The Most Important Computer You Don't Know About
Action Retro・2 minutes read
The Soul 20 Terminal computer from the 1970s combined all necessary components into a single machine with a visually striking design, selling approximately 5,000 units, but facing issues with deteriorated foam and foil key switches that affect keyboard functionality. After replacing key switches, cleaning and reassembling the keyboard, some key repeat issues persist due to inadequate replacements, suggesting the need for securing foam pads with double-sided tape for proper functionality.
Insights
- The Soul 20 Terminal computer, introduced by Processors Technology, was a pioneering home computing device in the 70s that integrated all necessary components into a single machine, distinguishing it from other computers of its time.
- Despite its historical significance and visually striking design, the Soul 20's functionality has been compromised over time due to deteriorated foam and foil key switches in the keyboard, requiring meticulous restoration efforts involving replacement parts and cleaning procedures to ensure proper operation.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of the Soul 20 Terminal computer?
The Soul 20 Terminal computer is a notable piece of home computing history from the early to mid-70s, offering a complete machine with integrated components like a keyboard, power supply, video out, and an elegant case. It set itself apart by combining all necessary elements into a single machine, unlike other computers of its time that required users to assemble various components separately.
How many Soul 20 machines were sold in its original configuration?
Approximately 5,000 Soul 20 machines were sold in its original configuration, showcasing its popularity and impact during its time in the home computing market.
What are the key features of the Soul 20's design?
The Soul 20's design includes solid steel construction, flawless blue paint, and furniture-finished Walnut sides, making it visually striking and well-preserved. These features contributed to its appeal and unique aesthetic in the realm of early home computers.
How can the functionality of the Soul 20's keyboard be restored?
To restore functionality to the Soul 20's keyboard, replacement of the deteriorated foam and foil key switches with new foam and foil pads from Tech Select is necessary. Additionally, cleaning the keyboard and reassembling it can help address key repeat issues and ensure proper operation.
What steps can be taken to address the sporadic booting issue of the Soul 20?
To address the sporadic booting issue of the Soul 20, it is recommended to investigate the power supply, as this may be the root cause of the problem. By examining and potentially repairing the power supply, the device's functionality can be improved, allowing for a more consistent booting process.
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Summary
00:00
Soul 20: Vintage Computer with Unique Design
- The Soul 20 Terminal computer is a significant piece of home computing history from the early to mid-70s, offering a complete machine with keyboard, power supply, video out, and an elegant case.
- Apple's Apple I in 1976 was a notable computer that came pre-soldered with an integrated keyboard and video circuitry, requiring users to build a power supply and source a keyboard separately.
- Processors Technology introduced the Soul 20, combining all necessary components into a single machine, setting it apart from other computers of the time.
- The Soul 20's design includes solid steel construction, flawless blue paint, and furniture-finished Walnut sides, making it a visually striking and well-preserved piece.
- Approximately 5,000 Soul 20 machines were sold in this configuration, with later home computers like the Apple II and TRS-80 offering similar features at lower prices.
- The Soul 20's operating system boots into a text-based interface with a non-functional keyboard due to deteriorated foam and foil key switches.
- The computer's internal components include a large capacitor, expansion slots utilizing the S100 bus for easy card installation, and a personality module for different operating systems.
- Configuration options for the Soul 20, such as baud rate and display settings, are controlled by dip switches, resembling modern BIOS settings but using physical switches.
- The keyboard's foam and foil key switches have disintegrated over time, requiring replacement with new foam and foil pads from Tech Select to restore functionality.
- After replacing the key switches, cleaning the keyboard, and reassembling it, the Soul 20's keyboard functions with some key repeat issues, possibly linked to a previous modification that has since fallen off.
19:52
Keyboard Restoration and Device Troubleshooting Progress
- The issue with the keyboard is likely due to the foam switch replacements being too short for the keyboard, possibly indicating an earlier version. To address this, the suggestion is to use double-sided tape to secure the foam replacements in place and provide more length to tap on the capacitive pads.
- The keyboard has been partially restored, with key presses now functioning correctly after cleaning the pads with ECG Electronics wash and reseating the foam pads. However, not all keys are fully operational, potentially due to the foam replacements being inadequate in length.
- The device, believed to be a Sol-20, is close to full functionality, with the keyboard mostly working after cleaning and reseating components. The next steps involve addressing the issue of the device only booting sporadically, likely related to the power supply, and exploring its unique features, such as switching between a terminal and a computer.
