MSX VG8020 grounding, upgrade, test-drive (Pimp My Eight, episode 1, part 4)

Pimp My Eight, Episode 1, Part 4:
Grounding the Philips VG8020 MSX microcomputer, configuring and using a Flash memory cartridge and taking the computer for a fun test-drive with vintage retrogames, especially from Konami.
CHECK OUT www.thebyteatt... FOR MORE.
USED IN THIS VIDEO:
Flash cartridge: MegaFlashROM SSC +SD, by the MSX Cartridge Shop.
MY KIT:
Weller WE1010 soldering station
ZD-915 digital desoldering station
Owon SDS1102 oscilloscope
Brymen BM235 multimeter
ZD-129A desk lamp with magnifying glass and 80 LEDs
Kontakt IPA spray can 600ml
Contact cleaner Kontakt S (step 1) and Kontakt U (step 2)
Aoyue 486 solder fume extractor
EP9993501 USB microscope
Ecobra 760 300 fiberglass pen
RS Pro (251-3637) no-clean flux pen
Jokaru Super 4 Plus wire stripper

[@75slaine]

Great series. A friend from the Netherlands just gifted me this very model. I know nothing about the MSX line of computers really so this series as a great intro and gave me a few ideas on how to proceed.

[@saadalshahranni7117]

من أجمل الألعاب التي استمتعنا بها في الصغر. العاب ام اس اكس ٢. القلعة جزئين و متاهة جيليوس. وغيرها من الألعاب الممتعة

[@vanhetgoor]

Philips always have been very conscientious about safety. The VG8020 has a double isolated power supply and since there is no metal casing there is no need for the grounding of the machine. Connecting the mass of the low power DC side of the computer to the ground of the electrical wiring of the house will make a few extra problems, when connected to an audio amplifier there can be a ground loop and that produces a very irritating hum in the sound. It was meant to be that there is absolutely no electrical connection between mains power and the five or twelve volts system inside the computer.
People can get a shock when the touch the metal of some electrical equipment but that is often caused by wearing the wrong kind of sox on the wrong kind of carpet, the so called static electricity. Sometimes there is a discharging capacitor from the mains to the ground to prevent radio interference, then a shock can be felt. It was not done to fry the owner of the computer, simply don't touch it, or reverse the plug in the wall socket.
By the way, spikes at the main power are not choked off by a ferrite ring. This ferrite ring is only to prevent the power cord to function as an antenna and pick up radio frequent signals / disturbances or visa versa.

[@StarsManny]

Lol do you look like that cartoon guy in the intro? Did you draw that yourself?
The quality of these videos is superb, the presentation and diagrams etc. You deserve more views.

[@thebyteattic]

Thank you! The cartoon was a gift, done about 8 years ago -)

[@KimReneJensen]

Great video.. Thanx... Just got an MSX2 again after 30+ years.. and have forgotten everything.. KEEP GOING !

[@thebyteattic]

Cheers!