Added few more images of Samsung(Goldstar) FC-150 and specified mutual cartridge compatibility.
More info here: https://dlabi.cz/klony-sord-m5/#Goldstar-FC
Programmable Deactivation of MONITOR ROM for Sord m5
The Sord M5 computer has a basic configuration with only 4kB of RAM, which can be expanded to 32kB using an additional cartridge EM-5. By making a small modification to the computer, the memory can be expanded up to 64kB by deactivating of the MONITOR ROM, which occupies the address space 0000-1FFFH. This modification opens up new possibilities for the computer, such as running MSX or ZX Spectrum emulators or CP/M, and so on. This modification is not something new, it was already realised in the 1980s. The modification itself involves interrupting the connection between pin 15 of the GA15 chip and pin 20 of the IC21 ROM memory , and inserting a resistor with a value between 330-390ohm, as shown in the picture. This weakens the signal from GA15 and allows for external control. The computer's functions remain unchanged by this modification, but various RAM DIY modules, including FlexiCard, can deactivate the MONITOR ROM by setting log. 1 on ROM0 bus signal.
a memory of the old days
From game promo
It’s like opening a dusty old desk drawer and finding an undiscovered LucasArts adventure game you’ve never played before.
Power supply repair
After about 30 years, the original Sord m5 power supply started delivering unstable power levels. It stabilized at the nominal voltages a few minutes after switching on. So everything pointed to dried up electrolytic capacitors. The function of the computer was mainly manifested in the instability of VDP and video memory, where character sprites were greatly altered, image synchronization was unstable and iridescent colors ran across the image. You can see the said behavior in the video below…
OS migration from SSD to new NVMe SSD
It's not that complicated a process, but if you have an old motherboard without NVMe support and you want to use a disk for booting the OS, then it's more complicated. If your bios supports UEFI boot and you have an AMI bios, then the following lines will tell you how to do it.
New schematics
I've added few more schematics recently, for which I thank Roman Štec, who gave them to me, and also the author Jindřich Stuchlík.
- FD-SIO-EM64
- SIO
I've also added new redrawn FD-5 schematic and 2 block designs of Sord
You can find them here https://dlabi.cz/schematka-k-sord-m5/
From now on, you can read my posts in English
I’ve added language selection widget where you can switch from Czech to English. Not all posts are translated yet but I’m working on it so please be patient.
Sord m5's clones
Although the Sord m5 was not as popular as the ZX Spectrum, several of its clones were created during its era which spread under various names beyond the continent of Japan. Let's introduce them one by one.
Looking for digital copy
does anyone have this by any chance? I'm unable to find it anywhere
Files download is working again
Hooray! After long long time, downloads are working again! If you still experience issues please leave a message.
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