CXG2001

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Larry
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CXG2001

Post by Larry »

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Elec ... 2749.l2649
I had one of these years ago, but it went belly up. I've been waiting
patiently all this time for another one.
It's quite strong for it's rating. This syndrome tends to tell us that the
chess comp ratings are arrived at by playing the machines against each
other. Against humans a given machine can seem stronger or weaker.
If you see one I recommend you grab it. Auto sensory with a light
on every square. As you see, mine is in excellent shape both cosmetically
and functionally. The one tiny issue is that at the start of a game the pawns
have to be juggled a little to get all the lights to go off. The magnets have
perhaps not deteriorated evenly.
L
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

I like the design. Last year I was outbid on one from Canada. I didn't bid agressively because shipping cost was high and I didn't know it has an autosensory board. Maybe next time...
Cheers,

Jeff B.
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Steve B
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Re: CXG2001

Post by Steve B »

Larry wrote:http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-Elec ... 3183076901?

ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

I had one of these years ago, but it went belly up. I've been waiting
patiently all this time for another one
As you see, mine is in excellent shape both cosmetically
and functionally. L
not sure I understand this
you say yours is in excellent shape?
you sold the one in the Ebay link?
or you bought the one in the Ebay link?
if sold...
it sold for $45 a ridiculously low price
if bought...congrats on a great price!


Confused Regards
Steve
Larry
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Joined: Wed Aug 01, 2007 8:42 am
Location: Gosford, NSW Australia

Post by Larry »

I bought it! Rest assured, I wouldn't part with one for that price.
It's frustratingly strong considering the feeble Z80 processor. Lots
of fun to play against.
L
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

Just bought one, coincidentally also from Canada. As though my 100+ chess computers isn't enough. Oh, well, maybe some day doctors will find a cure for the urge to collect chess computers. (No rush, though.)
Cheers,

Jeff B.
Larry
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Location: Gosford, NSW Australia

Post by Larry »

JeffB wrote:Just bought one, coincidentally also from Canada. As though my 100+ chess computers isn't enough. Oh, well, maybe some day doctors will find a cure for the urge to collect chess computers. (No rush, though.)
Congrats!... I must confess I don't follow Canadian ebay too often. I'm
guessing that's how you came across it. Do you need to jiggle the pieces
for a while to make the lights go out, just like I do? If so, then I noticed
someone recommended "M35" strength neodymium magnets for the base
of the chess pieces. I've got bitter memories of using strong neodymium
magnets. They nearly pulled the fillings out of my teeth.
L
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

I monitor eBay in a few countries. Sometimes I get lucky and can convince a seller to ship overseas.

I just bought the computer today. Probably won't have it for another two weeks. And I promise I won't let those magnets near my teeth!
Cheers,

Jeff B.
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

Just arrived, complete except for the manual. Works and looks like new and plays a very interesting game even on the default level. Color scheme of the squares is very nice especially for the era, though I wish they'd used smaller LEDs. Oh, well, can't have everything, right?

No need to jiggle pieces. Have you tried the pieces from another chess computer? That should tell you whether the magnets are weakening or the reed switches starting to go out. It may also be possible that the reed switches for some reason are either too far from the playing surface, or that they weren't oriented correctly when the unit was assembled. I will use a wood magnetic Lardy-style set instead of the stock set, because they look great on the board.

I see that it's modular. I wonder if any other modules were made for it.

Thanks for the recommendation!
Cheers,

Jeff B.
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Bryan Whitby
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Post by Bryan Whitby »

Hi Jeff

We talked about this a while ago after I bought one for next to nothing. Since the threads last post I have spoken to Richard Land and he confirmed that there was never a addition module released.

Enjoy the thread.

Regards
Bryan

http://www.hiarcs.net/forums/viewtopic. ... highlight=
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

Hi, Bryan -

Thanks! That was a very enjoyable thread. I wonder if Steve's machines need a reed transfusion.
Cheers,

Jeff B.
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Berger
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Post by Berger »

Hello,

I have two right now: an original CXG 2001, and a clone (CGL Computachess Champion) ...thanks to a good friend who frequents this forum. :wink:

But I have the same problem with both of them. A problem commented in this thread. In my case several magnets have lost their power, and they are unable to activate the reed switches. I tried to extract the magnets from the pieces, but without success. I tried "milling" them to insert a small neodymium magnet inside, but it doesn't sound like a good idea either. It's a pity... now I can only think of sticking a neodymium magnet 1mm thick, and increase the height with a washer-shaped felt, which surrounds the magnet. What solution have you found?

Best regards,
Berger
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

If you're certain that the magnets are the problem then I would buy a cheap Scisys, Saitek, Mephisto or Fidelity computer and just use those pieces.

Regarding replacing the magnets, sometimes a small amount of heat can loosen the glue. I've used hot water and a blow dryer with success, but being very careful of not overheating the piece.
Cheers,

Jeff B.
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Berger
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Post by Berger »

Hello,

Yes, in my case all the reed switches are fine. But some magnets are (almost) dead. It's odd.

I understand that magnets can lose their properties when struck. Also with high temperatures... but it happens with several pieces. And I want to keep these pieces... I like them. I will try with heat... to try to remove them without damaging the plastic! :)

Regards,
Berger
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

Heat without flame is a good start. :D
Cheers,

Jeff B.
JeffB
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Post by JeffB »

By the way, have you tried remagnetizing the pieces?

Also, the pieces for Computachess III and II look the same (to my blurred vision). They could make a simpler solution.
Cheers,

Jeff B.
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