Gooday Gaming Guests - Early Euro Amstrad & Sinclair with a Splash of Amiga 500 and Atari Computers

Episode Date: December 6, 2024

I have some of these as a learning collection.

Alright, so today we're going to talk early Euro computer systems. I know there's a lot of different ones, but the ones I have are the most common ones. Amstrad, I have a CPC64, and then I have a CPC128. Sinclair, the ZX Spectrum 2, and a Sinclair ZX Spectrum 3. So those are the ones that I know. And I know Sega Mark 3 was kind of a... The 1100 was an early Japan gaming system. mean for computers rather so this is where else we can come up with let me go to my zip here I only know of the few the two

that I have so I've got again I have the Amstrad CPC 64 which has the cassette and then I also have an Amstrad 128 that has a disk drive that I got a Gotek for. But I haven't done anything with it in a while. And I also have the matching monitor which makes it really easy to use it. It's really fun. And then the Sinclair is the 128ZX Spectrum 2 is a cassette. And the Sinclair 128 Spectrum 3 is a floppy. So I want to find out if these discs play on each other.

That I don't know. Because the Sinclairs I haven't gotten working yet. Because I need a monitor I think. I can't remember what I need for them. But I have a monitor for the Amstrad. So let's get my little buddy in here. I need some help. Phone a friend.

Or in this case, Zippy. My AI companion. Morning. Morning, Tom. How's it going today? Good. We're talking Euro, early Euro computers. Nice.

Euro computers have such an interesting history. Are there any specific models or brands you're focusing on? Amstrad CPC 464. The Amstrad CPC 464 is a classic. It was quite popular in Europe back in the day. What's got you interested in the CPC 464? Just to have it, and then there's also the 128. Great additions.

The CPC-464 is known for its built-in cassette deck, and the 128 expanded on that with a disk drive. They're both iconic in the world of 8-bit computing. Do you have any specific plans for your Amstrad? I also have a matching monitor because it needs specific plugins for each. Perfect! Those Amstrad monitors are essential since they provide the power and video connections for the CPCs. It's great that you have the matching set. Are you planning to dive into some retro computing or gaming on these? I have some cassette games. I've tried a few, I think.

That's awesome! Cassette games have that nostalgic charm. It must be a fun experience loading them up on the CPC-464. Do you have a favorite game so far? And then I also have a Gotek for my 128. Nice! A Gotek Vive is a fantastic addition. It makes it so much easier to load software and games using

USB sticks instead of dealing with old floppy disks. Have you set it up yet? I have, but I haven't downloaded anything. What's a good site to get some games and stuff from? There are a few good sites for Amstrad CPC

software. One popular option is cpcpower.com, which has a vast collection of games, demos, and utilities. Another great resource is the CPC Wiki, where you can find information on games and links to download them. These sites should help you get started with your GoTet drive.

So the next system is the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 2. The Sinclair ZX Spectrum 2 is another classic. It's known for its distinctive built-in tape deck and was a popular machine for gaining in the UK. Are you planning to add one to your collection? Is that compatible to the CPC-464? The Sinclair ZX Spectrum 2 and the Amstrad CPC-464 are different systems, so they're not directly compatible. They each have their own unique hardware and software libraries.

However, both are iconic in the world of 8-bit computing and have a strong following among retro computing enthusiasts. Are you thinking of exploring the ZX Spectrum 2 as well? So I also have the 128K Spectrum 3. Fantastic! The 12K Spectrum Plus 3 is a great addition to your collection. With its built-in 3-inch floppy disk drive, it offered a more modern storage solution compared to the earlier cassette tapes. Have you tried out any of the disk-based games on it yet? And the Gotek works for the Amstrad or that one, correct?

Yes, that's correct. The Gotek drive can be used as a floppy disk emulator for both the Amstrad CPC 464 with the right adapter and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum Plus 3. It's a versatile tool that lets you load software and games from a USB stick, making it super convenient for these classic systems. Have you thought about setting it up with your Spectrum Plus 3? I don't have a Sinclair monitor, so I haven't tested those or games. Got it. The Sinclair ZX Spectrum Plus 3 can be connected to a regular TV or a monitor with the right cable.

If you don't have a Sinclair monitor, you can still use a compatible cable to connect it to a TV. It might be worth giving it a try to explore those games. There has to be a certain adapter you have still use a compatible cable to connect it to a TV. It might be worth giving it a try to explore those games. There has to be a certain adapter you have to use. Yes, you'll need an adapter to connect the ZX Spectrum Plus 3 to a modern TV. One common option is a SCART cable, which provides a good quality video and audio connection. You can also find RF or composite video cables depending on your TV's inputs just make sure the cable is compatible with the plus 3 model and you should be good to go Or P-E-R-I-T-E-L.

Ah, I see. An RGB SCART cable is a great choice for the ZX Spectrum Plus 3. It provides a high quality video signal, giving you sharp and vibrant... I'm sorry, but I'm having trouble responding right now. Please wait a bit and try again. And the RF out, is it a certain channel? Yes. If you use an RF cable to connect the ZX Spectrum Plus 3 to your TV, you'll need to tune the TV to a specific channel to receive the signal. This is usually a low number channel, like 3 or 4, but it can vary depending on your region. You'll have to manually tune your TV to find the correct channel that picks up the spectrum's output.

I have an old RF TV, so I just push channels until I find it? Exactly. With an old RF TV, you can manually tune through the channels until you find the one that picks up the ZX Spectrum Plus 3's output. It might take a bit of trial and error, but once you find the right channel, you'll be all set to enjoy some retro-gaining. Does RF have PAL output or is it just RF? The RF output on the ZX Spectrum Plus 3 can be either PAL or NTSC depending on the model and the region it was designed for. Most ZX Spectrum Plus 3 units output in PAL which is the standard in the UK and many other countries. If you're in a region that uses NTSC, you might need a converter or a different model to match your TV system.

Do you know which video standard your Spectrum Plus 3 is using? These are all from Europe. In that case, your ZX Spectrum Plus 3 is likely outputting in PAL format, which is standard for European models. If your old RF TV is also from Europe, it should be compatible with the PAL signal. You can try tubing your TV to find the right channel for the Spectrum Plus 3's output. If you have a PAL monitor, that should work well with your ZX Spectrum Plus 3. You might need a specific cable or adapter to connect the Spectrum to your monitor, depending

on its input. Look for a cable that supports RGB or composite video, which are common for PAL monitors. Once you have the right setup, you should be able to enjoy your Spectring Plus 3 on your PAL monitor. Alright, so what other systems were out around that time in Europe? Around the time of the ZX Spectrum Plus III, Europe had several interesting home computers and consoles. Here are a few notable ones. 1. Commodore 64, hugely popular across Europe, known for its impressive sound and graphics for the time. 2. Amstrad CPC series. Alongside the 464, the CPC-664 and 628 were also popular, with the latter featuring a 3-inch disk drive. 3. Atari ST. Known for its MIDI capabilities, it was a favorite among musicians and also had a

strong gaming library. 4. Amiga 500. Commodore's Amiga series was renowned for its advanced graphics and sound, making it popular for both games and professional applications. 5. BBC Micro. Widely used in UK schools, it was also popular among home users and games.

And Acorn Electron, a more affordable alternative to the BBC Micro, popular for home use. These systems contributed to a vibrant computing scene in Europe during the 1980s. Do any of these pique your interest? I have an Amiga 500 and a library of stuff for it. You're all set then. The Amiga 500 has an amazing library of games and software. It was a groundbreaking system for its time, with impressive graphics and sound capabilities. Do you have any favorite games or programs that you enjoy on your Amiga 500?

I also have a Gotek somewhere to install, but I just can't seem to find it. A Gotek drive would be a great addition to your Amiga 500. It makes accessing games and software much easier by allowing you to load them from a USB stick. Hopefully, you find it soon so you can enjoy the convenience it offers.

In the meantime, do you have any other projects lined up for your Amiga? I have an Atari 1040ST. Great. The Atari 1040ST is another classic, known for its powerful MIDI capabilities. It was a favorite among musicians and also had a solid library of games and software. It's a great companion to your Amiga 500. Do you have any specific plans or projects in mind for your Atari ST? Just looking through them.

So the Atari computer systems, the first one was Atari 400? Yes. The Atari 400 was one of the first home computers released by Atari, alongside the Atari 800. The Atari 400 was aimed at the home market with a membrane keyboard, while the 800 was more advanced with a full-stroke keyboard and more expansion options. Both were part of the Atari 8-bit family and were popular in the early 1980s. Are you exploring the history of Atari's computers?

I have one of each of those Atari, and then there's a 600. That's a nice Atari collection. The Ataro 600XL was part of the XL series, which succeeded the 400 and 800 models. The 600XL was a more compact version with a full-stroke keyboard, aimed at being more affordable. It's great for running Atari 8-bit software. It sounds like you've got a good mix of Atari computers. Then I have a 1200. The Atari 1200 XL is a real gem in the Atari 8-bit lineup. It was the first of the XL series and featured a sleek design with a full-stroke keyboard.

Although it had some compatibility issues with earlier Atari software, it's still a fascinating piece of computing history. You've got quite a collection of Atari computers. Are you playing... Was there another computer after that one? Yes. After the Atari 1200 XL, Atari released the 600 XL and 800 XL models. The 800 XL, in particular, became quite popular. It offered better compatibility with Atari 400-800 software and peripherals, while featuring a more compact and cost-effective design. After the XL series, Atari introduced the XE series, starting with the Atari 65XE and 130XE, which were compatible with the earlier 8-bit models, but with updated designs. Are you interested in any of these later atari models i don't think i've had one of those there is an atari 400 reboot

that just came out or coming out yes atari released the atari vcs which is a modern reboot inspired by the classic atari 2600 console while not a direct reboot of the Atari 400 computer, the VCS combines retro gaming with modern streaming and computing capabilities. It allows you to play classic Atari games, as well as new titles, and even run Linux-based applications. It's an interesting blend of old and new Atari experiences. Have you considered checking out the Atari VCS? How long has that been out? The Atari VCS was officially released in June 2021. It was in development for a few years and underwent several iterations before its launch. The console combines retro-inspired design with modern hardware,

allowing users to play classic Atari games, stream content, and even run PC applications through its Linux-based operating system. Have you seen any of the Atari VCS in action? I could have swore I saw a small version of the Atari 400 coming out as a reboot. You're right. There was indeed a project called the Atari Mini PC, announced around the same time as the Atari VCS. It was designed to resemble a miniature Atari 400, complete with the iconic keyboard style. However, it seems like the focus shifted more towards the Atari VCS, and there hasn't been much news about the mini PC project since then. It would have been a cool homage to the classic

Atari 400. Would you be interested in something like that if it became available? Yeah, I definitely would. I do have some games for the 400 and the 800 cartridges. That's great. Those Atari 400 and 800 cartridges are a real treasure trove of classic games and software. It's awesome that you have a collection for those systems. If you're interested in the Atari mini PC or similar projects, it might be worth keeping an eye on Atari's announcements or the retro computing community for any updates. Meanwhile, enjoy those classic Atari games. Do you have a favorite among them? Was there any other Atari computer systems after that? After the Atari 65XE and 130XE, which were part of the Atari 8-bit computer line,

Atari shifted focus to the ST series. One Atari ST series. 1. Atari ST series. This 16-bit line included various models, starting with the 520ST. They were known for their graphical user interface, built-in MIDI ports, and strong software support. 2. Atari STE series, an enhanced version of the ST featuring improved graphics and sound capabilities. 3. Atari TT-030, a high-end workstation based on the Motorola 6830 CPU, aimed at professional users. Released in the early 90s, it featured advanced audio and video capabilities, making it popular in music production circles. 5. Atari Portfolio,

a palm-top computer that was one of the first truly portable PCs. While Atari eventually shifted away from the computer market, these systems left a lasting impact, especially in the realms of music and graphic design. Are you interested in any of these later Atari systems? I have the ST, but I haven't seen any of the other ones yet. But yeah, definitely check them out. The ST is a great starting point, and the later Atari systems, like the STE and Falcon, build on that legacy with enhanced features. If you ever get a chance to explore them, they offer some unique and powerful capabilities, especially in music and graphics.

It's always exciting to discover what these classic systems can do if you ever come across one it would definitely be worth checking out great thank you so that's a fun stuff style out the mural and went into the the early Apple computers as well I have a few of them and I have a few of them. And I have a few of the Euro ones too. So they're pretty fun. Alright, so that's my little segment for today.

I'll talk to you guys later.