RavenWolf Retro Tech walks through a busy week of diagnostics, repairs, and surprises while working through a large stack of rescued Commodore 128’s. These systems came from a local resident preparing to move and wanting the machines shared with nearby fans. The rescued Commodore 128’s now support efforts to build a new local group for retro enthusiasts.
A Car Loaded With Retro Hardware
Adrian arrives with a car filled almost to bursting. He calls the process catch and release, since working systems go back into the community. The haul includes several rescued Commodore 128’s, a boxed Commodore 64, Atari ST systems, and a rare Apple 2GS upgrade kit. Because the donor asked for the gear to help local groups, the machines will become prizes or starter systems for new members.
Opening the First Batch of 128 Systems
The first unit boots, but its keyboard causes immediate trouble. Several stems split, keys bind, and the repair turns into a long and messy task. Dirt hides inside nearly every crevice. Some keys show deep scratches from past attempts to pry them free.
Still, after a long cleaning session, the system works well enough for someone willing to avoid a few sticky keys. It becomes the first confirmed unit in the growing line of repaired machines.
Testing the Remaining Units
The second unit sits in a matched box and starts without issues. The third refuses to show a proper display, even though all chips appear present. Its missing keys push it into a future repair episode once new stems are available. The printer runs constantly as new prototypes are tested.
The fourth machine shows life quickly. Its keyboard needs a few new stems, but everything else behaves well.
The fifth powers on and delivers strong SID audio. Most keys feel solid, while two seem unstable and may need stabilizer checks.
New Surprises in a Forgotten Box
Just as repairs wrap up, Adrian reveals another box that sat unnoticed in a car trunk. Inside are spare keys, a 1011 drive, a GVP hard drive for the Amiga 500, a RAM card, power supplies, and several Commodore 64 cartridges. The project suddenly grows again, setting the stage for more repairs next week.
Building a Stronger Local Community
The episode ends with a look at plans for the new group. The hope is simple: repaired machines help people join, learn, and share their interest in vintage hardware. These contributions show how local support keeps classic equipment active and appreciated.
