In this episode I’m tackling another batch of Commodore 64s in need of repair. Some power on but show strange graphics, some don’t start at all, and each one has its own unique fault to track down. Join me as I work through the triage process, testing, diagnosing, and seeing which of these classic 8-bit machines can be saved.

A stack of ZX Spectrums has landed on the bench, and it’s time for a bit of triage. Some of these machines are working, some are completely dead, and others fall somewhere in between. In this video I go through them one by one to see what’s salvageable, what needs repair, and what’s heading straight for the parts bin. If you enjoy ZX Spectrum repairs, testing vintage hardware, or just seeing what state old 8-bit computers turn up in, this should be a fun one.

Pt 2 Repairing the worst recap job ever. In this episode I peel back a few layers of nastiness to reveal the extent of the damage. I also look at the case and keyboard with a view to making them look a little less orange.

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?