Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
24 messages · 2008-01-03 → 2009-09-16 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org
Participants: Richard Atkinson, M. Emrah Oral, Adam Trionfo, Bill Loguidice, Glen Goodwin, vbtinfo, Marvio Santos, Fred, Peter Hoffman, Ralph E. Dodd, Stephen Young, Oscar Arthur Koepke
Preserved from the Timex/Sinclair 2068 Yahoo Group (2001–2019), which is no longer online. Text reproduced from the archive.org archive; email addresses masked.
Messages
1. Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Adam Trionfo · Wed, 2 Jan 2008 21:19:
William McBrine wrote:
>>
The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
>>
Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
Thanks.
Adam
_________________________________________________________________
Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
2. RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Bill Loguidice · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 11:11:
It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've worked
with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a "magic"
bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost wonder if
removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference, if such a
thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there are some
relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go through with
one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
=================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
<http://www.armchairarcade.com/> http://www.armchairarcade.com
A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
=================================
_____
From: [email] [mailto:[email]] On Behalf Of
Adam Trionfo
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM
To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
William McBrine wrote:
>>
The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering,
etc.)
>>
Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor
program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It
wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using
the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old
school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any
of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or
anything with it.
Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
Thanks.
Adam
__________________________________________________________
Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
http://club.
<http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec>
live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
3. Video fix for TS2068
Glen Goodwin · Thu, 03 Jan 2008 11:23
Hi Adam --
When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
Best,
Glen Goodwin
Adam Trionfo wrote:
> William McBrine wrote:
> The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
>
> Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
>
> Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>
> I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Adam
> _________________________________________________________________
> Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
4. RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Richard Atkinson · 03 Jan 2008 16:39:53 +
The solution to the TS2068's sound and video problems seems to be to sort
out its power supply. The TS2068 uses an early switch mode power supply
with rather unsatisfactory performance; it would be better to replace it
with a linear supply which would produce less noise, although maybe at the
expense of increased heat generation. The Timex Computer 2068 features such
a linear supply.
On Jan 3 2008, Bill Loguidice wrote:
> It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
> never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
> something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've
> worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a
> "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost
> wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference,
> if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there
> are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go
> through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>
>=================================
>Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
>Armchair Arcade, Inc.
> <http://www.armchairarcade.com/> http://www.armchairarcade.com
>A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
>=================================
>
>
>
> _____
>
>From: [email] [mailto:[email]] On Behalf Of
>Adam Trionfo
>Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM
>To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
>Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
>
>
>
>
>William McBrine wrote:
>>>
>The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
>latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering,
>etc.)
>>>
>
>Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor
>program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It
>wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using
>the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old
>school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any
>of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or
>anything with it.
>
>Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>
>I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Adam
>__________________________________________________________
>Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
>http://club.
><http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec>
>live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
>
>
>
5. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
M. Emrah Oral · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 09:21:
The ZX Spectrum has a MUCH better RF (and composite via the edge connector) output than the Timex 2068.
----- Original Message ----
From: Bill Loguidice <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 6:11:01 PM
Subject: RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference, if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
============ ========= ========= ===
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
http://www.armchair arcade.com
A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
============ ========= ========= ===
From: ts2068@yahoogroups. com [mailto:ts2068@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Adam Trionfo
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM
To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
William McBrine wrote:
>>
The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
>>
Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
Thanks.
Adam
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec
____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
6. RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Richard Atkinson · 03 Jan 2008 17:35:21 +
The noise comes from the power supply itself. It's a switched mode design
which actually generates noise in operation. The noise should be filtered
out by passive components, but in the TS2068 this isn't done very well.
On Jan 3 2008, Bill Loguidice wrote:
> It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
> never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
> something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've
> worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a
> "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost
> wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference,
> if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there
> are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go
> through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>
>=================================
>Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
>Armchair Arcade, Inc.
> <http://www.armchairarcade.com/> http://www.armchairarcade.com
>A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
>=================================
>
>
>
> _____
>
>From: [email] [mailto:[email]] On Behalf Of
>Adam Trionfo
>Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM
>To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
>Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
>
>
>
>
>William McBrine wrote:
>>>
>The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
>latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering,
>etc.)
>>>
>
>Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor
>program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It
>wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using
>the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old
>school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any
>of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or
>anything with it.
>
>Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>
>I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Adam
>__________________________________________________________
>Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
>http://club.
><http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec>
>live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
>
>
>
7. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
M. Emrah Oral · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 09:45:
Just out of curiousity... I am from Europe and I bought 3 2068s when I was in the US. They ALL had terrible video output so I figured that was how they all were. When coming back to Europe I left the 110V power supply units in the States because the mains voltage in Europe is 220V. So when I arrived here I bought a 15V adapter, which, I am positive, is NOT a switching supply. It is the good old, transformer+rectifier type. But the video signal is still exactly how it was back in the US when I was using the original power supply units. I dont know why you guys say the TS2068 PSU is a switching suppy. Mine was pretty bulky and heavy. Atypical of switching supplies. It is however very strange to me that a computer with such flawed and terrible video output was sold by Timex without doing a thing about it. No wonder the 2068 was never popular like the Spectrum. I built a cable with which I hookup the 2068 to my multi-system (PAL/NTSC/SECAM) TV through
RGB-SCART and the picture is perfect. I used the RGB and sync signals at the edge connector and some resistors to bring the level down to the SCART standard.
----- Original Message ----
From: Richard Atkinson <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:35:21 PM
Subject: RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
The noise comes from the power supply itself. It's a switched mode design
which actually generates noise in operation. The noise should be filtered
out by passive components, but in the TS2068 this isn't done very well.
On Jan 3 2008, Bill Loguidice wrote:
> It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
> never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
> something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've
> worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a
> "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost
> wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference,
> if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there
> are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go
> through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>
>=========== ========= ========= ====
>Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
>Armchair Arcade, Inc.
> <http://www.armchair arcade.com/> http://www.armchair arcade.com
>A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
>=========== ========= ========= ====
>
>
>
> _____
>
>From: ts2068@yahoogroups. com [mailto:ts2068@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of
>Adam Trionfo
>Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM
>To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
>Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
>
>
>
>
>William McBrine wrote:
>>>
>The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
>latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering,
>etc.)
>>>
>
>Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor
>program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It
>wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using
>the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old
>school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any
>of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or
>anything with it.
>
>Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>
>I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Adam
>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
>Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
>http://club.
><http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec>
>live.com/chicktion ary.aspx? icid=chick_ wlhmtextlink1_ dec
>
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________________
Be a better friend, newshound, and
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
8. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
M. Emrah Oral · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 09:46:
By the way, off topic, but the 2068 has 15 colors whereas the ZX Spectrum has 16. Yes. 2068 doesn't have "Bright Black" like the Speccy.
----- Original Message ----
From: M. Emrah Oral <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:21:55 PM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
The ZX Spectrum has a MUCH better RF (and composite via the edge connector) output than the Timex 2068.
----- Original Message ----
From: Bill Loguidice <bill@armchairarcade .com>
To: ts2068@yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 6:11:01 PM
Subject: RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference, if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
============ ========= ========= ===
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
http://www.armchair arcade.com
A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
============ ========= ========= ===
From: ts2068@yahoogroups. com [mailto:ts2068@ yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Adam Trionfo
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM
To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
William McBrine wrote:
>>
The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
>>
Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
Thanks.
Adam
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec
Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping
9. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Richard Atkinson · 03 Jan 2008 17:56:18 +
The power supply I am referring to here is the one inside the computer, not
the external mains utiliy supply unit (or wall wart). The thing that
converts the 15V into 5V and other voltages that the computer chips use. It
is part of the computer's main circuit itself.
On Jan 3 2008, M. Emrah Oral wrote:
> Just out of curiousity... I am from Europe and I bought 3 2068s when I
> was in the US. They ALL had terrible video output so I figured that was
> how they all were. When coming back to Europe I left the 110V power
> supply units in the States because the mains voltage in Europe is 220V.
> So when I arrived here I bought a 15V adapter, which, I am positive, is
> NOT a switching supply. It is the good old, transformer+rectifier type.
> But the video signal is still exactly how it was back in the US when I
> was using the original power supply units. I dont know why you guys say
> the TS2068 PSU is a switching suppy. Mine was pretty bulky and heavy.
> Atypical of switching supplies. It is however very strange to me that a
> computer with such flawed and terrible video output was sold by Timex
> without doing a thing about it. No wonder the 2068 was never popular like
> the Spectrum. I built a cable with which I hookup the 2068 to my
> multi-system (PAL/NTSC/SECAM) TV through RGB-SCART and the picture is
> perfect. I used the RGB and sync signals at the edge connector and some
> resistors to bring the level down to the SCART standard.
>
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: Richard Atkinson <[email]>
>To: [email]
>Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:35:21 PM
>Subject: RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
>
>The noise comes from the power supply itself. It's a switched mode design
>which actually generates noise in operation. The noise should be filtered
>out by passive components, but in the TS2068 this isn't done very well.
>
>On Jan 3 2008, Bill Loguidice wrote:
>
>> It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
>> never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
>> something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've
>> worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a
>> "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost
>> wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference,
>> if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there
>> are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go
>> through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>>
>>=========== ========= ========= ====
>>Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
>>Armchair Arcade, Inc.
>> <http://www.armchair arcade.com/> http://www.armchair arcade.com
>>A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
>>=========== ========= ========= ====
>>
>>
>>
>> _____
>>
>> From: ts2068@yahoogroups. com [mailto:ts2068@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf
>> Of Adam Trionfo Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM To: TS 2068
>> Yahoogroup Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing
>> Problem
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>William McBrine wrote:
>>>>
>> The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
>> latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve
>> soldering, etc.)
>>>>
>>
>> Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing
>> Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way
>> up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to
>> read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used
>> plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad
>> display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly
>> wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
>>
>>Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>>
>>I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>>
>>Thanks.
>>
>>Adam
>>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
>>Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
>>http://club.
>><http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec>
>>live.com/chicktion ary.aspx? icid=chick_ wlhmtextlink1_ dec
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________________
> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it
> now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
10. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Richard Atkinson · 03 Jan 2008 18:08:06 +
I also suspect that the TS2068 was rushed out of the door to achieve sales
and generate cash for the company before the computer was really ready; the
BASIC shows signs of being unfinished, and so does the hardware.
That said, a lot of the problems can be fixed afterwards and the computer
still has enormous potential as an enhancement upon the Spectrum.
On Jan 3 2008, M. Emrah Oral wrote:
> Just out of curiousity... I am from Europe and I bought 3 2068s when I
> was in the US. They ALL had terrible video output so I figured that was
> how they all were. When coming back to Europe I left the 110V power
> supply units in the States because the mains voltage in Europe is 220V.
> So when I arrived here I bought a 15V adapter, which, I am positive, is
> NOT a switching supply. It is the good old, transformer+rectifier type.
> But the video signal is still exactly how it was back in the US when I
> was using the original power supply units. I dont know why you guys say
> the TS2068 PSU is a switching suppy. Mine was pretty bulky and heavy.
> Atypical of switching supplies. It is however very strange to me that a
> computer with such flawed and terrible video output was sold by Timex
> without doing a thing about it. No wonder the 2068 was never popular like
> the Spectrum. I built a cable with which I hookup the 2068 to my
> multi-system (PAL/NTSC/SECAM) TV through RGB-SCART and the picture is
> perfect. I used the RGB and sync signals at the edge connector and some
> resistors to bring the level down to the SCART standard.
>
>
>----- Original Message ----
>From: Richard Atkinson <[email]>
>To: [email]
>Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:35:21 PM
>Subject: RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
>
>The noise comes from the power supply itself. It's a switched mode design
>which actually generates noise in operation. The noise should be filtered
>out by passive components, but in the TS2068 this isn't done very well.
>
>On Jan 3 2008, Bill Loguidice wrote:
>
>> It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
>> never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
>> something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've
>> worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a
>> "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost
>> wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference,
>> if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there
>> are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go
>> through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>>
>>=========== ========= ========= ====
>>Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
>>Armchair Arcade, Inc.
>> <http://www.armchair arcade.com/> http://www.armchair arcade.com
>>A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
>>=========== ========= ========= ====
>>
>>
>>
>> _____
>>
>> From: ts2068@yahoogroups. com [mailto:ts2068@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf
>> Of Adam Trionfo Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM To: TS 2068
>> Yahoogroup Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing
>> Problem
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>William McBrine wrote:
>>>>
>> The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
>> latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve
>> soldering, etc.)
>>>>
>>
>> Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing
>> Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way
>> up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to
>> read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used
>> plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad
>> display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly
>> wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
>>
>>Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>>
>>I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>>
>>Thanks.
>>
>>Adam
>>___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
>>Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
>>http://club.
>><http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec>
>>live.com/chicktion ary.aspx? icid=chick_ wlhmtextlink1_ dec
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________________
> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it
> now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
11. Re: Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Glen Goodwin · Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:14
Hi Richard --
Your suspicions are correct. Years ago I had some correspondence
with George Grimm, President and CEO of Timex Computer Corp. He said
the conversion of the Spectrum to the TS2068 was supposed to take six
weeks but stretched into eight months. Timex was losing money on
computers by that time, so it was pushed out before all the features
were in place and the machine properly debugged. The user manual
was finished long before the computer was.
"They were called TS2000's .... and this is the one we should
have made into production .... the re-engineering of it into a
TS2068 was the "guillotine" about to drop."
Later --
Glen
Richard Atkinson wrote:
> I also suspect that the TS2068 was rushed out of the door to achieve sales
> and generate cash for the company before the computer was really ready; the
> BASIC shows signs of being unfinished, and so does the hardware.
>
> That said, a lot of the problems can be fixed afterwards and the computer
> still has enormous potential as an enhancement upon the Spectrum.
>
>
> On Jan 3 2008, M. Emrah Oral wrote:
>
>> Just out of curiousity... I am from Europe and I bought 3 2068s when I
>> was in the US. They ALL had terrible video output so I figured that was
>> how they all were. When coming back to Europe I left the 110V power
>> supply units in the States because the mains voltage in Europe is 220V.
>> So when I arrived here I bought a 15V adapter, which, I am positive, is
>> NOT a switching supply. It is the good old, transformer+rectifier type.
>> But the video signal is still exactly how it was back in the US when I
>> was using the original power supply units. I dont know why you guys say
>> the TS2068 PSU is a switching suppy. Mine was pretty bulky and heavy.
>> Atypical of switching supplies. It is however very strange to me that a
>> computer with such flawed and terrible video output was sold by Timex
>> without doing a thing about it. No wonder the 2068 was never popular like
>> the Spectrum. I built a cable with which I hookup the 2068 to my
>> multi-system (PAL/NTSC/SECAM) TV through RGB-SCART and the picture is
>> perfect. I used the RGB and sync signals at the edge connector and some
>> resistors to bring the level down to the SCART standard.
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----
>> From: Richard Atkinson <[email]>
>> To: [email]
>> Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 7:35:21 PM
>> Subject: RE: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
>>
>> The noise comes from the power supply itself. It's a switched mode design
>> which actually generates noise in operation. The noise should be filtered
>> out by passive components, but in the TS2068 this isn't done very well.
>>
>> On Jan 3 2008, Bill Loguidice wrote:
>>
>>> It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad. I too have
>>> never seen a computer or console with such a noisy video signal using
>>> something other than RF (for most of dozens of different systems I've
>>> worked with, using composite or RGB or what-have-you is almost like a
>>> "magic" bullet in that in creates a crystal clear display). I almost
>>> wonder if removing the RF tuner in it would eliminate the interference,
>>> if such a thing were possible while maintaining function. I know there
>>> are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go
>>> through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>>>
>>> =========== ========= ========= ====
>>> Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
>>> Armchair Arcade, Inc.
>>> <http://www.armchair arcade.com/> http://www.armchair arcade.com
>>> A PC Magazine Top 100 Website
>>> =========== ========= ========= ====
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _____
>>>
>>> From: ts2068@yahoogroups. com [mailto:ts2068@yahoogroups. com] On Behalf
>>> Of Adam Trionfo Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 12:19 AM To: TS 2068
>>> Yahoogroup Subject: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing
>>> Problem
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> William McBrine wrote:
>>> The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the
>>> latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve
>>> soldering, etc.)
>>> Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing
>>> Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way
>>> up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to
>>> read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used
>>> plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad
>>> display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly
>>> wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
>>>
>>> Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
>>>
>>> I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
>>>
>>> Thanks.
>>>
>>> Adam
>>> ___________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ __
>>> Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
>>> http://club.
>>> <http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec>
>>> live.com/chicktion ary.aspx? icid=chick_ wlhmtextlink1_ dec
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ____________________________________________________________________________________
>> Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it
>> now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
>
>
12. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Fred · Fri, 4 Jan 2008 10:34:
On 04/01/2008, at 4:46, M. Emrah Oral wrote:
> By the way, off topic, but the 2068 has 15 colors whereas the ZX
> Spectrum has 16. Yes. 2068 doesn't have "Bright Black" like the
> Speccy.
I am surprised to hear you say that, as my experience is the opposite.
Several Spectrum games use a black background and use the bright bit
for collision detection (e.g. Starquake and Cybernoid II).
On a Spectrum, the black looks the same on both the scenery and the
main play area, but I find on my TS2068 and TC2048 that the bright
black can be distinguished from the non-bright at least with the
composite output.
Fred
13. RE: Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Adam Trionfo · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 15:51:
Bill Loguidice wrote:
>>
It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad.
>>
Well, I'm glad to hear that someone else mentioned that the Spectrum was MUCH better. Otherwise I just don't see how it could have done as well as it did.
>>
I know there are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If you do go through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>>
Will do. Of course, I split my time between this (as of yesterday) and the Astrocade. Also, classes starts again on Tuesday. We'll see what I can do though.
Adam
_________________________________________________________________
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14. RE: [ts2068] RE: Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Bill Loguidice · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 19:06:
Well, there really is no way to compare UK and US markets, especially back
then. Entirely different tastes and interests, with lots of systems we took
for granted, like the Apple II and Atari 8-bit computers, and various
videogame systems, hardly a blip there. The UK was definitely more budget
conscious and tolerant of basic setups, which I think was a huge factor in
the Sinclair's favor, on top of it being home grown, among many other
things. Timex didn't have a bad idea trying to improve the Spectrum, as
they had to to remain remotely competitive in the low end market (though
losing most Spectrum compatibility WAS foolish), but by then it was far too
late for both the company and just good enough competition, particularly
against a system like the Commodore 64, which would come to steamroll the
competition on price and support. The US also standardized on disks far
sooner than the UK, which had a thriving cassette software market into the
late 1980's. The markets only started to become more alike when the Atari
ST and Amiga battles heated up, and even there the ST did better than it did
over here, and the mass migration to PC's taking a few years longer there.
You also mentioned the 2068's sound. It was a competitive chip and used on
a wide range of computers and videogame systems both before and after the
2068, but between requiring the use of the 2068's built-in speaker and the
greater flexibility of the SID, it's no contest when honestly comparing the
two in real world situations.
=================================
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
(A PC Magazine Top 100 Website)
http://www.armchairarcade.com
=================================
From: [email] [mailto:[email]] On Behalf Of
Adam Trionfo
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 6:51 PM
To: TS 2068 Yahoogroup
Subject: [ts2068] RE: Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
Bill Loguidice wrote:
>>
It definitely varies slightly by unit, but they're all bad.
>>
Well, I'm glad to hear that someone else mentioned that the Spectrum was
MUCH better. Otherwise I just don't see how it could have done as well as it
did.
>>
I know there are some relatively elaborate fixes available, otherwise. If
you do go through with one, I'd be curious to hear how you fair with it.
>>
Will do. Of course, I split my time between this (as of yesterday) and the
Astrocade. Also, classes starts again on Tuesday. We'll see what I can do
though.
Adam
__________________________________________________________
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE!
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15. Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
M. Emrah Oral · Thu, 3 Jan 2008 16:15:
Actually, you are right. My bad. I meant to say the opposite. The ZX Spectrum has 15 colors and 2068s have 16. I have a ZX Spectrum emulator cartridge for my 2068, and some spectrum games look weird on the 2068 because of this.
----- Original Message ----
From: Fred <[email]>
To: [email]
Sent: Friday, January 4, 2008 1:34:35 AM
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Video Blurry; was: TS 2068 - Sound/Hissing Problem
On 04/01/2008, at 4:46, M. Emrah Oral wrote:
> By the way, off topic, but the 2068 has 15 colors whereas the ZX
> Spectrum has 16. Yes. 2068 doesn't have "Bright Black" like the
> Speccy.
I am surprised to hear you say that, as my experience is the opposite.
Several Spectrum games use a black background and use the bright bit
for collision detection (e.g. Starquake and Cybernoid II).
On a Spectrum, the black looks the same on both the scenery and the
main play area, but I find on my TS2068 and TC2048 that the bright
black can be distinguished from the non-bright at least with the
composite output.
Fred
____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
16. Re: Video fix for TS2068
vbtinfo · Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:48
Hi,
I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
Regards,
Vsevolod
--- In [email], Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Adam --
>
> When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
>
> Best,
>
> Glen Goodwin
>
> Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > William McBrine wrote:
> > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> >
> > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> >
> > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> >
> > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Adam
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
>
17. Re: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Peter Hoffman · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:35
That sounds interesting to know about to me.
-- Peter.
On Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 6:48 PM, vbtinfo <[email]> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a
> crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but
> not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
>
> Regards,
>
> Vsevolod
>
18. Re: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Ralph E. Dodd · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:07
Please post your mod. I've been waiting for a good, notice that I said good, video mod.
Ralph
----- Original Message -----
From: vbtinfo
To: [email]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:48 PM
Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Hi,
I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
Regards,
Vsevolod
--- In [email], Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Adam --
>
> When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
>
> Best,
>
> Glen Goodwin
>
> Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > William McBrine wrote:
> > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> >
> > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> >
> > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> >
> > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Adam
> > __________________________________________________________
> > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
>
19. RE: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Marvio Santos · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:41
Hi guys..
I'm new to the TS2068, but I have to say my computer is fine with the display, even on my 42" rear projection TV (the TV itself doesn't have the sharpest of images) it's fine, there's a little interference, but the text is really clear enough...
Do they vary from machine to machine?
Got a question...
Has anybody managed to load *.TAP files from digital devices to the 2068? Any special "setting" I should be aware of? Haven't tried it yet, but I did try to load a real tape from a crappy walkman I have and it just wouldn't, it would start to "find" it, but then the border just went solid again...
To: [email]
From: [email]
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:07:06 -0400
Subject: Re: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Please post your mod. I've been waiting for a good, notice that I said good, video mod.
Ralph
----- Original Message -----
From: vbtinfo
To: [email]
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:48 PM
Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Hi,
I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
Regards,
Vsevolod
--- In [email], Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Adam --
>
> When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
>
> Best,
>
> Glen Goodwin
>
> Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > William McBrine wrote:
> > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> >
> > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> >
> > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> >
> > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Adam
> > __________________________________________________________
> > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
>
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail® has ever-growing storage! Don’t worry about storage limits.
http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009
20. RE: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Adam Trionfo · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:53
Vsevolod
>>
I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution
for a crystal-clear composite video output.
>>
Wow. I'm surprised to see anyone reading a posting I made so long ago. Then again, that's what the message archives are for.
>>
If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
>>
Sounds good to me.
Adam
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/171222986/direct/01/
21. Re: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Stephen Young · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:16
Good investigative work, I will try it on mine and report on the results once done.
Thanks for the tip!
--- On Wed, 9/16/09, vbtinfo <[email]> wrote:
From: vbtinfo <[email]>
Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
To: [email]
Received: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7:35 AM
Here it is:
The whole problem with video is interference from 5V switching power supply. For a while I was trying to find a problem in the power supply circuit, then I realized – it's not broken, it's just a design flaw. I looked at +5V line with an oscilloscope and found that very small amount of switching pulses are present there. While it's negligibly small – U3 (SCLD) was very sensitive to it.
Long story short – I've added a +5V regulator IC (RadioShack' s 7805) to power U3 directly. Originally, it was powered by a jumper wire going to a solder pad near U3's pin 43. Capacitor C67 is also connected to that pad. I disconnected that jumper wire and soldered 7805's +5V output pin there. (I placed the regulator face down on U3 so its +5V pin was next to +pin of the C67 and soldered them together)
Then I connected ground pin of the 7508 with a short jumper wire to the mounting bracket of the composite video connector. Mounting bracket was used as a convenience; you can use any closest ground point on the board.
And last thing – connect the input pin of the 7508 with a jumper wire to the +15V (+ pin of the C3 or the right side of the R1). Do not connect it to the +12V line – it would create too much load on the U8 regulator. That's it! Composite video became very clear and, I guess, TV output should be better as well – I've never tried it.
I need to figure out how to post pictures here and will post them tomorrow, but this mod is very simple to do even without pictures, just use a heat shrinking tubing on 7508 pins.
Vsevolod
--- In ts2068@yahoogroups. com, "Ralph E. Dodd" <redodd@...> wrote:
>
> Please post your mod. I've been waiting for a good, notice that I said good, video mod.
>
> Ralph
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: vbtinfo
> To: ts2068@yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:48 PM
> Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
>
> Regards,
>
> Vsevolod
>
> --- In ts2068@yahoogroups. com, Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Adam --
> >
> > When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> > video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> > the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> > junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> > email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> > passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
> >
> > Best,
> >
> > Glen Goodwin
> >
> > Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > > William McBrine wrote:
> > > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> > >
> > > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> > >
> > > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> > >
> > > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Adam
> > > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
> > > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > > http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec
> >
>
__________________________________________________________________
Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your favourite sites. Download it now
http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.
22. RE: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Marvio Santos · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:26
ME dumb person. me needs pretty pictures!! :)
HA!
I have no idea what you just said! I'd like to try it tough...
To: [email]
From: [email]
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:35:18 +0000
Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Here it is:
The whole problem with video is interference from 5V switching power supply. For a while I was trying to find a problem in the power supply circuit, then I realized – it's not broken, it's just a design flaw. I looked at +5V line with an oscilloscope and found that very small amount of switching pulses are present there. While it's negligibly small – U3 (SCLD) was very sensitive to it.
Long story short – I've added a +5V regulator IC (RadioShack's 7805) to power U3 directly. Originally, it was powered by a jumper wire going to a solder pad near U3's pin 43. Capacitor C67 is also connected to that pad. I disconnected that jumper wire and soldered 7805's +5V output pin there. (I placed the regulator face down on U3 so its +5V pin was next to +pin of the C67 and soldered them together)
Then I connected ground pin of the 7508 with a short jumper wire to the mounting bracket of the composite video connector. Mounting bracket was used as a convenience; you can use any closest ground point on the board.
And last thing – connect the input pin of the 7508 with a jumper wire to the +15V (+ pin of the C3 or the right side of the R1). Do not connect it to the +12V line – it would create too much load on the U8 regulator. That's it! Composite video became very clear and, I guess, TV output should be better as well – I've never tried it.
I need to figure out how to post pictures here and will post them tomorrow, but this mod is very simple to do even without pictures, just use a heat shrinking tubing on 7508 pins.
Vsevolod
--- In [email], "Ralph E. Dodd" <redodd@...> wrote:
>
> Please post your mod. I've been waiting for a good, notice that I said good, video mod.
>
> Ralph
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: vbtinfo
> To: [email]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:48 PM
> Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
>
> Regards,
>
> Vsevolod
>
> --- In [email], Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Adam --
> >
> > When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> > video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> > the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> > junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> > email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> > passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
> >
> > Best,
> >
> > Glen Goodwin
> >
> > Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > > William McBrine wrote:
> > > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> > >
> > > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> > >
> > > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> > >
> > > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Adam
> > > __________________________________________________________
> > > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > > http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
> >
>
_________________________________________________________________
Insert movie times and more without leaving Hotmail®.
http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/QuickAdd?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_QuickAdd_062009
23. Re: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
Oscar Arthur Koepke · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:33
Great news!
Create a sub folder in the files, from the group, and place it all there with lot of pictures, because until today my never worked ... maybe I'm a little too stupid(or dumm) to get the circuit form all that mess fount in the "rgb adapters.pdf" file...
Great job.
Oscar
--- On Tue, 9/15/09, vbtinfo <[email]> wrote:
From: vbtinfo <[email]>
Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
To: [email]
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 7:48 PM
Hi,
I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
Regards,
Vsevolod
--- In ts2068@yahoogroups. com, Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@.. .> wrote:
>
> Hi Adam --
>
> When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
>
> Best,
>
> Glen Goodwin
>
> Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > William McBrine wrote:
> > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> >
> > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> >
> > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> >
> > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Adam
> > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
> > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > http://club. live.com/ chicktionary. aspx?icid= chick_wlhmtextli nk1_dec
>
24. Re: Video fix for TS2068
vbtinfo · Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:35
Here it is:
The whole problem with video is interference from 5V switching power supply. For a while I was trying to find a problem in the power supply circuit, then I realized it's not broken, it's just a design flaw. I looked at +5V line with an oscilloscope and found that very small amount of switching pulses are present there. While it's negligibly small U3 (SCLD) was very sensitive to it.
Long story short I've added a +5V regulator IC (RadioShack's 7805) to power U3 directly. Originally, it was powered by a jumper wire going to a solder pad near U3's pin 43. Capacitor C67 is also connected to that pad. I disconnected that jumper wire and soldered 7805's +5V output pin there. (I placed the regulator face down on U3 so its +5V pin was next to +pin of the C67 and soldered them together)
Then I connected ground pin of the 7508 with a short jumper wire to the mounting bracket of the composite video connector. Mounting bracket was used as a convenience; you can use any closest ground point on the board.
And last thing connect the input pin of the 7508 with a jumper wire to the +15V (+ pin of the C3 or the right side of the R1). Do not connect it to the +12V line it would create too much load on the U8 regulator. That's it! Composite video became very clear and, I guess, TV output should be better as well I've never tried it.
I need to figure out how to post pictures here and will post them tomorrow, but this mod is very simple to do even without pictures, just use a heat shrinking tubing on 7508 pins.
Vsevolod
--- In [email], "Ralph E. Dodd" <redodd@...> wrote:
>
> Please post your mod. I've been waiting for a good, notice that I said good, video mod.
>
> Ralph
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: vbtinfo
> To: [email]
> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:48 PM
> Subject: [ts2068] Re: Video fix for TS2068
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I know this topic is a bit old, but I've found a solution for a crystal-clear composite video output. Yes it does require some soldering but not that much. If anybody is interested I'll post my mod, have pics as well.
>
> Regards,
>
> Vsevolod
>
> --- In [email], Glen Goodwin <acme_ent@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Adam --
> >
> > When I hooked up my first 2068, I was shocked at the poor
> > video quality. The best solution I have found is to modify
> > the computer to drive a CGA monitor (dime-a-dozen at computer
> > junk stores). I'm sending you a PDF of several mods by separate
> > email. Just to be clear, I didn't design the mods; they were
> > passed along to me by a fellow 2068er.
> >
> > Best,
> >
> > Glen Goodwin
> >
> > Adam Trionfo wrote:
> > > William McBrine wrote:
> > > The video "noise" on screen [is normal]. I've read of some fixes for the latter, if not the former, but I never tried them. (They involve soldering, etc.)
> > >
> > > Well, you semi-answered my next question. I was loading up the Typing Tutor program (which loaded fine-- after I turned the volume all the way up). It wasn't until then that I noticed just how hard the text is to read (using the composite output. The TV output is worse). I've used plenty of "old school" computers and the TS 2068 has a pretty bad display compared to any of them-- it's readable, but I certainly wouldn't want to program or anything with it.
> > >
> > > Can anyone point me to some video fixes? I'm willing to do soldering.
> > >
> > > I wonder, is the Spectrums display this naturally bad?
> > >
> > > Thanks.
> > >
> > > Adam
> > > __________________________________________________________
> > > Don't get caught with egg on your face. Play Chicktionary!
> > > http://club.live.com/chicktionary.aspx?icid=chick_wlhmtextlink1_dec
> >
>
Indexed under
TS2068 / TC2068 · Video upgrades (composite, RGB, HDMI) · Repair & restoration