You know, I'm a fan of retro computers and vintage electronics... Sometimes it happens to find those offers irresistible, at least that's how they are perceived. In reality, there is little irresistible, and the purchase is completely irrational, even if at a good price. Introducing my new Commodore Plus4 and Sinclair ZX81!
Impulse buying: Commodore Plus4 and Sinclair ZX81
It will be the thrill of receiving a package, it will be the adrenaline unleashed by testing these vintage computers and finding out whether they work or not... In short, I recently purchased a Commodore Plus/4 and a Sinclair ZX81, from a seller I met through my site.
The seller, Ivan, was very kind and honest about the condition of the computers: they are not tested. They can work, or they don't even turn on. He sold them to me at a very attractive price.
I decided to buy them even though they may not be working, as they would still be a bargain for spare parts. In the video, initially, I show the package and the packaging, and then proceed to unboxing. The Commodore Plus4 is in the original polystyrene, a bit run down. It is complete with warranty certificate, original power supply with square connector and video cable.
The Sinclair ZX81 is not equipped with any accessories. It is in good condition, although it has a sticker stuck on it and the inscription ZX81 traced with a marker.
I test the Commodore Plus4
The adrenaline is growing, even if it is destined to collapse soon!
Before testing the computer, I always suggest testing the supply voltages of the power supply. I explain it in this article.
The power supply that the seller sold me is fully functional. I also test the computer with my power supply (which I already have, since I own a Commodore Plus/4). Unfortunately… the computer doesn't work!
This computer is only for spare parts: it may not be worth repairing, given the high cost of replacement chips.
The test of the Sinclair ZX81
The adrenaline instead remained high with the Sinclair ZX81: the computer works!
I connected the antenna to the TV on analog channel 36 and, although the image is very bad, I saw the cursor! A simple square at the bottom left of the monitor. I tried to tune the TV better and change the video cable, but the result is still a shaky image. The TV is obviously not suitable for this computer.
Trying to write my name “AMEDEO” on the vintage computer keyboard, I realized I wasn't good at using the ZX81 yet!
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