Last year I got my first Viglen-cased Acorn BBC Model B, which was very kindly given to me by a friend – these use most of the original parts from the converted Model B except for the top case, so require servicing before powering on due to ageing RIFA mains filter capacitors which like toContinue reading “1984 Viglen-Cased Acorn BBC Model B Repair & Restoration”
Author Archives: themightymadman
1997 Apple PowerBook 1400CS-166 Repair & Restoration
Last year, I repaired an Apple PowerBook 1400CS-166 for a friend of mine, which required a recap of the mainboard, backlight board and display driver board, a replacement for the leaky original NiMH battery pack, a mainboard repair, and a new power supply. Originally, the system seemed completely dead with no response to the powerContinue reading “1997 Apple PowerBook 1400CS-166 Repair & Restoration”
2022 Shark STYLE iQ HD120UK Hairdryer Repair
In addition to the repair cafes that I volunteer at, I do a lot of repairs for family and friends, mostly for household appliances, as well as stuff around our house. Lots of things are very easy and cheap to fix, and would otherwise go to waste, so it is economically and environmentally sensible toContinue reading “2022 Shark STYLE iQ HD120UK Hairdryer Repair”
Farewell to 2025!
As 2025 draws to a close, I wanted to thank all of you – my wife, viewers, subscribers, supporters, those who have bought anything from me, had anything repaired/serviced by me, or donated/sold anything to me – for making 2025 a great year. I’m sending all of my best wishes to you and your lovedContinue reading “Farewell to 2025!”
1982 Commodore 64 Charity Auction Ends Today at 18:00 GMT!
This is a reminder that my charity auction for a refurbished early Commodore 64 “silver label” from Christmas 1982 – just before the release of the Commodore 64 in Europe in early 1983 – ends today, 18:00 GMT on Sunday 14th December 2025. The auction is no-reserve with 50% automatically taken via eBay for CancerContinue reading “1982 Commodore 64 Charity Auction Ends Today at 18:00 GMT!”
Charity Auction for 1982 Commodore 64 “Silver Label” with KU-14194HB Mainboard
In a few days’ time, I will be auctioning off this early and collectible Commodore 64 “silver label” from Christmas 1982, just before the release of the Commodore 64 in Europe in early 1983, with 50% of the proceeds going to charity. UK delivery will be in time for Christmas 2025, forty-three years after thisContinue reading “Charity Auction for 1982 Commodore 64 “Silver Label” with KU-14194HB Mainboard”
Samsung C49HG90DMU 49″ 32:9 Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Stripy Screen Repair
A couple of months ago, I got given a Samsung C49HG90DMU 32:9 (3840x1080p) ultrawide 120Hz gaming monitor for spares/repairs because it only works OK once it has warmed up for about half an hour, until then it just displays a stripy white/purple screen which eventually changes bit by bit into a correct image. Apparently issuesContinue reading “Samsung C49HG90DMU 49″ 32:9 Ultrawide Gaming Monitor Stripy Screen Repair”
Recycling More Scrap Components!
Restoring vintage electronics can lead to a lot of waste being produced – failed ICs, failed components, irreparable circuit boards, and obsolete parts are usually the main offenders. As all of this is original and irreplaceable, and to help the environment, I try to recycle my electronics waste as much as possible. I often spendContinue reading “Recycling More Scrap Components!”
1983 IBM PC 5160 (XT) Personal Computer Restoration & Modifications
Earlier in 2025, I bought my first IBM PC, a 1983 5160 (XT) with matching monochrome IBM 5151 CRT display and IBM Model F keyboard. I’ve been wanting to get hold of an IBM PC for a while now, as it’s an interesting piece of history, and I’ve enjoyed several videos from Adrian’s Digital BasementContinue reading “1983 IBM PC 5160 (XT) Personal Computer Restoration & Modifications”
Join me on Elektor Engineering Insights (EEI) #57 – “Bringing Vintage Computers Back to Life”
In case it’s of interest to any of my followers, I have been invited to take part in a live discussion and Q&A session with Elektor Magazine as part of their Engineering Insights series, in which Elektor’s editors and engineers discuss real engineering challenges and solutions with electronics industry experts. The interview is scheduled forContinue reading “Join me on Elektor Engineering Insights (EEI) #57 – “Bringing Vintage Computers Back to Life””