Tomy Tutor - Restoration and Review
The 8-Bit Guy・17 minutes read
The rare Tomy Tutor, a 16-bit machine with 16K of RAM and 256x192 pixel resolution, is being restored by the 8-Bit Guy. The restoration process involves cleaning the keyboard, data recorder, and cartridges using various techniques to bring the vintage computer back to life.
Insights
- The Tomy Tutor, a rare 16-bit machine sold in the early 1980s, had limited RAM and resolution but featured endorsements from Sarah Purcell and innovative accessories like the DataCorder.
- Restoration efforts on the Tomy Tutor involved meticulous cleaning processes using Windex, Deoxit, and retrobrite treatments, showcasing the dedication to preserving and enhancing this unique piece of computing history.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
What is the Tomy Tutor?
A rare 16-bit machine with limited RAM and video resolution.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Restoring the Rare Tomy Tutor: 1983 Gem
- The Tomy Tutor is a rare piece of equipment being restored by the 8-Bit Guy.
- The Tomy Tutor was sold in Japan and briefly in North America in 1983 for $380.
- It was marketed as a 16-bit machine but only had 16K of RAM and a video resolution of 256x192 pixels with 16 colors.
- The Tomy Tutor shares similarities with the TI 99/4 series but has slightly improved versions of the CPU and Video chip.
- The Tomy Tutor was endorsed by Sarah Purcell, host of "Real People," unlike TI which used Bill Cosby.
- The Tomy Tutor comes with a DataCorder and controllers similar to Intellivision controllers.
- The Tomy Tutor has a cartridge port, IO port, controller port, and a tape recorder port.
- The Tomy Tutor's keyboard had issues with the top row of arrow keys not working initially.
- The keyboard was cleaned using Windex and Deoxit, and missing rubber feet were replaced with Commodore machine feet.
- The Tomy Data Recorder, requiring a 6-volt negative center power adapter, was also restored successfully.
12:08
Cleaning and Restoring Audio Cassette Players
- The cassette door is removed to begin the cleaning process, with caution exercised around the text to prevent damage.
- Alcohol-soaked paper towels are used to clean the cassette, preparing it for retrobrite treatment.
- Rocks are added to the retrobrite solution to prevent the cassette from floating to the top.
- The cassette is reassembled after cleaning the mechanism with canned air and alcohol, applying lithium grease to moving parts.
- Attempts to play an audio cassette reveal issues with sound output, possibly due to the device's design.
- Cartridges are cleaned successfully with Windex, but retrobrite treatment is avoided due to paper labels that could be damaged.
