Previously on scuzzblog: Sinclair Spectrum 128 - Back in the box
Previously on scuzzblog: Sinclair Spectrum+ - New membrane and a clean
Previously on scuzzblog: Spectrum 128 - The Toast Rack
Previously on scuzzblog: Spectrum +2 - Not such a grey day.
Previously on scuzzblog: Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ - Check if still working.
ScuzzBlog: Diaries December 2024
Entry 18th December 2024: Post 1: Gallipoli - ZX Spectrum 128 - XBOX.
Gallipoli - ZX Spectrum 128 - XBOX.
Never forget that the blog here is a record of what I do. So when
I record those processes I very often ignore the side issues that
come into play during the day and focus on the main subject. Today
I got caught up on a high shelf in the store tidying up protective
coverings and checking for spider shite.
Over the summer I watched in horror as the most enormous Hampshire
spider crawled across the wall into my storage area. Some days
later it reappeared in the kitchen and was promptly dispatched. It
really was a monster of a beast.
I do take a lot of care protecting my boxes and I cover most of
them. You do have to be very careful with boxes to let them air.
Essential is to keep them out of direct harmful light, in a dry
stable environment and not subject to dramatic changes in temp.
Insects are a real problem and the two villains are moths and
spiders. Moths leave larvae to crawl all all over the cardboard
and will stick holes in everything, and spiders just like to shite
on everything. So just keep an eye on your boxes, lightly cover
and rotate the boxes, disturbing them and use a feather duster.
May sound a bit extreme but you are best keeping windows and
doors shut.
This week each time I have reached for the tripod this Spectrum
game kept dropping on the floor called Gallipoli. So first up I
was on the hunt for a plastic case and then a home slot for the
actual game. Tapes are prone to atmospheric deterioration so a
clean dry place is essential and again keep artwork out of the
harmful light. Record what you have and scan where possible.
The Spectrum 128 is actually becoming rare. They made just the
30,000 units and sold for three months only the beginning of 1986.
Sounds recent in terms of retro but that's thirty eight years ago.
The machine marks the last from Sir Clive as he was soon to sell
to Alan Sugar who scrapped the design and worked it into the +2
which incorporated a conventional keyboard and the tape drive.
The machine was nicknamed the toaster as it has the large visible
heat sink. The computer was developed in Spain and released first
in Spain in 1985. The company involved was Investronica. It was
to feature the 128KB RAM, 3 channel audio chip, midi compatibility,
RS232 serial connector and RGB port. Sadly still no joy ports.
The computer box is generally fine and there were no traces of
spider droppings. So a light dust and replacement of tissue to
the covered surfaces. The machine itself was repaired in 2018.
Before I could salvage the Spectrum box I had to first take down
the original XBOX box which is from my original machine. This is
just half the age of the Spectrum being some 22 years old. Its
launch in Europe was March 2002. Seems like yesterday. Whilst I
have not gone out of my way to look after the box over the years
I have kept it safe. It too has evaded spider shite.
The Xbox, like so many of my consoles is left loose in the room
upstairs, though I have placed the support items in a tub as I
favour the XBOX360 for my Microsoft gaming activities. The XBOX
was hammered in the early 2000s playing ALIAS, Max Payne and
Dead or Alive. For a while she was my weapon of choice.
Anyhoo all boxes were thoroughly checked and coverings replaced.
The kit was lightly dusted and in the case of the XBOX covered
with protective tissue and slotted back on end between an A1200
and a Commodore 64.
Its what I do.
Gallipoli - ZX Spectrum 128 - XBOX.
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Last updated 18th December 2024
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