TYD*BYTS

PC8300 VIDEO FIX

One of the most common complaints with the PC8300 is that the characters tend to have a “splayed” look, with horizontal lines sticking out to the right. No, it’s not because the Chinese designers didn’t know how the characters are shaped. It’s simply a matter of overdrive (video level or “contrast” too high).

The fix is remarkably simple, Connect a resistor (I used 4.7K) between pin 35 and pin 40 of the custom chip. This is the chip nearest the modulator. Pin 40 is the pin furthest to the right in the front row, as viewed from the front of the machine. Pin 35 is five pins to the left of pin 40. If you are experienced at soldering, simply solder the resistor directly to the “shoulders” of the pins, If not, you’d be better off removing the chip, and connecting the resistor to the socket on the underside of the board.

Lower values (e.g. 3.9K, 3.3K) will give more attenuation.