Flowcode Support Board

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

Martim

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.

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

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