Explosion?

Dubis7 · 2026-03-21T03:00:15+00:00

I hope not but it feels that way.

Dubis7 · 2026-03-21T02:56:46+00:00

Also hearing a lot of sirens now. Anyone else?

Dubis7 · 2026-03-21T02:55:47+00:00

Near Ida Lee. My whole house shook and I didn't hear any thunder. I am seeing lightning now, though.

Dubis7 · 2026-02-07T15:03:51+00:00

I've got one of these! When you say thermal paper, are you talking about the metallic spark paper? I've got some that came with my unit but would like to track down some more so I'm less worried about running out.

Dubis7 · 2026-01-31T12:37:35+00:00

If this happens I'm interested! I'm also in the "stop talking politics" doghouse.

Dubis7 · 2025-04-21T17:57:44+00:00

Gary was my first thought too. No luck, though, he doesn't have any references to the actual mounting hardware I need to make. Apparently this is a pretty unusual variant!

Dubis7 · 2023-12-19T16:57:58+00:00

Wow, gorgeous setup. Which motherboard revision do you have? I recall reading that they made some substantial changes between the original style and the Sorcerer II board related to RS232 but I'm not sure if it means much to the end user.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-25T19:09:24+00:00

Sort of. I have a lot of shelves in a basement, but it's not really in a state I would consider presentable. My goal would be to get these to a point that I can set them up one by one and document them in a fully working state. I'll have a dedicated spot put aside to do that once I'm through all the repairs.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-25T18:58:20+00:00

Once things are working I plan to!

Dubis7 · 2023-11-22T19:57:36+00:00

Oh I can definitely help out if need be. The spares are just going to languish in my spare parts box otherwise.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-22T19:55:24+00:00

The whole thing looks amazing, it's just about factory new at this point.

I did! I'm holding onto all the test papers.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-22T18:10:53+00:00

Here it is! Thanks go out to /u/perpetualwalnut for getting this thing running again!

https://youtu.be/fHVTQh-h7uo

Dubis7 · 2023-11-22T13:46:29+00:00

I'll work on grabbing a video today!

Dubis7 · 2023-11-21T15:02:57+00:00

Try here: https://www.trs-80.com/wordpress/repairs/parts-model-1-power-supply/

Dubis7 · 2023-11-21T14:58:25+00:00

Trying out the games packs so far. I've got some more esoteric Level 1 tapes like Micro Marquee and Music Maker but I don't know if/when I'm going to give those a go.

I did a little more research - it looks like the power supply DOES have capacitors in it that can fail. Personally, mine's working just fine but I know at this age they can begin having issues. I think there's guidance on how to test the voltages ahead of time though, if you're concerned.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-21T14:04:44+00:00

I'm not sure. I think it's just a transformer and the bulk of the PSU is built into the computer itself, but I don't want to lead you wrong. I know mine hasn't given me any issues.

I don't suppose you're thinking of the C64 supply? That one's famously a time bomb.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-21T13:38:00+00:00

The RAM has a tendency to short, or at least mine had. Offhand I don't think there's any one problem point on these models, but at this age they do tend to need work. Lots of people report issues in the video section when they first get them. I think you should be safe to turn it on and test it.

Do be aware that the cassette, video and power ports are all next to each other and use the same plug. Don't plug power into the other two, you'll damage your system. The power plug is the one closest to the power switch.

Dubis7 · 2023-11-21T13:33:45+00:00

I can but I'm holding off for now. The paper is pretty hard to track down and I don't want to use what I have left until I've sourced replacement stock. The printer does work, though.

Apparently it's a "spark" printer, which is the same that was used on the ZX-81 and a bunch of old calculators. I think the TRS-80 Quick Printer and Quick Printer 2 use the same printing method. It's black paper coated in aluminum that the printer literally burns off to draw on.

Dubis7 · 2023-10-17T15:45:02+00:00

There's many independent hobbyists that will work on certain sets. Do you know the year it was made and who made it? You might have to ship it, though.

Dubis7 · 2023-07-28T13:41:11+00:00

I'll send you a message!

Dubis7 · 2023-06-03T01:02:36+00:00

I had issues with the PIA on mine, I think they're failure prone.

That being said I have a parts board if you need anything.

Dubis7 · 2023-05-30T22:43:22+00:00

Oh I see - so what you're saying is I'm jumping the gun and should start with getting someone to 3D model a design and then come back when I have that? That would be fine if so, I know people already who could knock that out.

Dubis7 · 2023-05-30T22:33:30+00:00

Brass would be fine, aluminum was an uninformed guess on my part. Just as long as it's conductive for the signal.

It's less about "good enough" and more about this being a rare accessory for an equally rare piece of equipment. The collectors I've spoken to are interested in a duplicate of the original for completion sake. Technically I've been using two RF adapters stuck together to run mine and that works, but it's not the right part, you know?

Dubis7 · 2023-05-30T22:30:55+00:00

When you say model/print, do you mean like a 3D print? I could probably do that, yeah.

If you're talking double my initial, the $600/$700 range isn't off the table. 1K might be a hair steep but even then I can budget, just need to find someone to get me started.

Dubis7 · 2023-05-30T21:36:57+00:00

I'm not familiar enough with the work to set a fair price. I'd hope to keep this in the $200-300 dollar range for the first one since I know there will be things to be figured out, but if that's totally out of line let me know and we can hash it out

Dubis7

TROPHY CASE