https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:12:11 +0000 MyBB 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: 114)


  microbee_top.jpg (Size: 388.38 KB / Downloads: 106)


  microbee_bottom.jpg (Size: 428.97 KB / Downloads: 107)

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: 108) ]]>
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: 114)


  microbee_top.jpg (Size: 388.38 KB / Downloads: 106)


  microbee_bottom.jpg (Size: 428.97 KB / Downloads: 107)

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: 108) ]]> 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.]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-929.html Sat, 12 Jul 2025 19:49:48 +1000 greg221b]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-929.html
I picked up a Tele-term at a local auction - looks beautiful. 

I've opened it up and noticed a sightly crusty Varta battery - the board and surrounding joints looks fine. I'm wondering if I should replace the battery with another Varta, or could someone recommend a more nifty solution (eg I've seen youtubers putting in CR2032s)?

I'm assuming I should sort the battery before powering the unit on? 

Thanks,
Greg]]>
I picked up a Tele-term at a local auction - looks beautiful. 

I've opened it up and noticed a sightly crusty Varta battery - the board and surrounding joints looks fine. I'm wondering if I should replace the battery with another Varta, or could someone recommend a more nifty solution (eg I've seen youtubers putting in CR2032s)?

I'm assuming I should sort the battery before powering the unit on? 

Thanks,
Greg]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-923.html Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:27:22 +1000 someone]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-923.html Has anyone modded it with a ESP8266 NodeMCU and SiS5351 clock generator?
Apparently this makes it much more versatile.]]> Has anyone modded it with a ESP8266 NodeMCU and SiS5351 clock generator?
Apparently this makes it much more versatile.]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-920.html Sun, 01 Jun 2025 20:23:05 +1000 rcrook9190]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-920.html
A friend of mine gave me this MB a few months back and I have finally gained enough motivation to start a resto. 

I know very little about the MicroBees and have a few noob questions. 

1. The cable I got with it has a din one end a couple of phono jacks, an RCA and a in-line 2.1/2.5 mm barrel socket. I think I know what each do but I am bit hazy on what power I should feed into it.  8V, 9V, 12V?
2. Will  a GOTEK plug straight in to the IDC connector on the back? Or do you need some sort of adapter/controller for it? Also is there any ROM mods or changes to get it working?
3. If I am not mistaken it appears to have 32K on it? Is that enough and if not, where can I find details on expanding it? 
4. The only doc I can find on the MicroBees appears to be a manual from a Mag? is that all there is? 
5. How well do the cases take to retr0brighting? This one is terribly yellowed. 










Thanks for any help given. 

Regards,
Randall.]]>
A friend of mine gave me this MB a few months back and I have finally gained enough motivation to start a resto. 

I know very little about the MicroBees and have a few noob questions. 

1. The cable I got with it has a din one end a couple of phono jacks, an RCA and a in-line 2.1/2.5 mm barrel socket. I think I know what each do but I am bit hazy on what power I should feed into it.  8V, 9V, 12V?
2. Will  a GOTEK plug straight in to the IDC connector on the back? Or do you need some sort of adapter/controller for it? Also is there any ROM mods or changes to get it working?
3. If I am not mistaken it appears to have 32K on it? Is that enough and if not, where can I find details on expanding it? 
4. The only doc I can find on the MicroBees appears to be a manual from a Mag? is that all there is? 
5. How well do the cases take to retr0brighting? This one is terribly yellowed. 










Thanks for any help given. 

Regards,
Randall.]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-911.html Fri, 09 May 2025 11:03:19 +1000 johnhalk]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-911.html
  Dreamdisk v1.1.png (Size: 134.98 KB / Downloads: 175) Hi All,

After testing the dreamdisk floppy controller with Sorcerer users we are about to release an updated version that has z80 bus connector
support for the Microbee.

The Dreamdisk revision 1.1 will be available for release soon on Github (PCB Gerber Files etc.).

Updates from revision 1.0:
- Added connector for Microbee host Z80 bus pinouts (X3).
- Added C22 470 PF for 2mhz clock smoothing fix.
- Prototype Jumper for *RD and BUSDIR removed from PCB (M1 jumper pad remains).
- Added PCB visuals for Centre Positive on DC Jack, labeled connectors and added Sorcerer / Microbee logo and revision 1.1 number.
- Updated PCB footprint for R5 - Multi-turn pot.

If you need to connect 8" Floppy Drives - you can use an 8" 50 way to 5.25" 34 way adapter like this one:
https://texelec.com/product/8-inch-floppy-adapter/

For Microbee you will need the dreamdisk microbee roms and disk images which Chickenman has archived to the repository.

Regards,
John Halk
Melbourne Australia]]>
  Dreamdisk v1.1.png (Size: 134.98 KB / Downloads: 175) Hi All,

After testing the dreamdisk floppy controller with Sorcerer users we are about to release an updated version that has z80 bus connector
support for the Microbee.

The Dreamdisk revision 1.1 will be available for release soon on Github (PCB Gerber Files etc.).

Updates from revision 1.0:
- Added connector for Microbee host Z80 bus pinouts (X3).
- Added C22 470 PF for 2mhz clock smoothing fix.
- Prototype Jumper for *RD and BUSDIR removed from PCB (M1 jumper pad remains).
- Added PCB visuals for Centre Positive on DC Jack, labeled connectors and added Sorcerer / Microbee logo and revision 1.1 number.
- Updated PCB footprint for R5 - Multi-turn pot.

If you need to connect 8" Floppy Drives - you can use an 8" 50 way to 5.25" 34 way adapter like this one:
https://texelec.com/product/8-inch-floppy-adapter/

For Microbee you will need the dreamdisk microbee roms and disk images which Chickenman has archived to the repository.

Regards,
John Halk
Melbourne Australia]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-903.html Sat, 29 Mar 2025 16:06:15 +1100 tmuir]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-903.html My bee is fitted with a MB1217 colour board and I'm wondering if that is compatible with the Microbee Upscaling video converter sold here.
https://microbeetechnology.com.au/vga-vi...verter.htm
I'm guessing at a minimum I would need to make a cable up to go from the MB1217 to the upscaler, but the fact they say its only for the Premium and Premium plus models I'm not hopeful.
If I can't use this are there any other alternatives?
I would prefer if I can use it with a modern monitor.

]]> My bee is fitted with a MB1217 colour board and I'm wondering if that is compatible with the Microbee Upscaling video converter sold here.
https://microbeetechnology.com.au/vga-vi...verter.htm
I'm guessing at a minimum I would need to make a cable up to go from the MB1217 to the upscaler, but the fact they say its only for the Premium and Premium plus models I'm not hopeful.
If I can't use this are there any other alternatives?
I would prefer if I can use it with a modern monitor.

]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-897.html Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:32:17 +1100 tmuir]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-897.html I'm hoping I don't regret buying this one, it looks to of had some upgrades done to it during it's lifetime.
I do not yet have a power supply or a monitor sorted out for it yet and have no idea if it will work or not, but I'm sure it will give me a few fun nights.












]]> I'm hoping I don't regret buying this one, it looks to of had some upgrades done to it during it's lifetime.
I do not yet have a power supply or a monitor sorted out for it yet and have no idea if it will work or not, but I'm sure it will give me a few fun nights.












]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-849.html Sun, 20 Oct 2024 22:56:56 +1100 CheshireNoir]]> https://microbeetechnology.com.au/forum/thread-849.html I've finally released the cut files for the Acrylic Microbee case into the wild...
https://github.com/cheshirenoir/MicrobeeCase
I have also written up an article on how to assemble it.
https://ilike8bits.com/releasing-the-acr...obee-case/

Feel free to fork, or make your own. 

(In unrelated news, my acrylic Microbee made an appearance at last night's "Perth Amiga User's Group" where it was very popular!)


John]]> I've finally released the cut files for the Acrylic Microbee case into the wild...
https://github.com/cheshirenoir/MicrobeeCase
I have also written up an article on how to assemble it.
https://ilike8bits.com/releasing-the-acr...obee-case/

Feel free to fork, or make your own. 

(In unrelated news, my acrylic Microbee made an appearance at last night's "Perth Amiga User's Group" where it was very popular!)


John]]>