Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Hi guys
Can someone help me identifying the problem my ZX Spectrum+ has ?
The motherboard is an issue 4B
This is the actual display right now :
So far here is what I've done on this speccy :
Capcitors C34, C50, C44, and C45 changed
Transistor TR4 changed
Voltage regulator changed
All the 4116 RAMs have been tested and are ok.
+5, -5 and 12v voltages are ok
Could you help me identifying what may be wrong ?
ULA ? Z80 ? ROM ?
This type of garbaged display might be symptomatic of a specific problem?
Thanks for any help
Can someone help me identifying the problem my ZX Spectrum+ has ?
The motherboard is an issue 4B
This is the actual display right now :
So far here is what I've done on this speccy :
Capcitors C34, C50, C44, and C45 changed
Transistor TR4 changed
Voltage regulator changed
All the 4116 RAMs have been tested and are ok.
+5, -5 and 12v voltages are ok
Could you help me identifying what may be wrong ?
ULA ? Z80 ? ROM ?
This type of garbaged display might be symptomatic of a specific problem?
Thanks for any help
- 1024MAK
- Bugaboo
- Posts: 3104
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:52 pm
- Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Does the border always turn to white when you power down, then up?
If yes, that’s a good indication that the Z80 CPU is able to read the first part of the ROM okay.
What happens when you press the reset switch/button?
Can you record a video of it as you power it up, or reset it please (upload to YouTube or somewhere else that lets you upload videos.
Is this a 48K model (although the ZX Spectrum+ was only available as a 48K version, ZX Spectrum+ cases & keyboards were available for users to upgrade their rubber key models) ?
And can you please report back which, if any chips are in sockets.
Also, can you please tell us how the 4116 DRAM chips were tested.
Mark
If yes, that’s a good indication that the Z80 CPU is able to read the first part of the ROM okay.
What happens when you press the reset switch/button?
Can you record a video of it as you power it up, or reset it please (upload to YouTube or somewhere else that lets you upload videos.
Is this a 48K model (although the ZX Spectrum+ was only available as a 48K version, ZX Spectrum+ cases & keyboards were available for users to upgrade their rubber key models) ?
And can you please report back which, if any chips are in sockets.
Also, can you please tell us how the 4116 DRAM chips were tested.
Mark
Standby alert
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Thanks Mark for your quick reply !
> Does the border always turn to white when you power down, then up?
yes
> What happens when you press the reset switch/button?
Well, the reset wires are desoldered and I don't know where exactly to resolder them.
Can you help with that ?
I will record a video when the reset button will be reinstalled
> Is this a 48K model
Yes
This is the mother board :
> And can you please report back which, if any chips are in sockets.
The ULA and the low RAM 4116s are on socket
> Also, can you please tell us how the 4116 DRAM chips were tested.
I have tested all the RAMs on a working Colecovision.
1 RAM chip was broken, and I have replaced it with a "new old stock" working one.
> Does the border always turn to white when you power down, then up?
yes
> What happens when you press the reset switch/button?
Well, the reset wires are desoldered and I don't know where exactly to resolder them.
Can you help with that ?
I will record a video when the reset button will be reinstalled
> Is this a 48K model
Yes
This is the mother board :
> And can you please report back which, if any chips are in sockets.
The ULA and the low RAM 4116s are on socket
> Also, can you please tell us how the 4116 DRAM chips were tested.
I have tested all the RAMs on a working Colecovision.
1 RAM chip was broken, and I have replaced it with a "new old stock" working one.
- Ast A. Moore
- Rick Dangerous
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:16 pm
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
On a Spectrum+, they are typically soldered directly to the leads of C27, which sits across the RESET and GND pins of the CPU.
Every man should plant a tree, build a house, and write a ZX Spectrum game.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Yes, I found the information too this morning...
I soldered the reset button on both sides of the C27, bit it seems to do nothing on the computer when I press the reset button...
Here is the video :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-S3MqJbuU
I noticed that if I let the computer powered on for a few minutes, borders start to change colour from white to blue or red, then black...
I soldered the reset button on both sides of the C27, bit it seems to do nothing on the computer when I press the reset button...
Here is the video :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai-S3MqJbuU
I noticed that if I let the computer powered on for a few minutes, borders start to change colour from white to blue or red, then black...
- Ast A. Moore
- Rick Dangerous
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:16 pm
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Thanks for making the video.
If it does, than it looks like the CPU can execute a few ROM instructions, including a jump. I’d check the address lines for continuity/shorts. Possibly a broken trace or a solder splash.
This is curious. Wait until the border changes to something other than white, then press the reset button momentarily. Does the border become white?
If it does, than it looks like the CPU can execute a few ROM instructions, including a jump. I’d check the address lines for continuity/shorts. Possibly a broken trace or a solder splash.
Every man should plant a tree, build a house, and write a ZX Spectrum game.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
I've made a second video :
https://youtu.be/nYZ58mBKXqw
After a few minutes (at first Reset does nothing), pressing the reset button change the border color !!
Does that help to narrow the problem ?
Do you have a guideline to test the address lines for continuity ?
Thanks for your help
https://youtu.be/nYZ58mBKXqw
After a few minutes (at first Reset does nothing), pressing the reset button change the border color !!
Does that help to narrow the problem ?
Do you have a guideline to test the address lines for continuity ?
Thanks for your help
- Ast A. Moore
- Rick Dangerous
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:16 pm
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Yes, but not to white.
I’m kind of suspecting the CPU/ROM now. At this point, I’d replace them with known good parts beginning with the CPU. If you have an oscilloscope, check the clock at Pin 6 of the CPU.
Nothing specific other than using a multimeter in continuity mode with the computer unplugged from the power source. Test each address line for continuity from the CPU to ROM, RAM, and multiplexor ICs (IC3, IC4, and IC 24). Test each address line for shorts with each other at a few points (CPU/ROM).
Every man should plant a tree, build a house, and write a ZX Spectrum game.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Sadly, I don't have any Oscilloscope right now
I will change the Z80 first and let you know what happens
Thanks guys for your help
I will change the Z80 first and let you know what happens
Thanks guys for your help
- 1024MAK
- Bugaboo
- Posts: 3104
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:52 pm
- Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
See this photo:Ast A. Moore wrote: ↑Mon Nov 11, 2019 9:45 amOn a Spectrum+, they are typically soldered directly to the leads of C27, which sits across the RESET and GND pins of the CPU.
Before trying to change any soldered in chips, do you have experience of desoldering?
Mark
Standby alert
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
I have a little experience.
I have already desoldered some chips, smaller than the Z80, with success without damaging the board.
I know it's complicated but I have to do it
I think I will have to cut the Z80 legs first, otherwise it will be very tricky.
Do you have suggestions or advices ?
Regards
I have already desoldered some chips, smaller than the Z80, with success without damaging the board.
I know it's complicated but I have to do it
I think I will have to cut the Z80 legs first, otherwise it will be very tricky.
Do you have suggestions or advices ?
Regards
- Ast A. Moore
- Rick Dangerous
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:16 pm
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
That seems a bit drastic given that we don’t know if the CPU is dead for sure, but I can understand your apprehension. With care, it is possible to desolder it without cutting the leads, but if you don’t feel confident enough, it’s best to sacrifice the CPU rather than the PCB.
A hand-held solder sucker and desoldering braid can go a long way. Apply a little bit of fresh solder to the joint and then, while still heating it with the iron, quickly press the nozzle of the solder sucker to the joint, remove the iron tip, and release the spring-loaded piston at the same time. This all must be done in one swift and decisive motion. The nozzle of the solder sucker must be pressed to the joint firmly enough to ensure a good seal.
Every man should plant a tree, build a house, and write a ZX Spectrum game.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Hello guys
I've changed the Z80 (I even managed to preserve the original one) and I've changed the ULA and...
the problem is still the same : multi colored artefacts at boot + border that change color when Reset is pressed....
Any recommandations ?
Should I change the ROM too ?
Thanks for any advice
I've changed the Z80 (I even managed to preserve the original one) and I've changed the ULA and...
the problem is still the same : multi colored artefacts at boot + border that change color when Reset is pressed....
Any recommandations ?
Should I change the ROM too ?
Thanks for any advice
- Ast A. Moore
- Rick Dangerous
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:16 pm
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Yes, replacing the ROM is a logical next step. If that doesn’t help, I’d really start looking into shorts/broken traces.
Every man should plant a tree, build a house, and write a ZX Spectrum game.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
- 1024MAK
- Bugaboo
- Posts: 3104
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:52 pm
- Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Before desoldering the ROM, it’s possible to disable it (if it’s not completely dead).
On the edge connector, pin 25 on the underside can be connected to +5V to tell the ROM to ignore any reads. Alternatively you can connect to the appropriate lead of resistor R33 (680Ω). Make sure you connect to the lead that goes to edge connector pin 25.
In this state the ROM chip should turn off its output pins. Now the Z80 will read whatever value the data bus floats to. Which, if there are no misbehaving chips fitted, should be 255 (FFh or 0xFF) due to ‘pull-up’ resistors R9 to R16.
As far as the Z80 is concerned 0xFF means RST 38h. When the Z80 executes this instruction, the current PC value plus one is pushed onto the stack, then the PC is loaded with 38h (0x38). The Z80 then fetches the instruction at this address which is again 0xFF.
The end result is that all RAM will fill up with the values that are being pushed to the stack, as the stack pointer works its way through all possible addresses before wrapping around and then doing it all again.
If the screen RAM and the ULA are working, this will produce a distinctive diagonal pattern on the screen.
Mark
On the edge connector, pin 25 on the underside can be connected to +5V to tell the ROM to ignore any reads. Alternatively you can connect to the appropriate lead of resistor R33 (680Ω). Make sure you connect to the lead that goes to edge connector pin 25.
In this state the ROM chip should turn off its output pins. Now the Z80 will read whatever value the data bus floats to. Which, if there are no misbehaving chips fitted, should be 255 (FFh or 0xFF) due to ‘pull-up’ resistors R9 to R16.
As far as the Z80 is concerned 0xFF means RST 38h. When the Z80 executes this instruction, the current PC value plus one is pushed onto the stack, then the PC is loaded with 38h (0x38). The Z80 then fetches the instruction at this address which is again 0xFF.
The end result is that all RAM will fill up with the values that are being pushed to the stack, as the stack pointer works its way through all possible addresses before wrapping around and then doing it all again.
If the screen RAM and the ULA are working, this will produce a distinctive diagonal pattern on the screen.
Mark
Standby alert
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Excellent.
So, to test this I only have to solder a wire between pin 25 and +5v ?
So, to test this I only have to solder a wire between pin 25 and +5v ?
- 1024MAK
- Bugaboo
- Posts: 3104
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:52 pm
- Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
No, don’t solder to the edge-connector
If you have a spare female edge-connector socket, or a simple interface like a joystick interface, use either a test clip or solder to the relevant pins on the edge-connector socket.
If you don’t have anything suitable, use the resistor. First, with the power off and disconnected, switch your multimeter to the 200 ohm resistance range (or equivalent). Now test between each lead of resistor R33 and pin 25 on the underside (of the board) of the edge-connector contacts. When your meter shows a resistance of less than 1 ohm, you now know you have the correct lead of resistor R33. You can now either attach a test clip and then connect to any +5V point. Or you can solder a wire to the same resistor lead or the solder connection on the underside of the board.
Please do double check your work before powering on. Making a mistake and applying +5V to the wrong place would not be a good thing to do...
Mark
Standby alert
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Ok, I've linked the right leg of the R33 and +5v, and this is what it gives :
https://youtu.be/lPLKieSuBcc
Any thoughts ?
https://youtu.be/lPLKieSuBcc
Any thoughts ?
- 1024MAK
- Bugaboo
- Posts: 3104
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:52 pm
- Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Yeah, there is no sign of the Z80 writing to screen memory
I understand you have a multimeter. But don’t have or have access to an oscilloscope.
Do you have a logic probe or a logic analyser?
Mark
I understand you have a multimeter. But don’t have or have access to an oscilloscope.
Do you have a logic probe or a logic analyser?
Mark
Standby alert
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Thanks Mark for the reply
Indeed I have nos oscilloscope right now
But I have this, if it can help...
Indeed I have nos oscilloscope right now
But I have this, if it can help...
- 1024MAK
- Bugaboo
- Posts: 3104
- Joined: Wed Nov 15, 2017 2:52 pm
- Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
I can’t see the picture that you tried to post. Can you use the “Add image to post” function (just below the text edit box) to include pictures please.
Mark
Mark
Standby alert
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
“There are four lights!”
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Hi guys !
Just to let you know that I managed to get my ZX Spectrum+ working.
It was the Z80 !
Thanks for all your help
Now I'm onto trying to save another Spectrum+...
Just to let you know that I managed to get my ZX Spectrum+ working.
It was the Z80 !
Thanks for all your help
Now I'm onto trying to save another Spectrum+...
- Ast A. Moore
- Rick Dangerous
- Posts: 2640
- Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:16 pm
Re: Help repairing my ZX Spectrum+
Glad we could help!
Every man should plant a tree, build a house, and write a ZX Spectrum game.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.
Author of A Yankee in Iraq, a 50 fps shoot-’em-up—the first game to utilize the floating bus on the +2A/+3,
and zasm Z80 Assembler syntax highlighter.