Amstrad User Group
Amstrad User Group
Off-topic, not computer related
Amstrad Consumer Electronics PLC made a lot of consumer electronics, besides computer. Ranging from CD players to satellite dishes, telephones and 27MC transmitters - the list almost has no end. And still makes a lot of those products: after the Integra and the PcW 16 Amstrad has not produced any computers for the last years, though. Amstrad has a subsidiary dedicated to the computer business, named Viglen.
The Amstrad Gebruikers Groep is a user group belonging to the Hobby Computer Club and aims at computers only. We cannot and will not answer questions about other Amstrad electronics: these are not in our field of interest. And besides, we often will lack knowledge about any of the stuff. Having said that, we are willing to dedicate this page to these other electronics. This page will take the form of a 'frequently asked questions' section containing the answers (if and when available) to frequently asked questions.
This is the first start, with a few tips:
Where can I find Amstrad?
Amstrad PLC no longer has foreign branches, only a trading company in Hong Kong and a few subsidiaries hither and thither. You can find official support on Amstrad Customer Support but these are English addresses. Further information and support can be found on the unofficial Amstrad Home Page, but these pages are also dedicated to Amstrad computers only.
How do I get spare parts?
Original or new parts are scarce in The Netherlands and pose a bit of a problem. If there are no alternative parts, an auction is often a good alternative. You can often purchase a used Amstrad for relatively little money: seriously consider buying a used one instead of having the old one repaired at (possibly) high cost. Always ask the repair shop a (firm) quote and reconcile this with the average cost of a used Amstrad on the Internet. A few good Dutch auctions on the Internet:
Carefully consider the terms and conditions of the auction up front and do consider the shipping expenses!
I am having problems with my remote control.
Tip: if the trip to the repair shop turns out to become too expensive, try a universal one. It is not guaranteed, but not impossible either, that you can use a universal remote control with an Amstrad. Make sure you can get your money back, if the universal remote does not work!
I am looking for an old manual from Amstrad.
There are specialised firms dealing in manuals, especially in The United Kingdom. If the price (or the shipping expense) is too high you can also consider to buy a used device with the manual included. Examples of firms that deal in manuals:
http://www.instruction-manuals.co.uk/
http://www.mauritron.co.uk/frame_main.htm
Where can I find information about satellites?
The news group nl.media.satelliet is the best place to ask questions about satellites, dishes and decoders. If you do not have a suitable news reader you can also use the wwww via:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=lang_nl&safe=off&q=nl.media.satelliet&meta=
where can I have my Amstrad repaired?
That depends on the product: most electronics shops do repairs for TV's and such equipment. Agree on a (fixed) quote and make clear arrangements, that way you avoid expensive reparations and surprises when spare parts may often be cheaper.
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