It is not to difficult a task to convert an Amstrad PCW8256 or a PCW8512 to give you a Black and White display. All you need is to acquire a PCW9512 (there are plenty around for free at the moment mostly all having a defective disc drive) then remove the tube and throw the rest away. Dismantle your 8256/8512
remove the tube and throw this away then fit the tube from the 9512 into your 8256/512, remembering to fit it with the EHT connector (the hole in the side of the tube) on the correct side (otherwise
the lead will not reach!) and reinstall all the original 8256/8512 parts and that is it. You will need to adjust the Scan Coils (this is the copper wound wire thing that you slid over the neck of the tube) to get the picture straight, but this will have to be done with the machine
switched on so only touch the plastic part of the Scan Coils when adjusting them, do not forget to tighten the clamp when you are happy with your settings. One point of interest, even if you are not going to attempt a tube change, and one which I get asked on a regular basis -- how does the black cap come off the side of the tube? Well to start with
this cap just sits there and is not fixed in anyway but inside it is two hooks made of spring wire which clip into the hole in the side of the tube. Lift the cap away from the tube
(PLEASE NOTE THIS SPOT CAN CONTAIN HIGH VOLTAGE, SO IF YOU HAVE BEEN USING THE MACHINE, SAY, WITHIN 24 HOURS OF REMOVING THE CAP, YOU WILL NEED TO DISCHARGE IT FIRST. RUN AN INSULATED WIRE WITH BARE
ENDS, ONE CONNECTED TO A METAL EARTH POINT ON THE POWER BOARD, THEN POKE THE OTHER END BEHIND THE CAP - JOB DONE!) then all you need to do is to squeeze these two spring wires together and with a
little pushing, pulling and twisting out it will come. If you are contemplating undertaking this job and feel you need to know more I will be only to happy you give you any additional advice you
might want.
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