Sinclair micro TV

[mnfisher]

Okay - I know this isn't very flowcode related

I've just become the proud(ish) guardian of / wasted £10 on (delete as appropriate) a Sinclair micro TV.

Any one any ideas on how to test/use it???

McDonald's

[medelec35]

Hi Martin.
What out using a UHF modulator?
plenty cheap ones around.
Or use a DVD or video recorder with a UHF output, if you have any lying around?

[chipfryer27]

Hi

Very cool, more so back in the day.

https://rk.nvg.ntnu.no/sinclair/televisions/tv1a.htm

Shame it failed, but if it hadn't we might not have had SoC products.....

I don't think it had any external connectors so I'm unsure if it is as easy as plugging in a VHS or the like. You would probably need to open it up and adapt (or even better build your own VHF/UHF transmitter )

I often thought "Space 1999" ripped the idea off for their "walkie-talkies"

If you find a way to get signals into it, it could make a cool mini oscilloscope, or a cool "lab display" showing rotating sine waves or the like.

Regards

[medelec35]

No, I don't think it had an external connector, just an aerial that could be placed near the modulator.
I have not tried that, so its just theory.

[mnfisher]

Thanks, l like the space 1999 lissajous idea - will have a good look tomorrow and see if it even powers up.

[chipfryer27]

Hi

Whilst on the Space 1999 subject, does anyone remember their "ray-guns"? You used to be able to get a torch in that shape from places such as "Woolies" to shoot your alien friends with. With today's LEDs it would be easy to re-fit but better.

Of course if you have an old soldering iron handy your already good to go for a ray-gun from Blakes-7......

Regards

[mnfisher]

There is life in it!

Took the back off - someone had been there before - only one screw holding it together and connected a USB charger to the battery leads (its a TV80 from 1983 not a micro TV which was the old model ?)

Powered it up and there is static - albeit a bit off centre (which might be a problem as I think the final bend was by a permanent magnetic field)

I only remember Blake's seven from when there were six (no Blake) saw Space 1999 from the beginning though. They don't make TV like that anymore

tv80.jpg (66.95 KiB) Viewed 6013 times

Static doesn't show well - but the right hand edge of the display is clearly visible...

Martim

[mnfisher]

Just looking on ebay - and it seems I wasted £10 Seems to be very little market for these (or indeed early pocket LED TVs) - the microTV seems to be a bit more collectable. Found one of these for £4.99 start with no bids. I suppose lack of an analogue TV signal limits their appeal somewhat.

[chipfryer27]

Hi

I still have a functional "Crown" portable B&W TV and Radio. It has an input socket so I know it still works. 5" screen and fond memories of watching "Soolin" (or should that be drooling) on it.

With no signal the entire screen is a bit like you describe, white noise, but it fills the entire screen. As you only have a line you may have horizontal problems?

As medelec35 suggested, any modulator with a wire attached to output placed near / wrapped around the antenna should be good enough to do a test with.

Regards

[steve001]

Hi Iain,

Just seen this post,

I can remember years ago Elektor made a test pattern generator.

I Think this is an updated version the project not sure if the original one is still around for download

https://www.elektormagazine.com/magazin ... 0011/16880

or the old 1993 issue ?

https://www.elektormagazine.com/magazine/elektor-199301

Could be an interesting flowcode project to use newer devices

Steve