https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/ Fri, 21 Aug 2026 19:54:02 +0000 MyBB https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1051.html Sat, 18 Jul 2026 16:23:31 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1051.html
Can anyone give the history of the 56k Star Network Server hardware?

From recollection it was the generation of hardware before the 128k SBC was released and had a 50 way ribbon cable to two expansion boxes?

I'm interested if the system ever had access to the hard disk controllers like the SBC eventually did or if the 4 diskette system was the standard hardware that shipped with it.

Are there any photos of one?

It seems there's not much information on this series of servers in our schools, although they are out there..]]>
Can anyone give the history of the 56k Star Network Server hardware?

From recollection it was the generation of hardware before the 128k SBC was released and had a 50 way ribbon cable to two expansion boxes?

I'm interested if the system ever had access to the hard disk controllers like the SBC eventually did or if the 4 diskette system was the standard hardware that shipped with it.

Are there any photos of one?

It seems there's not much information on this series of servers in our schools, although they are out there..]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1046.html Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:57:54 +1000 headwerkn]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1046.html
A couple of year's back I was given a pair of Microbees by a former workmate, who'd used them for his electrical engineering degree back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. "Pair" is being generous - more like 1.75 units, as you'll soon understand why. Anyhoo, they've sat waiting patiently since then as I finished up my own electrical engineering degree (now complete, thankfully) and I now have some spare time to start the restoration process.


  IMG_5087.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)

I'm hoping to use this thread to gather information for how to approach a careful and considered restoration, to get at least the better of the two machines up and running reliably and keep it that way, one that won't unduly risk a system which by all accounts is getting harder to find. I'm reasonably confident and capable with basic electronics, soldering and troubleshooting (a child of Dick Smith's Funway Into Electronics) with mostly audio amps and the like (solid state and valve) but haven't had a lot of experience with serious board-level restoration of computer hardware or digital systems, old or new. The lack of SMD in Microbees is reassuring, to say the least. I've spent many hours watching the likes of Colin @ ThisDoesNotCompute and various others go through the process on various systems, so have a rough idea of what I'm in for. 

Along with the "two" systems I've also been given a period-correct (though non-Microbee-branded) Kaga 12" green monochrome monitor, one and a half power supplies (2 harnesses, 1 transformer), a completed EPROM reader/writer kit and a nice bundle of documentation.

At this stage I've resisted any urge to apply power to anything "just to see", lest I make it worse ;-)

Both systems have 'Model II' on the case. The first system appears intact and unmolested, just a bit dirty and yellowed as you'd expect, shows MB1732-33 ©1983 on the core board and from what I can tell has a full complement of ROMs, and no expansion slot soldered in. From what I can gather from the Wiki, this is a standard 32Kb Series 3 based on the case badging?


  IMG_5035.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 87)  
  IMG_5019.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 80)
  IMG_5020.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 81)

The only damage I can see is a broken 9V battery clip lead. The big 4700uF cap is the only electrolytic I'm seeing; no doubt it'll need replacement however it doesn't appear to have caused any corrosion nearby. Looks like the rest of the board is ceramics/tantalums only, bless whomever did the original design and BOM ;-)


  IMG_5022.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 83)
  IMG_5027.jpeg (Size: 180 KB / Downloads: 96)

Keyboard is an unknown quantity at this stage, by the sounds of things replacement is likely, but all the key caps are in place at least and they're not too gungy.


  IMG_5021.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 82)
  IMG_5024.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)

The other system is, umm... well, let's say, it's seen some things ;-)

Both Core and Main boards show plenty of modification and damage (bent pins etc). Exactly what's going on here is beyond my current knowledge... doesn't seem like factory modification/upgrades, more the efforts of a well meaning psychopath with a soldering iron. This was evidently the unit that was used with the EPROM reader, whether the modifications were required to support that peripheral, maybe?

Based on the "vented" top case logo it's apparently a PC85, 64K CIAB or SBC. A sticker on the missing keyboard surround might help. Board codes are PN1632 RevD for the Core and PN1248 for the Main which I'm reading the Wiki correctly indicate an earlier standard model though? Suspect this system might have started life as a bit of a bitsa, and was subsequently abused accordingly.


  IMG_5038.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 78)
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Suffice to say it's a mess and quite possibly beyond repair - certainly not without a tonne of work. A number of components seem to be damaged and just getting the Core board to mount would require a plenty of time with a pair of pliers to straighten the interface pins. The board appears to have a decent wad of RAM installed but is missing ROMs? Keyboard is down a few keys too. Likely only good for parts, but we'll get the other unit working first then decide if there's anything that can be done for this one.


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The monitor is a Kaga KG-12NA-N. I've managed to find some resources online including a good general reconditioning video including recapping and cleaning out the V/H-HOLD pots. Other than being very dusty internally, it seems fine with no visible burn-in, though someone appears to have bypassed the Power On/Off switch for, uh, some reason. I think a careful cleaning and possibly some recapping will have it running without too much drama.


  IMG_5068.jpeg (Size: 260 KB / Downloads: 79)
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The power supply transformer and associated cabling do not inspire confidence. When I get a free moment I'll do some quick tests with a multimeter to check output and continuity, but honestly I'm inclined to just give Ewan some money and get a whole new supply and cable kit when they become available.


  IMG_5054.jpeg (Size: 228 KB / Downloads: 80)
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So with all that, I'm curious as to what's considered the best plan of attack by the community for restoring old Bees? As it stands, my general plan with the 'good' unit is:

1. Take everything apart, at least to a manageable level.
   
2. Give the PC boards a thorough clean with IPA and a soft brush.
   
3. Replace and resolder the broken 9V battery clip.
   
4. Sort out a dependable power supply and cable set (new or clean up existing).
   
5. Give all the plastics etc. a good clean. (Not interested in retrobrighting.)
   
6. Give the monitor internals a thorough clean, attempt power up, recap as necessary.
   
7. Power up and take it from there. Sounds like keyboard issues are a near-given.
   

Any other suggestions?

Also, I'm guessing a Gotek is the preferred/least complicated way to get programs and data in and out of the Microbee in this day and age? I do have a potentially usable cassette unit (great big Sony unit used for controlling slide projectors) but honestly cassette-based data storage is something I genuinely hated in the 1980s and early 1990s and have zero nostalgia for ;-)

Many thanks if you've read this far - looking forward to people's suggestions and wisdom!

Cheers, Ben.

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A couple of year's back I was given a pair of Microbees by a former workmate, who'd used them for his electrical engineering degree back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. "Pair" is being generous - more like 1.75 units, as you'll soon understand why. Anyhoo, they've sat waiting patiently since then as I finished up my own electrical engineering degree (now complete, thankfully) and I now have some spare time to start the restoration process.


  IMG_5087.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)

I'm hoping to use this thread to gather information for how to approach a careful and considered restoration, to get at least the better of the two machines up and running reliably and keep it that way, one that won't unduly risk a system which by all accounts is getting harder to find. I'm reasonably confident and capable with basic electronics, soldering and troubleshooting (a child of Dick Smith's Funway Into Electronics) with mostly audio amps and the like (solid state and valve) but haven't had a lot of experience with serious board-level restoration of computer hardware or digital systems, old or new. The lack of SMD in Microbees is reassuring, to say the least. I've spent many hours watching the likes of Colin @ ThisDoesNotCompute and various others go through the process on various systems, so have a rough idea of what I'm in for. 

Along with the "two" systems I've also been given a period-correct (though non-Microbee-branded) Kaga 12" green monochrome monitor, one and a half power supplies (2 harnesses, 1 transformer), a completed EPROM reader/writer kit and a nice bundle of documentation.

At this stage I've resisted any urge to apply power to anything "just to see", lest I make it worse ;-)

Both systems have 'Model II' on the case. The first system appears intact and unmolested, just a bit dirty and yellowed as you'd expect, shows MB1732-33 ©1983 on the core board and from what I can tell has a full complement of ROMs, and no expansion slot soldered in. From what I can gather from the Wiki, this is a standard 32Kb Series 3 based on the case badging?


  IMG_5035.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 87)  
  IMG_5019.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 80)
  IMG_5020.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 81)

The only damage I can see is a broken 9V battery clip lead. The big 4700uF cap is the only electrolytic I'm seeing; no doubt it'll need replacement however it doesn't appear to have caused any corrosion nearby. Looks like the rest of the board is ceramics/tantalums only, bless whomever did the original design and BOM ;-)


  IMG_5022.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 83)
  IMG_5027.jpeg (Size: 180 KB / Downloads: 96)

Keyboard is an unknown quantity at this stage, by the sounds of things replacement is likely, but all the key caps are in place at least and they're not too gungy.


  IMG_5021.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 82)
  IMG_5024.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)

The other system is, umm... well, let's say, it's seen some things ;-)

Both Core and Main boards show plenty of modification and damage (bent pins etc). Exactly what's going on here is beyond my current knowledge... doesn't seem like factory modification/upgrades, more the efforts of a well meaning psychopath with a soldering iron. This was evidently the unit that was used with the EPROM reader, whether the modifications were required to support that peripheral, maybe?

Based on the "vented" top case logo it's apparently a PC85, 64K CIAB or SBC. A sticker on the missing keyboard surround might help. Board codes are PN1632 RevD for the Core and PN1248 for the Main which I'm reading the Wiki correctly indicate an earlier standard model though? Suspect this system might have started life as a bit of a bitsa, and was subsequently abused accordingly.


  IMG_5038.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 78)
  IMG_5039.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 78)
  IMG_5041.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)
  IMG_5043.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 77)

Suffice to say it's a mess and quite possibly beyond repair - certainly not without a tonne of work. A number of components seem to be damaged and just getting the Core board to mount would require a plenty of time with a pair of pliers to straighten the interface pins. The board appears to have a decent wad of RAM installed but is missing ROMs? Keyboard is down a few keys too. Likely only good for parts, but we'll get the other unit working first then decide if there's anything that can be done for this one.


  IMG_5049.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 78)
  IMG_5050.jpeg (Size: 196 KB / Downloads: 80)
  IMG_5052.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 76)

The monitor is a Kaga KG-12NA-N. I've managed to find some resources online including a good general reconditioning video including recapping and cleaning out the V/H-HOLD pots. Other than being very dusty internally, it seems fine with no visible burn-in, though someone appears to have bypassed the Power On/Off switch for, uh, some reason. I think a careful cleaning and possibly some recapping will have it running without too much drama.


  IMG_5068.jpeg (Size: 260 KB / Downloads: 79)
  IMG_5067.jpeg (Size: 228 KB / Downloads: 79)
  IMG_5079.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 78)
  IMG_5080.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 76)
  IMG_5082.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 77)
  IMG_5084.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 79)
  IMG_5085.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)

The power supply transformer and associated cabling do not inspire confidence. When I get a free moment I'll do some quick tests with a multimeter to check output and continuity, but honestly I'm inclined to just give Ewan some money and get a whole new supply and cable kit when they become available.


  IMG_5054.jpeg (Size: 228 KB / Downloads: 80)
  IMG_5055.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 80)
  IMG_5056.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 141)

So with all that, I'm curious as to what's considered the best plan of attack by the community for restoring old Bees? As it stands, my general plan with the 'good' unit is:

1. Take everything apart, at least to a manageable level.
   
2. Give the PC boards a thorough clean with IPA and a soft brush.
   
3. Replace and resolder the broken 9V battery clip.
   
4. Sort out a dependable power supply and cable set (new or clean up existing).
   
5. Give all the plastics etc. a good clean. (Not interested in retrobrighting.)
   
6. Give the monitor internals a thorough clean, attempt power up, recap as necessary.
   
7. Power up and take it from there. Sounds like keyboard issues are a near-given.
   

Any other suggestions?

Also, I'm guessing a Gotek is the preferred/least complicated way to get programs and data in and out of the Microbee in this day and age? I do have a potentially usable cassette unit (great big Sony unit used for controlling slide projectors) but honestly cassette-based data storage is something I genuinely hated in the 1980s and early 1990s and have zero nostalgia for ;-)

Many thanks if you've read this far - looking forward to people's suggestions and wisdom!

Cheers, Ben.

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  IMG_5061.jpeg (Size: 212 KB / Downloads: 78) ]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1042.html Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:51:29 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1042.html
  IMG_1031.png (Size: 158.79 KB / Downloads: 110)

I have been lucky enough to be able to purchase a 'working' 128k Microbee Premium system - however luck comes in different types as it would seem.

I received a new power supply and hooked it up to a Microbee Upscaling video Converter / HDMI to my screen and the only thing displayed is the infamous solid block in the top left of the screen ...


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Reset key doesn't seem to do anything, and applying power with the M key depressed seems to have no effect either - all and any suggestions appreciated .]]>
  IMG_1031.png (Size: 158.79 KB / Downloads: 110)

I have been lucky enough to be able to purchase a 'working' 128k Microbee Premium system - however luck comes in different types as it would seem.

I received a new power supply and hooked it up to a Microbee Upscaling video Converter / HDMI to my screen and the only thing displayed is the infamous solid block in the top left of the screen ...


  IMG_1032.png (Size: 121.36 KB / Downloads: 106)

Reset key doesn't seem to do anything, and applying power with the M key depressed seems to have no effect either - all and any suggestions appreciated .]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1040.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:23:23 +1000 aladinsane]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1040.html
New to the forum and new to Microbees - so in general just a newbee (sorry, couldn't resist...)

I recently got hold of two Microbees without any accessories besides a big stack of games. The two machines was in a dirty state and after having found out PSU needs and the wiring of the DIN-connector, they also it turned out quite dead  

The machines are almost identical. Both have a revision H mainboard. One as a 32k core board and the other a 16k core board. An one has a RF-modulator and some alteration to the cassette-circuit.

Luckily the batteries were intact and hadn't leaked any acid. On both machines one of the two LM7805 had caused a short, so I replaced them with a pin compatible 5v-dc-dc module. I gave both machines a good scrub (IPA, vinegar and soap) and after that I have +5v on the 5v-rail, +10.5v om the unregulated 10v-rail and 11.5v on the 12v-rail. 

Z80 cpu is confirmed working (I tested it in a Sinclair ZX81) and I have checked for life on RESET and CLK but IORQ (pin 20) is dead. CRCT (6545) gets 12Mhz clock signal but does not provide and SYNC signals on pin 39 & 40. So there is life, but no screen output

I have also dumped the EPROMS and they seem to be valid. 

Are there any common errors with aging Microbees? Or does anyone have any ideas as to what I should try/look for? I suspect the 6116 RAM chips, but it requires desoldering and I'm a bit afraid of the risk of damaging the board by removing so many 24p chips.


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  IMG_5383_16k.jpeg (Size: 374.58 KB / Downloads: 87) ]]>
New to the forum and new to Microbees - so in general just a newbee (sorry, couldn't resist...)

I recently got hold of two Microbees without any accessories besides a big stack of games. The two machines was in a dirty state and after having found out PSU needs and the wiring of the DIN-connector, they also it turned out quite dead  

The machines are almost identical. Both have a revision H mainboard. One as a 32k core board and the other a 16k core board. An one has a RF-modulator and some alteration to the cassette-circuit.

Luckily the batteries were intact and hadn't leaked any acid. On both machines one of the two LM7805 had caused a short, so I replaced them with a pin compatible 5v-dc-dc module. I gave both machines a good scrub (IPA, vinegar and soap) and after that I have +5v on the 5v-rail, +10.5v om the unregulated 10v-rail and 11.5v on the 12v-rail. 

Z80 cpu is confirmed working (I tested it in a Sinclair ZX81) and I have checked for life on RESET and CLK but IORQ (pin 20) is dead. CRCT (6545) gets 12Mhz clock signal but does not provide and SYNC signals on pin 39 & 40. So there is life, but no screen output

I have also dumped the EPROMS and they seem to be valid. 

Are there any common errors with aging Microbees? Or does anyone have any ideas as to what I should try/look for? I suspect the 6116 RAM chips, but it requires desoldering and I'm a bit afraid of the risk of damaging the board by removing so many 24p chips.


  IMG_5385_32k.jpeg (Size: 405.22 KB / Downloads: 83)


  IMG_5383_16k.jpeg (Size: 374.58 KB / Downloads: 87) ]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1033.html Sat, 23 May 2026 16:26:59 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1033.html https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1025.html Fri, 15 May 2026 11:52:05 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1025.html
  Amber_monitor.jpg (Size: 39.82 KB / Downloads: 118)

I've purchased an Amber Monitor on Ebay with some image sync issues - I'm going to try to repair it (looks like its been exposed to a lot of dirt, so it might just need a good clean and touching up solder joints)

Do we have a schematic / manual for these available ?]]>
  Amber_monitor.jpg (Size: 39.82 KB / Downloads: 118)

I've purchased an Amber Monitor on Ebay with some image sync issues - I'm going to try to repair it (looks like its been exposed to a lot of dirt, so it might just need a good clean and touching up solder joints)

Do we have a schematic / manual for these available ?]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1020.html Mon, 04 May 2026 10:07:55 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1020.html
Does anyone have a StarNet Network adapter pcb diagram or a physical adapter?

Hoping to find one of these so I can potentially setup a "Yesteryear's classroom" demonstration.

Cheers]]>
Does anyone have a StarNet Network adapter pcb diagram or a physical adapter?

Hoping to find one of these so I can potentially setup a "Yesteryear's classroom" demonstration.

Cheers]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1010.html Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:14:00 +1000 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1010.html
I have decided to aquire a Greaseweazel so I can assist with software preservation activity, both for my private interest but also for the local ACMS.

Does anyone have a cookbook they'd like to share ?   Recipes to make use easier?

A co-worker pulled an enclosure stl and has printed it for me - I have opted for a 5.25" Mitsubishi drive (as used in the early SBC) and have a NEC high density drive in transit to fill it - a 720kb and 1.4mb drive will eventually be fitted to a second enclosure.

Could the greaseweazel drive a SBC01/02 - the cable should be compatible if I've read the specifications right?]]>
I have decided to aquire a Greaseweazel so I can assist with software preservation activity, both for my private interest but also for the local ACMS.

Does anyone have a cookbook they'd like to share ?   Recipes to make use easier?

A co-worker pulled an enclosure stl and has printed it for me - I have opted for a 5.25" Mitsubishi drive (as used in the early SBC) and have a NEC high density drive in transit to fill it - a 720kb and 1.4mb drive will eventually be fitted to a second enclosure.

Could the greaseweazel drive a SBC01/02 - the cable should be compatible if I've read the specifications right?]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1008.html Sat, 28 Mar 2026 13:29:51 +1100 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1008.html
Does anyone have a table of the Capacitors (and any other components) that need to be (or should be) replaced prior to firing up an old Bee?

I suppose there will be a list of caps in the Bee which may vary depending on the model - but also power supplies and disk units / diskette drives?]]>
Does anyone have a table of the Capacitors (and any other components) that need to be (or should be) replaced prior to firing up an old Bee?

I suppose there will be a list of caps in the Bee which may vary depending on the model - but also power supplies and disk units / diskette drives?]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1006.html Sat, 21 Mar 2026 23:54:06 +1100 kgilmore]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-1006.html
Is this technically possible, and would this require any patching of any ROMs? Secondly, would one be able to colour convert such a modified Bee?]]>
Is this technically possible, and would this require any patching of any ROMs? Secondly, would one be able to colour convert such a modified Bee?]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-993.html Sat, 21 Feb 2026 13:39:35 +1100 shane.crozier]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-993.html
While I'm waiting on my sister digging the old bee hardware out of my parent's storage shed, I'm thinking about how I can add a Gotek drive to the SBC Disk unit - there are obviously two 5.25" bays but I am considering adding it as a third device - so I effectively have drives A,B and C - I dont think power will be an issue as there are 'splitters' readily available. (And if necessary I can fit a modern PC power supply)

I can get a ribbon cable re-crimped with three connectors - I'm hoping that they all will play nice, when set to the correct drive ID?

If I can physically fit the unit, will the 128k Bee recognise the Gotek as a Drive C: so I can INIT and Copy system files to the SD card, and then make it the first device?

I would really also like to add a 3.5" drive to the system as I feel I'm more likely to be able to get diskettes for this moving forward, this would potentially swap out the B drive.

Has anyone got any experience doing similar they can share?]]>
While I'm waiting on my sister digging the old bee hardware out of my parent's storage shed, I'm thinking about how I can add a Gotek drive to the SBC Disk unit - there are obviously two 5.25" bays but I am considering adding it as a third device - so I effectively have drives A,B and C - I dont think power will be an issue as there are 'splitters' readily available. (And if necessary I can fit a modern PC power supply)

I can get a ribbon cable re-crimped with three connectors - I'm hoping that they all will play nice, when set to the correct drive ID?

If I can physically fit the unit, will the 128k Bee recognise the Gotek as a Drive C: so I can INIT and Copy system files to the SD card, and then make it the first device?

I would really also like to add a 3.5" drive to the system as I feel I'm more likely to be able to get diskettes for this moving forward, this would potentially swap out the B drive.

Has anyone got any experience doing similar they can share?]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-989.html Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:48:15 +1100 Matty72]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-989.html
I came across the FujiNet while probing AI on the feasibility of using an esp32-s3 as a co-processor and alternate display output for the MBee, i.e. duplicate the MBee display except with 256 color per pixel passive or active background (perhaps composited) so the Bee looks a little more modern than it is, plus add Esp specific graphic functions to enable Esp targeted game porting/development (e.g. games with Sprites), or speeding up existing functions. Pushing graphics back to the Bee might be desired also (ports/development targeting both display outputs).

The FujiNet is basically such and device except lacking any vga output so grabbing a development kit would be a great start. The RC2014 FujiNet is designed for the z80 bus exposed by the 50 way connector of the Bee so might be an even better starting point (firmware somewhat close).

Anyway, I'm interested as to who may have thought about this and if there's any interest is such a device.]]>
I came across the FujiNet while probing AI on the feasibility of using an esp32-s3 as a co-processor and alternate display output for the MBee, i.e. duplicate the MBee display except with 256 color per pixel passive or active background (perhaps composited) so the Bee looks a little more modern than it is, plus add Esp specific graphic functions to enable Esp targeted game porting/development (e.g. games with Sprites), or speeding up existing functions. Pushing graphics back to the Bee might be desired also (ports/development targeting both display outputs).

The FujiNet is basically such and device except lacking any vga output so grabbing a development kit would be a great start. The RC2014 FujiNet is designed for the z80 bus exposed by the 50 way connector of the Bee so might be an even better starting point (firmware somewhat close).

Anyway, I'm interested as to who may have thought about this and if there's any interest is such a device.]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-986.html Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:55:14 +1100 MarvinTMRX86]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-986.html
I was given a Microbee and now have the main Model II unit running with the Microbee Monitor welcome screen but have some issues with the twin disk drive unit.
Originally I was getting nothing but then realised the fuse was blown, replaced this and got some life.
When powered on it shows a light on Drive A which I believe is correct ?
After about 5 mins I started hearing some whistling and sizzling and believe that either the Caps are gone (most likely) or the voltage regulators. 
Forgive me, my knowledge is limited to googling and trial and error.
I turned it off immediately and now am seeking advice on how to proceed. 
I really don't like the looks of the old power supply in there. Can I simply replace the PSU with a mini PC power supply that has the Molex connectors?
It looks like there is a controller board underneath which I haven't stripped down to yet.
I'm finding it very tricky finding any information at all on this twin disk unit.
Any advice or guidance greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-Glenn

]]>
I was given a Microbee and now have the main Model II unit running with the Microbee Monitor welcome screen but have some issues with the twin disk drive unit.
Originally I was getting nothing but then realised the fuse was blown, replaced this and got some life.
When powered on it shows a light on Drive A which I believe is correct ?
After about 5 mins I started hearing some whistling and sizzling and believe that either the Caps are gone (most likely) or the voltage regulators. 
Forgive me, my knowledge is limited to googling and trial and error.
I turned it off immediately and now am seeking advice on how to proceed. 
I really don't like the looks of the old power supply in there. Can I simply replace the PSU with a mini PC power supply that has the Molex connectors?
It looks like there is a controller board underneath which I haven't stripped down to yet.
I'm finding it very tricky finding any information at all on this twin disk unit.
Any advice or guidance greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
-Glenn

]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-969.html Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:48:36 +1100 The_Huck]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-969.html
It's the first time I've laid eyes on one of these so I'm about to embark on a discovery journey with this.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I've watched a couple of youtube videos and I know it's a Z80 processor and some machines came with battery backed static RAM and a machine code monitor built in.

It didn't come with a power supply so that will be the first thing to sort, along with connecting to a display.


  microbee.jpg (Size: 291.34 KB / Downloads: 171)


  microbee_top.jpg (Size: 388.38 KB / Downloads: 149)


  microbee_bottom.jpg (Size: 428.97 KB / Downloads: 153)

There's one DIN socket of the main board which aligns with an unlabelled cutout in the top cover. There's another cut out to the right, labelled Power, which lines up with the speaker terminals shown in the photo.
Someone has soldered a "temporary" power cable to the underside of the main board. 
My first questions are, is the polarity correct and what voltage do I try to power the board with?

  power_cable.jpg (Size: 406.03 KB / Downloads: 154) ]]>
It's the first time I've laid eyes on one of these so I'm about to embark on a discovery journey with this.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I've watched a couple of youtube videos and I know it's a Z80 processor and some machines came with battery backed static RAM and a machine code monitor built in.

It didn't come with a power supply so that will be the first thing to sort, along with connecting to a display.


  microbee.jpg (Size: 291.34 KB / Downloads: 171)


  microbee_top.jpg (Size: 388.38 KB / Downloads: 149)


  microbee_bottom.jpg (Size: 428.97 KB / Downloads: 153)

There's one DIN socket of the main board which aligns with an unlabelled cutout in the top cover. There's another cut out to the right, labelled Power, which lines up with the speaker terminals shown in the photo.
Someone has soldered a "temporary" power cable to the underside of the main board. 
My first questions are, is the polarity correct and what voltage do I try to power the board with?

  power_cable.jpg (Size: 406.03 KB / Downloads: 154) ]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-963.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 23:32:51 +1100 CheshireNoir]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-963.html Something I've been working "on again, off again" at for well over a year is finally finished. It's a "Computer in a Box Volume 2, Gotek edition".



It's designed to tap off power from the peripheral power port on Vol 1, and features a Gotek with a nice big screen, nice big rotary dial and a CGA to VGA converter based on the MCE to VGA Converter by Necroware.

(I also modified my Vol 1 to be Drive ID 1 rather than Drive ID 0, and modified it to be on the end of a drive ribbon cable)



The construction is MDF for the inner and the outer is cardboard and cotton cloth. The Gotek is just running bog standard FlashFloppy firmware.

Unfortunately, there's something unhappy with my Premium


I have no idea why the image is broken up like that yet. It's the same in Composite and CGA so maybe I need to look at my 6545. 
(Thinking about it, this may be the 6545 I already had problems with. Eep! Should swap that out!)

Cheers!

John

EDIT: Yep. Swapped the 6545 for a new one and we're good as gold.]]> Something I've been working "on again, off again" at for well over a year is finally finished. It's a "Computer in a Box Volume 2, Gotek edition".



It's designed to tap off power from the peripheral power port on Vol 1, and features a Gotek with a nice big screen, nice big rotary dial and a CGA to VGA converter based on the MCE to VGA Converter by Necroware.

(I also modified my Vol 1 to be Drive ID 1 rather than Drive ID 0, and modified it to be on the end of a drive ribbon cable)



The construction is MDF for the inner and the outer is cardboard and cotton cloth. The Gotek is just running bog standard FlashFloppy firmware.

Unfortunately, there's something unhappy with my Premium


I have no idea why the image is broken up like that yet. It's the same in Composite and CGA so maybe I need to look at my 6545. 
(Thinking about it, this may be the 6545 I already had problems with. Eep! Should swap that out!)

Cheers!

John

EDIT: Yep. Swapped the 6545 for a new one and we're good as gold.]]>