Greetings

After performing surgery on my Novag Star Opal I currently have it running perfectly at 12 Mhz (I have changed the crystal only).

My understanding is that the 6301Y processor has been available in dedicated machines up to 16 Mhz (Novag Beluga, etc). I have also read that Robert managed to get an 8 Mhz Mephisto 6301Y machine up to 16 Mhz.

I currently have a 16 Mhz crystal on order, but was wondering if there might be possible issues with the standard battery supply? (Star Opal uses 4 x AAA).

I have noticed that all 16 Mhz 6301Y based machines seem to use 6 x AA batteries, so I am wondering if this is because they require a higher voltage than for clock speeds of 12 Mhz or below?

And a question specifically to Robert: With your Mephisto 16 Mhz mod, did you make any changes to the battery supply and / or voltage regulation circuitary, or did you leave it alone?

Anyway, I am hoping my turbocharged Opal will be sufficiently strong to defeat Saitek Express 16K / Cavalier in a match

Currently, in a 20 game slow tournament match, Express 16K defeated Star Opal 8 Mhz 11 to 9. Perhaps the 16 Mhz clock speed will be enough to even the score or secure victory!