In Amiga 1200 Repair Part 2, GadgetUK164 continues his deep restoration of a Rev 1D4 Amiga 1200 motherboard. This episode focuses on the timing fix—a crucial step for accelerator compatibility. Along the way, he performs a full recap, installs an FPU socket, and repairs serial and parallel ports. Accelerator cards like the ACA1220 and TF1230 are tested for stability.
Installing the FPU Socket and Polymer Caps
First, GadgetUK adds a precision FPU socket. This makes the board ready for a math coprocessor upgrade. Next, he replaces the aging electrolytic capacitors with modern polymer caps. These new components stabilize power delivery and fix intermittent system resets.
These upgrades are critical for any Amiga 1200 repair project, especially when planning to install accelerators.
Diagnosing Serial and Parallel Port Issues
Sudden failures in both the serial and parallel ports lead to a detailed inspection. Initially, a faulty chip seems likely. However, the real issue turns out to be a small solder bridge between components. After cleaning and reflowing the area, both ports begin working perfectly again.
Timing Fix for Accelerator Compatibility
Now comes the core task of Amiga 1200 Repair Part 2: the timing fix. Based on techniques from Ian Stedman and Jens Schönfeld, GadgetUK replaces key resistors with ferrite beads. He also reinstalls missing SMD capacitors.
This repair adjusts clock signals to match the needs of accelerators like the TF1230. As a result, the system boots more reliably and performs better under load.
Testing Accelerators and Homebrew Games
With the fixes complete, it’s time for testing. GadgetUK tries both the ACA1220 and TF1230 cards. He runs benchmarks and plays games like Turbo Sprint and Stardust Wars. Everything works smoothly, with only minor boot quirks that are quickly resolved.
This hands-on testing proves the value of the timing fix and recap work.
Key Lessons from the Repair
Amiga 1200 Repair Part 2 shows how detailed work can restore and upgrade an aging system. Cleaning as you go, inspecting under magnification, and following trusted guides make all the difference.
Moreover, GadgetUK’s honesty about his mistakes makes the video even more valuable. Viewers learn not just what to do—but also what to avoid.
Watch the Full Repair Journey
Whether you’re troubleshooting your own A1200 or just enjoy quality retro tech content, this video is packed with insights. It’s a technical deep dive with real-world benchmarks, clear explanations, and a bit of dry humor to keep things lively.
