Usually I keep track on Yahoo Auction in Japan for astronomy related stuff, especially rare optics, something I'm sure my wife wishes I would stop. However, this time I decided on getting a retro computer. Originally I was considering a SORD M5, but didn't like the mad prices. I initially decided on a Toshiba HX-10 - a pretty canonical MSX.
However, I went on a bit of an MSX frenzy.
First I got a Toshiba HX-20, with broken video output. I suspect it's most likely the video RAM, but it could potentially be the ROM holding the character set (unlikely, as the thing boots), the video chip itself, or (hopefully not) some custom logic chip. I liked the idea of fixing this up, and also getting an extra slot over the HX-10. I'll probably replace all the caps, and maybe some of the regulators with more modern versions that spew out less heat. It also needs a good clean.
Then I decided I wanted a higher end machine, too, an MSX2+. I ended up getting into a bidding war on a very nicely restored Sony HB-F1XDJ. It's been re-capped and very well cleaned. I avoided the Sanyo and Panasonic kit as they were extremely ugly (even if some of the specs were better).
The guy who restored it has a thing for old computers, and has a blog. Amusingly, he got a couple of keys out of place when he put the keyboard back together, so I'll have to fix those. Those who like boxed, pristine computers will not like the fact that I'm going to remove that fugly sticker, and also most likely hack the internals to add more RAM. This thing is about the size of an Amiga A500, maybe a little smaller.
The keyboards on both of these machines are pretty nice mechanical keyboards. Not something you can say for many 80's home computers.
These both arrived before I left Japan, so I was able to bring them back with me. I also bought a Yamaha CX-11, which arrived the day after I left and will be sent on.
Note: the Sharp X-68000 series is way cool. I must resist.
I took my Vixen Sphinx SXW mount with me. I've only used this a few times in the past couple of years, the most memorable time being at a public outreach event with TASOS. I've tried selling it before, but found it hard to get a decent price locally, and it's kind of heavy and not high-end enough to ship internationally. So, having previously purchased the GINJI 200FN, which is over the limit for my Vixen GP, both kept at my in-laws in Japan, I decided to take the SXW and leave it there. No need for a tripod as the tripod I have for the GP works for the SXW, and the half-pillar, which I also took.
In the photo above, there are various Borg bits in the focusser. I must have been faffing about with the Baader MPCC or something, as no extension tubes are needed to get focus with the Pentax XW20.
There will be a separate post about my experiences with this mount.
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