[Coco] CoCo2 PAL version service manual

[Gene Heskett]

On Thursday, January 08, 2015 01:12:19 PM Zippster did opine
And Gene did reply:
> Definitely a temp-controlled iron is one of the first things to get if
> you are going to assemble more than a few boards.
> I bought one of these about a year ago, and it’s been one of the best
> $100 purchases I’ve ever made.  They’re even cheaper now.
> A couple of hundred thousand solder joints later, it’s still working
> great. I used a $20 (or so) Radio Shack soldering iron before it, and
> I almost cringe at the thought of going back to it, lol…
> 
> The hot air is a nice option too, I’ve used it on smd stuff a few
> times, although a properly used iron is often quicker and easier for
> a lot of that.
> 
> <http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-IN-1-HOT-AIR-SMD-REWORK-SOLDERING-IRON-STAT
> ION-w-5-tips-s4-852D-/331441138511?hash=item4d2b6e6b4f
> <http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-IN-1-HOT-AIR-SMD-REWORK-SOLDERING-IRON-STA
> TION-w-5-tips-s4-852D-/331441138511?hash=item4d2b6e6b4f>>
> 
That looks an awful lot like the X-Tronic 4040, but at $80 its a decent 
deal.

> I bought one of these recently, when it became painfully obvious I was
> going to need an oscilloscope when working with video circuits. 
> Being able to see the signals in a circuit really opens your eyes to
> exactly how blind you were to what was going on before.
> 
> <http://www.ebay.com/itm/HANTEK-200MHz-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-DS
> O5202B-/221584092234?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item339770ec4a
> <http://www.ebay.com/itm/HANTEK-200MHz-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-D
> SO5202B-/221584092234?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item339770ec4a>>
> 
That is the same scope I just bought but with a slightly larger display.  
Before you commit, make sure their site has update firmware available.

I didn't, its a tad buggy, and while all of these are actually made in 
the same Chinese factory and sold under at least a dozen brand names, the 
update that should install from another sellers site, will not as its usb 
disk system is msdos, not vfat, and I haven't been successful at 
reformatting a 2Gb usb key that it will recognize.  The updated firmware 
I have, but it doesn't recognize the long filenames vfat allows.

Doesn't mean i can't use it as is. But its not as intuitive to run 
correctly as it could be.  The Chinglish manual could stand some work 
too.

> In my opinion an oscilloscope is needed for anything beyond basic
> circuit debugging and repairs.  Otherwise you end up guessing in the
> dark way too much.

Amen.
> 
> - Ed
> 
> > On Jan 8, 2015, at 11:32 AM, Daniel Campos <daniel.campus at gmail.com>
> > wrote:
> > 
> > Hi Gene,
> > 
> > 2015-01-08 14:28 GMT-02:00 Gene Heskett <gheskett at wdtv.com>:
> >> But the scope is first, because without it, you are so blind that
> >> the soldering iron might as well be left unplugged.
> >> 
> >> Please don't take this as a rant Daniel, but as friendly advice
> >> from someone who really has been there and done a lot of "that".
> >> Nearly 70 years worth of BTDT. Tested and passed for certificates
> >> (A C.E.T.) and licenses (FCC 1st Phone) along the way. Bought a
> >> few T-Shirts along the way too. ;-)
> > 
> > Yes, a scope is a formidable tool for a hobbyist, but I always left
> > it aside for other concerns. In fact I also need to acquire a
> > temperature regulated solder iron and one of those Hako desoldering
> > guns, those are impressive!
> > 
> >> Cheers Daniel, Gene Heskett
> >> --
> > 
> > Regards,
> > Daniel


Cheers, Gene Heskett
-- 
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