Search found 31 matches

by chequered flag
Sat Aug 11, 2018 7:07 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: PSU Voltages.
Replies: 3
Views: 1398

Re: PSU Voltages.

The power supplies are unregulated. They should give 9 volts at maximum current. Less than maximum current will give a higher voltage. The PSU that sometimes gives 0.9 V may have a short in the cable when you bend it in certain angels. The PSU that gives 14.5 V is close to the maximum voltage the Sp...
by chequered flag
Fri Aug 10, 2018 9:56 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Zx spectrum +2a comp mod
Replies: 6
Views: 3327

Re: Zx spectrum +2a comp mod

No speaker in any 128K model.
The RGB port provides mono sound and it is connected to SCART.

Some casual technical information:
http://www.dataserve-retro.co.uk/conten ... /d200.html
https://spectrumforeveryone.com/technical/
by chequered flag
Fri Aug 10, 2018 5:07 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Zx spectrum +2a comp mod
Replies: 6
Views: 3327

Re: Zx spectrum +2a comp mod

RGB SCART (recomended): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sinclair-ZX-Spectrum-3-2A-2B-High-Quality-RGB-Scart-Video-Cable-TV-Lead/260830045368?epid=10020831665&hash=item3cbaaea4b8%3Ag%3ATd4AAOSwfbRbWuUR&_sacat=0&_nkw=scart+spectrum+%2B2&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 https://www.e...
by chequered flag
Tue Aug 07, 2018 10:23 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Where to buy Spectrum+2 components?
Replies: 3
Views: 1607

Re: Where to buy Spectrum+2 components?

List it on eBay? It is worth something. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sinclair-ZX-Spectrum-2-Home-Computer-Vintage-Console-Spares-Repairs/253761914263?hash=item3b15638597%3Ag%3Aq1YAAOSwny1ahs0X&_sacat=0&_nkw=spectrum+%2B2+spares&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313 Buy spares and repair...
by chequered flag
Tue Aug 07, 2018 7:46 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Where to buy Spectrum+2 components?
Replies: 3
Views: 1607

Re: Where to buy Spectrum+2 components?

I am not aware of any maker of Spectrum +2 membranes. I know two makers of rubber key membranes and plus membranes. RWAP: https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/brand-new-16~~48k-sinclair-zx-spectrum-keyboard-membrane-2502 https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/brand-new-%282016%29-sinclair-zx...
by chequered flag
Sun Jul 29, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

ZX81 video mods for sale. https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/sinclair-zx81-zxvid--_-composite-video~~ula-fix-%28fitted%29-2583 https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/sinclair-zx81-zxvid--_-composite-video~~ula-fix-%28self-_fit%29-2338 https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/zx8-_ccb-_syn...
by chequered flag
Sun Jul 29, 2018 8:24 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

That link is now collected. Really nice.
http://www.projectavr.com/spectrum-comp ... nd-refurb/

Did you see the "Sinclair Spectrum Composite Mod PCB" that fits inside the RF box.
http://www.projectavr.com/esp-01-esp-03 ... ing-board/
by chequered flag
Sun Jul 29, 2018 7:54 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Speccy help needed!
Replies: 18
Views: 4987

Re: Speccy help needed!

I don't know for sure but this configuration: Spectrum RCA Composite Video to SCART Composite Video to hdmi converter to HDMI, will still depend on the spectrum composite signal that is not 100% correct. Here is an example how difficult it can be: https://spectrumcomputing.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php...
by chequered flag
Sun Jul 29, 2018 5:30 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Speccy help needed!
Replies: 18
Views: 4987

Re: Speccy help needed!

Spectrum RCA Composite Video to SCART Composite Video: https://www.kjell.com/se/sortiment/ljud-bild/kablar-adaptrar/rca-video/adapter/scart-adapter-komposit-p37004 https://www.kjell.com/se/sortiment/ljud-bild/kablar-adaptrar/rca-video/rca-till-scart/scart-till-3x-rca-med-switch-1-5-m-p39239 Spectrum...
by chequered flag
Thu Jul 26, 2018 2:04 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

I watched the video now. If the output turns blue, your TV now thinks the Spectrum is outputting a SECAM signal, so reverse the adjustment bit by bit. Try to adjust to a more yellow kind of white. Like cream. What if I can’t achieve a good video output? Sometimes even given the best equipment availa...
by chequered flag
Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:57 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

No, Spectrum is better than ZX81 video signal. I have better colors from my issue two both on CRT and digital TVs. Maybe try to replace LM1889N Video Encoder IC, reasonable to try. https://www.retroleum.co.uk/zx-spectrum-chips Replace ULA, not so reasonable. It seem to do its job here. Maybe bypass ...
by chequered flag
Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:12 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

Is this just digital TVs not liking composite, or is there something I can do? I have three different digital TVs. Newer and higher resolution gives better picture. There are some adjustments to do on the TV. All auto detect is bad. Lock it to PAL video signal if possible. Disable all filters that ...
by chequered flag
Wed Jul 25, 2018 8:18 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

Something to read while you wait for the regulator. Color adjustment for issue 2. https://spectrumforeveryone.com/technical/how-to-fix-issue-12-yellow-or-blue-screen-tint/ http://www.dataserve-retro.co.uk/contents/en-uk/d29.html https://mutantcaterpillar.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/the-issue-2-nightmare/
by chequered flag
Tue Jul 24, 2018 8:23 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

I bathe my plastic cases in warm water and mild washing-up liquid. Not too hot, don't want to melt the plastic. The heat makes the glue soft and then I scrape it off with a small screwdriver. Any scratches I make will be under the new double sided tape.
by chequered flag
Fri Jul 20, 2018 8:53 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

- there's an extra 4.7uF capacitor (of a different make) spider patched between the positive end of C43 to R58. Original or aftermarket? The radial capacitor soldered to C34 is a recommended service modification. Maybe original from factory. http://blog.retroleum.co.uk/electronics-articles/re-cappi...
by chequered flag
Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:37 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

Keep the original power supply as a novelty item for display. When the ZX Spectrum was introduced in Sweden back in 1983 the Sinclair power supply had to be replaced to pass electrical noise regulations.
by chequered flag
Wed Jul 18, 2018 5:22 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

The unregulated 9V is only used to power peripherals that you may plug into the expansion port. Internally everything runs on regulated 5V. -5V +12V and 12V AC is created from regulated 5V. If you know that your expansion board do not use the 9V you may power the computer with 7V or so dictated by t...
by chequered flag
Wed Jul 18, 2018 2:47 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

(a) the composite signal is terrible. One of my monitors won't even lock onto it. Is that normal? Can I improve it? I see that the ZX81 composite mod requires adding a transistor to amplify the signal; would that work here? http://blog.retroleum.co.uk/electronics-articles/repairing-a-zx-spectrum/sp...
by chequered flag
Wed Jul 18, 2018 1:28 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

Turn it off now! You have the original capacitors. They need to be replaced to prevent further damage to memory chips. https://spectrumforeveryone.com/technical/recapping-your-spectrum/ https://www.retroleum.co.uk/zx-spectrum-capacitors Then you need this membrane. https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/...
by chequered flag
Wed Jul 18, 2018 1:08 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working
Replies: 53
Views: 13573

Re: Brand new r2 48kB, not quite working

Turn it off now! You have the original capacitors. They need to be replaced to prevent further damage to memory chips. https://spectrumforeveryone.com/technical/recapping-your-spectrum/ https://www.retroleum.co.uk/zx-spectrum-capacitors Then you need this membrane. https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/...
by chequered flag
Fri Jul 13, 2018 5:28 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs
Replies: 49
Views: 8739

Re: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs

If "modern" means "for sale now" then the operating system or firmware of DivMMC is esxDOS. It does not work with 128K Basic. http://www.esxdos.org/index.html The hardware in DivMMC does not work with Interface 1. So you cannot have DivMMC with Microdrive or vDrive (or ZX NET for...
by chequered flag
Fri Jul 13, 2018 12:02 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs
Replies: 49
Views: 8739

Re: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs

I was thinking of getting a Beta Disk Interface and a Gotek USB Drive
Just realized: DivMMC virtual disk drives are Beta Disk with TR-DOS.

TR-DOS is still unfamiliar to me...
by chequered flag
Fri Jul 13, 2018 10:37 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs
Replies: 49
Views: 8739

Re: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs

DivMMC is much more than what is visible from the NMI menu. You understand the concept of vDrive as 8 virtual Microdrive devices that you can insert virtual cartridges into in the form of MDR files. DivMMC has similar concepts. One virtual tape player connected to the EAR port. It is called "ta...
by chequered flag
Thu Jul 12, 2018 8:18 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs
Replies: 49
Views: 8739

Re: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs

vDrive

Probably the least used hardware. Drop in replacement of real Microdrive.

https://vdrivezx.com/
by chequered flag
Thu Jul 12, 2018 8:05 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs
Replies: 49
Views: 8739

Re: Modern methods of saving BASIC programs

divMMC Probably the most common hardware to load and save from real Speccy or clones. https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/divmmc-future-sd-card-reader-for-the-sinclair-zx-spectrum-32185 https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/divmmc-enjoy%21-sd-card-and-joystick-interface-for-any-zx-spectrum...