peg board chess computers

[jarek]

Hello Chess Friends, Dear Collectors!

My 7 years old son fell in love with a peg board travel chess computer, namely:
Mephisto Travel Chess Computer
https://www.schach-computer.info/wiki/i ... s_Computer

My son likes it because:
- it has a few weaker levels, so he doesn't get a beating too often (compared to e.g. DGT Centaur)
- he can launch it very easily (compared to DGT eBoard or Chessnut Air)
- he doesn't get "lost" in the game when the figures accidentally slip off the board (compared to all non-peg boards without display screen)
- he likes it more than his tablet because of the "physical" aspect

His interest in this computer sparked my somewhat asleep collecting addiction

What are other peg board chess computers worth having?

Some criteria which make the chess computer attractive to my son:
- suitable for weaker players with lots of levels (like Mephisto Polgar)
- could be a bit bigger than Mephisto Travel Chess Computer (dimensions: 17.6 x 10 x 3.5 cm; chessboard 7.2 cm)
- nice to have: a lid
- nice to have: extra holes to plug captured pieces

Thank you very much for all your advice!

kind regards,
Jarek

[Larry]

Hi…I can do no better than recommend the Cosmos:
http://www.spacious-mind.com/html/cosmo ... uned_.html
A bit bigger, as you mentioned you would like, and with a lid. Ideal for travelling.
The batteries will last for ages, and it has a “fun” level. The only downer is that
you will have to wait a while for one to appear on eBay.
Hope the boy holds his interest, all the best to both of you.
Larry

[jarek]

Thank you Larry, I appreciate your answer.
I found out that there are similiar models to Cosmos,
namely Saitek Expert Travel Chess and Kasparov Travel Champion 2100,
which should be good alternatives, I guess (?)

[Murat]

Hi Larry

Is there a picture or video guide how to mod Cosmos with a 24Mhz crystal?

Thank you

Getting brave regards

Murat

[Larry]

Sorry, I’m no expert when it comes to that stuff, although admittedly I have
dabbled with high speed crystal oscillators a long while back. I remember it being a
waste of time and energy. You just get the same moves slightly quicker and the
display timer is out of whack.
Best leave it standard regards…Larry

[Murat]

Thank you Larry

Roger, Wilco regards

Murat