Timex 1000 - bad picture

[daniel_dlds]

Hi,

I recently acquired a timex 1000. It has a bad picture. Being totally new to the internals of these machines, (I have not opened it up yet), what can I do to improve it ?
The picture status as of now is it has a solid gray, almost white background, and the characters have some shadow but little which I think it is quite acceptable, but the screen is sprinkled with moving dots. I will make a video showing it and post a link here.

I searched for solutions so far and came across the composite to HDMI converter route. I have one such device for another retro system. To use it I need to modify the UHF converter to composite right ? If so, Anyplace explains how to ?

Thanks,
Regards

[Lardo Boffin]

I have fitted over 50 of these to ZX81s and the occasional 1000:

https://www.ginger-electronic.com/en/re ... -zx81.html

Very simple to fit - a few bits to desolder and a few wires to solder on. It gives a superb composite picture. If you go that route I can add installation details (as can many others on here).

[daniel_dlds]

Just bought the board. Hopefuly it will come from instructions, but if you want to share your experience installing these, please do.

Thanks,
Regards

[Lardo Boffin]

It does come with instructions but a few photos always help!

I generally fit them underneath the motherboard, stuck with thick, high strength double sided tape.

On an issue one board:

An issue three board:

The other wires are for a Wespi (wifi board).

[Lardo Boffin]

The brown wire goes into the modulator, attaching to the output. A couple of wires need to be detached from the modulator and a resistor.

There are a couple of adjustable pots that come pre-adjusted for the earlier type ULA that will probably need adjusting for your 1000.

This is a good starting point:

Always helps to take a photo of the current position before adjusting.

[Lardo Boffin]

And a Timex 1000:

I did this before I realised it made more sense to stick the board to the underside of the motherboard - makes life easier when opening the case. Although this may be an issue with the metalised case of the 1000 so maybe it’s best where it is.

I really need to get round to replacing the voltage regulator on this one…