Just got an Amstrad CPC 464 and I got a couple of questions...

[DistantStar001]

Just as the title says. Overall, it's working well (although it was a revolting mess inside). Also, I had to replace the plug on the monitor. But having fixed that (and cleaning out all tthe filth inside), there is one issue. The latch that holds the tape deck closed is broken (the hook was snapped off). It loads games if I hold the deck closed. But it would be nice if it would stay closed on its own. Anyone know where I can get that part?

The last question... Why does the (GT65) monitor have a 12v power port?

 

[FishFinger]

Why does the (GT65) monitor have a 12v power port?

The later 664 and 6128 models needed 12V for the built-in floppy drive.

 

[cj7hawk]

Old amstrads show up from time to time, as do parts on Ebay. It might be easier to repair something as simple as a latch surface though - even a thin piece of metal glued in there with epoxy may be enough.

As was mentioned, 12v is used for the FDD. I put a 5v to 12v booster into my 6128 so I could run it all from 5v when I found my monitor had a fault on the 12v line just to test it and ended up leaving it that way.

David

 

[DistantStar001]

Old amstrads show up from time to time, as do parts on Ebay. It might be easier to repair something as simple as a latch surface though - even a thin piece of metal glued in there with epoxy may be enough.

I like the idea, but I would still need to know the shape and dimensions of the original piece, or the part I make won't fit.

 

[Caluser2000]

I like the idea, but I would still need to know the shape and dimensions of the original piece, or the part I make won't fit.

Parts diagram should give you a rough idea of how it fit together and there are bound to be disassembly videos out on the interweb. Forums specialising in those systems should have a few tips as well.

Just ignore the negative noddys out there.

 

[Port89]

Attached are 3 photos of what I think you are asking for.

I've also just cleaned up a CPC464 which turned out to be technically perfect but would rank as one of the filthiest computers I've had to work on. I could feel myself clenching my mouth shut (and DID wear gloves and goggles) after pulling this bad boy from the box I'd received it in. As well as bugs and lumpy dust inside , those little brown things just has to be mouse droppings . The way the bright blue keys dis-colour into "BROWN" didn't help matters.

My tape desk was full of crap but generally OK, the only thing I had to fix was the pause mechanism. A 'guide' part had fallen out but was luckily still rattling around in the case. It's probably going to fall out again having seen the design, but I'm not to worried as my overall Amstrad tape solution was one of those 3.5mm jack to cassette car adapters. Plugged into PC and playing audio from "Amstrad CDT2WAV" works perfectly even if it's not quite as awesome as OTLA that I use with my Spectrum. For some reason that crashes when I try and open Amstrad files.


As the close ups remind me, I still need to get some residue from the laundry cleaning products this thing swam in for 2 days.

 

[Caluser2000]

Another option would be a car window wiper levers either side of the case lid wich can pivot inwards 45 degrees or so out of light metal with a small screw and lock nut used as the pivot. Or one sole lever in the center of the cassette lid rotating 90 degrees. With a small piece of to stop damage to the cassete lid in both cases. The pivot point may need a bit of reinforcing depending on the case thickness.

 

[Port89]

Another option would be a car window wiper levers either side of the case lid wich can pivot inwards obout 45 degrees or so out of light metal with a small screw and lock nut used as the pivot. Or one sole levr in the center of the cassete lid rotating 90 degrees. With a small piece of to stop damage to the cassete lid in both cases. The pivot point may need a bit of reinforcing depending on the case thickness.

Lots to think about there, eg if it's from a Japanese car then you end up just flashing the power light when you intended to eject a tape.