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t.big d review
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2022-08-28
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B I G - D K I T S
from Larry Pankey
Review by Jack Dodge
The BIG-D Kits are designed to give a 128D computer user front-mounted
ways to avoid having to make that awkward stretch around the unit to turn
it on and off or do a system reset. They also provide a means to change
the device number of the built-in 1571 drive. As a bonus there's a drive
reset that allows for changing the device number without powering down.
Installation of all kits requires opening up the computer and some
soldering. Larry Pankey, the manufacturer, suggests that unless you are
confident of your ability to handle the minor soldering involved, you
should turn the job over to an electronic repair shop, preferably a
Commodore service facility.
Kit 1 consists of a toggle switch and two push buttons. The buttons,
one red and one black, perform the resets and the switch permits the drive
to operate as device 8 or 9. As an alternative, there is Kit 2 which adds
another switch allowing the user to add to his choices and select from
device numbers 8, 9, 10 or 11. The switches are used just like the dip
switches on the back of the 1541II, the 1581 and the free-standing 1571.
Kit 3 gives the user an on-off switch on the front panel.
The first impression is that quality is of prime importance to the
folks who make these kits. When you open the package you find the hardware
secured in a plastic bag along with several pages of instructions giving
step-by-step details including the necessary disassembly of the computer
and several close-up diagrams of the areas inside the box where you'll be
working.
Attention to detail is also evident in the workmanship of the hardware.
Each wire's color code is exactly as the instructions lead you to expect,
each is measured to fit precisely and it's attached to its switch or button
with a neatly professional soldering job. The end of each wire is trimmed
and tipped ready for soldering.
In addition to a lightweight soldering gun, you'll need a Phillips
screwdriver and a drill. Thanks to the computer's design, no buttons or
switches stick out of the front of your modified 128D. The BIG-D kit maker
takes advantage of a one-inch deep projection running the full width of the
front panel. You drill your holes in the underside of this overhang and
mount the hardware almost out of sight. With this arrangement there's
little danger of an unintentional reset or shutdown.
It took a little over an hour to install two of the kits...the two-
switch, two-button Kit 2 and Kit 3's convenient up-front power switch.
The BIG-D kit's directions are detailed, accurate and easy to follow,
clearly describing, and often illustrating, where holes should be drilled,
the sizes of the drill bits needed, where to make solder connections and
how to find your way around inside your computer.
Installing Kit 2 requires removal of the disk drive and that, in turn,
requires locating and disconnecting power and control cables as well as
several mounting screws. While instructions are often regarded as what you
read when all else fails, you'll stay out of trouble in this tricky area by
strictly following directions.
As a finishing touch, neatly printed labels are provided for placement
on the front panel just above the switches and buttons. Reading from left
to right you see "Computer Reset" above the red button, a diagram of switch
settings for device selection above the two toggles and "Disk Drive Reset"
above the black button.
Prices for the kits are: $21.00 for the 8/9 selector, $25.00 for the
8/9/10/11 model and $10.00 for the front power switch. All are sent
prepaid first class from:
L. L. Pankey
1712 Santa Margarita Dr.
Fallbrook CA 62028-1641
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