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Hi from over the ditch. - The_Huck - 12-11-2025
Hi and yes I'm a Kiwi so go easy on the sheep jokes
I recently picked up a Microbee Model II and disk drive from our local recycling centre and I'm very keen to get it up and running.
I also have a couple of Dick Smith System 80s (among other types of systems) and I actually came across this forum when searching for information regarding the System 80.
I'm guessing most of you will be Aussies so you may be interested in some of the other systems I have from over your way such as the Dick Smith Wizzard and VZ200s.
At some stage I will be looking at getting the Microbee up and running (missing power supply) but I currently have questions regarding the System 80 so that will be my first actual posting.
Cheers from NZ.
The Huck
I stream on Twitch here - https://www.twitch.tv/the_huck_
RE: Hi from over the ditch. - ChickenMan - 16-11-2025
Welcome to the forum
Good to see another Microbee saved from being re-cycled. Post a pic of it particularly the top coreboard so we can see what model you have. A power/video/tape lead can be easily made.
We have lots of docs and software for the System 80 and I'm sure we can help you out there. I have the expansion unit for my System 80 so I have extra ram and can boot off a floppy. I use a gotek as my floppy, works a treat
RE: Hi from over the ditch. - The_Huck - 17-11-2025
Thanks. It's great to be a member of this forum.
I'm looking forward to exploring the Microbee.
I'll post some photos of it in a new thread later. I recall connecting power to it but didn't see any life. That could well have been an issue with the way I was trying to display it.
As for the System 80, I have a Syspand unit and a string floppy drive (with broken drive belt). I'm not sure the Syspand will support a Gotek but that would be great if it could.
I am having an issue where I can't get into the machine code monitor on both of my systems. I'll post a separate thread regarding that.
Cheers,
The Huck
RE: Hi from over the ditch. - ChickenMan - 17-11-2025
(17-11-2025, 07:07 AM)The_Huck Wrote: As for the System 80, I have a Syspand unit and a string floppy drive (with broken drive belt). I'm not sure the Syspand will support a Gotek but that would be great if it could.I just checked the Syspand Manual and all it outputs is a 40way TRS-80 and a Parallel printer port. This allows you to plug in a TRS-80 Expansion unit which will give you floppy or Gotek access. Or better still, you can try the FreHD Hard Drive unit from trs-80.com.au/trs80/emulator.htm
RE: Hi from over the ditch. - CheshireNoir - 18-11-2025
Hi The_Huck.
Another System 80 owner! Yay!
I've been working on a recreation of the Syspand board for a very long time. The project has been a little stalled as when I got my TRS-80 Expansion Unit, the owner threw in the TRS-80 Model 1 for free so I've been using that instead.
Oddly I purchased the "missing" NE564 ICs I needed just a week ago. Hopefully I can get it all up and running.
Cheers!
John
RE: Hi from over the ditch. - The_Huck - 19-11-2025
(18-11-2025, 02:32 PM)CheshireNoir Wrote: Hi The_Huck.
Another System 80 owner! Yay!
I've been working on a recreation of the Syspand board for a very long time. The project has been a little stalled as when I got my TRS-80 Expansion Unit, the owner threw in the TRS-80 Model 1 for free so I've been using that instead.
Oddly I purchased the "missing" NE564 ICs I needed just a week ago. Hopefully I can get it all up and running.
Cheers!
John
Hi John,
I have some other expansions that came with a System 80 I bought.There's not a official expansion unit in that lot but I suspect there's some sort of home brew/3rd party device that's similar.
Next time I have it on hand I'll post a new thread with some photos.
Cheers,
Huck