8Bitplus - Page 2 of 12 - Retro Gaming, Projects, Repairs and Blog

Moving – Decision Time – Status

8bitplus 16/09/2019 4 Comments

(Update 26/02/20)

Well the move went ahead. The new house needs a HUGE amount of work. I’m currently living in a construction site. The first week we had no heating or hot water. As quotes are coming in for the work we cannot do ourselves Its becoming clear that I will not be able to afford a new workshop. Therefor its very likely that I’ll not be able to accept work again in the next year (2021) or perhaps ever. I cannot do my console work on the kitchen table for example, or take up any space in the house with children around. A workshop was my only answer.

Most of my collection will have to be sold off too I expect, but I’m dealing with that when I have too.

(Update 08/01/20)

Finally progress from the solicitors and estate agents. Looks like things are progressing and the move can happen after all. Its caused stress over Christmas not knowing what was happening on top of everything else.

So this will mean I wont be unpacking my tools for work this month, and will almost certainly mean no work orders this year at least. Sorry, but until the house is complete I won’t be able to start working on a new work area.

(more…)

Admin, commission work

Leeds Retro Game Fair September 2019

8bitplus 16/09/2019 0 Comments

I was at the Leeds Retro gaming fair at the Marroitt hotel yesterday. Lots of sellers attended and there was a huge selection of retro games and consoles available.

I got a great deal on a Super Famicom and some boxed games. Also found some random PCE CD games to add to the collection.

Event

TF330 Accelerator Card for Amiga CD32

8bitplus 06/09/2019 0 Comments

Any Amiga CD32 Fans here? I’ve just finished a page about the TF330 upgrade card for the CD32. It adds a faster processor, loads of RAM and an IDE port for a HDD.

Click the images above or Here to see more info on this project

Uncategorized

Keeping Busy Jul/Aug

8bitplus 02/09/2019 0 Comments

Wow that went by fast! what was it? oh yes, summer.

I’ve been ridiculously busy the last couple of months with work but finally its looking like I’m on top of things now. Here’s a few examples of what I’ve been doing, in no particular order.

Here we have a nice MK1 Sega Saturn in for a new Pico PSU, FRAM mod, switchless 50/60hz selector, Phantom modchip and region free bios. Very nice machine.

This PCE Duo was needing a full recap and audio system fixing. I also did a RGB mod. Working perfectly now.

Next was a Panasonic 3DO FZ-1 for a recap and new battery installation.

Here we have a PAL NES fitted with the marvellous NESRGB mod board by eTim. Great picture, even better than I expected. you can even toggle the colour pallet with a switch for a more vivid image.

Lastly for now, another PSIO installation.

On top of that I had 3x N64 in for RGB mods, a couple of Amiga 1200 computers for new caps and a couple of Unibios installations.

Inbox empty, for now.

Admin, commission work

Retro PC now with Voodoo2

8bitplus 12/08/2019 0 Comments

You may have seen my previous posts about building a Retro PC for some DOS game action…

I wanted to keep maximum DOS compatibility, but also add support for 90’s 3D accelerated Windows games. So the biggest additions were the CPU upgrade to 233Mhz, double the RAM to 64mb and the Voodoo2 3D card. Specs are now:

Pentium MMX 233Mhz
64mb EDO Ram
3DFX Voodoo2 8mb 3D Card
S3 Virage DX 2D card

All working perfectly and now I’m able to play games like Unreal Tournament with most settings maxed out. Some very old DOS games may run too fast, but I found a program that can disable CPU caches and other features. This should allow be to slow the PC down to 486 speeds when needed.

More on this project later when I get time.

Projects, Uncategorized

DCHDMI for Dreamcast installed

8bitplus 08/08/2019 0 Comments

DCHDMI Just finished off installing a DCHDMI for a customer. It turned out great and gives an excellent image over HDMI.

Click the image or here to see more pics of this upgrade.

DCHDMI can be a tricky install. please get in contact if you want one installing in your Dreamcast.

commission work, Console

DCHDMI, dreamcast, sega

Philips CDi 450 RGB modded

8bitplus 07/08/2019 0 Comments

Looks like I can add the Philips CDi 450 model to my list of consoles that can be RGB modded.

Results are very good. Click on a picture or here to see the work on this customers console.

Hope you enjoy CDi in RGB George 🙂

commission work, Console

450, CDi, Philips, RGB

Affordable RGB to HDMI adapter

8bitplus 07/08/2019 1 Comment

I’ve been looking for a cheap RGB Scart to HDMI adapter for some time. Its already been proven that most of the cheap units on Amazon or eBay are crap and don’t in-fact support RGB or resolutions down to 240i/p. So I got a recommendation to try this one. Elephas Scart to HDMI and can be found on eBay and Amazon.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Converter-ELEPHAS-Adapter-Support-Set-top-Black/dp/B00RMMGOGS

It actually works quite well for the low price, but does have a little lag. Picture quality ranges from Ok to quite good, with some of the best results on the MegaDrive and Neo Geo Consoles. Its no replacement or a OSSD, but not bad at all.

It certainty allows for clear stable screenshots and for testing purposes. I don’t I could recommend it for extended play sessions with the lag. I’ll do a full review later.

Projects

HD, HDMI, RGB

Keeping Busy (June)

8bitplus 05/07/2019 0 Comments

Its time for my monthly report. What Have I been up to this month….

Well firstly I managed to get time to visit the new Arcade Club in Leeds. If you’ve not heard of Arcade Club, its basically a perfect place to find retro arcade machines, and play as long as you like. All machines are on free play, you just pay to get in! Loads of amazing games from the 80’s, 90’s, through to some modern ones. Well worth checking out.

Regarding work on customers machines, Its not been a very productive month. I just never seem to have any time available, but a few jobs were complete and sent out.

This was a full Mega CD recap for a customer. He also asked for a region free bios, new drive opening belt and laser replacement.

Next we have another PC Engine Duo for a recap and RGB mod. All looking great now.

And there was also another PSIO switchboard to install. The 3DO USB installation covered below, and Saturn with the full table of mods.

That’s about it for June. Its going the a tight month in July to get any work done with Holidays and weekends away, but I try 🙂

Admin, commission work, Event

Fully booked again

8bitplus 30/06/2019 0 Comments

Just to let everyone know, I’m fully booked again for repairs/upgrades. By all means please email for quotes but I won’t be able to accommodate more work for July and August.