Manufacturing Engineer & Retro Tech Obsessive

Researched fixes.
No fluff.
Nearly 30 years in.

I'm Mark Baxman, a UK-based retro enthusiast with nearly 30 years in electronics manufacturing. My first computer was a Sinclair ZX81. This site is where I share researched guides and everything I've learned — FPGA consoles, mini PCs for emulation, retro gadgets, and electronics tools. Practical, well-sourced, no PR fluff.

FPGA Consoles Emulation Retro Gadgets Electronics Tools
Explore the lab
// lab_status.log
Years in Electronics 30 yrs
Guides Published 1,000+
Articles Published 110+
First Computer ZX81
Affiliate links clearly disclosed

Every guide is checked against manuals and trusted sources. When I say avoid something, it's because I've made that mistake.

Four things I know better than most

Pick your interest and I'll point you straight to the best content and the gear worth buying.

🕹️

FPGA & Retro Consoles

The closest you'll get to playing on original silicon — without the hardware dying on you. I cover MiSTer, Analogue consoles, and everything between.

Shop FPGA consoles on Amazon →
💻

Mini PCs & Emulation

Small boxes. Enormous game libraries. I cover SBCs and mini PCs for PS2, GameCube, N64 and beyond — so you don't waste money on the wrong one.

Shop mini PCs on Amazon →
⏰

Retro Gadgets & Clocks

The gear that makes a desk look like it belongs in a different era. Flip clocks, gravity clocks, retro cameras, and genuinely weird and wonderful retro kit.

Shop retro gadgets on Amazon →
🔧

Electronics Tools

nearly 30 years of bench work means I cover the multimeters, power supplies, and soldering stations worth knowing about. These are the tools worth a look.

Shop electronics tools on Amazon →
MB ENGINEER
Mark Baxman
Manufacturing Engineer

This isn't a content farm.
It's one person's obsession.

I've worked in electronics manufacturing for nearly 30 years, in PCB assembly, RF and power test, repair and line design. It started with a Sinclair ZX81 and honestly, the interest never really stopped.

Every recommendation on this site is researched and checked against trusted sources. When something is worth considering, I explain why. When something is worth avoiding, I say so clearly.

30
Years in Electronics
1,000+
Guides Published
1981
First Computer

Latest from the lab

All articles →
Best microSD Card for Miyoo, Anbernic and Retroid Handhelds
Emulation

Best microSD Card for Miyoo, Anbernic and Retroid Handhelds

Which microSD card to buy for a Miyoo Mini Plus, Anbernic RG35XX-family handheld or Retroid Pocket, what size and file system each one needs (FAT32 or exFAT), what the A1, A2, U1, U3 and V30 labels mean, and how to spot a fake card.

27 Oct 2026 Read →
How to Add Bluetooth to an Old Stereo or Vintage Amp
Audio Equipment

How to Add Bluetooth to an Old Stereo or Vintage Amp

How to add Bluetooth to a vintage receiver or old hi-fi: which input to use (AUX, tape or tuner, never phono), what to look for in a Bluetooth receiver, aptX and AAC explained, two receivers compared on published specs, and how to cure hum and volume problems.

27 Oct 2026 Read →
MiniDV and Hi8 to Computer in 2026: What Hardware Still Works
Video Equipment

MiniDV and Hi8 to Computer in 2026: What Hardware Still Works

How to get MiniDV, Digital8, Hi8 and Video8 tapes onto a computer in 2026: FireWire capture on Windows 11 with a PCIe card, why macOS 26 Tahoe no longer works, which Sony Digital8 camcorders play Hi8, and analogue capture for Hi8.

27 Oct 2026 Read →
Retro Console Power Supply Guide: Voltage, Polarity and Plugs
Repairs

Retro Console Power Supply Guide: Voltage, Polarity and Plugs

A chart of original power supply specs for retro consoles (NES, SNES, Mega Drive and Genesis, Master System, Game Gear, N64, GameCube, Wii and more), with UK and US model numbers, polarity and plug sizes, plus how to choose and check a replacement safely.

27 Oct 2026 Read →
Best USB Turntable for Digitising Vinyl: Specs Compared
Audio Equipment

Best USB Turntable for Digitising Vinyl: Specs Compared

Which USB turntable to buy for digitising records, compared on manufacturer specs: Audio-Technica AT-LP60XUSB, AT-LP120XUSB, AT-LP120XBT-USB and Denon DP-450USB, plus the turntable-and-interface alternative and the Audacity settings to use.

27 Oct 2026 Read →
Which Replacement Stylus Fits Your Record Player?
Audio Equipment

Which Replacement Stylus Fits Your Record Player?

A lookup guide to replacement record player needles: which stylus fits Audio-Technica, Crosley, Victrola, Sony and Denon decks, how to find your model number, how long a needle lasts and the signs it is worn.

27 Oct 2026 Read →