Wolfgang kicks off this new episode of RETRO is the new black with an Amiga 1200, dusted off and ready for testing. After connecting the system and taking a peek at the trapdoor, he powers it up. To his surprise, the Amiga boots quickly into Workbench, revealing a working hard drive and expanded memory. The machine has two megabytes of chip RAM and four megabytes of fast RAM.
Testing tools like SysInfo confirm the hardware’s health, and benchmark results show the Amiga 1200 running over ten times faster than an A600. Using an Amiga test kit, Wolfgang checks memory, keyboard, audio, and CIA chips, everything works. He inspects the internals, finding a Power Mtech 6830 accelerator and a beefy RAM stick. Against expectations, the capacitors look clean, and no immediate recap is needed, a rare stroke of luck in retro repairs.
Bonus Hardware: PCBWay and Adapter Boards
Wolfgang shares a package from PCBWay, filled with useful PCBs and an Amiga test dongle kit for checking serial and parallel ports. He demonstrates adapters for 74FCT646 chips, handy for Amiga 3000 repairs. Of particular interest is a custom PLCC socket adapter frame, designed to stack with pin headers and support AGNUS chips. This clever approach means future repairs can be performed without desoldering the motherboard socket, an inventive solution for anyone with a stubborn Amiga 3000.
C64G and the Floppy Disk Gauntlet
Next up is a C64G, its light-colored case still looking sharp. Wolfgang tries his luck with a stack of old floppy disks, discovering that most are plagued with mold, a retro enthusiast’s nightmare. He advises viewers to avoid running moldy disks, as they can damage disk drives. Despite the bad disks, the C64G and its 1541-II drive spring to life. Even the classic joystick works. Wolfgang finds Winter Games and International Football still load and play, while he shares memories of these titles from his early days with Commodore.
Exploring the CDTV and a Portable 386 Case
Wolfgang continues with a battered CDTV, the only missing piece in his Amiga collection. The machine smells of cigarette smoke and has some corrosion, but powers up and responds to the remote. The disc drive needs cleaning, but Wolfgang remains optimistic.
He also unboxes a rare Compaq portable 386 case, missing its motherboard but ripe for a future project. With a manual, expansion bay, and drive caddies, it’s ready for conversion into a unique retro build.
Why Watch This Video?
Wolfgang’s journey is packed with practical repair advice, lighthearted banter, and surprises at every turn. He confronts vintage challenges head-on, from identifying memory expansions to dealing with moldy disks and exploring ingenious hardware hacks. Whether you collect classic machines or just enjoy seeing old tech revived, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the world of retro hardware repairs.
Ready to watch? Click play and see which machines live to boot another day.
