Tag Archives: Collection

1983 NABU PC – 230V PSU Modification, Replacement Cooling Fan, & Serial Adapter

In case you haven’t heard, the retro computer scene has been recently introduced to the NABU Personal Computer (PC) – produced between 1982 and 1984 by the NABU Network Corporation in Ottawa, Canada – when a large number (1000+) of unsold, new-old-stock, new-in-box systems were found in a warehouse, untouched for decades. The NABU (NaturalContinue reading “1983 NABU PC – 230V PSU Modification, Replacement Cooling Fan, & Serial Adapter”

1956 Bush VHF90 Vacuum Tube Radio Restoration

A couple of months ago, I bought a vintage 1956 Bush VHF90 tube AM/FM radio set in an antique shop in Hartlepool, Kiwi Trading. The VHF90 was in reasonable physical shape, and the band switch was intact (a common problem area on these sets), however it was in unknown operating condition – the power cordContinue reading “1956 Bush VHF90 Vacuum Tube Radio Restoration”

1959 Kolster Brandes QB20 “Minuet” Bakelite Vacuum Tube Radio Repair & Restoration

A few weeks ago, my mother-in-law spotted a vintage 1959 Kolster Brandes QB20 “Minuet” tube AM/FM radio set in a local charity shop, and – knowing that I have a growing interest in radios – very kindly bought it for me for £10.00 (even though it wasn’t technically for sale, but was being used asContinue reading “1959 Kolster Brandes QB20 “Minuet” Bakelite Vacuum Tube Radio Repair & Restoration”

1988 Apple 20SC External HDD Repair & Restoration

I recently got my hands on a 1986 Apple Macintosh Plus 1MB, which came with a 1988 Apple 20SC external 20MB SCSI HDD, both in unknown condition. The Apple Hard Disk 20SC (not to be confused with the Apple Macintosh Hard Disk 20) was Apple’s first SCSI based hard drive for the Apple II familyContinue reading “1988 Apple 20SC External HDD Repair & Restoration”

1956 Philips 353A Bakelite Vacuum Tube Radio Repair & Restoration

A few months ago I bought my first ever vacuum tube radio, a 1956 Philips 353A bakelite AM/FM set, which is (currently) the oldest item in my collection. I’ve been wanting to get into vintage radio restoration for some time now (after watching YouTube channels such as the excellent Mr Carlson’s Lab), as I find theContinue reading “1956 Philips 353A Bakelite Vacuum Tube Radio Repair & Restoration”

1987 Commodore 1901 CRT Monitor Repair, Modification, & Restoration

I was recently given a 1980s Commodore 1901 CRT display by a friend, the third Commodore display for my collection (following a 1701 and 1084S-D2). It was in quite good condition physically, though it was missing its front control cover (a common problem with displays of this era) – it also came with a non-standardContinue reading “1987 Commodore 1901 CRT Monitor Repair, Modification, & Restoration”

1983 Commodore 2031-LP 5.25″ FDD Repair & Restoration

I recently acquired my first Commodore 2031-LP 5.25″ FDD, another vintage disk drive to add to my collection, and a rather uncommon one at that. The drive was in reasonable condition, however it was bought untested and sold-as-seen with no accessories after being stored at the bottom of a wardrobe for several decades. The Commodore 2031 andContinue reading “1983 Commodore 2031-LP 5.25″ FDD Repair & Restoration”

Amiga A1010 3.5″ FDD Repair & Restoration

I recently acquired my first Commodore Amiga A1010 3.5″ FDD, another vintage disk drive to add to my collection. The drive was in reasonable condition and came with several accessories and its original box, however it was bought sold-as-seen. The Commodore Amiga 1010 3.5″ FDD was released in 1985 alongside the Amiga 1000, or A1000,Continue reading “Amiga A1010 3.5″ FDD Repair & Restoration”

Commodore 1540 5.25″ FDD Restoration

I recently acquired my first Commodore 1540 5.25″ FDD, another vintage disk drive to add to my collection. The drive was in reasonable condition and came with several accessories and its original box, however it was bought sold-as-seen and had several modifications and missing parts. The Commodore 1540 5.25″ FDD was released in 1981 forContinue reading “Commodore 1540 5.25″ FDD Restoration”

My 1982 Acorn Atom

I recently obtained my first Acorn Atom, another 1980s 8-bit computer to add to my collection. The machine was in very good, tested condition and came with several tasteful (and reversible) modifications to improve reliability and usability. The Acorn Atom was produced by Acorn Computers Ltd from 1980 to 1982, when it was replaced by the BBC Micro. The AtomContinue reading “My 1982 Acorn Atom”