Replacing

  Replacing or substituting parts can be a challenge.  Often the
manufacturer either used of the shelf parts (in which case this is
unnecessary), or used their own one of a kind or "specialized" parts.
  Wherever possible, remember somethings are electronically different, and 
some are wired differently.  

Identify why the part is different

Did this manufacturer really spend a fortune to make this one of a 
 kind part? (1)
Is it a question of a physically different size? (2)
Is the item really necessary? (3)
How soon do I really need the part, or can I do without it? (4)

(1) Most often manufacturers simply had items wired a little different so you
had to go to them for the part.  Electronically the item is no different, but 
simply had a different pinout.  In this case, check for pinouts, and create 
your own cable or gender changer to use more common parts.

(2) Physical size can be a challenge, if it was smaller, most new equipment
has become smaller and should avoid this issue.  If it was a larger part, 
you may find yourself making drive rails or mounting brackets for the newer
part.

(3) I think all of us collectors and nostalgia computer geeks, like to put it 
back to as close of an original status as possible.  But, you have to draw
the line somewhere.  Do you really need the $600 light pen to draw, or
can you use the original mouse.

(4) Is the part really necessary, or is it for flare?  I would love to 
supercharge my Amiga 1200 to the latest PowerPC, but why would I spend +$500,
to do the same as a $200 AMD powered IBM compatible with the latest Amiga 
emulator.


To return
<--

Article by Slam, Last Updated June 2004