24-03-2025, 02:53 PM
Yeah, the System 80 is a rare beast indeed. Never Heard of the Challenger! Sounds like some frustration with that edge connector 
I'm finding a big issue (for me at least), is that the uncommon machines are fun initially, be it finding them, sourcing parts for repairs / expansion, getting them reliable and accessible but they can be a little lonely without a decent community around the platform. I built a COMX 35 remake, the COMiX-35, using RCA ICs, super cool, alternate tech to the usual 6502 or z80 machines. But there's nowhere to go after that. No community to speak of. Hence me looking around at what the Australian Microbee Community has going on.
I'm finding a big issue (for me at least), is that the uncommon machines are fun initially, be it finding them, sourcing parts for repairs / expansion, getting them reliable and accessible but they can be a little lonely without a decent community around the platform. I built a COMX 35 remake, the COMiX-35, using RCA ICs, super cool, alternate tech to the usual 6502 or z80 machines. But there's nowhere to go after that. No community to speak of. Hence me looking around at what the Australian Microbee Community has going on.