[M100] Faulty NEC PC-8201A Screen Contrast Control

2024-03-21 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Hi,

I have an NEC PC-8201A which was working perfectly, up to the point of
swapping the 4 AA batteries. Popped the new batteries in and the screen
contrast is very low, making it difficult to read unless the screen is
viewed at a specific angle. The screen contrast control appears to have
stopped functioning.

Photo of unit powered off:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Cf9AnqTWBrQ4RQzZ9

Photo of unit on at the same angle:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/8UMusvqhNRs8vnEE6

After angle adjusted:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nzg71eZxN3oZ2Vqw5

As you can see, I have a REX# installed.

I opened it up to take a look, but there are no leaking capacitors or any
signs of corrosion. I assume the variable resistor is the first thing to
check?

Thanks,

Alastair Wiggins
Sydney
Australia


Re: [M100] Backpack drives are back!

2022-12-20 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Many thanks Birt - very much appreciated! Just need to get my HX-20 working
now..

Alastair


>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: 
> To: 
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2022 07:22:03 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M100] Backpack drives are back!
>
> There is a Epson firmware for the original Backpack.  Grab the Epson zip
> file from:
>
>
>
> https://github.com/Jeff-Birt/Backpack/tree/main/BPD%20Files/SD_Card
>
>
>
> You need to put the entire directory structure inside the ZIP file on the
> root of your SD card. The .BIN file is the firmware. The firmware update is
> done by the CLI as shown in the Backpack manual.
>
>
>
> You will need to build an adapter from the odd serial ports Epson used to
> a standard DB25 or I do have a few adapters that my friend made but you
> will need mini-din cables for the adapter to plug into the Epson.
>
> The documentation for the Epson firmware is there too:
> https://github.com/Jeff-Birt/Backpack/tree/main/BPD%20Files/Documentation
>
>
>
> Jeff
>
>


Re: [M100] Backpack drives are back!

2022-12-19 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Hi Birt,

I purchased one of the older Backpack variants. Will it be possible to get
this working with the HX-20 too? I already own an NEC-PC8210A and Tandy
WP-2 (both supported), but have just received an HX-20 for refurbishment.

Many thanks,

Alastair


On Tue, 20 Dec 2022 at 08:07,  wrote:

> Send M100 mailing list submissions to
> m100@lists.bitchin100.com
>
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of M100 digest..."
> Today's Topics:
>
>1. Re: TS-DOS Option ROM (Peter Vollan)
>2. Re: Pinenut Wifi / BLE (Joseph Colson III)
>3. TS-DOS Option ROM (Joseph Colson III)
>4. Re: TS-DOS Option ROM (Wayne Lorentz)
>5. Re: TS-DOS Option ROM (Stephen Adolph)
>6. Re: TS-DOS Option ROM (Will Senn)
>7. Re: TS-DOS Option ROM (MikeS)
>8. Re: TS-DOS Option ROM (John R. Hogerhuis)
>9. Backpack drives are back! (bir...@soigeneris.com)
>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Peter Vollan 
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2022 13:30:59 -0800
> Subject: Re: [M100] TS-DOS Option ROM
> Brian is right but I might have a TS DOS ROM for you. Are you in Seattle?
>
> On Sun, 18 Dec 2022 at 07:27, Brian White  wrote:
>
>> I'd suggest get a REX#, which comes with ts-dos pre-loaded.
>> http://www.bitchin100.com/wiki/index.php?title=REX
>>
>> You could build a plain rom with only ts-dos,
>> http://tandy.wiki/Teeprom
>> but it ends up costing almost the same as a REX# anyway plus more work.
>>
>> --
>> bkw
>>
>> On Sun, Dec 18, 2022, 8:46 AM Wayne Lorentz  wrote:
>>
>>> Does anyone know if TS-DOS option ROMS are still being sold anywhere?
>>> I'd like to use one with TPDD Backpack.
>>>
>>> All the online searches point to the Bitchin' 100 web site, which
>>> doesn't appear to have been updated in 15 years.
>>
>>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Joseph Colson III 
> To: "m100@lists.bitchin100.com" 
> Cc: Joseph Colson III 
> Bcc:
> Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2022 21:54:14 +
> Subject: Re: [M100] Pinenut Wifi / BLE
>
> Hiraghm  > wrote:
>
> >* I came across this tiny little board on the Pine64 site, and I
> wonder...*
>
>
>
>
>
> I started using the WiRSa device sold here. (
> https://www.ebay.com/itm/175299622202?var=474519028969 )
>
> I have had it for a month and after reading your post hooked it up and it
> works well, admittedly I have only used it a short time, but I was able to
> connect to a BBS using Telnet.   It allows you to use 300 baud.   It’s
> powered via 5volt USB type adapter.   It’s a bit large but will see if it
> can be shrunk down more.   I know there is room in the model 102 for this
> device as the lower half of the unit is open.
>
>
>
> Joe
>
> KC5HRT
>
>
>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Joseph Colson III 
> To: "m100@lists.bitchin100.com" 
> Cc: Joseph Colson III 
> Bcc:
> Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2022 22:20:28 +
> Subject: [M100] TS-DOS Option ROM
>
> I would agree that the REX# is the best option but there is this little
> gem as well ( https://www.ebay.com/itm/325447537917 )
>
> Looks like he may not have any currently but I have one I can send you.
> Let me know via private message.
>
>
>
> Hope this helps,
>
>
>
> Joe
>
> KC5HRT
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sun, Dec 18, 2022, 8:46 AM Wayne Lorentz  > wrote:
>
>
>
> >* Does anyone know if TS-DOS option ROMS are still being sold anywhere?
> I'd*
>
> >* like to use one with TPDD Backpack.*
>
> >
>
> >* All the online searches point to the Bitchin' 100 web site, which
> doesn't*
>
> >* appear to have been updated in 15 years.*
>
> -- next part --
>
>
>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Wayne Lorentz 
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sun, 18 Dec 2022 16:43:12 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M100] TS-DOS Option ROM
> I thought about the REX#, but it looks discontinued.  There aren't any
> links on that page to order anything, and no contact information.   Not
> even a name.  Super sketchy.
>
> If I was going to get a REX, I'd get the CP/M version, as I'm a CP/M
> enthusiast. But $100 is more than I can do this close to Christmas. That's
> why I thought if I could find a TS-DOS chip, it might be cheap enough to
> tide me over.
>
> I recently bought one of those Backpack SD card storage devices. The
> TS-DOS option ROM will work with that, right?
>
> —
> iPhoneから送信
>
> On Dec 18, 2022, at 9:27 AM, Brian White  wrote:
>
> 
> I'd suggest get a REX#, which comes with ts-dos pre-loaded.
> http://www.bitchin100.com/

[M100] RS232 to USB HID Keyboard Adapter

2022-10-19 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Hi everyone,

I recently picked up a near mint WP-2 to complement my NEC PC8201A. Whilst
researching the former, I came across an interesting article on "electronic
typewriters". This mentioned some different AlphaSmart models, including
the Dana. This had a pretty neat way of transferring text, which emulated a
keyboard.

You just plug the Dana into virtually any PC/Mac/etc and the Dana appears
to the PC as a standard USB HID keyboard. Now you just fire up your text
editor of choice and click send on the Dana. Voila - the text is
transferred! OK, not the most efficient way of transferring a file, but
very universal and saves having to use any special software on the PC.

I then did some Google searching and found an RS232 to USB HID keyboard
adaptor cable on eBay. Took about 2 weeks to arrive from China, but I am
pleased to say it works with both machines (no real surprise there). You
need a null modem (swap Rx and Tx lines) and don't extend the RS232 too
far, otherwise the adapter won't work (that threw me for a while).

Might help a few people out there who want a painless way to transfer text
files from Kyocera clones and similar devices (like the WP-2).

Regards,

Alastair


Re: [M100] NEC PC8201A Capacitor Kit

2022-10-16 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Thanks everyone for your prompt feedback on this issue.

Brian - Interesting that the NEC models appear to have far fewer capacitors
to replace.


> -- Forwarded message --
> From: "Brian K. White" 
> To: m100@lists.bitchin100.com
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Sun, 16 Oct 2022 15:51:35 -0400
> Subject: Re: [M100] NEC PC8201A Capacitor Kit
> My notes from doing my own actual machines.
> I haven't done my 200 yet so no 200.
>
> NEC PC-8201a
>
> (psu board)
> C1 3.3u 50v
> C2 470u 10v 18mm max height
> C3 33u 10v
> C4 470u 6.3v 10mm max width
> C14 100u 6.3v
> C22 0.47u 50v
> C26 1u 50v
>
> (main board)
> C46 47u 16v bipolar
> C47 47u 16v bipolar
> C48 47u 16v bipolar
>
> BAT1 3.6v nimh 2-pin (3-V80/H 2 pin nimh, orig 3-51FT-A nicd)
>
> ---
>


[M100] NEC PC8201A Capacitor Kit

2022-10-15 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Hi,

I see Arcade Shopper has a Tandy M100/102 capacitor kit. Does anyone sell a
kit for the NEC PC8210A?

Thanks,

Alastair




On Sun, 16 Oct 2022 at 07:06,  wrote:

> Send M100 mailing list submissions to
> m100@lists.bitchin100.com
>
> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
> http://lists.bitchin100.com/listinfo.cgi/m100-bitchin100.com
> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
> m100-requ...@lists.bitchin100.com
>
> You can reach the person managing the list at
> m100-ow...@lists.bitchin100.com
>
> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
> than "Re: Contents of M100 digest..."
> Today's Topics:
>
>1. Looking for an old Jake Commander article (Will Senn)
>2. Re: Looking for an old Jake Commander article (Will Senn)
>3. Re: the battery backup (Tommy Phillips)
>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Will Senn 
> To: Model 100 Discussion 
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:21:45 -0500
> Subject: [M100] Looking for an old Jake Commander article
> Hi all,
>
> The article, Commander, Jake. "Disassembling the puzzle in your 100's
> ROM." Dec 83:41-43 appears to be partially missing from the scanned copy of
> the Portable 100's Dec 1983 issue on club100.org. Does anyone have a
> complete copy?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Will
>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Will Senn 
> To: Model 100 Discussion 
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:25:59 -0500
> Subject: Re: [M100] Looking for an old Jake Commander article
> Typical... as soon as I hit send :(. Over on Archive.org:
>
> https://archive.org/details/P100-Magazine/1983-12
>
> Thanks,
>
> Will
>
> On 10/14/22 3:21 PM, Will Senn wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> The article, Commander, Jake. "Disassembling the puzzle in your 100's
> ROM." Dec 83:41-43 appears to be partially missing from the scanned copy of
> the Portable 100's Dec 1983 issue on club100.org. Does anyone have a
> complete copy?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Will
>
>
>
>
>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: Tommy Phillips 
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:39:31 -0600
> Subject: Re: [M100] the battery backup
> On 10/1/2022 2:58 PM, Brad Grier wrote:
>
> ArcadeShopper seems to have both in stock (and he's a member here).
>
> On Sat, Oct 1, 2022 at 2:19 PM Will Senn  wrote:
>
>> Cool. I saw a cap kit, I'll be on the lookout for a nicd replacement.
>>
>> On 10/1/22 12:44 PM, Joshua O'Keefe wrote:
>>
>> On Oct 1, 2022, at 10:20 AM, Will Senn 
>>  wrote:
>>
>>  Given that my new m100 is 39 years old, should I expect that parts
>> need replacing inside?
>>
>>
>> The generally accepted wisdom seems to be that when doing intake of a
>> "new" 100 to replace the NiCd and all capacitors ASAP.  They risks to the
>> life of the machine.  A 102 may not need capacitors replaced quite so
>> urgently, but that NiCd still has gotta go pronto.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> --
> Brad Grier
>
>
> I just wanted to say thanks for the tip. I have a Model 100 being
> delivered from EBay today, and I already ordered a battery and a caps kit.
>
> --
> Tommy Phillips
> to...@tommyphillips.info
> 303-981-4310
>
> ___
> M100 mailing list
> M100@lists.bitchin100.com
> http://lists.bitchin100.com/listinfo.cgi/m100-bitchin100.com
>


Re: [M100] Another slabtop? Or pc screen extension?

2022-08-21 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Hi John,

The glass on the screen was not stuck on evenly, so it was raised in one
corner. There were big gaps around the keyboard and the screen randomly
turned off.

Apart from that, it was really good!

Alastair

-- Forwarded message --
> From: "John R. Hogerhuis" 
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:25:44 -0700
> Subject: Re: [M100] Another slabtop? Or pc screen extension?
> What was wrong with it? I watched a YouTube review, the guy thought the
> build quality was great but that it needed dedicated software (presumably
> on the desktop side).
>
> -- John.
>
> On Fri, Aug 19, 2022, 1:17 PM Alastair Wiggins 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I bought one from Amazon. It wasn't cheap and the quality was awful.
>>
>> Returned to Amazon for a full refund!
>>
>> Alastair
>>
>>
>>>
>>> -- Forwarded message --
>>> From: "John R. Hogerhuis" 
>>> To: m...@bitchin100.com
>>> Cc:
>>> Bcc:
>>> Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:16:48 -0700
>>> Subject: [M100] Another slabtop? Or pc screen extension?
>>> Ain't that pretty?
>>>
>>>
>>> https://gagadget.com/en/156042-ficihip-mechanical-keyboard-has-an-integrated-126-inch-touchscreen-display/
>>>
>>> Not sure what it can actually do.
>>>
>>> -- John.
>>>
>>>
>


Re: [M100] Another slabtop? Or pc screen extension?

2022-08-19 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Hi,

I bought one from Amazon. It wasn't cheap and the quality was awful.

Returned to Amazon for a full refund!

Alastair


>
> -- Forwarded message --
> From: "John R. Hogerhuis" 
> To: m...@bitchin100.com
> Cc:
> Bcc:
> Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2022 13:16:48 -0700
> Subject: [M100] Another slabtop? Or pc screen extension?
> Ain't that pretty?
>
>
> https://gagadget.com/en/156042-ficihip-mechanical-keyboard-has-an-integrated-126-inch-touchscreen-display/
>
> Not sure what it can actually do.
>
> -- John.
>
>
>
>
>


Re: [M100] is the list actually working?

2022-05-03 Thread Alastair Wiggins
Received loud and clear here in Australia!

Alastair Wiggins