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Home
Store
Amiga
Videos
- SEGA
- Hardware
- PC AT
- Atari
- Unboxing
YouTube
Patreon
Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

My Journey to Build a Fully Functional Amiga 500 Plus in a Mini-ITX Case (and Survive the Battery Damage, Fake STM32s, and 2000 Angry Sockets)
JuiceBox: From Purple PCB to an Upgraded Power Supply (Amiga USB-C Power, Revision 2)
Alicia Build: Resurrecting an Amiga 1200 into a Mini-ITX “Mac Pro”-Style New Home
How I Built a 2025-Ready ZX Spectrum Keyboard Case Without a 3D Printer (PCBWay to the Rescue)
I Upgraded My Amiga’s Power Connector with a Magnetic USB‑C Style Hack (and a Few Soldering Gremlins)

This is a slightly cut down version of my heartfelt tribute to the work of the late Paul van der Valk, who composed the original Hybris theme music for the Amiga, back in 1988. This re imagining of the piece has been commented on a few times, when I used it in one of my recent videos. I haven't managed to get any agreement or permission from Paul's estate or Cope-Com to officially release this song as yet.

The visuals are a kind of imagination gap bridge to how the game played in my head :)

I have also done a "blues" version, let me know in the comments if you would like me to release that version in the same way.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting the channel.

💜 You can support the channel by:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

or just Like, Subscribe & Share

Amiga nostalgia: Hybris theme reimagined ✨ #amiga #retro #musicremix

This is a heartfelt tribute to the work of the late Paul van der Valk, who composed the original Hybris theme music for the Amiga, back in 1988. This re imagining of the piece has been commented on a few times, when I used it in one of my recent videos. I haven't managed to get any agreement or permission from Paul's estate or Cope-Com to officially release this song as yet.

The visuals are a kind of imagination gap bridge to how the game played in my head :)

I have also done a "blues" version, let me know in the comments if you would like me to release that version in the same way.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting the channel.

💜 You can support the channel by:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

or just Like, Subscribe & Share

Bridging The Imagination Gap! | HYBRIS Amiga Theme Gothic Synthwave Remix

oops - #amigalife

RTFM Applies - Even if you wrote the manual!

The Alicia build returns! In the previous video we transplanted the custom chips from an Amiga 1200 into the incredible mini-ITX Alicia motherboard and mounted it inside a Mac Pro-inspired case. But the build still wasn’t finished…

In this video I tackle the final details that turn the Alicia from a proof of concept into something that feels like a proper finished Hack Build Restore machine. With no room for a traditional floppy drive, I needed a clean way to integrate a Gotek without ruining the aesthetic of the case. The solution? A massive OLED display, a custom PCB, hidden rotary controls and a lot of careful cutting, fitting and tweaking.

I also design and install a custom rear I/O backplate in KiCad to clean up the giant opening at the back of the case, similar to what I previously created for the Denise build.

This project is a mix of retro computing, custom electronics, PCB design and case modding - all wrapped up in one very unusual Amiga 1200 build.

If you enjoy retro hardware restorations, custom PCBs, Amiga projects and ridiculous over-engineered ideas, you’re in the right place.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting the channel.

💜 You can support the channel by:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

or just Like, Subscribe & Share

Come see me...
RETROFEST 2026 : https://www.retrofest.uk/

music:

The "Hybris Theme" covers are not yet released anywhere...
https://youtu.be/ATEv6qWjdQQ
https://youtu.be/wTaIr65GOBg

Chapters

00:00 - Intro - Meet the Alicia Amiga 1200
00:21 - Recap of the Previous Build
00:47 - The Floppy Drive Problem
01:05 - Massive OLED Display and Gotek Setup
02:19 - Designing a Custom Rotary Encoder PCB
06:47 - Fixing the Encoder Direction
07:20 - Cutting the Case Mesh for Mounting
09:12 - LED Upgrade Time
09:38 - Solving the Rear I/O Gap
09:50 - Designing a Custom KiCad Backplate
10:06 - Fitting the Rear I/O PCB
12:13 - Outro & RetroFest Plans

Amiga Modification Complete | Alicia Finally Looks The Part!

The Juice Box has already been powering Amigas, Amstrads, and other retro machines using clean USB-C power delivery — but what if connecting your Amiga power supply could feel a little more… modern?.. PCBWay sponsor this video, new users can get $5 Free Credit https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG

If you're interested in the Juice Box:
Buying: https://shop.flamelily.co.uk/juicebox
Videos:
- https://youtu.be/vLpyo52PCfI
- https://youtu.be/xJbwops7EXk

In this video I take inspiration from the magnetic power connector on my MacBook Pro and attempt to bring that same quality-of-life improvement to the Commodore Amiga. The result? A custom magnetic Amiga power connector built using custom PCBs, AliExpress parts, a lot of soldering… and a little bit of accidental backwards assembly.

This was a fun little engineering challenge that turned into something surprisingly practical. The connector makes swapping power supplies between machines much easier while also reducing stress on aging Amiga power sockets and internal PCB traces.

Along the way I design and assemble a stack of custom PCBs, battle magnetic soldering issues, and test the finished connector with the Juice Box power supply.

music:

https://youtu.be/wTaIr65GOBg

💜 Support the channel:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

Chapters

00:00 - Intro
00:19 - The Juice Box beyond the Amiga
00:52 - Inspiration from the MacBook magnetic connector
01:17 - Hunting for magnetic connectors
01:45 - Designing the Amiga connector solution
02:10 - Sending the PCB design to PCBWay
02:50 - Parts arrive and assembly begins
03:51 - Magnetic soldering iron problems
04:55 - PCB stack alignment design
07:54 - Heat shrink finishing touches
08:15 - Chunky yet elegant
09:04 - Testing with a Commodore Amiga
09:33 - Final thoughts on the magnetic connector
10:05 - Future USB-C projects

Upgrading Amiga with a Custom Magnetic Connector!

Get ready for a blast from the past as we bring the iconic Amiga 500 into the modern era, reborn in a stunning Mini-ITX form factor. In this video, we'll take you on a journey of nostalgia and innovation, showcasing the meticulous process of shrinking a retro computing legend into a compact, cutting-edge package. From the challenges of component selection to the triumphs of successful implementation, we'll dive into every detail of this extraordinary project. Whether you're a retro tech enthusiast, a DIY aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of merging old with new, this video is for you. Join us as we explore the intersection of vintage charm and modern technology, and discover how the Amiga 500 has been reimagined for a new generation of computer enthusiasts.

Retro Tech Reborn: Amiga 500 in Mini-ITX!

Tips: Safe Amiga Terrible Fire 536 Removal!

Clip from my lates mini- ITX Amiga 1200 Alicia build. Getting Budgie aligned is harder than you think! :)

Alicia Build - Aligning Budgie - It's All Over!

This is a fully-fledged Commodore Amiga 500 Plus, rebuilt using original custom chips and squeezed into a Mini-ITX form factor. This video documents the complete Denise Amiga build from populating one of the most densely packed through-hole PCBs I’ve ever worked on, right through to case integration, modern storage, acceleration, networking, and ultimately designing custom hardware just to make everything coexist in an impossibly small space.

Includes, previously unseen, footage of my trip to Amiga Belfast!

The Denise PCB, supplied as a partially-assembled kit, recreates the Amiga 500 Plus while adding modern conveniences like PS/2 keyboard and mouse support, Zorro II expansion, ROM switching, and Mini-ITX compatibility. My motivation for this build came from a battery-damaged A500+ that simply wasn’t worth restoring further, and Denise offered a way to keep original silicon alive without compromise.

From there, things escalated.

- What started as a straightforward build turned into:
- A Gotek install with on-screen display video overlay
- Fake vs genuine STM32 “Blue Pill” drama
- Case modifications for USB, rotary encoders, LEDs, and storage
- A full cost breakdown of the build
- A custom-built joystick to match the machine
- A TerribleFire 536 accelerator

Zorro II networking that physically would not fit

A custom-designed Zorro riser

And finally… a completely custom Gotek-compatible floppy emulator PCB, designed from scratch to fit the Denise and this case alone

This is very much a story of iteration, mistakes, bodge wires, heat, and persistence, what happens when you absolutely refuse to accept that “it won’t fit” is a valid answer.

If you’re into real hardware, original chips, sympathetic modern upgrades, and pushing classic machines far beyond what their designers ever imagined.

🔧Project Links
Denise - https://www.enterlogic.se/?page_id=180
Flamelily - https://shop.flamelily.co.uk/

💜 Support the channel:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

Chapters

00:01 Not a Pi, not an FPGA — a real Omega 500 in Mini-ITX
00:21 Denise kit overview + why I’m building it
01:44 The BOM explosion + build plan
02:48 Build montage (and endless sockets)
07:58 The SIMM mistake + first successful boot
09:42 Mini-ITX case choice + the missing floppy problem
11:09 Internal Gotek idea + OSD overlay plan
12:21 Gotek + STM32 mods (USB panel mount, mounting, wiring)
14:34 Fake Blue Pills, blink tests, and the fix
17:24 Lime green OSD success + rotary encoder install
20:06 Denise lineage + full cost breakdown
24:18 Building a matching budget joystick
31:44 Retro Fest recap
33:14 Acceleration begins: TerribleFire 336 + hard drive
42:48 Networking in a tiny case: custom Zorro riser saga
45:26 The “fine, I’ll build my own Gotek” arc
50:14 Debugging the custom Gotek (USB + I²C + bodge wires)
54:23 Full stack test: accelerator + floppy + network together
56:32 What’s still left to fix
57:32 Amiga Belfast

My Journey to Build a Fully Functional Amiga 500 Plus in a Mini-ITX Case

Search

Recent Posts

My Journey to Build a Fully Functional Amiga 500 Plus in a Mini-ITX Case (and Survive the Battery Damage, Fake STM32s, and 2000 Angry Sockets)
JuiceBox: From Purple PCB to an Upgraded Power Supply (Amiga USB-C Power, Revision 2)
Alicia Build: Resurrecting an Amiga 1200 into a Mini-ITX “Mac Pro”-Style New Home
How I Built a 2025-Ready ZX Spectrum Keyboard Case Without a 3D Printer (PCBWay to the Rescue)
I Upgraded My Amiga’s Power Connector with a Magnetic USB‑C Style Hack (and a Few Soldering Gremlins)

This is a slightly cut down version of my heartfelt tribute to the work of the late Paul van der Valk, who composed the original Hybris theme music for the Amiga, back in 1988. This re imagining of the piece has been commented on a few times, when I used it in one of my recent videos. I haven't managed to get any agreement or permission from Paul's estate or Cope-Com to officially release this song as yet.

The visuals are a kind of imagination gap bridge to how the game played in my head :)

I have also done a "blues" version, let me know in the comments if you would like me to release that version in the same way.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting the channel.

💜 You can support the channel by:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

or just Like, Subscribe & Share

Amiga nostalgia: Hybris theme reimagined ✨ #amiga #retro #musicremix

This is a heartfelt tribute to the work of the late Paul van der Valk, who composed the original Hybris theme music for the Amiga, back in 1988. This re imagining of the piece has been commented on a few times, when I used it in one of my recent videos. I haven't managed to get any agreement or permission from Paul's estate or Cope-Com to officially release this song as yet.

The visuals are a kind of imagination gap bridge to how the game played in my head :)

I have also done a "blues" version, let me know in the comments if you would like me to release that version in the same way.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting the channel.

💜 You can support the channel by:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

or just Like, Subscribe & Share

Bridging The Imagination Gap! | HYBRIS Amiga Theme Gothic Synthwave Remix

oops - #amigalife

RTFM Applies - Even if you wrote the manual!

The Alicia build returns! In the previous video we transplanted the custom chips from an Amiga 1200 into the incredible mini-ITX Alicia motherboard and mounted it inside a Mac Pro-inspired case. But the build still wasn’t finished…

In this video I tackle the final details that turn the Alicia from a proof of concept into something that feels like a proper finished Hack Build Restore machine. With no room for a traditional floppy drive, I needed a clean way to integrate a Gotek without ruining the aesthetic of the case. The solution? A massive OLED display, a custom PCB, hidden rotary controls and a lot of careful cutting, fitting and tweaking.

I also design and install a custom rear I/O backplate in KiCad to clean up the giant opening at the back of the case, similar to what I previously created for the Denise build.

This project is a mix of retro computing, custom electronics, PCB design and case modding - all wrapped up in one very unusual Amiga 1200 build.

If you enjoy retro hardware restorations, custom PCBs, Amiga projects and ridiculous over-engineered ideas, you’re in the right place.

Huge thanks to everyone supporting the channel.

💜 You can support the channel by:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

or just Like, Subscribe & Share

Come see me...
RETROFEST 2026 : https://www.retrofest.uk/

music:

The "Hybris Theme" covers are not yet released anywhere...
https://youtu.be/ATEv6qWjdQQ
https://youtu.be/wTaIr65GOBg

Chapters

00:00 - Intro - Meet the Alicia Amiga 1200
00:21 - Recap of the Previous Build
00:47 - The Floppy Drive Problem
01:05 - Massive OLED Display and Gotek Setup
02:19 - Designing a Custom Rotary Encoder PCB
06:47 - Fixing the Encoder Direction
07:20 - Cutting the Case Mesh for Mounting
09:12 - LED Upgrade Time
09:38 - Solving the Rear I/O Gap
09:50 - Designing a Custom KiCad Backplate
10:06 - Fitting the Rear I/O PCB
12:13 - Outro & RetroFest Plans

Amiga Modification Complete | Alicia Finally Looks The Part!

The Juice Box has already been powering Amigas, Amstrads, and other retro machines using clean USB-C power delivery — but what if connecting your Amiga power supply could feel a little more… modern?.. PCBWay sponsor this video, new users can get $5 Free Credit https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG

If you're interested in the Juice Box:
Buying: https://shop.flamelily.co.uk/juicebox
Videos:
- https://youtu.be/vLpyo52PCfI
- https://youtu.be/xJbwops7EXk

In this video I take inspiration from the magnetic power connector on my MacBook Pro and attempt to bring that same quality-of-life improvement to the Commodore Amiga. The result? A custom magnetic Amiga power connector built using custom PCBs, AliExpress parts, a lot of soldering… and a little bit of accidental backwards assembly.

This was a fun little engineering challenge that turned into something surprisingly practical. The connector makes swapping power supplies between machines much easier while also reducing stress on aging Amiga power sockets and internal PCB traces.

Along the way I design and assemble a stack of custom PCBs, battle magnetic soldering issues, and test the finished connector with the Juice Box power supply.

music:

https://youtu.be/wTaIr65GOBg

💜 Support the channel:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

Chapters

00:00 - Intro
00:19 - The Juice Box beyond the Amiga
00:52 - Inspiration from the MacBook magnetic connector
01:17 - Hunting for magnetic connectors
01:45 - Designing the Amiga connector solution
02:10 - Sending the PCB design to PCBWay
02:50 - Parts arrive and assembly begins
03:51 - Magnetic soldering iron problems
04:55 - PCB stack alignment design
07:54 - Heat shrink finishing touches
08:15 - Chunky yet elegant
09:04 - Testing with a Commodore Amiga
09:33 - Final thoughts on the magnetic connector
10:05 - Future USB-C projects

Upgrading Amiga with a Custom Magnetic Connector!

Get ready for a blast from the past as we bring the iconic Amiga 500 into the modern era, reborn in a stunning Mini-ITX form factor. In this video, we'll take you on a journey of nostalgia and innovation, showcasing the meticulous process of shrinking a retro computing legend into a compact, cutting-edge package. From the challenges of component selection to the triumphs of successful implementation, we'll dive into every detail of this extraordinary project. Whether you're a retro tech enthusiast, a DIY aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of merging old with new, this video is for you. Join us as we explore the intersection of vintage charm and modern technology, and discover how the Amiga 500 has been reimagined for a new generation of computer enthusiasts.

Retro Tech Reborn: Amiga 500 in Mini-ITX!

Tips: Safe Amiga Terrible Fire 536 Removal!

Clip from my lates mini- ITX Amiga 1200 Alicia build. Getting Budgie aligned is harder than you think! :)

Alicia Build - Aligning Budgie - It's All Over!

This is a fully-fledged Commodore Amiga 500 Plus, rebuilt using original custom chips and squeezed into a Mini-ITX form factor. This video documents the complete Denise Amiga build from populating one of the most densely packed through-hole PCBs I’ve ever worked on, right through to case integration, modern storage, acceleration, networking, and ultimately designing custom hardware just to make everything coexist in an impossibly small space.

Includes, previously unseen, footage of my trip to Amiga Belfast!

The Denise PCB, supplied as a partially-assembled kit, recreates the Amiga 500 Plus while adding modern conveniences like PS/2 keyboard and mouse support, Zorro II expansion, ROM switching, and Mini-ITX compatibility. My motivation for this build came from a battery-damaged A500+ that simply wasn’t worth restoring further, and Denise offered a way to keep original silicon alive without compromise.

From there, things escalated.

- What started as a straightforward build turned into:
- A Gotek install with on-screen display video overlay
- Fake vs genuine STM32 “Blue Pill” drama
- Case modifications for USB, rotary encoders, LEDs, and storage
- A full cost breakdown of the build
- A custom-built joystick to match the machine
- A TerribleFire 536 accelerator

Zorro II networking that physically would not fit

A custom-designed Zorro riser

And finally… a completely custom Gotek-compatible floppy emulator PCB, designed from scratch to fit the Denise and this case alone

This is very much a story of iteration, mistakes, bodge wires, heat, and persistence, what happens when you absolutely refuse to accept that “it won’t fit” is a valid answer.

If you’re into real hardware, original chips, sympathetic modern upgrades, and pushing classic machines far beyond what their designers ever imagined.

🔧Project Links
Denise - https://www.enterlogic.se/?page_id=180
Flamelily - https://shop.flamelily.co.uk/

💜 Support the channel:
👕 Merch: https://hackbuildrestore.com/store
https://patreon.com/HackBuildRestore
🔩 PCBWay: https://pcbway.com/g/sa8ruG
💵 Paypal: https://paypal.me/hackbuildrestore
☕ Buy Coffee: https://coff.ee/nZQ31MHTpx

Chapters

00:01 Not a Pi, not an FPGA — a real Omega 500 in Mini-ITX
00:21 Denise kit overview + why I’m building it
01:44 The BOM explosion + build plan
02:48 Build montage (and endless sockets)
07:58 The SIMM mistake + first successful boot
09:42 Mini-ITX case choice + the missing floppy problem
11:09 Internal Gotek idea + OSD overlay plan
12:21 Gotek + STM32 mods (USB panel mount, mounting, wiring)
14:34 Fake Blue Pills, blink tests, and the fix
17:24 Lime green OSD success + rotary encoder install
20:06 Denise lineage + full cost breakdown
24:18 Building a matching budget joystick
31:44 Retro Fest recap
33:14 Acceleration begins: TerribleFire 336 + hard drive
42:48 Networking in a tiny case: custom Zorro riser saga
45:26 The “fine, I’ll build my own Gotek” arc
50:14 Debugging the custom Gotek (USB + I²C + bodge wires)
54:23 Full stack test: accelerator + floppy + network together
56:32 What’s still left to fix
57:32 Amiga Belfast

My Journey to Build a Fully Functional Amiga 500 Plus in a Mini-ITX Case

Search

TOMLOV DM9 MAX – Review

A quick look at my new digital microscope

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