Retrochallenge 2024

[Chris Savage]

[JKnightandKARR]

Well, soo far, it worked!  Screw out, no issues. Put more glue on, still going to use epoxy to help.

[JKnightandKARR]

Finally, update time again! First off, I've ordered 10 replacement NiMh cells for the Green 753 battery pack. https://power.tenergy.com/4-3a-17670-size-nimh-3800mah-rechargeable-batteries/


I had some scrap metal from some construction plates I used for something else, cut and slightly bent to fit both hinge areas.
EDIT: Since for some reason, my 1st photo isn't showing, here's a link to it...  I need new photo hosting service....  Any suggestions???
Photo...


I drilled some extra holes in both plates and glued them in place using Gorilla Glue's 2-part epoxy!  Also added some in around the red stand-off I made.  Now all that's left is to remake the screw pass-through for the screen bezel.

Also started designing the battery pack for the Z-Star as I said before, I got some foam board to use to make sure the 3 port recessed area to make sure my design will fit and allow 2 ports to be used.

[JKnightandKARR]

Well, 1st attempt to make new screw pass through, failed, make a clear blue washer... so going to TRY my 3d printer...

[JKnightandKARR]

New batteries shipped.  Repairs on display back, dry and holding, front still need to be repaired.  This month has gone by so fast, so not sure how much more I'll get done...

[Chris Savage]

This month has gone by so fast, so not sure how much more I'll get done...

Do you only have until the end of the month?

[JKnightandKARR]

As far as I know till 11:59 10/31/24.

[JKnightandKARR]

Should have batteries on Monday, I got stuff to do 2nd attempt for the screw pass through.

[JKnightandKARR]

New Ni-MH cells.

Battery pack being assembled.

Lid repairs.

Front panel repair.

System mostly reassembled.

[Chris Savage]

Kind of weird seeing the inverter board exposed in your lid. Don't grab that side while the power is on! 

[JKnightandKARR]

No intention. Lol

[JKnightandKARR]

Well, this will probly be the last update, other then a final what's been done.


Have moved the wiring n pcb onto new batteries.


Power up with battery in, and charging!


Well, concidering its unplugged from wall, the new battery works! However, there is a small issue... the red wire that comes off the battery charging connector that meets the system came off from the battery, so might need to replace wires so they stay put since length is limited, still concidered success.


Took the gamepad appart and cleaned the pcb with rubbing alc n qtips, was little dirty, not much at all, but never know, could been enough to cause issues. Still need to check it.

EDIT: Just checked gamepad with Wolfenstine 3D, seamed to be fine now, sadly its a 4 button gamepad with the 3rd n 4th buttons on top and the other 2 buttons over 1st n 2nd are 1 Turbo and 2 Turbo, kinda wish i could assign, but it is what it is, not bad, just not used to that.. but we good.

[JKnightandKARR]

Well, this is the final post on my project this year. The results are as follows:
-Fix the Green 753 drive
     -DONE, Issue with BIOS settings.

-Gamepad with control issues
     -DONE, Cleaned inside pads with Q-Tips and Rubbing Alc.

-Make battery packs for the Green 753
     -I got as far as starting to 3d model the case, the top is not started, and the bottom mostly done.

-Create a battery pack for the rear of the Z-Star
     -Not much progress at all, just a very rough opening for the 3 ports on the back.

-Still wanna put IDE DOM in Z Star
     -Not had any luck, almost had it installed, but not sure what kept it from finishing installing DOS.

-Redoing odd battery to list since I have a spot welder now!  My keyboard sticks up a bit due to an existing battery build.
     -DONE for the most part, I got new cells and rebuilt the pack, and working, need to replace the wiring, too short to work with so one wire came off when testing the pack.

-Unexpected breakin of one hinge, resulting in one screw pass through breaking and 2 stand offs breaking.
     -DONE, and reinforced.