Osborne 1 Computer Restoration Part 1

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/ 8bitguy1
Visit my website:
www.the8bitguy.com
This episode is part 1 of a restoration project for an Osborne 1 portable CP/M computer.
Music by Phillip Gross is part of the Creative Commons.
creativecommon...

[@VechsDavion]

I like the "marble" look to the keys. Super cool.

[@irridesu]

I would love them on a modern mechanical keyboard

[@astratheboop]

I was recomended it now, after 4 yrs?

[@20blog28]

@@irridesu Buy a mechanical keyboard, put keycaps made of ABS plastics, and let it sit all by itself in a bath of lots of UV light for a few weeks, then let it sit in the bath of UV light while submerged in hydrogen peroxide and water

[@liamisagoodboy8764]

Same

[@BringMayFlowers]

It certainly tells a story.

[@CinecomCrew]

Always been enjoying your videos so much! keep your passion going!! :-)

[@seybird]

GOTCHA

[@Galaxy895joemama]

Hi

[@synexiasaturnds727yearsago7]

Uchuu kitaaaaa

[@LycanWitch]

What happened to your keys is the original outer gloss/protective layer of the keys was removed in the retrobrite which led to exposed raw plastic being exposed to air, so the exposed underplastic oxidized. It usually can be neutralized/prevented by giving the keys/plastic a nice alcohol wash after the retrobrite then immediately rub some petroleum jelly or soak in some mineral oil for a while to allow the exposed raw plastic to absorb some of the oil. So you may want to attempt retrobriting a key for a short time just to remove the marbled pattern, then quickly give a alcohol bath, and immediately coat in petroleum jelly or dip into mineral oil for a good 15-30 min, then you should be good to go..

[@madamfloof2249]

Would general use also help restore it a little? I know lots of keyboards get glossy over time with just oily fingers

[@LemSportsinterviews]

absolutely, there's no substitute for natural cheeto oils

[@bullsquid9435]

Raven thanks google

[@secondsettweezer9884]

@Thomas Munn c o p e

[@mewimi]

Thanks Raven, my other guess was a possible reaction to the water itself. Alcohol cures all though kinds of cleaning problems >__

[@jessica23claire]

Am I the only one who finds these videos really relaxing to watch? It's so satisfying to see it get repaired and cleaned.

[@tinaochoa7289]

I am on my grandma's account and I also like how satisfying restoration is.

[@Warp3326]

@@tinaochoa7289 Same

[@LGR]

Those are some trippy-looking keys now! Looking forward to part two, since the internals can be a real "fun time" to deal with, especially the disk drives. Haha, my O1 still needs work after all the years I've had it. I appreciate the mention as well!

[@shadoom]

Lazy Game Reviews I love you Clint, please be my retrowaifu

[@cvillan35]

A wild LGR appeared!!

[@cromulentcommodore5896]

LGR is here and he brought FANCY SANDWICHES for everyone!

[@Blackadder75]

going to watch the osbourne LGR episode now

[@ZaneDaMagicPufferDragon]

Lazy Game Reviews I'm searching for the LGR Osborne 1 video right now!!!

[@anterax4097]

Freaking love the care and respect you give these old machines.

[@evanbelsky433]

Id honestly love to see a 2+hr episode I watch these while I do my programming so... the longer the better

[@GouStoulos]

damn. i can only code in total silence. i wish i was like you :P

[@Calz20Videos]

Finally and episode where something goes boom.

[@xbotscythe]

Boom boom boom boom

[@hfrox1]

Boom

[@otesunki]

*an

[@synexiasaturnds727yearsago7]

*b o o m*

[@Mindlessyesterday]

Lol😂

[@Dordien]

I think I may know a fix for the marbled Keyboard. I don't know if it's for the same reasons but sometimes I see such discoloration on plastic inside my car after some rain drops fall on it through the open window as well as on the bottom of my air washer. The fix for that is Petroleum Jelly or Mineral oil. After applying some to the discolorated area and then wiping off the excess[the plastic appears to absorb it so the surface is not sticky even without washing, which could cause it to discolor again] the white color fades and the plastic is back to normal. You could try it on one key, and if it doesn't work you can just wipe and wash it off. tl;dr Try to coat the keys with Petroleum Jelly or mineral oil.

[@peterlamont647]

That is my guess as well. In fact I would put any retro-plastic in mineral oil and leave it out in the same temperature as when it was retro-brighted. He didn't notice it when he first took it off, because it was wet. The water filled in the rough surface of the oxidation. The oil once worked in under heat will do the same, but will not evaporate.

[@Breakfast_of_Champions]

Yeah, but instead of mineral oil I would take silicon oil, best for plastic

[@peterlamont647]

OOhhh interesting! I will keep that in mind.

[@Dordien]

I'm not the greatest at English, but during my research, I just found that mineral oil and the jelly are very similar and that's why I suggested it since the jelly worked for my plastic. I'll surely look into the silicon oil!

[@steelscooter]

I wonder if Trim Shine, Armor All or a similar silicone spray would fix the keys as they work on discoloured plastics on cars. Worth a try 8 bit guy. 😊

[@johnchristiansen9095]

I’m not even into computers at all and I found myself watching your videos for an hour... great job editing and explaining your steps... makes me want to pull apart my old Atari and give it a good cleaning...

[@williamhayden7711]

Oh no, not the magic smoke!

[@orangejoe204]

Magic smoke smells like nerd tears and shouting. I know this first hand.

[@rrrailroad6888]

Quick! Before it disappears!

[@asus12351]

its why its called the smoke test Finish HIM !!!

[@mickeymouse12678]

Osborne smoke, don't breathe this!

[@rehehehehehe4525]

It’s just decoration

[@AmyraCarter]

I like the marbling effect on the keys post reassembly, to be honest...

[@Pixdoet]

Same, actually I think more keyboards should have marble textures

[@jamieocarroll6804]

Same

[@jandajanda2242]

These replies are on a 3 year old comment

[@AmyraCarter]

@@jandajanda2242 SO. WHAT.

[@MRB16th]

Marble looks a lot better than yellow for sure.

[@ozzie_goat]

Is it just me, or are your studio shots slightly pink?

[@jasckon7994]

Blowtorch the Robot ditto, one of his other recent videos seemed tinted slightly orange

[@MilanKragujevic]

not just you, i noticed it too

[@mg86_]

Apparently he got a new camera but i think he needs to adjust the white balance

[@The8BitGuy]

My new camera has a bizarre white balance and I look green in the images. So I try to correct in post. However, I'm partially color blind so it is a real challenge for me. All I can usually do is get close.

[@jasckon7994]

The 8-Bit Guy It's all good, videos are still awesome!

[@themelonsoup]

My dad used to do this stuff for a living. He even taught himself to program on a Commodore 64. I think that's why I'm so intrigued by these videos. Lol That and the restoration process is very satisfying.

[@erichobbs4042]

My dad was employee 27 at Osborne. We used to have a few at home and it was the first computer that I learned to program in BASIC on. Hope that you have more luck with the rest of the restore, really looking forward to part 2

[@KnightRider378]

"The tried and true method." Literally the worst retrobrite experience on the whole channel.

[@devourerthegoop2887]

Yeah, it's weird to see these old videos where he uses this obsolete method. At least he found a better way

[@KnightRider378]

@@devourerthegoop2887 Yeah, I'm glad he did. The only thing I wonder about with submersion is why use a black crate? Likely to help heat up the water, but you also allow way less light into the crate, which seems way more important. Why not use one of those big clear plastic totes instead?

[@devourerthegoop2887]

@@KnightRider378 I think he uses it because it's the biggest he could find. He uses a smaller and transparent crate for smaller things in occasion

[@firstnameandlastnameples9570]

I miss the clicky sounds of the keyboard in the intro :(

[@julia.24]

couldn't think of a name He had to switch from 720p to 1080p video, and reconstructing an intro in a new resolution is really difficult.

[@chtoffy]

Me too

[@firstnameandlastnameples9570]

Julia K......it's not hard....

[@wzy88]

The new intro looks like an infomercial -thingy from the 80's..... the old one was much better! Oh well, just an intro... I'll get over it, eventually.. I think :DDD

[@forthwithtx5852]

I was thinking the same thing. The sounds of the plastic parts working together was kinda cool.

[@jimmyfleebot]

Dude, the feel of your intro tune takes me right back to those 80's sitcoms that we all know and love. Great work; so well made. I often click on the videos just to hear the intro!

[@EpicLPer]

You've cut this episode a bit too short tbh, some parts are far too quickly shown. Please go back to your old style, I love longer episodes :)

[@The8BitGuy]

Well, part of the reason was I originally planned this to be one episode only, probably 20 minutes long. Once I realized it was going to be closer to 30, I decided to break it up.

[@EpicLPer]

The 8-Bit Guy Double the AdSense is also nice then ;) Nah but still, I enjoy longer episodes more tbh. Some may not but only you can find out since you have the stats, heh.

[@theothergtgeek9407]

KZbins drunk again this video uploaded 3 mins ago this comment was almost an hour old...

[@TheYagich]

Not drunk, Patrons get to view his videos a bit earlier

[@fed-fc9uq]

EpicLPer i agree i like the longer videos

[@Mihacappy]

The marble pattern actually gives it some kind of a modern vibe. Looks cool!

[@Blarnix]

I love the intro! You should do more restorations!

[@squrblyyt]

this is a comment that describes its context and proves you can read

[@andymadden8183]

I HATE that intro!

[@ViralKiller]

Is that a Weyland-Yutani Osborne 1?

[@Qwertyoneify]

Aww.... I wanted to see the component the magic smoke escaped from!

[@shadoom]

Nathan Boody this

[@The8BitGuy]

You'll see that in part 2.

[@MatroxMillennium]

If I know my vintage machines, it was one of those film capacitors used in the AC filter circuit... Had the exact same thing happen to my TRS-80 Model 4P.

[@theLuigiFan0007Productions]

Too bad you can't smell it, that would give it away instantly. When said component gives up the ghost and lets the smoke out, you'l know what it is. No other component I'v encountered has such a distinct smell. TL;DR IMO it's a gone to crap cap.

[@andymadden8183]

4P... ...P for what? D was for Deskmate in ROM.

[@ludothorn]

i love this tipe of video!

[@lucasgallant2380]

Ludo Thorn type*

[@jamesmanson2152]

type*

[@lagcom]

@James manson no dual correction*

[@themanhimselfsunny]

what are you talking about*

[@aaa_aaa1984]

I love these tipe of comments

[@moonlightrarity3081]

Received notification after 2 hours.I'm proud of you KZbin

[@hanakomisa]

Patreon supporters got to watch before us.

[@gaminglikeevan9924]

It hasn't been two hours since it was uploaded

[@darkgabbz8517]

wew

[@moonlightrarity3081]

stampycat656/stampylongheadjr well, roughly

[@hanakomisa]

DarkGabbz reeeeee

[@Henpitts]

I really admire your dedication to 8 bit restoration. I remember a co-worker that bought an Osborne 1 about 1981-82. I thought that was so cool. A portable computer. Amazing.

[@refractionpcsx2]

Noo you didn't show us what caused the fire! :(

[@tergav8312]

Well, it isn't smoke from a fire. What happens is the electrolytic filter capacitors in the power supply develop cracks in them over time which lets moisture in. When enough moisture gets in and current is applied they burst apart and release the magic smoke. No fire is involved and it is an very easy fix.

[@The8BitGuy]

You'll see it in part 2.

[@refractionpcsx2]

ooh, you're such a tease! :P

[@TysonMellow]

+The 8-Bit Guy is it just a joke?

[@P1983sche]

The flux capacitor was obviously fluxing too much; which unfortunately causes heat and smoke.

[@JohnSmith-xq1pz]

Anyone else think the keys kinda look cool like that?

[@rrreasons2002]

Ye I do

[@AyesC9000]

It reminds me of 90's web design

[@MatthiasLee1]

Yeah

[@LiquidSnakeSSJ4]

tbh I liked how the Osborne looked before the restoration better than afterwards. The green tint made it look like a military device

[@Jarmundx]

@@LiquidSnakeSSJ4 imo looks more like a brassy matte color

[@LongboardTechnology]

On using the White Lithium Grease, thats a metal-on-metal lubricant, and I would definitely go out of my way to avoid using that on plastics, especially older plastics. WLG is going to use a combination of mineral oil and paraffin as its lubricant base, and who knows what else, and it can react with and degrade plastics. Its also not the most stable of greases, and the lubricants can separate from the lithium thickener after not too long, which just leaves things messy. For plastics I recommend sticking with silicone greases. I'm not sure the best spray silicone, but I've had good success with the only one I've tried, WD-40 brand. The best silicone grease I know of is 'Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Compound', and I would highly recommend that as your primary plastics lubricant. Its also waterproof, dielectric, and its still appropriate for low pressure metal on metal applications.

[@Cyortonic]

I know this comment is old, but my Unicomp keyboard I have (basically a modern Model M) seems to have white lithium grease on the spacebar stabilizer, and it came that way from the factory.

[@newagederpderp]

it's metal-on-plastic.

[@michelleuruski1545]

It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was waiting every day for the next part to come out. It feels like last week but it’s been about a year now. I guess I have known this channel longer than I thought!

[@vemcomachines9634]

I love these old portable computers!!!!!

[@billcosbyeatsbabies9947]

portable like the foundation of a 2 story house!

[@SpearM3064]

That's why they were sometimes called "luggables". :)

[@pathetic-pisces]

I was born in '95. I have little-to-no idea how a motherboard works (I assume its by magic). I'm afraid to even look at a soldering iron... and yet, here I am. Watching this man restore computers. It's soothing in a strange way... like Bob Ross or The New Yankee Workshop. Kudos!

[@cee128d]

You had a real uxwbill "Smoke Test!" moment there.

[@randynovick7972]

This was my very first computer. My wife made me give it away in the mid-90s but I had it from the early 80s and used it all the way through the early 90s (straight through college!). I had to rebuild several cables and keep it dusted, but it never failed me. In a way, I miss it, but there have been so many other, better machines in my life since then that I can't be too sad. Thanks for doing this work. It pleased me to see it.

[@kaczan3]

Wives... the natural enemy of fun.

[@MultiHempster]

I had a similar thing happen with some old calculator keys when retrobrighting. I found that the best way to get the streaks out is to let the plastic "eat" some oil. Wd-40 soaking was the best thing i found. It seems that the plastic gets dry when bleaching and needs to connect with it's petrolium roots to even out the color.

[@mattskins5323]

i second this

[@nerdo458]

How good he is at fixing this stuff it's unbelievable I love it

[@samthemultimediaman]

Swirls in the plastic might be where some of the bromine mixed into the plastic irregularly. I know when I was a plastic mold injection operator we could get color swirls in plastic parts if the mixing speed wasn't fast enough. Also nice find on the Osborne 1.

[@AA-sz5wm]

man, I really love your channel, keep up the good work!

[@PashPaw]

As a Osborne owner myself, my heart sank when I saw the magic blue smoke. I hope you do get it working--they're very interesting machines. And I'm worried about the keys. Do you have any idea on how the marbling happened?

[@SianaGearz]

I think it's the surface becoming porous or roughened up, and i think it can be buffed out.

[@stefanrijos63]

You're one of those few tech channels that don't bore me to death. Nice video.

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

David: -Plugs in the Osborne- The Osborne: “KRAKATOA!!!!!!”

[@TravisTev]

8-bit Guy is getting crazy good at capturing attention. A shot of a fully operational retro computer suddenly going up in smoke, and there's no way I can avoid being glued to my seat for the rest of the video!

[@lounge_]

I just started watching you videos today I love them I’m obsessed with tech restoration videos of yours bye

[@paulanthonyjohns]

1st, thank you for the nostalgia and care you take with these classics. i loved my C64 as a kid. 2nd, you are an excellent presenter. Very professional speaker. Love watching your show

[@zuctronic]

You might want to try rubbing some olive oil into the keys to see if it mitigates the mottling effect from the H2O2. Not sure if it will help, but it has helped me with similar issues on vintage SGI workstations.

[@TheBonscott78]

zuctronic thanks ill try that and let ya know, i did a similar thing to some lego

[@Gambit58]

That is my suggestion to... try a mineral oil... I'd try a synthetic first and then an organic or semi-synthetic... Leave a key over night in it t get it fully saturated and then wipe it clean... Make sure it's a low viscosity oil so it penetrates well though...

[@GAMERIN-rn6dj]

The mat on the keyboard is so handy. It prevents dirt and grime from building up.

[@damagelight2320]

*sees The 8-Bit Guy uploaded new video* - me: YAAAY!

[@PotatoFi]

Loved the audio while you were narrating. It was cool to hear everything as you took it apart/put it together.

[@legomasterj]

Ozzy Osbourne got a computer.

[@luxbuster2087]

This is my fuckin' computer

[@jbeamer11tv]

Me too. XD

[@majorinconvenience]

Osbourne Cox?

[@tylerwhite9923]

@@majorinconvenience We were wondering if you were worried about the security...of your shit.

[@alexstewartsmetalalliance7012]

I love Ozzy

[@kaitojinn]

The reason why I love this guy is the restoration video is the best with him explaining what is the problem and explain how he will do it and that soothing voice

[@jacobe5170]

Those keys actually look pretty cool

[@andrewfrost8866]

I like all your videos, but I love your restoration ones! Thank you for sharing.

[@YselaCreyoStudios]

1:36 Damn I even have the feeling of smelling that smoke. What kind of black magic it is lol I'm the only one?

[@Datan0de]

Another great vid, and what a treasure of a computer! Every time you do a restoration I learn something new. Can't wait for Part Two!

[@CoTeCiOtm]

I'm suspecting what happened to the keys was that the difference in contact with the wrap made some parts have more hydrogen peroxide on them, which led to some reaction with the plastic. The same thing happened with the cover, but it was far less noticeable as the cover, being a plain big piece of plastic, is a lot easier to even the contact of the wrap, opposite to the keys which are small pieces of plastic spread out. I suspect the temperature outside had to do with it as well, as apparently those marks appeared when they started to get colder.

[@Zarf42]

Can't wait for part 2! This is one of the few retro computers between yours and LGR's channel I've actually seen. I knew a guy who owned 2 of these, and only one worked. He said it took 20 minutes to boot, but I think he was just pulling my leg.

[@47997137x]

"gizmo" "went to town" Texas! I love it.

[@davidallen2058]

I used one of these briefly back in the day. Always loved its smell and the disk noises it made.

[@Kapin05]

When you're stood still talking about it the camera has a pinkish tint. It's pretty dope, you should do that to the other ones too (but maybe not as extreme)

[@notthatntg]

I like those 'marbled' keys. Makes it feel special.

[@ilikelefunymemes2828]

The keys actualy look kinda cool imo :D

[@adrianmccosker5835]

This is definitely your best restoration video you've ever made!! Love the channel

[@jofridz]

Thumbs up every time I hear the opening tune!!!

[@ThatGuySamUK13]

Can't wait for part 2! Love your restoration videos, so satisfying! Keep it up David!

[@Ceesiuu]

You should make longer videos :)

[@sonyericssoner]

Ye i need too longer orgasms

[@ecksdii]

windows vista is my 3rd favorite os i want vista back :(

[@luminumlx2604]

Windows Vista (starting up...) (jingles: OOOO oooo OOOOOOOO! Tam! BSOD! (breaks computer) i think you understand nothing ãnh

[@torinobrougham3525]

Windows Vista PC's aren't too expensive these days, go out and buy one. I know this because i have gotten several Vista PC's pretty cheap.

[@torinobrougham3525]

LAME! That joke is not only old, but not true.

[@wrestletube1]

The marble effect looks surprisingly awesome it made the keyboard have character it didn't have with full gray keys on it.

[@8bit_coder]

5:58 That bent pin is killing me!

[@timf8128]

ikr, I saw 2 of them. you could say that I'm TRIGGERED

[@litebkt]

Back in the day, I really wanted one of those Osbornes. I had built the computer I was using at work and it was not easy to move around.

[@clb92]

Your white balance is off. At least in the first clip.

[@ignpoppyseed]

Imagine you walk out in hopes to take a nice, pleasant walk and you see this random guy kneeling on his driveway *massaging* his computer.

[@Dekkia_]

1:35 Really scared me more than it should have.

[@AlexCBrandon]

I have to say these are my favorite videos of yours. Very thorough and well presented. I also recommend the Computer Chronicles video on entrepreneurs as Osborne is featured in that episode. I may well attempt to restore a Compaq Portable due to inspiration from these!

[@KingsCountyLightHaus]

Watching 8BG restore tech is so cathartic.

[@SinkingSage]

I actually really like the marbled streaks, I want keys like that.

[@yvonnerogers6429]

I loved this episode. It's a shame about the marbled keys, but they do look better than they did before the retrobrighting. Their original color was rather sad. I adore your opening and closing credits! That music is sensational! Thanks for the video. I really appreciate all your hard, hard work.

[@lShishkaBerryl]

Idk, the marbling makes it look like some kind of executive edition hah! Pretty cool.

[@MRB16th]

It might not be intended, but the marble looks awesome.

[@EStarstruck]

The marbling on the keys actually looks really darn cool.

[@Cubik303]

Nice work on a frustrating restoration job. Looking forward to part 2!

[@benjaminbrady2385]

This episode is a bit too short but still enjoyable nonetheless

[@Dukefazon]

I want to do restorations and repairs just like you do. It's amazingly satisfying to watch you work.

[@cryxia4449]

never clicked to new video that fast :D

[@leanchan9997]

Awesome work! I love seeing an old machine get some cleaning done.

[@skyyzz4316]

A computer and a smoke machine coooooooool

[@deltactarchives1328]

Smoke 1 use only sadly, computer uses unknown.

[@ryan_a_tacos_napa2492]

a smoke machine 😱

[@AndriaTheKobold]

I love history. I love keeping it alive. You take it and polish it up. Instant subscribe.

[@SinisterPuppy]

Keeping us in suspense about where the magic smoke came from until next episode. :P Can't wait to see the guts of this thing. Thanks for sharing the restoration process.

[@PAWTeamUnited]

Smoke Test! KABOOM!

[@lostfan5054]

Thank you so much for the years of education and entertaining content, David. You're the best!!!

[@5553371]

i bet it was a rifa capacitor that blew at 1:35

[@ChairmanMeow1]

I think the keys looked cool to be honest. They're unique (and clean!). also that monitor is so small! how are you even supposed to read what you're inputting?

[@Dooge]

I wish I could have keys that look like that

[@MaximRecoil]

I would use Novus #2 on those keys; there's a good chance it would make them an even color again, plus it's good to use on anything plastic anyway, as it gives it some protection and also repels dust somewhat.

[@MrQuinnlord]

Watching the backstory to the retrobriting technique is riviting!

[@MinefighterLP]

But... can it run crysis?

[@tohopes]

hope so.. MAXIMUM RETROBRITE

[@DashTrippn]

No try space invaders

[@404UsernameNotFoundX]

can it run Doom on it?

[@deathproofpony]

Not even Deep Blue can run Crysis.

[@jacobe5170]

Can it run ROBLOX

[@The1queencollector]

Its about time some genius came up with a proper solution to fixing yellowed plastic, non of this making your own recipe and sticking it out in the sun, I fix vintage toys and yellowing is a massive problem, I am new to this site and its brilliant, keep it up

[@R33Racer]

I think you'd be better off just putting keys in a bowl of hydrogen peroxide liquid rather than in paste form. Maybe that would avoid the colour damage seen here.

[@kkatmartin1]

I love the colouring on the keys! It looks fancy! I want one like that!!

[@Linuxpunk81]

maybe you should buy a decent UV lamp

[@UltraNyan]

the sun is a deadly laser

[@synexiasaturnds727yearsago7]

@@UltraNyan not anymore, there's a blanket

[@xXxmlg_vacxXx]

Linuxpunk81 ultra violet ™️📶=🚮

[@Ordlnary_Gamer]

Ultra Nyan yes the sun is a deadly laser the sun is a deadly laser

[@LUCLUCLUCKY]

I love rewatching these videos.

[@jdriver2308]

2.2k views in 15 mins!!!!!!!!!

[@LateGameReviewer01]

omg this is so awesome, that smoke and pow... it happened to me too. I told myself "hey, I should use straps on those wires in case the molex connector touches a metal part like the floppy holder inside my case". So I yanked out my computer case so I can turn it off and start working on it and BAM...black smoke came out of it. Yup, that molex connector touched the exact same freak'n metal part I hoped it didn't touch lol.