Interesting system variant

History and Preservation Issues

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
User avatar
srowe
Vic 20 Scientist
Posts: 1325
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2014 3:19 pm

Interesting system variant

Post by srowe »

I've just received a new VIC that seems slightly unusual. It is a Japanese made PAL system but it has a later motherboard and Helvetica Narrow keyboard. Has anyone see something similar?

I'm in need of a 240v power supply for it if anyone has one.
User avatar
srowe
Vic 20 Scientist
Posts: 1325
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: Interesting system variant

Post by srowe »

After a quick wipe down it looks nearly new, there's no discolouring and just a few nicks.
2017-07-26_20-54-33.jpg
I jury-rigged the power supply from my standard PAL system, hooked up the video and .. it works perfectly. In fact the keyboard is better than my Microgramma one.
User avatar
Mayhem
High Bidder
Posts: 3026
Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 7:03 am
Website: http://www.mayhem64.co.uk
Location: London

Re: Interesting system variant

Post by Mayhem »

What's the serial number on yours?

My Vic-20 is the same, gold label, made in Japan, newer keyboard and motherboard, serial number 5xxxxx. Two prong power supply, but while it's 230V, it's in the same metal case that the very early power supplies used (such as those for the VIC-1001).
Lie with passion and be forever damned...
User avatar
srowe
Vic 20 Scientist
Posts: 1325
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2014 3:19 pm

Re: Interesting system variant

Post by srowe »

Serial number is 539454. I popped it open to give it a clean, here are the PCB details and the chip manufacture dates:

Assembly: 324003
PCB s/n: 350667
6561E: 1682
6502: 5081
6522: 1482
Char ROM: 0882
BASIC ROM: 0782
KERNAL ROM: 5281

I'm guessing this was assembled early to mid 1982.
User avatar
Mayhem
High Bidder
Posts: 3026
Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 7:03 am
Website: http://www.mayhem64.co.uk
Location: London

Re: Interesting system variant

Post by Mayhem »

I'll pop mine open and have a look at the chips, but I'm willing to bet the timestamps are going to be fairly similar...
Lie with passion and be forever damned...
Post Reply