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Upgrading and Restoring the CoCo
RAM
[edit | edit source]- TRIAD 512K SRAM Upgrade for CoCo 3
- MOOH - Memory expansion (Program Pak board) for your Dragon or CoCo 1/2 featuring :
- 512 KB RAM, handled by a DAT (dynamic address translator) mostly software compatible with the DAT in the Tandy CoCo
- SPI interface with 4 slaves, one connected to the micro-SD card slot
- ROM socket for 27C512 type EPROMs (64KB)
Keyboard / Mylar replacement
[edit | edit source]As of Sept. 2022 two people heva made keyboard mylar kits available to replace dead or failing CoCo 1/2 or CoCo 3 keyboards :
- Keyfix - mylar keyboard replacement kit @ Computer Connect, by Patrick Ulland
- CoCo Membrane - mylar keyboard replacement kit - open hardware (MIT licensed) design by Mike Rojas
CPU
[edit | edit source]The Hitachi 63B09E is a pin-to-pin direct replacement for the 6809E CPU found in all CoCos.
Virtually all Color Computers have their 6809 CPU soldered to the motherboard. Therefore, desoldering the CPU is necessary, and installing a socket before upgrading is recommended. If you are in doubt as to your ability to accomplish this, then do not attempt the procedure. It is very delicate and can damage your CoCo motherboard if you aren't careful.
Some distributors offer installation service.
- Hitachi 63b09e replacement CPU @ RetroRewind
- Hitachi 63x09E replacement CPU @ Cloud9 Tech
- Pro-Tector+ @ Cloud9 Tech - protects your CoCo CPU against jolted multi-paks and cartridges.
ROM
[edit | edit source]Some CoCo 1/2 models only came with a Color BASIC ROM and can be upgraded to have Extended Color BASIC. Such CoCos have an empty ROM socket for 24-PIN ECB ROMs. You can either burn an EPROM yourself or buy an EPROM online. The easiest is to use a 28-PIN EPROM and a 24-to-28-PIN adapter.
- Original 24-PIN Radio Shack ECB 1.1 chip @ eBay, sold by dr.ians_junque
- 24-28 PIN adapter module @ Zippster Zone
- 24-28 PIN adapter module, technical documentation @ Retro Innovations
- EPROM burning service @ Cloud9 Tech
