L Break Into Program
@breakintoprogram.co.uk
Blog: http://www.breakintoprogram.co.uk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BreakIntoProgram
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/breakintoprogram
Software developer & electronics dabbler. Restoring & programming vintage computers from Acorn Atom to ZX81.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BreakIntoProgram
Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/breakintoprogram
Software developer & electronics dabbler. Restoring & programming vintage computers from Acorn Atom to ZX81.
Hahaha! Last time I stripped a keyboard was my BBC Master. It wasn't quite that bad though. I really need to do my Einstein next, a couple of the keys are sticking a bit now.
November 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Hahaha! Last time I stripped a keyboard was my BBC Master. It wasn't quite that bad though. I really need to do my Einstein next, a couple of the keys are sticking a bit now.
RIghto, that'll do. Just need to pack some tools - minimum is my screwdriver set and a multimeter. Oh, and my personal belongings. I have no idea how I managed to do this whilst holding down a full-time job. It's taken best part of the day to get this ready.
November 10, 2025 at 6:11 PM
RIghto, that'll do. Just need to pack some tools - minimum is my screwdriver set and a multimeter. Oh, and my personal belongings. I have no idea how I managed to do this whilst holding down a full-time job. It's taken best part of the day to get this ready.
Z88DK installed on the old MacBook I’m taking, and a tweak to the colour pots on my Spectrum as it kept switching to a bluish screen. Seems stable now.
November 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Z88DK installed on the old MacBook I’m taking, and a tweak to the colour pots on my Spectrum as it kept switching to a bluish screen. Seems stable now.
Got plenty of space left! That’s the width of my space - 180cm. Depth is about right.
November 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Got plenty of space left! That’s the width of my space - 180cm. Depth is about right.
Righto, that all seems to work. The colour bars is a bit glitchy on the left because it is timed for a 128K Spectrum.
November 10, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Righto, that all seems to work. The colour bars is a bit glitchy on the left because it is timed for a 128K Spectrum.
Okay, got the colour bars demo to assemble. Had to hack it quite a bit to make the source compatible.
November 10, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Okay, got the colour bars demo to assemble. Had to hack it quite a bit to make the source compatible.
Transferring my lib_spectrum repo to the Einstein so that I can get it assembling my Spectrum 48K 3D cube demo as nature intended. Using a serial cable and Eintrans.
November 10, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Transferring my lib_spectrum repo to the Einstein so that I can get it assembling my Spectrum 48K 3D cube demo as nature intended. Using a serial cable and Eintrans.
Got a project idea for next year - an IRDA (IrCOMM) modem-ish network adaptor built around the Raspberry Pico for the Psion Series 5, with the intention of getting it networked somehow. I've not thought this through. How hard can it be??
November 9, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Got a project idea for next year - an IRDA (IrCOMM) modem-ish network adaptor built around the Raspberry Pico for the Psion Series 5, with the intention of getting it networked somehow. I've not thought this through. How hard can it be??
Well ahead of you! I measured it all up against a 48K, +, and +2 case whilst doing the layout. The yellow wires at the bottom are clear. I route the connector signals I need around the back so the board is flush. At some point I'll make a PCB. I did it on stripboard for that 80s retro feel.
November 9, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Well ahead of you! I measured it all up against a 48K, +, and +2 case whilst doing the layout. The yellow wires at the bottom are clear. I route the connector signals I need around the back so the board is flush. At some point I'll make a PCB. I did it on stripboard for that 80s retro feel.
It’d be rude not to… “Soak testing” the Harlequin.
November 9, 2025 at 4:23 PM
It’d be rude not to… “Soak testing” the Harlequin.
And the same again with my Harlequin clone. This one is more fussy on the fit. Not sure if it is the edge connector or shape of the case that is causing the issue.
November 9, 2025 at 4:02 PM
And the same again with my Harlequin clone. This one is more fussy on the fit. Not sure if it is the edge connector or shape of the case that is causing the issue.
Testing the Stunt Spectrum / Z80 PIO board ready for RetroFest. Thankfully it’s still working since the last show.
November 9, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Testing the Stunt Spectrum / Z80 PIO board ready for RetroFest. Thankfully it’s still working since the last show.
My Sharp had the same cassette mechanism. Not my picture. Had a remote control too. Dimly remember the volume knob rotating when you adjusted the volume on the remote. Wish I'd kept it. Think it's a WF-CD77.
November 9, 2025 at 11:19 AM
My Sharp had the same cassette mechanism. Not my picture. Had a remote control too. Dimly remember the volume knob rotating when you adjusted the volume on the remote. Wish I'd kept it. Think it's a WF-CD77.
Was this article written by a Vulcan?
November 9, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Was this article written by a Vulcan?
Today's been brought to you by the phrase "Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good". Or "Don't let an unattainable ideal prevent one from completing something that is already good or practical". I think Voltaire popularised that. That's him there.
November 8, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Today's been brought to you by the phrase "Don't let perfect be the enemy of the good". Or "Don't let an unattainable ideal prevent one from completing something that is already good or practical". I think Voltaire popularised that. That's him there.
So far two repairs done. Andy Mate is now fixing a blender that is not, and James is repairing a DVD player power supply, a blown diode.
November 8, 2025 at 10:24 AM
So far two repairs done. Andy Mate is now fixing a blender that is not, and James is repairing a DVD player power supply, a blown diode.
Ah, there we go. Future proofs it.
November 7, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Ah, there we go. Future proofs it.
Very nice setup you've got there!
November 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Very nice setup you've got there!
That’ll do pig.
November 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM
That’ll do pig.
Me removing old batteries from computers like a pro.
November 6, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Me removing old batteries from computers like a pro.
Anyway, it would have been a shame for the motherboard in this to be damaged by leaking battery juice, and it's been on my to-do list since I got this machine a few months ago. Tempted to fit something like this - I got one for my BBC Master. There's just enough room under the keyboard for it.
November 6, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Anyway, it would have been a shame for the motherboard in this to be damaged by leaking battery juice, and it's been on my to-do list since I got this machine a few months ago. Tempted to fit something like this - I got one for my BBC Master. There's just enough room under the keyboard for it.
BIOS settings are in NVRAM. I’ll probably get a battery for the BBC Master to fit in this. Regardless, all works. Will just need to remove the keyboard to solder new battery in. Job’s a good-un.
November 6, 2025 at 3:28 PM
BIOS settings are in NVRAM. I’ll probably get a battery for the BBC Master to fit in this. Regardless, all works. Will just need to remove the keyboard to solder new battery in. Job’s a good-un.