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Author Topic: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video) (Read 2587 times)

Offline port-retro

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Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« on: 2023.January.23. 21:53:00 »
Hi,

I've uploaded a tediously long video about upgrading an Enterprise 64 "new in box" to a state where it's more usable ... apart from the unobtainium SD interface.

https://youtu.be/tRgC40CIFG8

I've also refined the mini-DIN video output I install (no need to spend AU$120 on a SCART cable from Spain) - replace the UHF modulator with a 6-pin mini DIN socket that has RGBS + composite, plus add a separate 3.5mm stereo socket for audio.

I am not proclaiming to be an expert on the hardware (far from it) so constructive feedback is always welcome.

Brett.


Offline SlashNet

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Re: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« Reply #1 on: 2023.January.23. 22:19:01 »
Nice and informative video. :smt023

Even described a common mistake with soldered pins in EXP2. (you're not the first who made this wrong decision) ;)
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]
« Last Edit: 2023.January.23. 22:22:26 by SlashNet »

Offline gflorez

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Re: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« Reply #2 on: 2023.January.23. 22:33:25 »
Great video!

I like your selection of fixes, except the necessity of the change of the UHF modulator for a mini-Din connector. What if you need separate Syncs some day?.

I personally hate the Spanish RGB cable from Retrocables, a very bad and expensive for the money product, and this is said to you by an Spaniard. Why not try making the cable yourself? Good quality EDGE connectors are still available in China, and you only need to have good hands(evident on your video) and tailor it. On the other side, there is an Hungarian maker that can make you one cheaper and better finished cable(ask Judge)

About the audio-out jack base.... I am sorry to say you that it has been a waste of time and one more scar on your loved EP. For two reasons: first, you already had a stereo audio out jack on the TAPE Save jack, and second,  with the correct level, because the audio of the RGB connector is excessively low and you will always need the volume of your Tv pumped-up to the MAX....

Another fix that you will need soon or later is to disable the internal speaker.....
« Last Edit: 2023.January.24. 00:03:24 by gflorez »

Offline port-retro

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Re: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« Reply #3 on: 2023.January.23. 23:54:23 »
Thanks for your feedback!

I like your selection of fixes, except the necessity of the change of the UHF modulator for a mini-Din connector. What if you need separate Syncs some day?.

I noticed that it's possible to also get 8-pin mini-DIN ... so I could use one of those, or I could re-wire the 6-pin: move ground to the sheath, drop composite and then add the H-SYNC and V-SYNC.

I personally hate the Spanish cable from Retrocables, a very bad and expensive for the money product, and this is said to you by a Spaniard. Why not try making the cable yourself? Good quality EDGE connectors are still available in China, and you only need to have good hands(evident on your video) and tailor it.

Yeah, a possibility ... actually, I want to do something about the joysticks.  I did have a converter plug to DE-9 but I gave that away with an Enterprise 128.  Is there a common solution for those?  I'll check the Hungarian source too!

About the audio-out jack base.... I am sorry to say you that it has been a waste of time and one more scar on your loved EP. For two reasons: first, you already had a stereo audio out jack on the TAPE Save jack, and second,  with the correct level, because the audio of the RGB connector is excessively low and you will always need the volume of your Tv pumped-up to the MAX....

Ahh, good to know!  Not to worry though - my plan was to use with a small amplified speaker like a JBL Micro portable speaker. But yeah - I guess it would still need to amplified more.  I'll experiment!

Another fix that you will need soon or later is to disable the internal speaker.....

Noted, thanks!

Brett.

Offline port-retro

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Joystick interface
« Reply #4 on: 2023.January.24. 00:03:41 »
Oh yes, I see someone has created a neat design!

https://enterpriseforever.com/input-devices/joystick-adapter/


Offline port-retro

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Re: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« Reply #5 on: 2023.January.24. 00:04:44 »
Nice and informative video. :smt023

Even described a common mistake with soldered pins in EXP2. (you're not the first who made this wrong decision) ;)
(Attachment Link)

*chuckle*

Thanks ... yep, tried to be too clever ... so had to go back to how I did my first one ;)

Brett.

Offline Zozosoft

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Re: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« Reply #6 on: 2023.January.24. 11:40:09 »
One note: you have a rare ISSUE 4 borad, with FLAN company mark. (Company called as FLAN only for a few weeks between the ELAN and ENTERPRISE).

Offline Ep128

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Re: Upgrading an Enterprise 64 from scratch (video)
« Reply #7 on: 2023.January.24. 22:54:22 »
One note: you have a rare ISSUE 4 borad, with FLAN company mark. (Company called as FLAN only for a few weeks between the ELAN and ENTERPRISE).
(... and then there's ISSUE 3, 2, 1, which we haven't heard of yet.)