ScuzzBlog: Diaries August 2018
Entry 19th August 2018: Post 01: Batteries included
Batteries included
The world of retro involves a lot of checking of computers to make
sure they are still functioning. This in itself is quite risky
given that it involves actual physical use of the computer and the
simple process of powering the circuits. I am always grateful when
the procedure is over, as fun as it may be. And so it is time again
to check over the little beasts that eat batteries.
I have quite a few handhelds and portable old computers that eat
batteries for fun. Worse is that they often have two types of battery
and even three in some cases as with the Atari Portfolio. The Z88
just gobbles batteries with the EPROM. So I check as best I can
and then decide whether the secondary batteries are essential.
I keep them in protective casings and or bags and they are stored
together. I have more than I show in this feature, but with so many
like the TRS range it is just a case of switching on and off to see
if they are working.
I have great problems photographing these machines as you need the
light to be pointing direct at the screens to read them. Sadly
what that means is the screen is obscured by the light making the
photography almost impossible. Further, a computer with a
rubberised keyboard like the Z88 attracts fine dust particles. I was
cleaning the Z88 yet again for a good hour to rid of the dust but
it still looks filthy. I have no solution so sorry.
Anyway, they were all working. I will probably resist taking pics
in the future as it is all pretty 'samey' each time. I do like
these computers but find very little to do with them as they are
designed as a daily journal and desk-mate kinda device.
Just pleased they are working.
Remember again what the blog represents. It is a record of what I do.
... It's what I do.
Batteries Included
Cambridge Z88.
Sadly the EPROM just eats batteries.
And this computer takes four.
Acorn Pocket Book.
Oregon Scientific.
Atari Portfolio.
Amstrad Notepad.
Amstrad Notebook.
All working
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