My Amstrad CPC 6128 Mini

CPC hardware
1

In 87, my computer was a Commodore 64 and I absolutely loved it. At the same time, the Amstrad CPC was hugely popular in France. And I have to admit that whenever I saw one at a friend’s house, I could spend hours playing on it!

I eventually bought one myself about twenty years ago, but I always thought it was a shame that there was no “mini” version of the CPC like the C64, the Spectrum or the Amiga.

Even though I still like getting my old computers out from time to time to play on them, I mostly enjoy having them on display on my desk. It’s a lot less space-consuming than the original machines :sweat_smile:.

After having fun making a little Commodore LCD screen for my A500 Mini, I thought making a miniature CPC 6128 should be doable.

So I got to work. And after two months of work, I ended up with a version that I think is pretty faithful to the original.

Amstrad-cpc-6128-mini
Amstrad-cpc-6128-mini1200×796 227 KB

As with my previous project, I made a video to share the whole process with other enthusiasts. Since YouTube doesn’t necessarily recommend French videos outside France, here it is (don’t worry YouTube automatically dubbed it in English):

I hope you guys enjoy this little tribute to this wonderful piece of British gaming history.

14 Likes
2

That is so impressive! If only an FPGA version would come out based on your design :smiley:

1 Like
3

I agree, it would be great to have a fgpa in it !
I haven’t actually got my hands on a MiSTer yet, and I don’t know if it would fit inside the monitor’s casing… Also I don’t know if it’s possible to use a virtual keyboard on this type of device.

1 Like
4

Please sell it to me? :smiley:

1 Like
5

No, it’s mine :face_with_tongue: !
I’d love to be able to make a small batch, but 3D printing takes quite a long time.

1 Like
6

Maybe you could upload your design to JLCPCB or PCBWay, as their 3D printing service is very nice and you’ll be getting some money too.

7

That’s actually a very good point. When I see the perfectly transparent PCBway component renderings (which are quite tricky to achieve with a standard 3D printer), I reckon their quality must be really good in general. But I don’t know how much it costs…

8

You should message Sir Alan Sugar on X, give him a nudge and a wink… You never know… He may see British Sterling in it! :wink:

Dabzy

9

That’s a completely mad idea!… But it’s first and foremost a tribute, and you’re right, it might well amuse him. :sweat_smile:

10

Wonderful!

11

I did it ! :blush:

3 Likes
12

Thank you so much !!!

13

No! Sell it to ME :laughing:

This is really cute and cool, I love this :heart:

1 Like
14

Hehehe Nice one! :slight_smile:

Lets hope he see’s it and his eyes flash £££, and we finally end up with an offical Amstrad CPC Mini! :slight_smile:

Dabzy

2 Likes
15

Even though I’ve made my own, I’d love to see an official one come out!

But in reality, I think it’s unlikely that this dream will come true… Perhaps just the keyboard version, but adding a screen would make it a lot more expensive (especially now); and I’m not sure everyone’s ready for this.

So make your own! :joy:

16

A man can dream! :wink:

Dabzy

1 Like
17

I believe ‘retro games’ has registered ‘THE6128’ trademark… let’s hope we get both a full size and a mini from them…

until then…

I will join in…can I buy it? :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

1 Like
18

I think Retrogames registred all machines names like THEST, THE464, THE6128… :sweat_smile:
Personnaly I think if they wich sell an Amstrad they will choose the 464, perhaps more iconic design for people.

I can’t do a batch to sell, sorry, it’s a long 3D printing process. But you can buy the STL and print by yourself or in a fablab. Also it would surely be possible to print it via PCBway or other (never tried).