iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Henry

Chris Jamieson @mogwaay.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Finally got a little time on my 8088/V20 machine and it works! I had to slow the bus down to 8MHz: 11MHz & 10MHz wouldn't run even with up to 4 WS, but could run at 0WS @8MHz. BIOS writes were quite slow, noticable in DOS, but direct gfx were as fast as the ET4000 - amazing!

Checkit benchmarks for the SVGA Graphics Gremlin

Obligatory Prince of Persia on Graphics Gremlin SVGA

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Henry @2600.me · 27/09/2026

Really digging the Rero Hardware Database 'Phosphor" theme. Jonathan's contributed a lot to our little open source project but this is probably my favourite! :-) github.com/hmerrett/ret...

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Henry @2600.me · 27/09/2026

My fully-loaded Amstrad PC1640. Sporting a MFM hard card, PicoGUS, LAN card, GOTEK and 5.25” floppy. Happily running, pulling 2A from a single 12v power supply. 💪😍

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Henry @2600.me · 26/09/2026

Wrapping up the Compaq. Really interesting machine. Cyrix Media GX was ahead of its time in many ways. 486-derived with built in graphics and SB16. SoC if you will. And this Compaq is now in lovely condition. 😍

Inside of the Compaq Presario, showing a large Noctua cooling fan mounted above the motherboard and heatsinks.

IDE-to-CompactFlash setup mounted on top the optical drive, with a 4 GB SanDisk CompactFlash card installed and connected to the motherboard by ribbon cable.

3Com EtherLink III network card installed vertically in the ISA expansion riser, showing the card, edge connector and surrounding motherboard components.

Front panel of the Compaq Presario, showing the large crescent-moon sleep button and separate volume down and volume up controls above the optical drive.

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Henry @2600.me · 26/09/2026

Painted the grills with Anthracite. Almost a perfect match. 😍 The fabric behind the grills was also rust-stained, so I painted them with a dusting of matte black. What seems to have worked nicely too. There's one scuff on the front I haven't been able to work through in fear of making it shiny.

Black Compaq computer front bezel removed from the case, showing the power button and speaker grilles.

Close-up of the assembled Compaq computer front panel, as received, showing the power button, status LED and optical drive.

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Henry @2600.me · 24/09/2026

It’s kind of sad that Don Estridge, who led the IBM team behind “Project Chess”, which became the IBM PC, never got to see just how far the architecture would go. He died in a plane crash in 1985, four years after the original PC was launched. Wonder what he would have made of it!

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Henry @2600.me · 24/09/2026

For fun I put a IBM 5150 on the Internet as a web server. With lightweight text pages, it did the job just fine, serving pages directly from a 360k floppy disk. Separate proxy made them available over dual IPv4&6 stack and via SSL. What shall I get it to do next? 😍

An IBM 5150 Personal Computer with dual floppy drives and an IBM monochrome monitor, displaying a green-text mTCP HTTP server console. The computer and monitor show age-related yellowing and wear, and are pictured on a workbench surrounded by retro-computing equipment.

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Henry @2600.me · 19/09/2026

Before and after restoration of my Amstrad PC2086. Dead proud of this one.

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Henry @2600.me · 12/09/2026

A very sad Tandon PCX followed me home today. Once the home to rodents, it seems. Will it ever work again? 😬

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Henry @2600.me · 11/09/2026

My 1993 Intel Xpress System Deskside. Who knew they built PCs too?! Rocking a DX2/66, 16MB RAM, 1GB Micropolis SCSI, Intel Ethernet and EISA. Mine lost its outer case and front panel somewhere along the way and I’ve since discovered it’s ex-BT. Brilliant ’90s weirdness. 😁 db.2600.me/computers/RH...

db.2600.me

Intel Xpress System Deskside LX Base 8TE16F

Intel Xpress System Deskside LX Base 8TE16F 1993 · Intel 486 DX/2 66 · Working

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Henry @2600.me · 25/08/2026

We will always love Dolly! ❤️

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Henry @2600.me · 25/08/2026

Back from the dead: my Tandon PCX. PC clone at £1,195 in ‘86, undercutting IBM and built from tank steel (probably). Oki 8088-10, 640K, 42MB MFM disk. Took a PSU repair, a replacement bus transceiver, and a custom FlashFloppy board I built for the 5.25” bay. Now working. db.2600.me/computers/RH-K3MP

db.2600.me

Tandon PCX TM6001A

Introduced in 1986, the Tandon PCX was the entry level model in their range of IBM PC compatibles aimed at the business market. At £1,195 it easily undercut IBM, and what buyers got for the money was ...

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Henry @2600.me · 24/08/2026

I’ve been trying to get back into BlueSky, posting select bits of my retro hoard while away on hols. Hopefully the posts are valued in some way! 😍

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Henry @2600.me · 24/08/2026

My 1985 GRiDCASE 2. An 8086 portable with 512KB RAM, magnesium case and a proper full-size keyboard. GRiD were building serious portable PCs while most “portables” were still the size of a suitcase. Mine needs some work, but it’s a lovely bit of kit. db.2600.me/computers/RH...

db.2600.me

Grid GRiDCASE 2 (Philips PC200)

Grid GRiDCASE 2 (Philips PC200) 1985 · Intel 8086 · Faulty

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Henry @2600.me · 23/08/2026

My Olivetti M21 is quite rare. It’s the portable sibling of the M24, sharing its 8086 16-bit CPU and of course full IBM PC compatibility. Mine has 640K, twin 360K drives and of course the stunning 9” amber CRT. Very Italian, very 1984. Ciao! 🇮🇹😍 db.2600.me/computers/RH...

db.2600.me

Olivetti Personal Computer M21

The Olivetti M21 is a distinctive luggable computer introduced in 1984, combining IBM PC compatibility with Olivetti’s renowned industrial design. Built around an Intel 8086 processor, it featured an ...

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Henry @2600.me · 21/08/2026

Amstrad showed the industry how to build an affordable PC for the masses. The PC2286 sadly didn’t continue the trend, with ST277R reliability issues and a bizarre two-board motherboard. Still, the PC1512 and PC1640 helped pave the way for the affordable PCs we have today. db.2600.me/computers/RH...

db.2600.me

Amstrad PC2286

Amstrad PC2286 1989 · Intel 286-10 · Partially working

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Reposted by Henry

More Fun Making It @morefunmakingit.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Ok. I am gutted and really sorry to say that the servers are all gone. Over 1600 members on RHD and some lowlife deleted it forever with a click. Also stole a bunch of money from my account. I will make an update video and post that here when I get home. Whatever happens we are going to rebuild.

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Reposted by Henry

Flamelily @flamelily.co.uk · 12/06/2026

We have the brand NEW PicoMEM 2 in stock now. Such a nice product from Freddy. Huge upgrade to the version 1 which we will still sell for the cost conscious buyer. Get them here shop.flamelily.co.uk/picomem2

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Henry @2600.me · 04/10/2025

FlashFloppy running on my OpenFlops board connected to a VFD in an IBM 5150 (with its lid off). Is there anything more beautiful? 😍

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Henry @2600.me · 09/06/2025

This is the next chapter in The Roaming Spectrum series. I won’t spoil it but Todd has made a really lovely video including an insight into his hometown in Ohio. Thank you Todd! youtu.be/gUYPjxa9PIU?...

youtu.be

The Adventure Continues - The Little Speccy Wanders the Globe

YouTube video by YARC - Yet Another Retro Channel

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Reposted by Henry

More Fun Making It @morefunmakingit.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

The start of a big adventure! This lovable little Spectrum has embarked on a trip around the world where it will visit many retro and vintage tech people along the way. Started off by @2600.me who handed it to me, it's visited the @retrocollective.co.uk and is now in the safe hands of YARC Todd.

youtu.be

The Roaming ZX Spectrum's Adventure Begins!

YouTube video by More Fun Fixing It

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Henry @2600.me · 07/06/2025

Really happy that I can finally share this lovely video @morefunmakingit.bsky.social made about my ZX Spectrum. If anyone is interested in being part of the adventure, pop me a DM. :-) youtu.be/yir_SZW4yXI

youtu.be

The Roaming ZX Spectrum's Adventure Begins!

YouTube video by More Fun Fixing It

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Reposted by Henry

Adrian's Digital Basement @adriansdigitalbasement.com · 22/04/2025

It puts a smile on my face when we have more options for properly testing this old hardware we all love! Christian has implemented the March-B RAM test on the C64, which blows away the inadequate RAM test in use on all the legacy diagnostic carts. github.com/amigatomte/A...

April64K Memory Test running on a C64. It implements the March-B RAM test.

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Henry @2600.me · 12/04/2025

Brilliant. Pebble dashed by a bloody pigeon. 😂

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Henry @2600.me · 29/03/2025

Well, they have to make themselves useful, right?

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Henry @2600.me · 23/03/2025

ALIENS AND ROBOTS! 😍

A playful robot figure made from blue and yellow playdough sits on a wooden surface. The robot is shaped using moulds and has googly eyes. Long yellow playdough strands surround the robot’s head, resembling hair or cables.

A row of four playdough creatures is displayed on a wooden table. From left to right: two green alien-like figures with big heads and googly eyes, a small yellow creature with large eyes and stubby limbs, and a green robot figure with moulded details and googly eyes. A person in a brown jumper is seated in the background.

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Henry @2600.me · 15/03/2025

My name is Henry and I have a LED problem^w collection.

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Reposted by Henry

The National Museum of Computing @tnmoc.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

The soundtrack of your childhood 🕹️ That is all... 😊 #Museum #RetroTech #RetroComputing

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Henry @2600.me · 27/02/2025

This is probably my favourite @morefunmakingit.bsky.social video yet. Go watch!

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Henry @2600.me · 26/02/2025

Ooo! New one! 🆕

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Henry @2600.me · 16/02/2025

Something special arrived in the post yesterday—an IBM PC 5150, the same type I last owned decades ago. It’s not working yet, but with its off-the-shelf parts, I’m hopeful I can get it running with help from @mogwaay.bsky.social and the amazing folks on the Retro Hardware Discord. ❤️

Close-up of an IBM Model 5150 label – A label from an IBM 5150 Personal Computer, indicating it was made in Greenock, Scotland, United Kingdom. The label includes power specifications (220-240V, 50/60Hz, 1.4A) and mentions copyright information from IBM Corp, 1981.

Full view of an IBM 5150 PC on a kitchen counter – A wider shot of an IBM 5150 Personal Computer with dual 5.25-inch floppy drives. The case is beige with some discoloration and dirt, resting on a black countertop in a kitchen setting.

Back panel of an IBM 5150 with expansion cards – A rear view of the IBM 5150 showcasing various expansion card ports, including two DB-25 connectors, a DB-9 connector, and a coaxial port. The panel is dusty and has signs of aging.

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Henry @2600.me · 14/02/2025

For just a moment each Friday, our house is immaculate. The brief pause between the cleaner’s departure and our three-year-old’s happy, stomping return. Then comes the brilliant chaos, the small hands leaving a trail of destruction and laughter and fun. And I wouldn’t trade a second of it.❤️

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Henry @2600.me · 14/02/2025

Happy V-Day to my wonderful rugby-playing, crossbow-wielding, smiley, fabulous wife. ❤️

Emma looking down and smiling while seated indoors. She is wearing a navy blue and red rugby hoodie with a Biggleswade crest on the left side. Sunlight from a window behind her highlights her brown hair as she focuses on something in front of her.

Emma smiling brightly at the camera indoors, holding a book titled What a Flanker by James Haskell. She is wearing a navy blue Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 hoodie with a red hood lining. Behind her is a modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and a glass door leading outside.

Emma sitting at a restaurant table, smiling softly at the camera. She is wearing a black top over a pink long-sleeve shirt. She holds a fork and knife while eating a dish with tomato sauce and salad. A glass of water with lemon and a smartphone are on the table.

Emma outdoors in a wooded area, smiling brightly while holding a crossbow. She is wearing a dark green jacket with a fur-lined hood over her rugby hoodie, navy jeans, and black boots. A wooden table with another crossbow and equipment is visible behind her, along with trees, bushes, and a white van in the background.

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Reposted by Henry

More Fun Making It @morefunmakingit.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

Latest video! Today, or this week, I'm hawking my wares on eBay. Who wants to buy a stunningly gorgeous ZX Spectrum I've lovingly restored back to better than new condition? You don't? Fair! Actually cant imagine anyone in the hobby doesn't already have one :D But will be fun watching the auction.

youtu.be

Repairing a ZX Spectrum To Sell on Ebay

YouTube video by More Fun Fixing It

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Henry @2600.me · 09/02/2025

I’ve been spending time over the past few weeks looking into the problems with the lovely Ferranti PC-33. By all accounts, it’s a very rare beast! It’s 8086-based, which in itself is pretty cool. 1/4

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Henry @2600.me · 03/02/2025

Twenty thousand electric miles. That’s a thousand gallons of petrol that haven’t been burned. Feeling pretty chuffed with that.

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Henry @2600.me · 01/02/2025

Slightly triggered by this tape on the floor at the pool for son’s swimming lessons. Who would do this? 😂

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Henry @2600.me · 31/01/2025

Lovely lovely lovely STAX records collection picked up from Marketplace. 😍

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Henry @2600.me · 30/01/2025

The Wildhearts popped up on my playlist earlier and I was instantly transported to sweaty gigs at the Cambridge Junction, Esquires etc. what happy memories. What music instantly sends you to a time or place? 🥰

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Henry @2600.me · 29/01/2025

Just remembered the reg number of one of my first cars and looked it up. No history at all. I wonder how long it was used after I sold it? How can I find out for my lovely old car?

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Henry @2600.me · 27/01/2025

Q: What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A: Donald Trump

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Reposted by Henry

More Fun Making It @morefunmakingit.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

It's the Amiga tower of power! I can't wait to show you all the rest of the disaster inside this A600

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Henry @2600.me · 24/01/2025

Over a decade ago, some radio colleagues created a Twitter account posing as disgraced pop star Gary Glitter. It stirred up plenty of controversy in the UK press. Looking back now, it’s alarming that the Daily Mail and other mainstream media outlets are even worse at verifying basic facts.

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Henry @2600.me · 22/01/2025

A new 286 class machine arrived this week. The Mitsubishi MP 286. It’s filthy and fascinating in equal quantities. As I get time I will add to this thread with what makes it interesting. First on the agenda is a really really good clean!

This image shows the front panel of a Mitsubishi MP 286 computer. The text “VGA 256-512 WITH Feature Connector” is handwritten on a sticker affixed to the case. Another sticker mentions “720KB - 21MB DOS 6.2 + Lots of Programs.” The case is a mustard-yellow colour, typical of older computer designs.

This image highlights the interior of the computer case, focusing on a corroded metal base. A black “VARTA” battery (for the clock/BIOS) is prominently shown, surrounded by rust and corrosion from battery leakage. The label indicates it is a 3.6V Ni-Cd battery.

This is a close-up of a section of the motherboard, showing several ICs and components. Visible markings on chips include “WLESYI-8 P13 P” and “WLESYI-8 P14 P.” The PCB is marked with “MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP” and various integrated circuit components are soldered onto it. It appears to be heavily corroded.

This photo captures the interior with flat ribbon cables and wires running through the case. A yellow warning label is attached to the metal power supply, warning against hazardous conditions if improperly handled. The area appears dusty and aged, showing the wear typical of vintage hardware.

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Reposted by Henry

Lord Arse! 🕹️ @lordarse.com · 17/01/2025

This is a 1978 Atari CTF-1 test rig. This awesome looking piece of hardware was used to test Atari games to see if they worked. Looks like something out of a spaceship!

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Henry @2600.me · 17/01/2025

Today I gave my N64 a new lease on life. These cases are from Ali Express and I have been really impressed with the quality of the plastics and moulding. Very close to the original OEM case. I swapped the standard red LED for a more appropriate green one. Super happy with how it turned out.

The box for the new N64 case with a motif that says ‘Retro is COOL’.

This is a rear view of the empty green, translucent Nintendo 64 case without the red cartridge in place. The translucent casing allows visibility into the internal structure, with openings for the cartridge slot and other ports. The console is positioned on the same green cutting mat

This image features a stack of factory standard Nintendo 64 consoles. The setup is on the same workbench, surrounded by tools and electronic equipment.

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