PC XT, or simply XT, was IBM’s successor to the original IBM PC, factory equipped with a hard drive. It was released as IBM Machine Type number 5160 on March 8, 1983, and essentially the same as the original PC, with only incremental improvements. A new 16-bit bus architecture would follow in the AT. The XT was mainly intended as an enhanced machine for business use, though later floppy-only models would effectively replace the original model 5150 PC. A corresponding 3270 PC featuring 3270 terminal emulation was released later in October 1983. XT stands for X-tended Technology.

The XT originally came with 128 kB of RAM, a 360 kB double-sided 5.25 in (133 mm) full-height floppy disk drive, a 10 MB Seagate ST-412 hard drive with Xebec 1210 MFM controller, an Asynchronous Adapter (serial card with 8250 UART) and a 130 watt power supply. The motherboard had eight 8-bit ISA expansion slots, and an Intel 8088 microprocessor running at 4.77 MHz (with a socket for an 8087 math coprocessor); the operating system usually sold with it was PC DOS 2.0 and above. The eight expansion slots were an increase over the five in the IBM PC, although three were taken up by the floppy drive and hard drive adapters, and the Async card. (An IBM PC also typically had a floppy disk controller in one of its five slots; both the PC and XT also usually required a display adapter in another slot.) The basic specification was soon upgraded to have 256 kB of RAM as standard.

Slot 8 on the XT motherboard was wired slightly different than the other slots, making it incompatible with some cards and had additional signal CARD SLCTD (pin B8). This was done for cards designed to allow the XT to be connected to IBM mainframes (3270-PC). The modified slot is found only on the 5160 and 5155 Portable PC; it is not in the 5150, IBM AT, or any clone PCs. During this period, it was commonplace for ISA cards to include a jumper allowing them to work in Slot 8. Video cards initially comprised the MDA and CGA, with EGA and PGC becoming available in 1984.

source: wikipedia

The HxC Floppy Drive Emulator is a software and hardware system created by jfdn aka Jeff.

The aim of this project is to replace the floppy disk drive by an electronic device emulating the floppy disk drive (list of supported Computer/Hardware).

There are two differents emulators:

• A USB version which allows to connect the floppy disk drive interface of the computer to a PC via a USB cable.
• A SDCARD version which allows to emulate floppy disks which images are stored in a SDCARD.

Release notes for the HxCFloppyEmulator software v2.0.16.0:

• FAT12 Loader/generator : Files size, disk size & disk free size displayed, lots of sanity checks added.
• TRS80 Writer : Bad free() removed.
• General : Software passed with valgrind : Some memory leaks and possible issues corrected.

Download:

• HxCFloppyEmulator v2.0.16.0 (976)

source: hxc2001.free.fr lotharek.pl

Autopsy:

I have purchased this item at a very low price (15 Euros) because he was curious.

I don’t have found any information on internet about it. The production date should be around 1989/90 in Germany. The processor used is a Motorola 68008, the same also used on Sinclair QL.

It was released a new firmware for the C64SD Infinity + ITS Module by Manosoft which fixes some minor compatibility issues present in the previous release with some C64 Filebrowser.

Download: C64SD Firmware v0.10.3.7 (1409)

source: manosoft.it

This is the official demo party results from BFP (Baroque Floppy People) Top 3 Entries only. See also the BFP homepage for more informations.

C64 Demo:

• 1. Wonderland XII by Censor Design
• 2. Scrollwars by Fairlight, Offence, Prosonix
• 3. 20 Years Is Nothing by Hack n’ Trade

C64 Music:

• 1. Da Cheese Cut by Scarzix
• 2. Alice in Wonderland by Magnar Harestad
• 3. Frozen Yoghurt by Qdor

C64 Graphics:

• 1. The West Is Not Too Wild by Yazoo
• 2. Fearless by Sphinx
• 3. Skål by AcidT*rroreast

Download: BFP (Baroque Floppy People) full Party stuff (1061)

source: noname.c64.org/csdb BFP Homepage

Some new games (Cracked / Trained or Unrealeased) for Commodore 64 have been released from your favorites groups: Metalvotze, Genesis Project, S.E.U.C.K. Trainers United, Really Proud Lamers, Dinasours and Laxity.

Download:

• Sheepoid DX +7HFD [pal/ntsc] (1035)
• Mysterix +1ED [english+onefiled] (1012)
• Pimmelsafari (1030)
• Return of the Jedi (1003)
• Fast Food Preview (987)
• Ultimate Cops +2 (1020)
• Scramble 1k +3 (994)
• Berzerk + (1033)
• Moondog +1 (1047)
• All Games in One Archive (2686)

source: csdb.dk

This is the official demo party results from the Atari Głuchołazy 2013. See also the Atari Głuchołazy 2013 homepage for more informations.

Graphics Compo:

• 1. Fred by Piesiu
• 2. Glazy2013 by Rocky
• 3. Pszczelak by Rocky
• 4. Wampirek by Rocky
• 5. Ogrodnik by Nosty

Music Compo:

• 1. Chip Spring Tune by LiSU
• 2. Far Away by stRing

Code Compo:

• 1. Wielbłądy 2 by Lamers
• 2. Lashes of flashes by TDC

Download:

• Glucholazy 2013 full Party stuff (1591)

source: atari.org.pl/party13/

12►

This gallery shows some stages of cleaning the computer Apple ][ Europlus, Apple Disk ][.

I have also made minor repairs which i describe below:

• Replaced the Lamp of the power-on.
• Removing the RIFA filter capacitor (the capacitor was exploded)
• Fixed the center hub of the Apple Disk ][.