retrohax.net

… or maybe 2.5x

Intro

Today, I’ll be covering Commodore Amiga CDTV machines. I had two CDTVs in my garage already. The third Amiga was sent to me by Tomxx, one of the main guys responsible for the marvelous K&A magazine.

I started with a quick check and it quickly turned out that one machine was completely dead with some dents on the metal case and (surprisingly:) the other one worked fine. One of the Amigas was missing round legs and a button on the front panel.

I’ve used a CD with some demoscene music by Wacek/Arise – In the mix at Lost Party 2021

Disassembly and cleaning

CDTV no.1

The plan for the working unit was to refresh and service it. Replace caps if necessary etc. In other words, standard refurb job.

Nice and clean 🙂

While other parts were drying, I managed to design and 3D print a round-leg prototype. The first prints failed but I’ve managed to correct it later 🙂 STL files at the bottom of the post

The TACT switches on the front panel had to be replaced as these were a bit worn out.

After cleaning, the front panel appeared as matt. To make it shine again I had to apply some mineral oil to it a bit later.

I’ve also cleaned and serviced the CD drive. The motherboard was also cleaned, then installed and the machine was ready 🙂

CDTV no.2

After opening it, I instantly knew what was wrong with it … missing CPU and all wires disconnected!

Plus, it was offset relative to the housing most probably due to the hard beating it took during transport.

The job was the same as with CDTV no.1 with a few minor differences. I only had to install a CPU, connect everything, straighten the metal case, and add some resin-printed front panel buttons. Here is how it went.

LOL, some handwritten instructions on the inside of a metal case.

CDTV no.3

This is the Amiga that Tomxx sent over for repairs. It just gave a black screen when powered on.

With the top case removed, it was obvious what was wrong with it — corrosion of AGNUS and PLCC socket.

Unfortunately, AGNUS didn’t survive and had to be replaced. After a while, CDTV was ready and working 🙂

PAD, keyboard, and mice

I also had to address dirty accessories. The PAD and keyboard were disassembled and cleaned.

I also had to replace a dead capacitor on a PCB.

Unfortunately, after assembly, it didn’t go through tests successfully. A bit of tinkering and I had it fixed. Broken wires …

Since it looked ugly, I’ve designed and 3D printed a nice cover for it. STL files at the bottom of the post.

Mice, apart from standard SPA also needed TACT switches replacement.

External floppy drives

To finish fixing both CDTV sets, I had to sort out floppy drives. Both were working but needed cleaning and lubrication. Also, one of the cases was covered in scratches so I had to address that too by filling those scratches with putty and painting the case. Here is how the whole job was done.

The first one is ready.

Now, the scratched one 🙂

… and the second drive is ready too 🙂

This is it. All three Amiga CDTVs were fixed. I’ve shipped the third unit back to Tomxx. Now you can safely watch an Amiga demo!

STL FILES

Keyboard wire clamp

CDTV case round leg

FORWARD REWIND buttons

Outro

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