A simple Wi-Fi upgrade:
You will need: Continue reading
Wi-Fi for my Powerbook 520
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Category Archives: Vintage and Retro Computing
Z88 OZ 4.2 Print bug
After experimenting with various vintage devices for mobile blogging, I developed a Windows app that allowed these devices to ‘print’ directly into a Windows application like Wordpad for example.
This was working fine until, I tried it with a Z88 using a later version of it’s operating system (OZ 4.2). It seems when you print it is incapable of printing a space. Continue reading
All I wanted for my birthday…
The ZX81, this is where it all started for me.
While at school (yes Chris, a very long time ago) the ZX81 was offered as a prize (can’t remember what for) and was on display running some simple
10 PRINT "HELLO"
20 GO TO 10
BASIC code, not quite as crude as that but on similar lines.
Anyway I decided I wanted a computer, (not sure why as up till then all I really coveted was LED calculators and watches). I didn’t win the ZX81 from school but eventually convinced my Parents to get me a brand new ZX81 for my birthday. 
Acorn BBC
I never owned a BBC back in the day but I used to work with them both repairing them, and using them.
Now I have had some time learning about the MOS and BASIC on this system I can liken the BBC to how some cars are built around the driver, the BBC is built around the programmer. I can now remember why I enjoyed programming so much when I started out! (Years of PC and Windows development has dampened the enjoyment that was there unfortunately).
As an aside, Mobile and HTML5 development has certainly improved on the enjoyment factor.
Continue reading
Macintosh Classic Logic Board Repair
The Mac Classic range of computers often show a variety of symptoms but which have a common cause of failure, for example:
- Low volume or no sound.
- Real time clock not advancing.
- Power up problems with checkers and stripes etc.
- No serial or localtalk functionality.
These problems are often caused by:
Macintosh Classic II disassembly
To show how easy it is to disassemble a compact mac, I have documented me upgrading the ram in a Classic II with pictures.
Start with a Classic II
Mac Plus Mouse Alternatives
The Mac Plus (including 128 and 512) mouse is often very hard to find and so a common question is can I convert another mouse for use on the Mac Plus?
The short answer is normally no, or the alternative mouse (a PC Bus mouse) is just as difficult to find. Continue reading
Mac Plus Keyboard Cable
Note: the same cable also applies to the Mac 128 and Mac 512.
If your Mac Plus like mine was missing the cable that connects it to it’s keyboard and you wish to make a replacement cable yourself Continue reading
A lesson learned.
As I use my Z88 on a daily basis, the data contained is very important. For the past 6 (or maybe longer) months I have been trialling long life Lithium AA batteries in the Z88. I would use Re-chargeable but the problem is the immediate drop in voltage which doesn’t give you a low battery warning. Anyway I got back from a trip away to discover that the Z88 wouldn’t come on. I did the usual adjust the contrast wheel to no avail. It is amazing how many times I’ve had one of those heart stopping moments only to discover it was the contrast wheel turned all the way down! Continue reading
Cambridge Z88 – The first Tablet Computer?
 I use my Z88 on a daily basis, and yes this is 2011 as I write this! This probably surprises a lot of people but if I was looking for a tablet computer for everyday use then the Z88 ticks a lot of the boxes for me: |
| * Instant On. * Easily Backed up. * Low Power usage (4 AA batteries). * Built in programming language. * Good text entry application. Most of the data I use is textual or lists, in fact lists pretty much drive everything in my life, shopping lists, to-do lists, contact lists, you get the picture. The PipeDream application on the Z88 is perfect for these sort of tasks as it is a hybrid of a word processor and spreadsheet. |