Picked up a non-functional Vortex-16 from an estate sale for $20. These were sold in limited quantities in the late 1980s — Z80-based, 64KB RAM, built-in BASIC interpreter. This one had a dead CRT and a corroded battery holder.

What Was Wrong

• Flyback transformer: Burned out — common failure on these units. The original part is no longer manufactured. Found a compatible substitute from a defunct Chinese monitor line and adapted the pinout.
• Power supply capacitors: All six 2200uF electrolytic caps were bulging and leaking. Replaced with modern Nichicon equivalents rated for 105°C.
• Battery holder: Corrosion from decades-old NiCd cells had eaten through two traces on the PCB. Repaired with bodge wires and conformal coating.
• CRT driver board: Two cracked solder joints on the horizontal output transistor. Reflowed and inspected with magnification.

Restoration Process

The flyback swap was the most delicate part — required desoldering the old transformer without lifting pads on a 35-year-old PCB. Used a hot air station at 380°C with generous flux. The new transformer needed a small adapter board because the pin spacing was slightly different.

After the flyback replacement, the CRT came back to life on the first power-on. The image was slightly pinched on the left side, which was fixed by adjusting the horizontal linearity coil. Full parts list, photos, and oscilloscope captures are on the blog.