Hello! And welcome back to the 8-Bit Guy. I have  been sent some Huggies. OK, no, not actually.  
Hello! And welcome back to the 8-Bit Guy. I have  been sent some Huggies. OK, no, not actually.  

This is a fairly rare machine. I haven’t  unboxed it yet. So, let’s have a look.  
This is a fairly rare machine. I haven’t  unboxed it yet. So, let’s have a look.  

OK, so what I have here is a Tomy Tutor. This  is a pretty interesting, albeit rare piece of  
OK, so what I have here is a Tomy Tutor. This  is a pretty interesting, albeit rare piece of  

equipment that has been loaned to me. And,  I’m actually going to a restoration on it,  
equipment that has been loaned to me. And,  I’m actually going to a restoration on it,  

hopefully it works. We haven’t even powered this  thing on, don’t even know if it will work. It’s  
hopefully it works. We haven’t even powered this  thing on, don’t even know if it will work. It’s  

very dirty but I think we can clean it up. I’ll be  returning this to the owner when I’m done with it.  
very dirty but I think we can clean it up. I’ll be  returning this to the owner when I’m done with it.  

But, I always grew up pronouncing the name of  this company as Tommy. I guess that actually makes  
But, I always grew up pronouncing the name of  this company as Tommy. I guess that actually makes  

sense that it is Tomy. When I did the video on the  restoration of the Hearoid, and I had mentioned  
sense that it is Tomy. When I did the video on the  restoration of the Hearoid, and I had mentioned  

the Tommy Omnibot, I got flooded with emails and  comments telling me it is actually pronounced  
the Tommy Omnibot, I got flooded with emails and  comments telling me it is actually pronounced  

Tomy. But anyway, it’s just one of those things  that I’ve only ever seen the name in print before  
Tomy. But anyway, it’s just one of those things  that I’ve only ever seen the name in print before  

and I’ve never actually heard it pronounced. So,  in my mind I had always pronounced it Tommy. But,  
and I’ve never actually heard it pronounced. So,  in my mind I had always pronounced it Tommy. But,  

apparently it’s pronounced Tomy, so now  we all know. So anyway, let’s get started.
apparently it’s pronounced Tomy, so now  we all know. So anyway, let’s get started.

So, just to be clear. This should not be  confused with the Tomy Tutor toy computer,  
So, just to be clear. This should not be  confused with the Tomy Tutor toy computer,  

or Tomy’s Tutor Typewriter. Both were made by the  same company, but obviously not the same product.  
or Tomy’s Tutor Typewriter. Both were made by the  same company, but obviously not the same product.  

No, the Tutor was an actual computer and  most people will probably be surprised  
No, the Tutor was an actual computer and  most people will probably be surprised  

to find that it shares a lot in  common with the TI 99/4 series.  
to find that it shares a lot in  common with the TI 99/4 series.  

I would say it has the same CPU and Video  chip as the TI99/4, but it doesn’t. They're  
I would say it has the same CPU and Video  chip as the TI99/4, but it doesn’t. They're  

actually slightly improved versions of both, and  would have actually ended up being in the TI99/8  
actually slightly improved versions of both, and  would have actually ended up being in the TI99/8  

product had TI not cancelled it. But they  are backwards compatible for the most part.
product had TI not cancelled it. But they  are backwards compatible for the most part.

Unfortunately, the specs still aren’t that  impressive. They heavily advertise this as  
Unfortunately, the specs still aren’t that  impressive. They heavily advertise this as  

being a 16-bit machine, which it was technically  speaking. But it only had 16K of RAM, which is  
being a 16-bit machine, which it was technically  speaking. But it only had 16K of RAM, which is  

less than most 8-bit computers were shipping with  at the time. It also had a video resolution of  
less than most 8-bit computers were shipping with  at the time. It also had a video resolution of  

256x192 pixels with 16 colors. Which, I guess  was okay for the time period, but considering  
256x192 pixels with 16 colors. Which, I guess  was okay for the time period, but considering  

it used color-cells like the Commodore and  Sinclair systems, it really didn’t have a  
it used color-cells like the Commodore and  Sinclair systems, it really didn’t have a  

video chip that fit well with a 16-bit computer.  They promised a memory upgrade that would expand  
video chip that fit well with a 16-bit computer.  They promised a memory upgrade that would expand  

the system to 64K, but apparently nobody has  ever seen one. So it probably never got made.
the system to 64K, but apparently nobody has  ever seen one. So it probably never got made.

The Tomy Tutor was sold mostly in Japan, but it  had a very short lived time on the North American  
The Tomy Tutor was sold mostly in Japan, but it  had a very short lived time on the North American  

market in 1983, with a price of $380. Much  like it’s brother the TI-99/4, it just wasn’t  
market in 1983, with a price of $380. Much  like it’s brother the TI-99/4, it just wasn’t  

competitive with offerings from Commodore or  Atari, nor did it have the brand name recognition.
competitive with offerings from Commodore or  Atari, nor did it have the brand name recognition.

Unlike TI, who used Bill Cosby for their  spokesman, Tomy used Sarah Purcell, who was the  
Unlike TI, who used Bill Cosby for their  spokesman, Tomy used Sarah Purcell, who was the  

host of a reality television series called “Real  People.” As you can see in the advertisement here,  
host of a reality television series called “Real  People.” As you can see in the advertisement here,  

they claim “Here’s a real computer that’s so easy  to use, there’s no parental guidance necessary.”
they claim “Here’s a real computer that’s so easy  to use, there’s no parental guidance necessary.”

So, enough history, let’s have a  look at the one we have here. It  
So, enough history, let’s have a  look at the one we have here. It  

comes with this really cute little  “DataCorder.” And it also comes with  
comes with this really cute little  “DataCorder.” And it also comes with  

these two little controllers that sort  of resemble Intellivision controllers.  
these two little controllers that sort  of resemble Intellivision controllers.  

I have several cartridges here. They  appear to pop in the top like so.
I have several cartridges here. They  appear to pop in the top like so.

Oh.. and please please please, don’t put tape  around cables. It makes them very sticky.
Oh.. and please please please, don’t put tape  around cables. It makes them very sticky.

Let’s turn this thing around  and plug in the audio and video.  
Let’s turn this thing around  and plug in the audio and video.  

Oddly, the colors are backwards, so I’m going  to go off of the words. OK, time to power it on.
Oddly, the colors are backwards, so I’m going  to go off of the words. OK, time to power it on.

Well, good news. It appears to work. That’s  actually a pretty neat intro screen for  
Well, good news. It appears to work. That’s  actually a pretty neat intro screen for  

1983. I like it. Unfortunately, it says to  press any key, but I have tried every key  
1983. I like it. Unfortunately, it says to  press any key, but I have tried every key  

on the keyboard and nothing seems to work.  Maybe I just haven’t found the any-key yet?  
on the keyboard and nothing seems to work.  Maybe I just haven’t found the any-key yet?  

Anyway, I guess the keyboard is dead.
Anyway, I guess the keyboard is dead.

OK, so I want to show you the user manual.  I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Now,  
OK, so I want to show you the user manual.  I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Now,  

unfortunately the top piece is broken off, but I  think you’ll still get the idea. So, this flops  
unfortunately the top piece is broken off, but I  think you’ll still get the idea. So, this flops  

out like this. And ideally, the manual actually  stands up on the table by itself. I’ll just take  
out like this. And ideally, the manual actually  stands up on the table by itself. I’ll just take  

that off for a moment. So, every time you flip the  page, so you’ve got this page here. The following  
that off for a moment. So, every time you flip the  page, so you’ve got this page here. The following  

page that comes after it is right down here.  So, you might be wondering, “well, gee what’s  
page that comes after it is right down here.  So, you might be wondering, “well, gee what’s  

all of this stuff on the top?” So the way this  works is, you simply flip it around and then you  
all of this stuff on the top?” So the way this  works is, you simply flip it around and then you  

get, it’s basically like the second half of the  book is on the other side. So, that’s pretty neat.
get, it’s basically like the second half of the  book is on the other side. So, that’s pretty neat.

So, you can see by the ages of the kids  on the manual exactly what demographic  
So, you can see by the ages of the kids  on the manual exactly what demographic  

they were targeting. Although, I suspect  that even at that age, I would have been  
they were targeting. Although, I suspect  that even at that age, I would have been  

very put off by the idea that this computer  was for kids, and the name itself “tutor”  
very put off by the idea that this computer  was for kids, and the name itself “tutor”  

suggests it is educational in nature, which  would have been another put off for me.  
suggests it is educational in nature, which  would have been another put off for me.  

Of course, we all know the marketing  was aimed at the parents, not the kids.
Of course, we all know the marketing  was aimed at the parents, not the kids.

So, let’s take a look at some of the ports.  Obviously, you’ve got the cartridge port on  
So, let’s take a look at some of the ports.  Obviously, you’ve got the cartridge port on  

the top. But, it looks like you’ve got some sort  of IO port back here which could be for some kind  
the top. But, it looks like you’ve got some sort  of IO port back here which could be for some kind  

of expansion. The controller port, It looks very  much like an Atari or Commodore style joystick  
of expansion. The controller port, It looks very  much like an Atari or Commodore style joystick  

port. Whether it is really compatible or not, I  will have to investigate. This looks more like  
port. Whether it is really compatible or not, I  will have to investigate. This looks more like  

a video port that you would see on a Commodore to  Atari, or even a Texas Instruments machine. But,  
a video port that you would see on a Commodore to  Atari, or even a Texas Instruments machine. But,  

it’s actually a tape recorder. So, that’s  kind of a strange use of that connector.  
it’s actually a tape recorder. So, that’s  kind of a strange use of that connector.  

At least your audio and video connectors are your  standard RCA, although the colors they are using  
At least your audio and video connectors are your  standard RCA, although the colors they are using  

are very backwards. Normally video should be  yellow and audio should be white. But other than  
are very backwards. Normally video should be  yellow and audio should be white. But other than  

that, that will be fine. But of course it looks  like they have a regular RF modulated TV spot.
that, that will be fine. But of course it looks  like they have a regular RF modulated TV spot.

So, let’s just take a moment to look  how dirty and grungy this thing is.
So, let’s just take a moment to look  how dirty and grungy this thing is.

Well, it’s going to need some work, but I  think I can handle it. Let’s go ahead and  
Well, it’s going to need some work, but I  think I can handle it. Let’s go ahead and  

start disassembly. Watch what happens with the  keyboard ribbon cable. See that? It was barely  
start disassembly. Watch what happens with the  keyboard ribbon cable. See that? It was barely  

attached. I didn’t even feel a tug when that  happened. That could explain why the keyboard  
attached. I didn’t even feel a tug when that  happened. That could explain why the keyboard  

wasn’t working. Of course, I absolutely hate  these types of connectors. They are impossible  
wasn’t working. Of course, I absolutely hate  these types of connectors. They are impossible  

to repair when they break. Well, here’s the  inside. It’s smaller than I thought it would be.  
to repair when they break. Well, here’s the  inside. It’s smaller than I thought it would be.  

There’s a lot of dirt and possibly rust on  what little I can see of the motherboard.  
There’s a lot of dirt and possibly rust on  what little I can see of the motherboard.  

On the bright side, none of the capacitors in  the power supply appear to be bulging or leaking.
On the bright side, none of the capacitors in  the power supply appear to be bulging or leaking.

There’s a date stamp here, but I do not  know what sort of numbering scheme they  
There’s a date stamp here, but I do not  know what sort of numbering scheme they  

are using. Maybe somebody else can figure it out.
are using. Maybe somebody else can figure it out.

OK, I’m going to take the RF shield  off so we can get a look at the board.  
OK, I’m going to take the RF shield  off so we can get a look at the board.  

It’s a pretty simple board, actually.  And, as you can see, it is running on  
It’s a pretty simple board, actually.  And, as you can see, it is running on  

the Texas Instruments CPU, and video display unit.
the Texas Instruments CPU, and video display unit.

And looking at this keyboard connector,  it is bent. I get the feeling somebody  
And looking at this keyboard connector,  it is bent. I get the feeling somebody  

opened this thing up before and the ribbon was  yanked pretty hard. I’ll bend that back later.
opened this thing up before and the ribbon was  yanked pretty hard. I’ll bend that back later.

I think the keyboard will pop out of the  main case by releasing some of these snaps.  
I think the keyboard will pop out of the  main case by releasing some of these snaps.  

And there we go. Wow, it’s actually heavier than  I expected. Must be that metal plate on the back.
And there we go. Wow, it’s actually heavier than  I expected. Must be that metal plate on the back.

Well, I wanted to see if the keyboard worked,  so I just plugged it in with the case off.  
Well, I wanted to see if the keyboard worked,  so I just plugged it in with the case off.  

I have good news and bad news. The good news  is, now most of the keyboard is working.  
I have good news and bad news. The good news  is, now most of the keyboard is working.  

Except the arrow keys. I can  get into the built-in drawing  
Except the arrow keys. I can  get into the built-in drawing  

program. And as you can see every key  beeps and displays on the screen. But  
program. And as you can see every key  beeps and displays on the screen. But  

for whatever reason the top row of arrow keys  doesn’t work. Well, we’ll come back to this later.
for whatever reason the top row of arrow keys  doesn’t work. Well, we’ll come back to this later.

For now, it’s time to start cleaning.
For now, it’s time to start cleaning.

I’ll go ahead and remove this  piece along with the spring so  
I’ll go ahead and remove this  piece along with the spring so  

there won’t be any metal parts submerged in water.
there won’t be any metal parts submerged in water.

Now time for alcohol.
Now time for alcohol.

This keyboard is pretty grungy. Let’s  see what we can do to improve it.
This keyboard is pretty grungy. Let’s  see what we can do to improve it.

I’ll start with some windex. Holy cow. I  was surprised one single wipe made such a  
I’ll start with some windex. Holy cow. I  was surprised one single wipe made such a  

noticeable difference. I mean, look at that. Wow.
noticeable difference. I mean, look at that. Wow.

Well, that doesn’t look too bad!
Well, that doesn’t look too bad!

Now to clean this RF shield. I’m  not sure how much of this is dirt  
Now to clean this RF shield. I’m  not sure how much of this is dirt  

and how much is rust. It’s nice and  shiny on the inside part, at least.
and how much is rust. It’s nice and  shiny on the inside part, at least.

OK, well, it does look better.  But yeah, some of that is rust.
OK, well, it does look better.  But yeah, some of that is rust.

I’ll need to clean the inside of the case too.
I’ll need to clean the inside of the case too.

I think canned air will get rid of most of this.
I think canned air will get rid of most of this.

Now it’s time for an indoor retrobrite. Just  a few weeks ago I could have done it outdoors,  
Now it’s time for an indoor retrobrite. Just  a few weeks ago I could have done it outdoors,  

but now it has turned cold and rainy. And, so  there we go. I’ll let that sit for a day or two.
but now it has turned cold and rainy. And, so  there we go. I’ll let that sit for a day or two.

And here we are after just about 24 hours.  I think it looks quite a bit better.
And here we are after just about 24 hours.  I think it looks quite a bit better.

For comparison, here’s that cassette drive that  came with it. They started off the same color/.
For comparison, here’s that cassette drive that  came with it. They started off the same color/.

OK, since the top row of keys aren’t working  and since every other key on the keyboard  
OK, since the top row of keys aren’t working  and since every other key on the keyboard  

works except for this top row, my guess  is that there is possibly something wrong  
works except for this top row, my guess  is that there is possibly something wrong  

with either the cable here or  perhaps the connector on the  
with either the cable here or  perhaps the connector on the  

computer side. The only way for me to  figure it out is to figure out which  
computer side. The only way for me to  figure it out is to figure out which  

connector this row of keys uses. So, the best way  for me to do that is to take this thing apart.
connector this row of keys uses. So, the best way  for me to do that is to take this thing apart.

OK good. I can clearly see the traces  and figure out where these are going.
OK good. I can clearly see the traces  and figure out where these are going.

Well, it wasn’t hard to figure out  which wires I needed to test. So,  
Well, it wasn’t hard to figure out  which wires I needed to test. So,  

I put my meter on the wires in question and  had my wife press the keys. And as you can see,  
I put my meter on the wires in question and  had my wife press the keys. And as you can see,  

pressing the arrow keys definitely  causes something to register. So,  
pressing the arrow keys definitely  causes something to register. So,  

I think the keyboard itself is okay. I put  some Deoxit on the edge of the ribbon cable,  
I think the keyboard itself is okay. I put  some Deoxit on the edge of the ribbon cable,  

in case it was oxidized. Then I went ahead  and popped the keyboard back into the case.
in case it was oxidized. Then I went ahead  and popped the keyboard back into the case.

I noticed there was some dust and debris down  in the connector, so I got most of that out  
I noticed there was some dust and debris down  in the connector, so I got most of that out  

with some canned air. Then I also sprayed  some Deoxit down into the connector too.  
with some canned air. Then I also sprayed  some Deoxit down into the connector too.  

I decided to go ahead and reassemble the computer  and hope for the best because I’m not really  
I decided to go ahead and reassemble the computer  and hope for the best because I’m not really  

qualified to diagnose any motherboard problems  on this thing, So it will either work or it won’t  
qualified to diagnose any motherboard problems  on this thing, So it will either work or it won’t  

work. By the way, have I mentioned how I hate  these sort of ribbon cables? It definitely takes  
work. By the way, have I mentioned how I hate  these sort of ribbon cables? It definitely takes  

two hands to get it inserted properly. And good  news! The arrow keys appear to be working now!
two hands to get it inserted properly. And good  news! The arrow keys appear to be working now!

But I’m not quite done yet with the computer.  All 4 rubber feet are missing. All that is  
But I’m not quite done yet with the computer.  All 4 rubber feet are missing. All that is  

left is some black adhesive residue. My  first line product for this is WD-40.  
left is some black adhesive residue. My  first line product for this is WD-40.  

I’ll let that sit for a few minutes and come  back and see if it worked. And so here we  
I’ll let that sit for a few minutes and come  back and see if it worked. And so here we  

are 10 minutes later, and it does appear to  have worked. This stuff is coming off easily.
are 10 minutes later, and it does appear to  have worked. This stuff is coming off easily.

Of course, I have to get rid of the WD-40  otherwise the new feet will never stick  
Of course, I have to get rid of the WD-40  otherwise the new feet will never stick  

correctly. And…Windex works well to remove  WD-40. And I just so happen to have 4 of  
correctly. And…Windex works well to remove  WD-40. And I just so happen to have 4 of  

these left over from a previous project. These  are the same ones that fit Commodore machines.  
these left over from a previous project. These  are the same ones that fit Commodore machines.  

I think they will work here. And sure enough,  they fit perfectly! The computer is done!
I think they will work here. And sure enough,  they fit perfectly! The computer is done!

OK, so what about this Tomy Data  Recorder? This thing is just too  
OK, so what about this Tomy Data  Recorder? This thing is just too  

cute not to attempt to restore it as well. Now,  I’ve been looking for a power adapter for it,  
cute not to attempt to restore it as well. Now,  I’ve been looking for a power adapter for it,  

because it does not run off batteries, it does  require 6 volts and it has to be negative center,  
because it does not run off batteries, it does  require 6 volts and it has to be negative center,  

which is really irritating. And the only thing  I’ve been able to find for that is unfortunately  
which is really irritating. And the only thing  I’ve been able to find for that is unfortunately  

one of these multi-adapter things. But anyway,  we’re going to plug it in and see if it works.
one of these multi-adapter things. But anyway,  we’re going to plug it in and see if it works.

Well, it does appear to work.  Including fast forward and rewind.
Well, it does appear to work.  Including fast forward and rewind.

All right, so let’s take this thing apart!
All right, so let’s take this thing apart!

I managed to get the mechanism out, but  it is soldered to a little piezo speaker,  
I managed to get the mechanism out, but  it is soldered to a little piezo speaker,  

which appears glued in place. I also found this,  which appears to be a projectile for some sort of  
which appears glued in place. I also found this,  which appears to be a projectile for some sort of  

airgun, I think. Of course, this speaker has to  come out if I’m going to retrobrite the thing. I  
airgun, I think. Of course, this speaker has to  come out if I’m going to retrobrite the thing. I  

barely tugged on this wire and it broke loose. I’m  going to try to cut the glue around the speaker.  
barely tugged on this wire and it broke loose. I’m  going to try to cut the glue around the speaker.  

And with a little luck, I was able to  get it to pop out. Now I need to remove  
And with a little luck, I was able to  get it to pop out. Now I need to remove  

the cassette door. But to do that, I first  need to remove this spring. There we go.
the cassette door. But to do that, I first  need to remove this spring. There we go.

Now I’ll go ahead and give it  the usual cleaning process.
Now I’ll go ahead and give it  the usual cleaning process.

I do have to be careful with the alcohol near  this text. This is the type of thing I’ve seen  
I do have to be careful with the alcohol near  this text. This is the type of thing I’ve seen  

wipe right off of plastic when using alcohol. So I  
wipe right off of plastic when using alcohol. So I  

have paper towels wrapped around  a screwdriver, coated in alcohol.
have paper towels wrapped around  a screwdriver, coated in alcohol.

There we go.. The whole thing is now ready  for retrobrite. On the bright side, I can  
There we go.. The whole thing is now ready  for retrobrite. On the bright side, I can  

use a smaller container than usual. I started  the process but noticed it was floating the top  
use a smaller container than usual. I started  the process but noticed it was floating the top  

immediately. So, too solve that problem, I added a  couple of rocks. Hopefully that will do the trick.
immediately. So, too solve that problem, I added a  couple of rocks. Hopefully that will do the trick.

And here we are the next day. It looks a  lot better! Now I will re-assemble the top.
And here we are the next day. It looks a  lot better! Now I will re-assemble the top.

But I need to clean out this mechanism  some. It’s full of dust bunnies.  
But I need to clean out this mechanism  some. It’s full of dust bunnies.  

Canned air did the trick for the most part.  I also used some alcohol to clean the erase  
Canned air did the trick for the most part.  I also used some alcohol to clean the erase  

head and the play head. And then also on the  pinch roller. I used some lithium grease on  
head and the play head. And then also on the  pinch roller. I used some lithium grease on  

the moving parts as well. And, of course,  I had to resolder the wire on this speaker.
the moving parts as well. And, of course,  I had to resolder the wire on this speaker.

I don’t have any cassettes for this computer, so  I wanted to see if this thing would play an audio  
I don’t have any cassettes for this computer, so  I wanted to see if this thing would play an audio  

cassette. I found this the other day, which I  used to listen to back in the 90s. But David,  
cassette. I found this the other day, which I  used to listen to back in the 90s. But David,  

you scream into the computer screen, that  will give you a content match on YouTube.  
you scream into the computer screen, that  will give you a content match on YouTube.  

Well, no it won’t because , while it does  appear to be playing, no sound comes out.  
Well, no it won’t because , while it does  appear to be playing, no sound comes out.  

I was trying to record from the output  port. And it does actually look like  
I was trying to record from the output  port. And it does actually look like  

music is playing when you see  what Audacity is recording.
music is playing when you see  what Audacity is recording.

But this is the recording I actually got.  
But this is the recording I actually got.  

Beats me. Its possible it is designed  only for digital signals kind of like  
Beats me. Its possible it is designed  only for digital signals kind of like  

Commodore’s drive. But why  then does it have a speaker?
Commodore’s drive. But why  then does it have a speaker?

Anyway, so here are the two restored pieces.  And while I don’t have any cassettes,  
Anyway, so here are the two restored pieces.  And while I don’t have any cassettes,  

I do have cartridges. Some very dirty cartridges.
I do have cartridges. Some very dirty cartridges.

So, I can certainly attempt to clean these up,  but I cannot retrobrite them because these are  
So, I can certainly attempt to clean these up,  but I cannot retrobrite them because these are  

paper labels and I am certain these would be  destroyed if I attempted to retrorbite. So,  
paper labels and I am certain these would be  destroyed if I attempted to retrorbite. So,  

I’m just going to try to  clean them up the best I can.
I’m just going to try to  clean them up the best I can.

SO, here we go. Yep, cleaned up pretty well.  Here it is next to a dirty cartridge. Or an even  
SO, here we go. Yep, cleaned up pretty well.  Here it is next to a dirty cartridge. Or an even  

dirtier one. Yep, somebody drew all over  this one. Let’s see if that cleans off.  
dirtier one. Yep, somebody drew all over  this one. Let’s see if that cleans off.  

To my surprise, just windex and a little  scrubbing cleaned that up. Not too bad!
To my surprise, just windex and a little  scrubbing cleaned that up. Not too bad!

And here we go. All done!
And here we go. All done!

Well, I’m sure you wanted to see more than just  how it looks. You probably want to see how it  
Well, I’m sure you wanted to see more than just  how it looks. You probably want to see how it  

works. Now, I’ll preface this by saying I’m  probably not the best person to do a review  
works. Now, I’ll preface this by saying I’m  probably not the best person to do a review  

on this system because I’ve never seen one  of these until just a couple of days ago.  
on this system because I’ve never seen one  of these until just a couple of days ago.  

Also, there doesn’t appear to be  a huge amount of software for it,  
Also, there doesn’t appear to be  a huge amount of software for it,  

but I think I actually have the majority of  the software library right here. Because,  
but I think I actually have the majority of  the software library right here. Because,  

there just wasn’t that much made for it. So, let’s  go ahead and try out a few of these cartridges.
there just wasn’t that much made for it. So, let’s  go ahead and try out a few of these cartridges.

When you first power it on, it will ask if  you want to go into the built in art program,  
When you first power it on, it will ask if  you want to go into the built in art program,  

or use BASIC. I thought I’d give BASIC a try. It  only has a 32 column screen, so the characters are  
or use BASIC. I thought I’d give BASIC a try. It  only has a 32 column screen, so the characters are  

a bit chunky. But it’s still more than the VIC-20.  Here’s the obligatory scrolling message test.
a bit chunky. But it’s still more than the VIC-20.  Here’s the obligatory scrolling message test.

Now let’s try sticking in a cartridge. After  the intro screen you now have THREE options,  
Now let’s try sticking in a cartridge. After  the intro screen you now have THREE options,  

the new one being cartridge. This is actually  somewhat similar to what the TI-99/4 systems do.  
the new one being cartridge. This is actually  somewhat similar to what the TI-99/4 systems do.  

So, let’s pick cartridge and see  what happens. I’m also going to  
So, let’s pick cartridge and see  what happens. I’m also going to  

try out my newest video capture system,  specifically designed for retro computers.
try out my newest video capture system,  specifically designed for retro computers.

OK, so one thing I’ve notice in common between  all of the cartridges is they start off by asking  
OK, so one thing I’ve notice in common between  all of the cartridges is they start off by asking  

you to press 1 or 2 on the keyboard to select  the number of players. So, I’ll do that. OK,  
you to press 1 or 2 on the keyboard to select  the number of players. So, I’ll do that. OK,  

the next thing every cartridge asks is for is  SLAMA or SRPRO. I was seriously confused by this,  
the next thing every cartridge asks is for is  SLAMA or SRPRO. I was seriously confused by this,  

but eventually realized that it wants  you to press SL for amateur or SR  
but eventually realized that it wants  you to press SL for amateur or SR  

for Professional. But in this case,  SL and SR are on the controllers here.
for Professional. But in this case,  SL and SR are on the controllers here.

So, after starting a game I discovered quickly  that the controllers just weren’t working. Or,  
So, after starting a game I discovered quickly  that the controllers just weren’t working. Or,  

really I should say not working very  well. So, I took the controller apart  
really I should say not working very  well. So, I took the controller apart  

to see if I could clean it. The pad  thingy was glued on in the center,  
to see if I could clean it. The pad  thingy was glued on in the center,  

but it could be moved just enough that I was  able to scrub all of the pads with alcohol.  
but it could be moved just enough that I was  able to scrub all of the pads with alcohol.  

I tried playing some games without the case on  and it seemed to be working decently enough.  
I tried playing some games without the case on  and it seemed to be working decently enough.  

Which is good, that saves me from having  to use this carbon contact repair stuff.
Which is good, that saves me from having  to use this carbon contact repair stuff.

OK, so with the controller back together  I tried playing some games. And honestly,  
OK, so with the controller back together  I tried playing some games. And honestly,  

the controller is just absolutely terrible. It  is certainly working better now than it was,  
the controller is just absolutely terrible. It  is certainly working better now than it was,  

but the design is one of the worst I’ve ever used.  Again, it reminds me a bit of the Intellivision  
but the design is one of the worst I’ve ever used.  Again, it reminds me a bit of the Intellivision  

controller. You don’t really get a good tactile  feel for where you are supposed to apply pressure.  
controller. You don’t really get a good tactile  feel for where you are supposed to apply pressure.  

It’s actually easier to use the controller  as a bare PCB where you can feel the buttons.
It’s actually easier to use the controller  as a bare PCB where you can feel the buttons.

So, enough about the controller, what do I think  about the games? Well, keeping in mind this was  
So, enough about the controller, what do I think  about the games? Well, keeping in mind this was  

1983, the graphics and sound aren’t too bad.  They are on par for a lot of systems of that  
1983, the graphics and sound aren’t too bad.  They are on par for a lot of systems of that  

time period. But, certainly not as good as the  Commodore 64 which came out a year earlier. And  
time period. But, certainly not as good as the  Commodore 64 which came out a year earlier. And  

for a product that advertises that it is a 16-bit  system, I guess I feel underwhelmed. Granted,  
for a product that advertises that it is a 16-bit  system, I guess I feel underwhelmed. Granted,  

I’m sure the system could have done better with  the right programmers. After all, there are more  
I’m sure the system could have done better with  the right programmers. After all, there are more  

impressive games on the TI-99, which as I’ve  mentioned has more or less the same hardware.
impressive games on the TI-99, which as I’ve  mentioned has more or less the same hardware.

However, other than Mr.Do there aren’t exactly any  name-recognizable releases. I don’t think there  
However, other than Mr.Do there aren’t exactly any  name-recognizable releases. I don’t think there  

was much incentive for big software companies like  Activision or Namco to step in and make software  
was much incentive for big software companies like  Activision or Namco to step in and make software  

for this computer. So, what you get are a bunch  of B or C grade games and educational software.
for this computer. So, what you get are a bunch  of B or C grade games and educational software.

Interestingly enough, cartridges from  a TI-99/4 will actually fit in here.  
Interestingly enough, cartridges from  a TI-99/4 will actually fit in here.  

The slot and the card edge appear  compatible. But, I’m not even going  
The slot and the card edge appear  compatible. But, I’m not even going  

to attempt to power it on like this as I’m  about 99% sure it will short something out.
to attempt to power it on like this as I’m  about 99% sure it will short something out.

It’s really no wonder that the Tomy Tutor  wasn’t a commercial success here in the  
It’s really no wonder that the Tomy Tutor  wasn’t a commercial success here in the  

United States. I mean, I don’t recall  ever seeing a Tomy Tutor on the shelf  
United States. I mean, I don’t recall  ever seeing a Tomy Tutor on the shelf  

in any of the retail outlets next to say the  TI, Commodore, or Atari. And I have a really  
in any of the retail outlets next to say the  TI, Commodore, or Atari. And I have a really  

hard time imagining any kids walking into  the electronics department, seeing this,  
hard time imagining any kids walking into  the electronics department, seeing this,  

and then going “hey Mommy! Mommy! Daddy! Daddy! I  want a Tomy Tutor for Christmas or my birthday!”  
and then going “hey Mommy! Mommy! Daddy! Daddy! I  want a Tomy Tutor for Christmas or my birthday!”  

Not when there were Atari and Commodore systems  sitting right next to it for the same price  
Not when there were Atari and Commodore systems  sitting right next to it for the same price  

with a much bigger software library  that had all of the well known games.
with a much bigger software library  that had all of the well known games.

I know there hasn’t been much  on the channel the last month,  
I know there hasn’t been much  on the channel the last month,  

but I’ve been working hard on the new studio,  which you’ll see a part 2 on that coming soon,  
but I’ve been working hard on the new studio,  which you’ll see a part 2 on that coming soon,  

as well as the final episode of the Texas road  trip series, and a follow up to Attack of the  
as well as the final episode of the Texas road  trip series, and a follow up to Attack of the  

PETSCII Robots and you’ll get to see just  how far the game has advanced this month,  
PETSCII Robots and you’ll get to see just  how far the game has advanced this month,  

and also a road trip to Oklahoma  where I visit a recycling center  
and also a road trip to Oklahoma  where I visit a recycling center  

and pick up some very interesting VIC-20 products.
and pick up some very interesting VIC-20 products.

So, as you can see, I’ve been quite busy this  month and you will be seeing a lot of that stuff  
So, as you can see, I’ve been quite busy this  month and you will be seeing a lot of that stuff  

in the coming weeks and I hope you stick around  for that and as always, thanks for watching!
in the coming weeks and I hope you stick around  for that and as always, thanks for watching!