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Quazar

@samcoupe.com
3.2K followers 998 following 2.2K posts

www.samcoupe.com 33 years developing for the British 8-bit SAM Coupé computer, doing what I can to keep this fantastic system alive! Hardware, software, repairs, SAM Revival magazine + more. (linktr.ee/quazarsamcoupe for all links, inc ZX / RC hardware)

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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 15h
I have some larger PCB ones, same size as my keyrings. (No keyring hole and not gold plated). I originally made for a badge to wear at shows and thinner version is going to be used on the front of SAM in a CAN 2s.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 25/09/2026
Preparing a reprint run of issue 26 of SAM Revival magazine for #SAMCoupe. Printing costs up 50% 😲 I'm not increasing mag price but more sales help towards keeping all of the back issues available. SR26 -> www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm 72 pages + disk (5 games + 2 util) #retrogaming #gaming #8bit
SAM Revival issue 26, with coverdisk.A sneak peak inside issue 26 of SAM Revival magazine - Megapreview of 'The Lower Caverns'A sneak peak inside issue 26 of SAM Revival magazine - news section.Screenshots of the software on the coverdisk with SAM Revival 26. Games: Blokker, MegaBlast, Wubtris, Flappy Bird, Battlezone. And utilities: ARMSID Configuration, Trinity AutoBOOT update.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 18/09/2026
Save a good few quid on a bundle of all the current issues of SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe computer! (Issues 1-26, with 18 coverdisks of SAM software and an audio CD) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11739320... #samcoupe #retrocomputing #retrogaming #demoscene #gamedev #z80
Issues 1 to 26 of SAM Revival magazineA peak inside issue 24 of SAM RevivalA peak inside issue 26 of SAM Revival
Cover disks with SAM Revival, packed full of software for the SAM Coupe. Classic re-releases, brand new exclusive games, demoscene releases, utilities...
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 17/09/2026
Only 2, but great to see the SAM Coupe get a mention! It's the system I've been devoted to for the last 30-something years; hardware, software, magazines, doing what I can to keep it alive! My site -> www.samcoupe.com
A SAM Coupe computer, surrounded by some of the hardware I've designed and released over the last 30-something years.SAM Revival magazine, for the SAM Coupe. Also comes with a real, physical cover floppy disk of software.Stratosphere, one of the games I released for the SAM Coupe
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 17/09/2026
Catching up with news of the new Manic Miner AI slop. Yikes! For anyone after a true #8bit Manic Miner experience, the SAM Coupe version was first released in 1992 and then re-released with SAM Revival issue 9 with permission of the authors/SAM version copyright holder. SAM MM featured 40 new...
SAM Revival issue 9, originally released in 2004, revamped and updated in 2025! Cover disk features the SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner, with 40 extra caverns to give a total of 60.Central Cavern, such a definitive level of a game that's known by everyone!One of the new caverns that features in the SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner! Wibble!Another new cavern from the SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 17/09/2026
And don't forget about my other #RC2014 / RCbus & compatibles sound antics! 2020 - released my SID Soundchip Interface to bring the famous #C64 soundchip to more #Z80 systems. 2021 - released my ZXTT module, for Ed's YM/AY RC2014 soundcard, to clock it identically to that of the 128K #ZXSpectrum.
SID Soundchip Interface for the RC2014 and other RCbus systems. Bringing the sound of the famous Commodore 64 to more Z80 platforms.ZXTT (ZX True Tone) - a module to fit Ed Brindley's YM/AY soundcard to clock the soundchip to the exact frequency of the 128K ZX Spectrum so speccy music can play pitch perfectly.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 17/09/2026
I seem to be interested in cartridges decades after they were cool! 😁 In 2019 I made an interface to use the ZX Spectrum ROM Cartridges on the SAM Coupe, following that later in 2022 with an interface to use VIC-20 ROM Cartridges on the SAM as well. www.samcoupe.com #SAMCoupe #ZXSpectrum #VIC20
ZX-ECUTOR interface for the SAM Coupe, to let it run ZX Spectrum ROM Cartridges.VIC-20 Cartridge Interface for the SAM Coupe. Currently supporting 14 cartridges which are read in and run under emulation.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 17/09/2026
I've made some white #ZXSpectrum 16/48K PCB badges to add to my growing range of #8bit printed circuit board keyrings and badges. eBay: ebay.co.uk/itm/11741210... Direct site: samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm (Discounted "Pic 'n' Mix" options for 3 or 5 badges & keyrings!) #retrocomputing #computing
A pin badge made from a printed circuit board depicting a white coloured ZX Spectrum computer.The whole range of printed circuit board keyrings and badges I make, of old 8-bit computers.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/07/2026
I've recently launched an expansion interface for @lockfarm.bsky.social 's MicroBeast to give it 3 RC expansion slots. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11728065... Interface in action with my RC Soundcards on a MicroBeast: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKDK...
Expansion card for the Feersum MicroBeast
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/07/2026
Yes, I make 2 slot RCbus expansion interfaces for the ZX Spectrum, with or without a ZX through port. My site for RC2014/RCbus stuff... 2014.samcoupe.com - ZX and SAM bus adapters - SID Soundchip Interface - SAA1099P Soundchip Interface - Graphic OLED Interface
SAA1099P Interface for RCSID Soundchip Interface for RCGraphic OLED InterfaceZX-RC Bus Interface
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/07/2026
A whole new SAM system using the original custom chipset (I was able to track down a few hundred!), again this will have all my extra hardware enhancements built in as standard.
SAM Coupe ASIC chips
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/07/2026
Original SAM Coupes are going for ridiculous prices second hand, but I do have two options coming up... The first is 'SAM in a CAN 2'. An original SAM Coupe motherboard in a new case and a lot of extra peripherals built in. I've a couple under construction for people at the moment, and metalwork...
SAM in a CAN 2
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 15/07/2026
I've auctions on eBay for a few #SAMCoupe game disks and a couple #retrocomputing related #books ending very soon this evening... www.ebay.co.uk/usr/quazar-s... SAM games: Momentum, EFTPOTRM, Defenders of the Earth Books: Commodork - The sordid tales of a BBS Junkie, Twilight Inventory
Original SAM Coupe disksRetrocomputing related books
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 08/07/2026
onto the end of the second manual has been lifted straight from the SAM Coupe Technical Manual. The odd word changed, the odd word added. First photo - the machine code course manual Second photo - the SAM Coupe Technical manual I had bought/returned this around Dec'93/Jan'94. At the SAM &
Kobrahsoft ManualSAM Coupe Technical Manual
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 08/07/2026
🧵... I often criticise Kobrahsoft's SAM Machine Code Course when this advert appears. When I first bought this I returned it under their money back guarantee. I was reacquainted with it as I got my hands on another copy when buying a pile of second hand software years ago.
Kobrahsoft 'SAM Machine Code Course'. 2 Manuals, a cassette and a floppy disk.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 01/07/2026
Sony stopping Playstation discs in 2028? Yikes! I'm still all for physical media, I even include real floppy disks in with SAM Revival magazine for the SAM Coupe computer! www.samcoupe.com for everything I do for the #samcoupe #retrogaming #gaming #indiegames
Three issues of SAM Revival magazine, complete with real physical floppy coverdisks!
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 19/06/2026
🚨 Events! (Short notice!) I'll be at @retrocomputermuseum.co.uk Legendary Gathering (Leicester) TOMORROW 20th June! then at @computinghistory.org.uk "Synthesized" (Cambridge) on Saturday 27th June! #samcoupe #retrocomputing #retrogaming
My stand at Synthesized 2024My stand at Retro Computing Festival 2024
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 14/06/2026
Ending in the next two hours I've a few eBay auctions including an original SAM Coupe keyboard assembly, case feet, drive bay cover -> www.ebay.co.uk/usr/quazar-sam-coupe-sales The SAM Coupe has been the system I've been developing for over the last 33 years. Everything I do -> www.samcoupe.com
Original SAM Coupe keyboard assembly. See auction listing for more details.Original SAM Coupe case feet. See auction listing for more details.Original SAM Coupe drive bay cover. See auction listing for more details.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 11/06/2026
I've put up a few SAM Coupe auctions on eBay (1 day, ending tomorrow). Original SAM keyboard assembly (grey key caps / beige spacebar / no membrane) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11724357... Black case feet (test molds, but did ship on a handful of SAM Coupes instead of blue) www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11724357...
SAM Coupe keyboard assembly.SAM Coupe black case feet, instead of the usual blue colour. While the main production run of them was in blue, some different colours and materials were used to test the molds back in 1989. In a case of "waste not want not" the handful of black feet were still used so a very, very small number of SAM Coupes shipped with them.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 05/06/2026
Mechanical Keyboard for the SAM Coupe - since launch in 2021 they've been receiving rave reviews, they're the ultimate replacement for faulty or poor quality membranes. Choice of keyswitches available. Grab one at an offer price -> www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm #samcoupe #keyboard #retrocomputing
Mechanical Keyboard for the SAM Coupe
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 04/06/2026
The badges did stem from a different project, so the first few designs are directly related to them. Originally, my mini computer PCBs - first the SAM, then the Commodore style - were designed as decorations for the sound interfaces I make for RC2014 and compatibles. But I then I thought they...
Soundchip interfaces for RC2014 and compatible systems... the SAA1099P from the SAM Coupe, and the SID from the Commodore 64
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 03/06/2026
I've added some Pic'n'Mix options at samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm so there are discounts for choosing 3 or 5 from the entire range of PCB badges and keyrings.
Printed Circuit Board badges and keyrings
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 01/06/2026
As I wasn't able to get to RetroFest 2026 I've now put up some offers on a handful of products I make for the SAM Coupe. www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm Some pieces of hardware and a couple revamped back issues of SAM Revival mag that might appeal to anyone! #samcoupe #retrocomputing #retrogaming
Limited Edition "Prototype Tribute" Mechanical Keyboard, for the SAM CoupeSAM Revival issue 9, with the huge SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner on the coverdisk. (Digital image available for emulator users).Trinity Ethernet Interface, also offers mass storage with SD and SDHC cards.Mechanical Keyboard for the SAM Coupe, the ultimate replacement for old or poor quality membranes. Choice of keyswitch available.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 31/05/2026
I've also added quick buy it now buttons for the two styles of #ZXSpectrum PCB Pin Badges I make to my ZX Spectrum webpage: zx.samcoupe.com
Pin badges made from printed circuit boards in the styles of two ZX Spectrum models. 16/48K + 128K
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 31/05/2026
I've reduced the UK postage rates for the #ZXSpectrum hardware I make - see zx.samcoupe.com for more information and to buy. - 2-Way ZX Bus Expansion - 16 Bank Flash Cartridge - ZX ROM Slot - ZX-RC Bus Adapter (Use RC2014/RCbus peripherals on the Spectrum) #retrocomputing #retrogaming #computing
2 Way ZX Bus Expansion - plug two interfaces into your Spectrum16 Bank Flash Cart - Interface 2 style cartridge that can hold 16 different ROM images.ZX ROM Slot - Interface 2 style cartridge port, for any model of ZX SpectrumZX-RC Bus Interface - use RC2014 / RCbus peripherals with the ZX Spectrum (See more info on my website)
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 31/05/2026
I've listed some auctions on eBay: - Framed original SAM Coupe poster from 1989 (A4 size) - Original 8 page SAM Coupe brochure and price list from 1989. www.ebay.co.uk/usr/quazar-s... #samcoupe #retrocomputing #retrogaming
An original SAM Coupe poster from 1989, in a neat slim black frame.Original 8 page SAM Coupe brochure and price list from 1989.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 30/05/2026
#SAMCoupe music playing on a #RC2014 Mini setup! SAM's E-Tracker music (or Borik's online SAA1099Tracker) have an Init routine to call at the start, then a Frame routine to call 50 times a second. Ideal to play via my SAA1099P Soundchip Interface for RC2014 & Compatibles. 10% off this weekend! 😜
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 30/05/2026
How to get the 4 colours on a standard green PCB... - bare PCB (yellow-ish) - green solder resist (dark green) - copper under green solder resist (light green) - silkscreen (white)
close up of the camouflage PCB badge
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 30/05/2026
Did you know there was a camouflage painted SAM Coupe lurking at SAMCo's HQ in 1991/2? (Thanks DL for the anecdote!) Grab a limited edition Printed Circuit Board pin badge of it (+other #8bit style badges!) to help support what I do for SAM! www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm #retrogaming #indiedev
Camouflage style SAM Coupe PCB pin badgeThe range of Printed Circuit Board keyrings and pin badges I make of 8 bit systems
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 30/05/2026
🚨 As RetroFest 2026 kicks off this morning I'm offering 10% off of my full range of peripherals for RC2014 / RCbus systems and compatibles this weekend. Info / Purchase - 2014.samcoupe.com #retrocomputing #retrogaming #electronics #soundchip #chiptune
SAA1099P Soundchip Interface for RC2014 and compatiblesSID Soundchip Interface for RC2014 and compatiblesGraphic OLED Interface for RC2014 and compatiblesZX True Tone (ZXTT) for Ed Brindley's YM/AY RC2014 Soundcard
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 29/05/2026
But, while I'm out of dead chips to frame, I do have several hundred unused SAM Coupe ASICs, still in their VLSI tubes! "Pandemonium" is the codename for a new SAM system I've in the works to use them. While things have been very slow recently I should have some news soon. #samcoupe #retrocomputing
SAM Coupe ASIC chips - the custom chip in the SAM Coupe, designed by Bruce Gordon
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 29/05/2026
many other emulators have been written for SAM, including: ZX81, Jupiter Ace, Apple 1, VIC-20, Galeksija, Orao, Pac-Man and Space Invaders arcade machines, partial C64 for .sid playback via my SID Interface. I'll also paste my usual 'go to' image to show ZX vs SAM...
Comparing Lemmings and Treasure Island Dizzy on the ZX Spectrum to the SAM Coupe
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 29/05/2026
Ah the SAM Coupe! 33 years I've been developing for this misunderstood, underdog of a system! Everything I do -> www.samcoupe.com An article I wrote back in 2006 covering the history of the SAM Coupe, and my start with the system -> eab.abime.net/showpost.php...
A SAM Coupe computer surrounded by some of the hardware I've produced for it.SAM Revival magazine
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 29/05/2026
As these rely on having a dead chip, this is the last one I currently have - a framed SAM Coupe ASIC chip - the custom silicon chip designed by Bruce Gordon in 1989 that powers the #SAMCoupe computer. Perfect wall art for your computer room! www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11714471... #retrogaming #computing
Framed SAM Coupe ASIC chip
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 25/05/2026
And there's been some runs of brand new cartridge games released, I picked up 'Dead Space' back in 2019. (The author, @bytemaniacos.com, kindly allowed this and his other ROM game Mag The Magician to be included on the flash cartridge I produce.)
Dead Space ZX ROM cartridgeDead Space on the ZX Spectrum
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 25/05/2026
🚨 SAM Revival 9 in stock! [SAM Coupe Magazine] Revamped full colour professionally printed back issue, plus the full SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner (60 Caverns!) on the cover floppy disk. [Digital file also available] www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11718578... #samcoupe #gaming
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 25/05/2026
Sadly this is ripping off some of the levels of the SAM Coupe version of Manic Miner, which had been previously been converted without permission of SAM MM's copyright holder to the ZX Spectrum. SAM MM is only available with permissions on the coverdisk with issue 9 of SAM Revival mag.
SAM Revival issue 9Manic Miner on the SAM Coupe
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/05/2026
Quote with a fictional band that is not spinal tap
Quentin Smirhes [YouTube]
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/05/2026
It was great to get a mention in YS94 with Retro Gamer! SAM Revival magazine for the #SAMCoupe is still available along with all the other hardware and software I produce for this fantastic, underrated #8bit #computer! Everything I do -> www.samcoupe.com Video of the game mentioned in YS...
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 20/05/2026
(With the ZX-ECUTOR on the SAM Coupe, I had to have two modes for the cartridges... Run direct,at full 6MHz uncontended SAM ROM speed... too fast, unless you want a challenge! Copy to RAM, so runs fully at the extra-contended-MODE 1 speed (~3.8MHz) so it's much closer to the actual ZX Spectrum.)
ZX-ECUTOR start up screen
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 19/05/2026
interface to use them with the SAM Coupe (ZX-ECUTOR) and then a flash memory cartridge for to hold 16 ROMs at once for the original Interface 2 on the ZX Spectrum and the ZX-ECUTOR on SAM, then an Interface 2 clone to work on any model of Spectrum. www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm
ZX-ECUTOR interface to use ZX ROM cartridges on the SAM CoupeFlash Memory Cartridge for ZX Spectrum (for Interface 2 and similar) and SAM Coupe (with ZX-ECUTOR interface)
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 19/05/2026
Vast majority is deliberate in my experience, inc. stalkers, veiled threats, IP theft, eBay bogus claims. At least eBay protected me with one fake claim (someone bought a new item, claimed DOA, returned old item). I repaired, labeled and raised a few quid at auction for @retrocomputermuseum.co.uk
A repaired ZX Spectrum / SAM Coupe Flash cart, labelled as 'Returned by a Scammer' and auctioned with the proceeds going to the Retro Computer Museum in Leicester. A (former) customer bought on eBay, then bought another over a year later, claiming the new cart was dead on arrival, they then returned the old cartridge which had pins on the flash memory socket not making contact.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 19/05/2026
Printing was always a strong point for the SAM Coupe. I printed newsletters, instructions, disk labels etc with a Canon bubblejet printer. Following a request a couple years ago I released a brand new Parallel Printer Port interface for SAM... www.samcoupe.com www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11709761...
New Parallel Printer Port for the SAM Coupe
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 11/05/2026
I've so much still in the works to come. Next issue of SAM Revival [27] featuring 'The Lower Caverns' (Previewed in 26, a brand new sequel to the SAM version of Manic Miner). Project 'Pandemonium', my own new SAM system to use the original custom SAM chip and incorporating my major upgrades.
A SAM Coupe surrounded by just some of the hardware I've designed and released for it.SAM Revival magazines, for the SAM Coupe (with real coverdisks!)Interfaces to use VIC-20 and ZX Spectrum ROM carts on the SAM Coupe...
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 11/05/2026
My original SAM purchased in the spring of 1993, had black feet. There were several materials / colour used to test the molds before the full production run in blue. I've also a grey set of feet which I fit to a case when I'm out exhibiting everything I do for the SAM Coupe. (Never seen any others)
My SAM Coupe stand at the Retro Computing Festival in 2024.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 11/05/2026
As your thread started off with the mascot I commissioned a new drawing of the SAM robot by the original artist, Robin Evans, for the cover of SAM Revival issue 25. (And now used for my avatar!)
SAM Revival issue 25, magazine for the SAM Coupe
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 11/05/2026
The ARMSID has been my go to modern replacement, although you can't beat the real SID of course! But it's been ideal for the SID Soundchip Interfaces I make for the SAM Coupe computer and for RC2014 & Compatibles with RC/RCbus style expansion ports. www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm 2014.samcoupe.com
SID Soundchip Interface for the SAM Coupe. [First released in 2003]SID Soundchip Interface for RC2014 / RCbus & compatibles. [First released in 2020]
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 11/05/2026
Interesting to know there's another replacement on the way. I wonder how it would play with signal timings on non-C64 systems...
SID Soundchip Interface (version 1.3) for RC2014 & compatibles (Things with RC2014 / RCbus style expansion slots... mainly Z80, but a few other custom boards are now too using my interface!)
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 10/05/2026
The idea for making the badges evolved purely from just how good the little computer PCBs I made for my RC2014/RCbus soundcards looked!
SAA1099P and SID Soundchip interfaces for systems using RC2014 / RCbus style expansion sockets.
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Quazar @samcoupe.com · 10/05/2026
Quite a range now... #SAMCoupe (+ limited edition "special" colours based on historical anecdotes)... #ZXSpectrum 16/48K & 128K... #Commodore #C16/#C64/#VIC20... #Dragon32... www.samcoupe.com/quickshop.htm (Drop me a Chat message for bundles & combined shipping) #retrocomputing #retrogaming #8bit
Badges and keyrings made from printed circuit boards. 1 micron gold plating on the two SAM Coupe keyrings.
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