Wanted: ZX 128K & Solid state Interface
Hi. I live in Brazil and would like to buy a a perfectly working ZX128 and some mass storage device. Anyone has something like that to sell?
I'm not sure which storage interface would be best so I'm accepting suggestions. I'd like it to be the best ever without compatibility issues. It could be compact flash, SD or pen drives... it doesn't matter to me which type, any solid state will be fine, no disks or tapes.
*If possible*, I'd like the ZX to come with a modification to connect to my Samsung TV AV Input (model UN32C5000). The audio should be routed to TV as well in some way. Will pay for this service too. If it's not possible to route video and audio in the same cable, will accept advice on how to connect the audio separately, but I need the image to be much sharper than the usual antenna connection.
For now I'd like it to be a Sinclair ZX 128K, not an Amstrad +2, +3 etc. The keyboard must be in perfect condition, doesn't matter if it had to be restored/fixed some time, just must be working 100% and last a long time from now on.
Please tell me how much preferrably in USD or Euros.
Pardon me if I'm not too specific, I'll accept any suggestions since I never had a Brit Speccy, only Brazilian clones.
I need the machines for some projects I'm working on. Possibly will buy more gear further, so I'd like to establish a solid commercial partnership with people who understand the matters and always have something to offer. If possible.
Thank you!
I'm not sure which storage interface would be best so I'm accepting suggestions. I'd like it to be the best ever without compatibility issues. It could be compact flash, SD or pen drives... it doesn't matter to me which type, any solid state will be fine, no disks or tapes.
*If possible*, I'd like the ZX to come with a modification to connect to my Samsung TV AV Input (model UN32C5000). The audio should be routed to TV as well in some way. Will pay for this service too. If it's not possible to route video and audio in the same cable, will accept advice on how to connect the audio separately, but I need the image to be much sharper than the usual antenna connection.
For now I'd like it to be a Sinclair ZX 128K, not an Amstrad +2, +3 etc. The keyboard must be in perfect condition, doesn't matter if it had to be restored/fixed some time, just must be working 100% and last a long time from now on.
Please tell me how much preferrably in USD or Euros.
Pardon me if I'm not too specific, I'll accept any suggestions since I never had a Brit Speccy, only Brazilian clones.
I need the machines for some projects I'm working on. Possibly will buy more gear further, so I'd like to establish a solid commercial partnership with people who understand the matters and always have something to offer. If possible.
Thank you!
Post edited by pkersey on
Comments
Sorry, no one has replied yet. I'm sure people have read your request but actually your request is very specific, at least where the spectrum itself is concerned.
The 128K Toastrack model are relatively rare compared with many of the other models. I've not got one myself but I do believe that they were less robust than the later Amstrad models. Please bear these two points in mind.
Getting perfect looking 128K may require doing some cleaning and replacing yourself. You can purchase new membranes which will last a long time (look at Rich Mellor's RWAP site to see he has any in stock). Most people should be able to replace a keyboard membrane and at the same time, take the time to disassemble to keyboard and clean it along with the outer case.
ZX Spectrums can also be fairly easily converted remove/bypass the TV Modulator and replace with an AV Composite output. Again, it should be in most people's capability to make this transformation.
The only other thing to consider would be whether you want replace some of the electrolytic capacitors - you said you want a good quality machine with plenty of life in it. These capacitors deteriorate over time and will already be 26-28 years old and if you want to sort it out properly then this might be a good move.
You will be best getting the Spectrum and mass storage completely separately rather than trying to get them together.
The most obvious solution for a mass storage is the divIDE which will have been talk about lots in these forums, particularly recently with the release of ESXDOS 0.8 firmware for the Spectrum's 30th Anniversary. You can drive hard disks or (with the aid of an adaptor) CF cards. A large CF card will provide as much storage as you could possibly require.
There are other versions of divIDE and non-divIDE mass storage options out there also.
In summary, you should be able to get what you are looking for but do expect to do some of the restoration yourself. Fortunately, it doesn't require a lot of skills in electronics to do these though.
Good luck.
H, BloodBaz. I have the feeling I alread had replied to your message but it doesn't show up among the posts, so I'm replying again. Disconsider this one if for any reason there'll be two when this gets to you.
I'm not very skilled at electronics but I attended a technical school for electronic industrial equipment repairment, so I guess I am able to perform any minor fixes if needed, but I'd rather pay someone more skilled than myself since the projects I'm planning will require enough electronics already and I'm not ready to go through the disappointment of toasting my Speccy just after putting my hands for the very first time on it.
I have been watching some videos on how to bypass the video circuitry and I think it might be real fairly easy but again, if someone prompts to deliver the equipment previously modded, I'd rather pay for that.
I think I found the Spectrums I am after but the more alternatives I get, the better. Is eBay anyway bad?
As for the divIDE, I'm considering buying one but I'm not sure how it does compare to other ones like MB02+ and ZXCF... is divIDE better than these?
Also I'll be looking for official suppliers once I'm planning to buy many Spectrum stuff in the years to come (peripherals, spare parts, computers).
Last but not least, I'm sorry for my broken English once it's not my native language and if anyone would like to point any grammar or spelling mistakes, that'll be very appreciated. That's one good way to learn a tad bit more.
ebay is good enough IF the seller is honest enough, you just have to buy and most of the time it's fine.. BUT you do get the odd seller who is less than "honourable" .
most won't sell to you here soley because your abroad AND you have such a low post count.. someone posted recently along the same lines, but got angry / annoyed about people not wanting to sell. It's more protected via ebay.
Well, let's hope I win that bid. Thanks for the advice. I'll not be angry at people who wouldn't want to sell their ZX128's... I wouldn't sell mine.
I'll contact the divIDE guy.
I won't a lot of the time depending on the users feedback and well Italy I'll never ship to and a few other countries because the post is bad.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280898834667?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
It needs a new keyboard membrane and postage to Brazil is VERY expensive.
I'm aware the shipping is expensive, but I'll gladly pay for all costs, no matter how much. I already won one of the bids. Let's see if I win the others. I'm also interested on your machine despite the membrane state, but let's see how it all turns out first.
Thanks!
Dear Mr. ADJB, I'm the winning bidder for your toastrack auction. I'll post feedback when the package arrives.
I managed to contact a guy who manufactures compact flash mass storage devices in Brazil and he's selling me one.
Anyone else selling ZX "toastracks"? Please let me know.
Regards.
Dear ADJB, I just checked and the item has already arrived in Brazil. I don't know how long it'll take to get at my door and no idea about the customs paperwork, but I'm glad the package came this fast!
I'll keep you up to date.