Category: Uncategorised

Another ZX Spectrum lands on the bench, this time with no sound at all. I go through the usual checks, track down the fault, and get it working again. A quick fix, but a satisfying one.

In this video I review the Omnifixo PCB holder, a modular helping hands tool designed for electronics and soldering. I show how the magnetic clamps and flexible arms work, how it handles holding circuit boards, and share my thoughts on whether it’s a better option than traditional helping hands or PCB vices.

In this episode of More Fun Fixing It, I take a look at a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128K +2 “Grey” – the Amstrad-built machine that followed Sinclair’s iconic designs. This one came in with a note from its owner: “DC connection not good, black and white screen.” As it turns out, the repair list doesn’t stop there. I dive inside to check the condition of the motherboard, diagnose faults, and tackle the problems one by one. Along the way we find a stretched tape deck belt, some power issues, and a few interesting quirks in the design of this revision. If you’re into retro computing repairs, Spectrum history, or just enjoy seeing old hardware brought back to life, this one’s for you.

A huge thank you to the sponsor of this video https://www.pcbway.com Amiga 600

The Worst Recap Job I’ve Ever Seen? This poor little Amiga 600 arrived with a red hue on the display… and a whole lot more going on inside than anyone expected. What started as a simple eBay recap project for Henry quickly turned into a full-blown rescue mission. After seeing his refund come through with no need to return the machine, he passed it over to me—and I wish I could say it was in decent shape. But what I found inside was… horrifying. Radial caps where surface mount should be, burnt traces, mystery solder blobs, missing components, and enough corrosion to make your stomach turn. In this video, I take you through the full journey: inspection, diagnostics, trace repair, and finally, giving this Amiga 600 a second chance at life. This is one of the most extreme Amiga repairs I’ve tackled—let’s see if it survives.

A huge thank you to the sponsor of this video https://www.pcbway.com

Building MY Ultimate 1981 Home Computer – The ZX81+38 This isn’t a repair or a restoration—this is a full custom build of what I consider the ultimate ZX81. Starting with a ZX81+38 PCB designed by Mahjong, and packing modern components, a custom 3D-printed case, a mechanical keyboard, and a healthy dose of retro bling, I’m building the machine I wish I’d had back in 1981. Along the way, I’ll talk about the history of the ZX81, my own childhood experiences with it, and what makes this build so special. From hand-placing components to solving composite video output quirks, and from mechanical key switches to custom keycaps, this is the full journey from bare PCB to fully working, souped-up Sinclair classic. Whether you had a ZX81 of your own, or just enjoy watching someone pour far too much love into a tiny 8-bit machine with 1K of RAM, I hope you enjoy the ride.

Retrofied Shop for key decals: https://retrofied.uk/collections/reproduction-badges-labels/products/zx81-38-keycap-overlay-decals

ZX81+38 Github: https://github.com/mahjongg2/ZX81plus38

Keycaps link: 82 Blank Keycaps with Puller|Cherry Profile 1.5mm PBT Keyboard Caps|Oil Resistant Keycap for Mechanical Keyboard https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006632554588.html

Printables ZX81+38 case link McIverdino: https://www.printables.com/model/439773-mechzx8138-case

Don Superfo ZX Spectrum Mechanical Keyboard shared project: https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/ZX_Spectrum_Keyboard.html

With thanks to @TechMadeEasyUK for video footage.

It’s another triage episode. This time digging into the earlier Sinclair 128k machines. I find a few nice future repairs in this lot!

A 48k ZX Spectrum+ which sounds like its full of bees! But what could the real problem be?

Part 2 of this summers triage series. This one is not the longest episode, but there is one VERY special machine in this pile of Spectrums that I am REALLY looking forward to working on! Can you guess which one?

The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley held a sale day to shift some of their unwanted stock and raise money for the museum. I went along to see if I could pick up a bargain.
A huge thank you to the sponsor of this video https://www.pcbway.com The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley held a sale day to shift some of their unwanted stock and raise money for the museum. I went along to see if I could pick up a bargain.

The first in a series of videos to work out what needs to be done with a HUGE pile of broken computers. First up these five 48k ZX Spectrums.