Whilst you call to mind a luggable laptop, you could call to mind the previous Compaq or — if you’re sufficiently old — a Kaypro. However you don’t see as many Commodore SX-64 computer systems. [The 8-Bit Guy] has sought after one for some time and after all were given one, nevertheless it wasn’t operating. No downside! Simply repair it!
The instrument in truth seems to be graceful in comparison to a couple different portables of the technology and had a colour display, however — more than likely because of the fee — they didn’t promote rather well. The out of doors of the instrument appeared beautiful blank rather than some free screws and clips. The distance key was once somewhat yellow however no less than there was once a keyboard cable which is just about inconceivable to search out anymore.
Turning it on simply confirmed a white raster at the display. The teardown is fascinating. There’s somewhat a little bit packed within the little case. In fact, that implies it’s important to pull the 5 forums out to get to them.
Doing away with the case led to the show to modify somewhat. He pulled the CPU board out and began swapping chips with a operating Commodore 64 till he discovered two chips that may save you the recognized excellent gadget from operating. Changing them did the trick for the CPU, however the keyboard was once nonetheless now not absolutely practical.
That resulted in a teardown of the keyboard, too. Some 3-d-printed latches fastened the bodily damaged portions. The keyboard itself is atypical with a number of built-in keys and keycaps and a versatile membrane that it sounds as if is a commonplace failure level. On the other hand, you’ll be able to get replacements, however the paintings seems to be love it takes a little bit of endurance.
General, the gadget seems to be about as excellent as new. On the other hand, as [The 8 Bit Guy] issues out, the colour observe was once by no means excellent and he explains precisely why this is.
We’d love to attain any such machines, even supposing the deficient display makes them much less helpful than a correct C64. We’ve observed somebody upload a 2d pressure to those machines. If you wish to have extra element about restoring the SX-64 keyboard, we’ve checked out that prior to, too.