Laser XT Restoration
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Support this channel on Patreon:
/ 8bitguy1
Visit my website for cool merchandise:
the8bitguy.com/...
In this episode I take two broken Laser XT compact computers and try to make one working model out of it, along with a complete restoration.
I have no idea why I like these videos so much. I don't know anything about retro PC systems like this and don't really care to ever own any, but it's just so satisfying to watch this guy restore them. I think he has a real passion for what he does, and it shows in how meticulously he goes over each individual part of the machines to bring them back to their original condition.
it's like watching the antique refurbishing channels, where they fix up furniture you'll probably never own.
Its the intro. Cant get it of my head, and I keep coming back! lol
Maybe you just like learning about old computers.
maybe it's just satisfying to see an old thing get repaired
This comment describes me
"You've got 51K RAM more than you need, Dude.
That's gnarly!"
Perfect.
It's like when the Skyrim launcher checks your system specs and immediately sets the graphical quality to Ultra
You’ve got 51k RAM more then you need, Dude. That’s gnarly!
__
@@GoEatATowel
Right, because Skyrim is the only game in the entire world that does that.
The said 512k btw
@@lenny02112 no it didn't
just imagine if his daughter had a friend over
"why is your dad cooking keyboard keys?"
"oh that's for his job"
"oh"
XD
Lol
Mmmm...keyboard marinara. Yum yum.
And just like when I cook spaghetti, one key stuck to the bottom of the pan. Heh.
He could have 'chips' with them...get it...I'll get me coat!
*8BG dumps keys into a pot on the stove*
Hey look.
Alphabet Soup.
@@stupidjaosn lol
Stupid Jaosn I remember that show!
Love it.
@@stupidjaosn Martha Speaks
RandomPerson744 teh Object thingy yep!
What sets this apart from other restoration channels is that you explain everything you are doing. Not just music or, worse, nothing. I love it.
I have something to say... It's kinda personal, but there is. I live in South Brazil, and I really feel that people in my country doesn't cares at all about any kind of history, specially about electronics. They just treat anything 5+ years old like totally garbage. It's so amazing to know that are people out there, just like you, that really dedicates to preserve the history of such things. I love collecting those kind of things as well, but because of what I've said, theres little to nothng left, and if there is, is stupidly pricey... Anyway, keep doing that great job that is your channel. My best wishes for you!
>people treating electronics older than 5 years old as garbage.
Fuck those guys.
Raposa Dislexa Brasileiro é tudo assim mesmo
What about the Sega Master System? I thought everyone in Brazil loved that thing
Just the retro videogame community, wich is not as large as you imagine, and within that community, some people just really overprice stuff and... it's just a mess
Raposa Dislexa My parents are like this. My dad thinks any electronics more than like 3 years old aren't worth owning. I'm glad I'm old enough to buy my own stuff now, when I was a kid I got so pissed at that mindset.
Well we finally got those documentaries, 4 years later
We had still had IIe's, C64s and Laser XTs in my early elementary school classes - sometime around '89-90. I have a vivid memory of one of my teacher bringing the Laser into class, had obviously taken it home to do work. The idea of a "portable" computer at the time seemed so cool. Cool to see one working again.
Cool. I have a Laser Compact XT. It was my first MS-DOS computer. Let me know if you need any documentation I have the original 3-ring binder documentation that I could copy and send along. It is possible to upgrade this machine a little bit. On mine, I added an addition UART and RS232 line driver chips so as to enable Com2. I also added an XT expansion card slot on the side so I can plug in 1 card, or even an expansion chassis. (The expansion chassis was purported to be an option, but I don't think it was ever actually sold. I think the problem may have been because of FCC emission certification.) Its a fine little machine. I haven't actually watched all your video yet, but they might have come with a 1MB EMM expansion card inside which is useful in setting up a RAM drive. Glad to see this machine on your channel. Brings back memories. I'll have to dig mine out and see if it still works.
Hey I would love to see more of your upgrades! It was also my first computer.
I'm sure if he needed it he would appreciate it a lot for his documentary. Try emailing him because he didnt respond via comment.
Would be a happy buyer if you ever want to pass it on. I spent several years as a kid beating the life out of this exact machine. transported me and 100% responsible for my life path. Nice to hear you mention it.
Cool
"Hopefully someday I can find the original power supply for it."
*Next month in: 8-Bit Guy Donations*
"Oh wow! A Laser XT power supply. Thanks ______!!
•Finn• hopefully
Times that by four.
While the original PSU may be more authentic, it will probably require replacing at least half of the components such as capacitors for reliable operation...
You mean 20 of them! XD
•Finn• I thought the same thing
Hey 8 bit guy! I just wanted to say we all appreciate the thorough amount of work you put into your restorations. Summing it up in one video makes it seem like it's not much, but we can tell it's a lot of effort.
Keep it up, we love your videos!
You inspired this 10 year old to love retro stuff
I found a old DOS computer in my grandmas storage
I WAS SO EXCITED
You're lucky dude, my dad used to have a C64! I wanted it so bad before he told me he sold it a long time ago ;^;
But still I hope to have one someday! ^w^
Amber The Cat
Actually that happened to me.... I’m not lying I promise 😇
@@minecracktyler if you like old retro computers, you should join Vogons.org, a message board where they talk about all kinds of retro computer hardware and software.
@@rebelrailz. If you're willing to restore one yourself, you can get a couple parts ones for $50 on Ebay and make a working one. Very good condition ones seem to be going for around $350 right now. The C64 is very easy to emulate on modern computers too if it's just the software you're interested in.
Those old computers are rather hard/rare and expensive to find so you must be lucky to have atleast Commodore machines
First, I like the music choice! Second, as an idea for Future power problems on other machines; it may be worth it to keep the atx supply, and add more plugs as you go along, perhaps making it into a universal power supply. It could save you quite the hassle of either tracking down a supply to be able to use a machine, or possibly having a bad power supply, which could damage the electronics. Hopefully this helps!
To be fair, if he does this a lot he should probably invest in a set of bench power supply modules.
You can get cheap ones off ebay that work reasonably well for something like $20 per module, or slightly more depending on voltage and current limits.
Granted this system would have demanded 4 modules...
But you can easily get anything between 0 and 20 volts at up to 3 amps from them.
So if you run into something weird needing say, 17 volts, or 7.5 or whatever...
You can at least test those fairly easily...
AT is actually a better solution here. Early computers relied heavily on the 5V rail, but newer, atx power supplies have most of their capacity on the 12v rail, with an underpowered 5v rail.
Hydrochloric Acid on the other hand, old computers isn't that power hungry.
Rather use a newer atx then a old at dito
Thelemorf i mean you do have a point there
true, perhaps a buck converter could be used, which could bring down the 12v to 5v as needed
I just found a laser compact XT at a Goodwill outlet today with its original power supply!!! total for it was something like $8. It’s missing a couple keys and key posts sadly, but it powers on and an image appears! I’ll have to find out how to actually use it now, cause it seems like tons of fun
That was my first computer and as a kid I spent 3 years squeezing and pounding out every single bit of power it had. I've been buying all my old time "things" lately and I found your video. Put a smile on my face. I hope to find one soon. Thanks
14:35 SICK BEATZ
soundcloud.com/eox-studios/troubled-hearts
Thank you A LOT!
You da real MVP! Thanks!
Your restoration series is one of my all-time favorite shows, youtube or otherwise. I love seeing these things nursed back to health that would otherwise just get recycled or destroyed.
I remember my grandma used to make keyboard pasta, its so nostalgic seeing that alphabet soup again.
I really enjoy your videos. I just received an NES-101 top loader I won on EBay in the mail today. I was cleaning it and it's accessories with Windex while watching this video.
"Dad, are you making cookies?"
"No, it's a computer."
"Again?!"
It’s a keyboard
But it isn’t a keyboard it’s keys
I just love how things end up looking after good research, empirical testing and a bit of cleaning and care. Great job!
I'm sure you know this by now but, oh lord never put a power supply into an unmatching piece of equipment unless you are sure it's compatible. A lot of people have fried ZX Spectrums this way because Spectrums have a center negative barrel jack which is very unusual, almost always the center is positive unless it's various pieces of music equipment.
Nukleon I've come across a few odds and ends that had that center negative power supplies. If polarity isn't marked, I'll open up the device in question and see if I get a clue. I think that most DC inputs are positive center (negative "ground") due to automobile lighters being wired that way, and a lot of portable electonics use a "lighter plug". It kinda became a defacto "standard" even if said device was something other than 12 volts and would never be in a car. But yeah on DC inputs, there is no actual "standard" - Better check and not guess!
James Slick what I do if I'm unsure I'll often Google it first and see what I find if it isn't something I have to open or if it isn't real apparent when the device is opened.
It's more a question of age in my experience. Up until to like .. mid-90ies, early-2000s center negative was "normal", then everything more or less suddenly changed over. Music equipment just kept it
Except with a lot of portable radios and 8-track decks, those were still mostly center positive... Probably because they were designed to be used in a car or boat.
Its a complete enigma why i am watching since i have no interest in computer restoration but it definitely is a compliment for you as the Maker/Editor. Keep up the great work!
I can't wait to see episode 3 of the Commodore story
Tough. He will make a documentary about the Laser 128 and XT, then he'll do Commodore 64.
Me to
The laser 128 has a special place in my heart. It was my first computer that I owned. It came with a book that taught me BASIC. I need to get another one.
Hey Dave, hope all ok. Thanks for this amazing video about the laser, very unusual stuff :). About the power supply you can get a cheap one for the ATARI 520 ST, as they are cheap on ebay and they have the same voltages outputs so you just change the connector,the Laser has 3 grounds and the Atari has 2 but in the laser 2 of them are common so you can connect them together and you will get a almost original look power supply as the original one is hard to get, you can get it but can take years, all the best from Southampton UK.
I find these videos oddly cathartic, just seeing the care with which you bring old and sometimes forgotten pieces of technology back to their former glory tickles me in all the right ways.
The outro song is soundcloud.com/eox-studios/troubled-hearts.
Welcome. I'm surprised no one else looked at the troubled hearts album.
thanks!
Thanks! I was trying to find this online. Wished the 8-Bit Guy would have put a credit for it in the notes.
it is there: 16:25
NoName
1 month ago
Welcome. I'm surprised no one else looked at the troubled hearts album.
I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it, Thank you to anyone who restores and documents older technology, you do a great service to current and future generations.
07:44 "You've got 51K RAM more than you need, dude. That's gnarly!"
I had one of these. Bought it in '88 at a computer show. Added a 10 MB IBM HD and the thing really flew. It was as solid as a brick, and I can't recall having any problems with it. Got rid of it a couple of years later, in favor of a 386SX machine, which flew even higher.
I love the vocals in the music!
me too
I just saw your video in 1080p by the first time and NOW I NOTICE THE DIFERENCE BETWEEN THE CLEAN KEYS AND THE YELLOWED ONES
Is so beautiful
This was my first computer! Sadly, I sold mine years ago, long before I started collecting retro computers. It’s nice to a video on this system. Thanks
I'm impressed that you do this. This 30 year old computer now looks nearly new and fully functions. This is our history being captured.
Heh, you didn't just restore a computer, you actually did some really useful research on how to get an old system powered up. Fantastic!
Thank you for doing this video. It brings back memories. I have a Laser 128 sitting in my garage for over almost 30 years now. I will go see if it still works. Looking forward to see your documentary video. Thank you again.
You can easily get -12 volts from +12 volts using an ICL7660. It is very cheap and easy to use chip, available in DIP8, only needs two external capacitors to work.
shiru8bit
Ahh, I just mentioned something similar. hehe
I've seen some small DC-DC reg boards for negative rails online.
Shouldn't be too hard to hook up, and a lot more compact than the old AT / ATX PSU.
There aren't that many modern replacement PSUs for retro machines (that don't cost a small fortune, and still have the negative outputs).
Hmmm. Idea for future project. lol
Exactly my thoughts. Something like that should be enough for the project:
ebay.com/itm/_/252461791792
(leave +12v unconnected)
I believe that in many (most?) AT computers -12 line is only used for COM (serial) port, so connecting it to -5 should be fine most of the time. Even just connecting it to ground is enough to make some COM-port devices working. However please note that it's only an educated guess, I didn't research schematics of old motherboards to prove I'm right.
Irregardless, omitting or grounding -5v rail on pre-pentium motherboards would likely lead to burned out memory and other chips since it provided negative bias for some components. However, the bias current is minimal and a small DC-DC converter or even a battery should be enough.
Just use a 24v transformer with a center tap. No chips required.
M3ta7h3ad It needs to be _regulated_ ±12V±5%, not unregulated ±12V±30% .
IDK why but I love watching you clean a computer and explain what you're doing. Its so relaxing.
Your restoration videos are definitely my favorites of the videos that you make. It's really interesting to see the techniques and methods you use, and I love the way you describe the process as you go through it. (I love your other videos too of course)
Thank You for this intuitive video, I summed up the courage to open my laser compact XT for cleaning, used some air on the ram and it sprang to life, booted up, then checked the drive and have it working. Key board sticks but i will attempt to clean it. I must say that this machine was last used during 1989 to perhaps 92. been in storage all these years, but now.. IT'S ALIVE !! I am not gonna worry much about the actual keys, but i will look at the contact board and clean. BTW all keys are intact. I also just realized that I had attached a second external drive a 3.5 backpack, so after key board that is next.
Thank You so much again....Upon operation checkout..it might be for sale. Michael in Tucson AZ
I check my notifications and im like "OH MAH GAHD NEW 8BITGUY!!!
Me too!
Big same, this is a great way to start the weekend
Same
Me everything 8 Bit Guy uploads: OOOHH MORE KNOWLEDGE
This is SO my jam for the beginning of the weekend.
Great stuff! I owned 2 Laser XT's, used for billing and word processing in a small business. Great, reliable and slooow in our applications.
Holy guacamole man. Your videos is like awesome gift for gray day weekend. So satisfying, watching how you restorate old PCs. I never regret about subscribe on your channel. Thankeree ;).
One of the best looking computers ever made, besides the gorgeous ATARI 520ST.
Watching your restoration videos has genuinely helped me make quite a few of my vintage computers *and* electronics look practically new! I thank you so much, and when I'm back in the job-saddle, you have a Patreon subscriber!
"You've got 51K RAM more than you need, Dude. That's gnarly!"
Another fantastic video, Dave! I love your attention to detail, and explanation of all your steps. Always a joy to watch your videos, and makes me want to try some restoration myself! Kudos!
Oh man, this was my very first computer. We later got a 386 SX 25 Laser computer in 1992 -- a more conventional set up but with a slimline proprietary case, it was already pretty much obsolete when we got it. I ran my BBS on it until the power supply went out about 4 years later. Wish I still had it to give it to you, but as I remember, the first thing to go out was the power supply for both the XT and the 386 (which had a proprietary internal power supply).
The reason for the odd numbering of the pins is that when the DIN plug was invented there was only a 3 pin version. It was used for audio connections and since everything was mono they only needed 3 pins: IN - GND - OUT (1-2-3). Later a stereo version was needed with 5 pins: IN L - IN R - GND - OUT R - OUT L. But in order not to mess up the old numbering the 3 mono pins had their numbers retained (1-4-2-5-3). Later there was a need for special purpose pins - like remote control signals or power. And again in order not to mess up the known sequence the new pins got numbers 6 and 7. So now it was 6-1-4-2-5-3-7. Perfectly easy to understand if you are used to work with DIN plugs :-)
organfairy oh god it's like 1980s usb-c
That broken key mount says "3d print me"
Not a bad idea in concept but with keyboard sliders you have to be careful with the tolerances so it would most likely require some test fitting and/or sanding perhaps
No point in 3D printing when you have a parts machine like this.
Know from experience it doesn't work very well because you have to have extremely fine resolution which most consumer models can't reproduce. That and the resulting key stalk works a lot better if it's smooth, which you can achieve with sanding and acetone, but it's a lot of work and it'll never be as good as just getting a piece from the parts machine you have right next to you anyways.
@@AiOinc1 Resin printing might be a better choice for something like this than FDM printing. Though you could also just use resin casting to duplicate one of the existing parts...
@@tetsujin_144 he had someone in another video who casted parts for an old toy robot.
These restoration videos are so satisfying to watch.
>wake up
>see a new 8bits guy episode
week-end is off to a good start, thanks!
Oh boy! That is my first XT/AT/x86 computer I have ever owned! Brings back memories.
1. New The 8-Bit Guy video
2. Like the video
3. Get food
4. Comment
5. Enjoy !
I like how "watch the video" isn't actually on the list.
Step 3 can be a mistake on these restoration videos, when he's cleaning all the gunk and what have you...
i always eat when i watch these
1. New The 8-Bit Guy video
2. Watch the Video
3. Like the Music
4 Buy Album Download
So when do you watch it?
Very cool. Came out looking nice. Even some light retrobriting thrown in there. Great video!
I can't count the number of times I've been burned by a pinout diagram being "back of jack" vs. "plug" (especially on a DIN).
This brought back memories for me. My first computer was a Laser 128. I loved it at first, but I remember being so upset whenever I'd see computer software for sale because everything required a PC and all I had was this Apple II clone!
Hey Dave - I'm a big fan - when will you do the laser 128 documentary?
2 weeks ago
Why is it so soothing to watch this dude repair old computers? Love this channel!
During the recent years, I did a lot of repairings too, on my 2 laptops computer I posses. I also upgraded them from time to time with more RAM, new cpu's and even gpu's etc. The "hardest thing I got through, was a complete change of a dead motherboard I got after a short circuit, caused by a unmounted screw with a complete new one, which I fortunately handled perfectly :). So, I did quite a bit of a hardware work done also, BUT, Man, you are simply GENIOUS! I like the way you dedicate yourself to this stuff, it's simply stunning to watch at! Congrats for your ability and knowledge! I just can't wait to see your next video coming soon! Cheers!
I like how peaceful the music is while you’re disassembling them
The first computer we had when I was a kid was a laser 700, that powerswitch is a trip down memory lane :D
WOW! This looks awesome! I don't know much of what you're talking about most of the time, but I love it!
Anyone know where I might be able to pick up an Apple IIc? I'd like to build up my collection a bit more. Awesome video, nonetheless.
There is a place in Pennsylvania called kemners surplus with a MOTHERLOAD of apple II computers and its where I got my apple II
AShifter an amazing place called ebay
Fox Repair never heard ebay before ;)
Fox Repair While ebay is a good place to obtain a apple IIc computer but on ebay it is too expensive.
I always wanted a IIGS. The last Apple brand computer that wasn't a mac I think. Tracking down a copy of Oregon Trail, there in lies the challenge.
Every single time I watch your videos I'm wildly impressed. As someone who enjoys retro technology, particularly video game consoles, I can say your videos are extremely entertaining.
You should 3D print in case you would like both working
Getting 3D printed plungers to slide properly is a bit of a challenge, but the shape doesn't have any evil undercuts, you can simply mould it off in 2K silicone and cast in epoxy, and it'll be an excellent reproduction.
And i mean i have a 3D printer and i 3D print just about EVERYTHING i can think of, and i love sitting there in CAD for an evening, it's just so addicting, but IDK sometimes people lose track of TRIVIAL techniques that don't need any extra equipment at all.
I find these videos so comforting for some reason. I just sat down with a sandwich and saw the notification for this. Best Friday night ever.
Awesome! My family's first computer was a Laser Compact XT. My parents bought it from Sears, if I remember correctly. It really brings back memories to see this video.
8-bit guy gets inundated in Laser XT PSU's in 3.... 2.....
I'm actually looking for the extra one I had for him LOL
The game you used to test the composite/RBG outputs in the end was one that I remember playing growing up.
Quality just keeps getting better with each video. Really liked the music choices too.
At least you got the gem to work. ♥
Another lovely foray into the machines of the past...
Always a pleasure to see you restore our memories.
I can't wait for the documentary on the Laser computers. Your previous video documenting some of the smaller models really made me reminisce about my old Precomputer 2000 (very similar and also made by VTech). I'm going to be doing a retrospective on that one soon!
Still looking forward to the Laser 128 documentary. I had an Apple IIC back in the mid eighty's and wondered about the Laser 128 I saw advertised in my A+ magazines.
Name of the song at the end?
I had one of these back in the day and loved it! I'm looking forward to your documentary.
Same exact port, different pin out, what a stroke of absolute genius!!
Funny enough, that strange power plug is very similar to the old broadcast cameras that my High School used for the morning announcements. I think the camera was a 5pin, and had a huge power brick (triple of that first power brick you... bricked) that I never worried about. If anything broke, we weren't getting it replaced, so I never tried to mess with it (They were 15 years old at the time) Very cool to see similar power adapters out in the wild. I feel the same thing when I see BNC ports and cables.
Im 36 and have zero clue about any of this stuff but these vids make me want to learn soooo bad
You should consider investing into lab power supply.
failing@commenting now when you said it, it will probably come in "8-bit donations!" video (:
Yeah but how would it have helped in this instance? It's just a single output that you set voltage and current-limit, but this machine needs 3 voltage inputs.
The 128 was my first computer growing up, we got it when I was in the 4th grade on recommendation from the school since it was cheap and everything we used in class was Apple. Unfortunately the only thing we had for it was a word processor, we didn't know computers had games worth playing outside of Oregon Trail back then, we thought it was all educational stuff. In '91 we weren't allowed to have video games in the living room, but found the NES worked just fine on the monitor we used for the 128 and the games looked great! I wouldn't mind owning another 128 just for something to play around with.
Hi Dave, I put my keyboard keys in a mesh laundry bag and throw them in the washing machine for a 30min quick wash. Works great.
I had a Laser XT (Old IBM fans would be excused for thinking it had a hard drive,LOL) I used to use it for making video titles in BASIC thanks to the composite video output. I still have the floppys it came with in their original envelopes! They are boldly numbered 1,2 and 3, with color coded labels. Disk 1 (red label) is MS-DOS 3.3. Disk 2 (green label ) is MS-DOS Utilities and Disk 3 (blue label) is GW-BASIC (So yeah R,G,B. Clever!). the disks are in great shape because I was a good boy and only used copies, LOL. It was a neat little machine even if it did lack an HDD!
You sir, have the best cooking show so far!
I work with OCTs (Ocular Coherence Tomography). All of them have the ABS covers. They get covered with pen marks, dirt and fluorescence die (very hard to clean even with Alcohol). The best solution I have found is CIF crème. Cleans it right off, doesn't damage the ABS plastic. It is easy to clean off the CIF residue afterwords. Last but also very important it waters down the fluorescence die.
Also smells nice, my choice is the lemon one. I am sure you have a bottle in your kitchen somewhere ;)
It doesn't have to be CIF, any other copy brand which have crème with micro crystals (abrasives) works. I tested it. It can replace the baking soda method.
FYI I also tested in on ABS covers which were made in the 1970s, as there is still equipment which is working from that era (not OCTs thou)
Having owned and used a Laser 128 even through my freshman year of college, I'm eager for that documentary. If you can find the old game, The Bilestoad for Apple, that would be even more epic.
I know this is 4 years old, but may I suggest that when creating a power connector with a shield shroud, that you use heat shrink tubing on the voltage pins. If you squeeze that connector too tight there's a possibility (albeit remote) of the power pins and ground shorting via that metal shroud.
Man, I love your current jingle. I get so excited about it whenever I hear it.
A really cool project and video would be fabricating a recreation of the original CPU, from its electronics up to a 3d printed shell.
It should also allow for a collaboration or two and these are always fun!
I was getting a little worried there. Glad you where able to release a video this week :).
This is crazy, I consider myself a bit of a tech nerd.....growing up on 8 bit machines. I do not think I have ever heard of the Laser line of computers before.
Nice restoration. I’ve still got my C64 with Tape Deck, and games, and my Amiga 600 with external floppy drive in my loft. Gonna have to get them down this year, and test them, as these both were my favourite machines. I may have to retro bright them, but was wondering what the best method is to do this? Shall I use ultraviolet leds and hydrogen peroxide or other chemicals? I watch all your videos, and love them all. Keep up the great work. Thanks.
I just bought the Laser Rs232 adaptor for the (I think) XT off ebay, there was a seller liquidating new old stock for $5 an adapter. Also, I did the same trick for a power supply with my Apple IIc when I got it, I just made a pigtail to connect to an existing molex connector and convert that to the IIc. I eventually purchased a nice universal 5v / 12v power supply off the web, but I still have that home brew pigtail. I actually have a mint Laser 128 also, but now I want to find the XT for my collection too!
I'm so happy for subscribing to this channel. Totally worth it!
I remember the laser and the laser xt. I was drooling over it when I saw a review of them in byte magazine.
Some of these you tube channels have better production, content and presenters than actual TV channels!
Oh my God, I love your "size does matter" shirt!
it's for sale on my website in many sizes! :-)
I Love Your Videos On Restoration And Reviews On Computers! Keep On Doing These Videos!