Apple IIc re-capping. Part 2

Even though there is really no more re-capping needed (for that see Part 0 and Part 1), the Apple IIc still needed some care before being considered ready for use: the keyboard was just too filthy to be used without feeling the sudden urge to scrape away a few layers of skin after use and the floppy drive was still untested.

Apple IIc keyboard with keycaps removed

Apple IIc re-capping. Part 1

Having got some time in my hands, I decided to complete the re-capping of my Apple IIc (see Part 0 here), check if the machine works, upgrade the MON rom and finally run a self-test.

The Apple IIc naked on the table, ready to be tested

Apple IIc re-capping. Part 0

I recently recovered an Apple IIc portable (let's say... luggable) computer in good aesthetic conditions (albeit a bit dusty). Unknown working state.

The recently recovered Apple IIc

The computer lacks the power supply unit, but that is just a small problem, as it is powered by a single ~15v connection. Before worrying about that, best practice dictates that old computers in unknown status (especially ones with a small case, without good airflow) should be re-capped before being turn on: old electrolytic capacitors, which are prone to degradation with age and high-temperatures, could short out the circuit board and cause hard to repair damage.

My MegaCD is region free!

...and speaks japanese :-)

My european Mega CD

I finally received my lot of EPROMs (ST M27C1024) pre-programmed with a modified region free Japanese Mega CD bios, thanks to l_oliveira at assemblergames forum for the hacking!

European VS Japanese BIOS screen

Here is how I installed the new bios...

Bringing a Game Gear back to life

I recently recovered a Sega Game Gear from a box full of junk: the seller told me that probably it wouldn't work, so he sold it for a very small amount of money, but sadly had no games to go with it.
As soon as I got home I tried powering it up using batteries: It turned on but it also left me with a black screen and a very dim backlight illumination (the black screen turned out to be normal on the original Game Gear units without BIOS).

My repaired Game Gear

Keep reading if You're interested in some nasty repairs ;-)

Atari 2600jr with color problems?

Today during a cleanup I spotted my "collection" of Atari 2600jr consoles. They usually go very cheap on flea markets here so from time to time i pick up one as a spare (which regularly ends up forgotten inside a wardrobe). Beside cleaning them and putting them away again I decided it would be a good idea to test them as some were never checked for anything but basic functionality.

Most of them were fine, but one showed a weird behavior with graphics: distorted colors. Lucky me, it was easy to fix. Keep reading if you want to know more!