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Tynemouth Software

@tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
1.5K followers 240 following 662 posts

Making new things for old computers. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk www.tindie.com/stores/tynemouth www.patreon.com/tynemouthsoftware

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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 27/09/2026
New blog post - A new multi-standard 9 way D joystick interface for the Minstrel 4th and RC2014. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/tyne... This card can be configured as * Boldfield (Jupiter Ace) * ZXpand IO port (ZX81) * Kempston (ZX81, ZX Spectrum) standards Available as kit or assembled.
The new Minstrel Joystick V2.0 Multi-Standard 9 way-D interface for Minstrel 4th and RC2014.Minstrel 4th the Minstrel Joystick V2 and ZIP stickPaul Farrow's ZX81 Kong running on ZX81 BASIC for Minstrel 4th supports the Kempston interface standard.David Stephenson's Zevious Seven running on ZX81 BASIC for Minstrel 4th supports the Kempston, Boldfield and ZXpand interface standards.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 27/09/2026
New blog post - A new multi-standard 9 way D joystick interface for the Minstrel 4th and RC2014. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/tyne... This card can be configured as * Boldfield (Jupiter Ace) * ZXpand IO port (ZX81) * Kempston (ZX81, ZX Spectrum) standards Available as kit or assembled.
The new Minstrel Joystick V2.0 Multi-Standard 9 way-D interface for Minstrel 4th and RC2014.Minstrel 4th the Minstrel Joystick V2 and ZIP stickPaul Farrow's ZX81 Kong running on ZX81 BASIC for Minstrel 4th supports the Kempston interface standard.David Stephenson's Zevious Seven running on ZX81 BASIC for Minstrel 4th supports the Kempston, Boldfield and ZXpand interface standards.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 22/09/2026
My experience ordering parts from a certain UK electronics supplier: Go to site, search for part number - not found Try half a dozen search terms until I find the part, with the exact part number I searched for before. Need to spend more to get free shipping, order so parts I don't really need. 1/2
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 22/09/2026
Happy Birthday to the Jupiter Ace. If you fancy a bit of Forth (or ZX81 BASIC, ZX80 BASIC or Lambda 8300 BASIC) with added RC2014 expansion and maxed out 51K of RAM, check out the Minstrel 4th. www.tindie.com/products/tyn... Message me direct if you want to order from outside the UK.
Minstrel 4th V4.52 with Forth keyboard overlayMinstrel 4th kitMinstrel 4th with the new Multi-standard 9 way D joystick interface (Boldfield / ZXpand / Kempston).Minstrel 4th keyboard overlays for Forth, ZX81 BASIC, ZX80 BASIC and Lambda 8300 BASIC.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 20/09/2026
New blog post - Continuing with the ZX81 repairs, this time I turn my attention to the rather tatty case and membrane. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81...
ZX81 case and membrane in need of some TLC.I don't know why the membrane was covered in tape?The top was all sorts of patchy.The final result, not bad, from a distance of several hundred yards.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 20/09/2026
New blog post - Continuing with the ZX81 repairs, this time I turn my attention to the rather tatty case and membrane. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81...
ZX81 case and membrane in need of some TLC.I don't know why the membrane was covered in tape?The top was all sorts of patchy.The final result, not bad, from a distance of several hundred yards.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 18/09/2026
Another ZX81 repair in 4 photos. This is the second board, and was covered in more detail in this weeks blog post. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81... Tune in on Sunday to see part 3, covering restoration of the case and membrane.
Broken ZX81 board with three flaky sockets and a soldered in RAM chip.New sockets all round.Testing with known working original chips.Finished board with 16K RAM upgrade and EPROM ROM replacement, switching regulator and a heatsink on the ULA.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 13/09/2026
New blog post - The second ZX81 board repair. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81... This time with an internal 16K RAM upgrade, an EPROM ROM replacement and a switching regulator 7805 replacement.
ZX81 issue one board, broken.Repaired and upgraded ZX81 board.ZX81 16K RAM upgrade.ZX81 EPROM ROM replacement.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 13/09/2026
New blog post - The second ZX81 board repair. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81... This time with an internal 16K RAM upgrade, an EPROM ROM replacement and a switching regulator 7805 replacement.
ZX81 issue one board, broken.Repaired and upgraded ZX81 board.ZX81 16K RAM upgrade.ZX81 EPROM ROM replacement.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 09/09/2026
A ZX81 repair in 4 photos. Or if you want more details (and another 38 photos), you can check out the full blog post. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81... Part 2 is up on Patreon now if you can't wait (and/or want to support the creation of more of this stuff) www.patreon.com/tynemouthsof...
Broken ZX81 board with three empty socketsSockets and RAM chips desoldered.New sockets fitted (and damage from a previous repair fixed.Testing with Minstrel Expansion Bus for power, Minstrel keyboard, ZX81 membrane, and known working chips including a ULA in a ZIF socket.
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L Break Into Program @breakintoprogram.co.uk · 09/09/2026
And how it generates the video is also incredibly bonkers and very Sinclair.
blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk
How the ZX81 Generates Video
Now the Minstrel kits are back in stock, it's time for the second in this series of posts from my Patreon, this one covering the video outpu...
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 06/09/2026
New blog post - The first of a series of ZX81 repairs - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81... I couldn't find any of my ZX81s, but I did find a box with three "untested" boards. They can't all be broken, can they?
ZX81 board missing a few chips.Two ZX81 boards with chips.A previous repair attempt.K cursor ready with Minstrel ZXpand II banner.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 06/09/2026
New blog post - The first of a series of ZX81 repairs - blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/09/zx81... I couldn't find any of my ZX81s, but I did find a box with three "untested" boards. They can't all be broken, can they?
ZX81 board missing a few chips.Two ZX81 boards with chips.A previous repair attempt.K cursor ready with Minstrel ZXpand II banner.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 01/09/2026
Where does the new Minstrel ZXpand II fit, compared to the other? * Minstrel ZXpand - SD, ZXpand Joystick, Kempston Joystick - Needs external ROM + wire * Minstrel ZXpand II - SD, ZXpand Joystick, Kempston Joystick, Overlay ROM * ZXpand / ZXpand+ - SD, ZXpand Joystick, Overlay ROM, RAM
Minstrel ZXpand, Minstrel ZXpand II, ZXpand+Minstrel ZXpand II plugged into Minstrel 3No replacement ROM and wire to jumper block is required.Can also be used with a ZX81 or TS1000, but an internal RAM upgrade is recommended. e.g. https://blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2017/10/zx81-internal-16k-ram-reversible-version.html
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 30/08/2026
New blog post - Introducing the new Minstrel ZXpand II - SD card and joystick interface for the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3 and a ZX81 or TS1000 with an internal RAM upgrade. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/mins... Shipping worldwide, but as per last week, please contact me if you are interested.
The Minstrel ZXpand II with horizontal pin header connection.The Minstrel ZXpand II with vertical pin header connection, plugged into a Minstrel 2 with 4K BASIC.The Minstrel ZXpand II with horizontal pin header connection soldered direct to a Minstrel 3.The Minstrel ZXpand II with vertical pin header connections in a Minstrel Expansion Bus plugged into a TS1000 with an internal RAM upgrade.
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George Beckett @markgbeckett.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
This @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk blog blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/time... rekindled my interest in maze generation, and I delved into Eller's Algorithm which generates perfect mazes (weblog.jamisbuck.org/2010/1W2/29/...). Here's my Forth implementation - github.com/markgbeckett...
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 30/08/2026
New blog post - Introducing the new Minstrel ZXpand II - SD card and joystick interface for the Minstrel 2, Minstrel 3 and a ZX81 or TS1000 with an internal RAM upgrade. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/mins... Shipping worldwide, but as per last week, please contact me if you are interested.
The Minstrel ZXpand II with horizontal pin header connection.The Minstrel ZXpand II with vertical pin header connection, plugged into a Minstrel 2 with 4K BASIC.The Minstrel ZXpand II with horizontal pin header connection soldered direct to a Minstrel 3.The Minstrel ZXpand II with vertical pin header connections in a Minstrel Expansion Bus plugged into a TS1000 with an internal RAM upgrade.
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Sinclair Research @sinclairresearch.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Brilliant repair walkthrough on a Minstrel 4th - the ZX81-compatible clone from Tynemouth Software. Tracks down a video display fault through clever debugging with the Lambda 8300 ROM. Love this kind of detective work! blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/0…
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 25/08/2026
It amazes me that legislation like this keeps getting through and nowhere along the line do any of our alleged representatives consider how this might impact anything other than large corporations. All I can say is, if you want something from a small seller, buy it now, whilst you still can.
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Chris Garrett @chrisg.com · 24/08/2026
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast" retrogamecoders.com/minstrel-4th... (Borking my Minstrel 4th)
retrogamecoders.com
How I Broke My Minstrel 4th Before It Ever Booted
I rushed a Minstrel 4th kit build and nearly ruined it. Here is what I would do differently.
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L Break Into Program @breakintoprogram.co.uk · 23/08/2026
Finally got around to reading this - an interesting write-up of an almost-working Minstrel and a sound explanation of the diagnostic process involved.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 23/08/2026
New blog post. I have quite a few posts written and ready, but all waiting on one things or another, so this is an update on the international shipping situation and the best way to order from me. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/upda... (sorry, if it's a bit ranty and a wee bit political)
A pile of more parcels ready to ship. From July 2025, when it was a little easier to ship internationally that it currently is and as a result I was getting a lot more orders.
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16k should be enough for anyone 🇦🇺 @zx81keyboardadventure.com · 22/08/2026
Zevious Seven has now been release on Cassette by Cronosoft On Tape: cronosoft.fwscart.com/product/zevi... Digital Copy: zx81keyboardadventure.itch.io/zevious-seven #ZX81 #retrogaming #indiedev
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 16/08/2026
New blog post - repairing a Minstrel 4th build that almost worked first time. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/mins... Why the Lambda 8300 ROM was calling itself Kamaca 8200, why the keys were not showing the right thing when pressed, and why bits of the screen weren't quite in the right place.
Find out what the Kamaca 8200 is, and also the Mimssqek 4sg.Inverse Ys where they shouldn't be, forming an enigmatic face.Minstrel 4th kit built and ready for testing.
When is a vlist not a vlist? when it's a vlhrt.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 16/08/2026
New blog post - repairing a Minstrel 4th build that almost worked first time. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/mins... Why the Lambda 8300 ROM was calling itself Kamaca 8200, why the keys were not showing the right thing when pressed, and why bits of the screen weren't quite in the right place.
Find out what the Kamaca 8200 is, and also the Mimssqek 4sg.Inverse Ys where they shouldn't be, forming an enigmatic face.Minstrel 4th kit built and ready for testing.
When is a vlist not a vlist? when it's a vlhrt.
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Sinclair Research @sinclairresearch.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
The divMMC Future is one of the best things to happen to the ZX Spectrum - an SD card interface that just works with every Speccy from Issue 1 to the +3, no jumpers needed. Built in the UK with an injection-moulded case and rainbow stripe. Love it. tfw8b.com/divmmc-future-for-the-zx-spectrum/
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Jason Moore @moorejh.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Love the Penultimate 2 cartridge for my Vic-20. Load games, expand the RAM, & run a dead test. Amazing! #commodore #vic20 #retrocomputing
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 09/08/2026
New blog post - second part of the VIC20 Timebomb game. This time fixing some bugs and optimising and tidying up the code blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/time... Includes looking at how the maze is generated and displayed, and how I slightly broke that when I rewrote it in 6502 assembler.
Debug build showing maze generation.Broken starting screen.Maze and a copy of the mazeBefore and after moving showing the maze below the line changes.
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Reposted by Tynemouth Software
Rod Hull @futurewas8bit.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Rod Hull Replays another Bunch of NEW VIC20 Games that you may have missed🕹️🏎️👾🚀🎮 #ItsARealGoodTreat www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bxj... #RetroGaming #RetroComputing #Commodore #Commodorevic20 #VIC20 #8bit #KoolKidz
youtube.com
Rod Hull Replays another Bunch of NEW VIC20 Games that you may have missed🕹️🏎️👾🚀🎮 #ItsARealGoodTreat
YouTube video by Rod Hull
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 09/08/2026
New blog post - second part of the VIC20 Timebomb game. This time fixing some bugs and optimising and tidying up the code blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/time... Includes looking at how the maze is generated and displayed, and how I slightly broke that when I rewrote it in 6502 assembler.
Debug build showing maze generation.Broken starting screen.Maze and a copy of the mazeBefore and after moving showing the maze below the line changes.
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 06/08/2026
"Hey AI, write me a spam email that definitely doesn't look like I have wedged a keyword into a standard template using mail-merge software from 1993."
Support,

It's clear that THE FUTURE WAS 8BIT LIMITED is making strides in the Cartridge category, and I wanted to connect.

With [REDACTED], you gain access to a network of inspected suppliers. My job is to match you with the right partners for items such as Cartridge without the usual headaches.

I'm curious if Cartridge is a product category you're actively sourcing. If yes, I can help you connect with reliable suppliers. If not, just share what you're currently sourcing and I'll look into it.
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Reposted by Tynemouth Software
Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 02/08/2026
New blog post - Speeding Up a Timebomb blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/time... Timebomb is a nice little VIC20 BASIC game, but the maze generation at the start was very slow, so I rewrote it in 6502 assembler. This one contains lots of hints and tips for VIC20 BASIC and 6502 assembler coding.
Timebomb, a type in game for the VIC20The original BASIC version took one minute to generate the maze.Memory contents visible at the top of the maze screen.Oops, didn't find it in time. Bang!
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 02/08/2026
New blog post - Speeding Up a Timebomb blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/08/time... Timebomb is a nice little VIC20 BASIC game, but the maze generation at the start was very slow, so I rewrote it in 6502 assembler. This one contains lots of hints and tips for VIC20 BASIC and 6502 assembler coding.
Timebomb, a type in game for the VIC20The original BASIC version took one minute to generate the maze.Memory contents visible at the top of the maze screen.Oops, didn't find it in time. Bang!
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Rod Hull @futurewas8bit.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
One Hour / 30ish Random Commodore VIC20 Games🕹️ Using Penultimate+2 & Arduino 'new' game every 2mins www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPNw... #RetroGaming #Retrocomputing #8bit #VIC20 #Commodore #commodorevic20 #PenultimateCartridge #VIC20Rulez
youtube.com
One Hour / 30ish Random Commodore VIC20 Games🕹️ Using Penultimate+2 & Arduino 'new' game every 2mins
YouTube video by Rod Hull
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Chris Garrett @chrisg.com · 30/07/2026
Minstrel 4 by @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk progress so far
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 26/07/2026
Please come back next week when there is a nice post about writing a VIC 20 game. Or there is 50% of my Patreon if you want to read it now, along with many hundreds of other posts. www.patreon.com/tynemouthsof... I don't normally mention Patreon, but I could really do with the support right now.
patreon.com
Speeding Up a Time Bomb [Patreon Preview] | Dave Curran
Speeding Up a Time Bomb [Patreon Preview] by Dave Curran on Patreon. Join Dave Curran's community for exclusive content and updates.
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Mika Misfit @retrogamermisfit.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
I released a new game for the VIC-20 misfit.itch.io/drpsil
misfit.itch.io
Dr.Pösilö by Misfit
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 26/07/2026
New blog post: Changes to international shipping rules mean I now ask you to contact me and tell me what you want (and which options) and your address and I will get you an accurate price. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/07/game... If you want to know why, read on, otherwise give this one a miss.
Good News says the Royal Mail. Is it? Not for me it isn't.
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KIM-1 @kim-6502.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Garth Wilson has been designing and documenting 6502 systems at wilsonminesco.com for decades. His site covers everything from basic hardware design to advanced interrupt handling to building a full 6502 workstation. No flash, no frameworks - just deep knowledge served as plain HTML.
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Rod Hull @futurewas8bit.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Rod Hull Replays: The game I missed from the last video 'Death Chase' and a Rods Runs a Random Rom🕹️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOQ7... #RetroGaming #RetroComputing #Commodore #Commodorevic20 #VIC20 #8bit
youtube.com
Rod Hull Replays: The game I missed from the last video 'Death Chase' and a Rods Runs a Random Rom🕹️
YouTube video by Rod Hull
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SmallRun @smallrun.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
New on SmallRun — PET ROM/RAM Board by Tynemouth (@tynemouthsoftware.co.uk). → smallrun.net/shop/tynemouth/pet-rom…
PET ROM/RAM Board
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 21/07/2026
Yay, I now can't post to Germany without paying the 20% VAT up front as part of the postage costs. Thank you the world for making international trade increasingly expensive and increasingly complicated at every opportunity.
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George Beckett @markgbeckett.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
First version of #Forth I2C interface is complete (for #JupiterAce ROM on @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk #Minstrel4th). Based on Steve Cousin's Z80 m/code I2C demo. It includes example for LM75A temperature sensor. github.com/markgbeckett...
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Jason Moore @moorejh.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
Love this visualization of the 6502 instruction set. May you JMP for joy as you digest this ;) #retrocomputing #coding
visualization of the 6502 instruction set
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 19/07/2026
New blog post - Updates to the PET ROM/RAM board, and the places I sell things. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/07/pet-... Lots of new options, as well as Tindie, I am starting to list things on Lectronz, SmallRun and SellMyRetro, or contact me and order direct via PayPal or UK bank transfer.
PET ROM/RAM board, 5 switch version, at a jaunty angle on my world famous battered desk top.PET ROM/RAM board, 9 switch version, at a jaunty angle on my world famous battered desk top.PET ROM/RAM board, 5 switch version, installed on a CBM 4016 board.PET ROM/RAM board, 9 switch version, installed on a CBM 4016 board.
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SmallRun @smallrun.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
New shop on SmallRun: Tynemouth (@tynemouthsoftware.co.uk). Making new things for old computers → smallrun.net/shop/tynemouth
Tynemouth
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Sinclair Research @sinclairresearch.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Tynemouth Software is reverse-engineering the Lambda 8300 ROM - a ZX81 clone that makes you type PRINT in full, squeaks at you with every keypress, and uses inverse video like the Jupiter Ace. Delightfully weird. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/0…
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Rod Hull @futurewas8bit.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Rod Hull Replays an Bunch of NEW VIC20 Games for 2026 🕹️⚡👽👾🚀🎮 2026 might be a good year after all! 🥰 www.youtube.com/watch?v=PugP... #RetroGaming #RetroComputing #Commodore #Commodorevic20 #VIC20 #8bit
youtube.com
Rod Hull Replays an Bunch of NEW VIC20 Games for 2026 🕹️⚡👽👾🚀🎮 2026 might be a good year after all! 🥰
YouTube video by Rod Hull
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Lectronz: The new maker marketplace. @lectronz.com · 15/07/2026
New on Lectronz: PET ROM/RAM Board lectronz.com/products/pet-rom-ram-b… #Retrocomputing #TestEquipment
lectronz.com
PET ROM/RAM Board
A ROM and RAM replacement / repair / upgrade board which plugs in the 6502 socket of a Commodore PET
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Tynemouth Software @tynemouthsoftware.co.uk · 12/07/2026
New blog post - the repair of a Commodore PET 3032 board with no video output. blog.tynemouthsoftware.co.uk/2026/07/comm... Also a capacitor that is looking decidedly unwell.
Commodore PET 2001N-32 / 3032PET Video Out board plugged into PET 3032.Oooooh nasty.Something is not quite right.
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