Issue 1 80K Spectrum

jpjp
edited March 2009 in Hardware
Here's the other Spectrum I acquired last weekend. It's an Issue 1 with an ELR SP80 daughterboard
It's a shame, but this machine doesn't power up and I don't have any other Issue 1's to test that the SP80 is working.

I'm happy for the daughterboard picture to be used in the SP80 Infoseek entry :)

...and can we have one of the two of you together?...
Post edited by jp on
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Comments

  • edited November 2007
    If it simply doesn't power up, it may be something easy to fix like a broken joint to the 9v connector - it's probably worth poking it with a multimeter at least to see whether it's just power not getting to where it should.
  • jpjp
    edited November 2007
    Winston wrote: »
    If it simply doesn't power up, it may be something easy to fix like a broken joint to the 9v connector - it's probably worth poking it with a multimeter at least to see whether it's just power not getting to where it should.

    Ahem, judging by it's appearance the D15 diode (underneath the heatsink) is cooked...
  • edited November 2007
    Economically speaking, that machine is worth spending at least 80 GBP to get it fixed, plus whatever else you may think it's worth on top. If I had a spare hundred quid I'd make you an offer!

    It should be quite a sinple fix as Winston has pointed out, sibce the issue 1 board is so much simpler than the issue 2+, there's far less to go wrong :)

    Let me know if you need some hard to get bit to fix it, Imay have it here. I don't have many of my spares available to me right now, but you never know :)
    Oh bugger!<br>
  • jpjp
    edited November 2007
    Hehe, you don't know how much I spent to get it? ;)
  • jpjp
    edited November 2007
    And BTW it's good to see you back posting :)
  • edited November 2007
    Thanks mate :)
    Oh bugger!<br>
  • edited November 2007
    Didn't "Your Spectrum" carry an article on making an 80k Spectrum?
  • edited November 2007
    Oooh, is the heatsink at the front of the computer?
    That could get hit on the keys!
    Nice line of ICs along to top too. Wow.!
  • edited November 2007
    The Issue 2 also has the heatsink there. I think the issue 2 heatsink is also smaller than in later revisions.
  • edited November 2007
    Gwan - how many NZ$ did you drop on it?

    First point of call would be to get a multimeter across the voltage regulator to check if its getting volts and if its putting any out.

    Devices that do nadda are often simple fixes, the 1st rule of electronics is to check the power supply, the second rule is to check it again.
  • jpjp
    edited November 2007
    Womble wrote: »
    Gwan - how many NZ$ did you drop on it?

    First point of call would be to get a multimeter across the voltage regulator to check if its getting volts and if its putting any out.

    Devices that do nadda are often simple fixes, the 1st rule of electronics is to check the power supply, the second rule is to check it again.

    Erm, I purchased it a part of a collection...

    Issue 1 80k (boxed with 1st editions of manual and introduction)
    Issue 2 80k
    Interface 1 (Issue 1)
    2x Microdrives
    ZX Printer (boxed)
    A shedload of microdrive cartridges (Spectrum and QL software)
    Books and manuals

    ...for NZD $423.55 (including shipping) - so that's roughly GBP ?155.
    That might seem steep, but it's not often you see all that together on this side of the hemisphere.

    Nearly forgot to mention that a ZX80 was also included ;)
  • edited November 2007
    A ZX80 was also included????
    Or are you kidding us?
    Then you definitely got a good deal...

    Frans.
  • jpjp
    edited November 2007
    Cameraman wrote: »
    A ZX80 was also included????
    Or are you kidding us?
    Then you definitely got a good deal...

    Frans.

    Seriously, I'm not kidding... there's also a ZX80. I don't know if it works yet as the PSU was missing. I've got a replacement being delivered over Christmas so there's something more for me to fiddle about with during the holidays.
  • edited November 2007
    Without the Z80 I would say thats a bit steep, with the Z80 I think you have yourself a bargain!! Nice one!

    Never even seen an Issue 1, let alone a ZX80. What condition is the Z80 case? Its paper thin plastic from what I have heard, have seen a number of very yellow Z80s on ebay which have the corners knocked off.

    By the way JP - that CD arrived on Friday, many thanks for that. Good timing too, my amp and speakers arrived from the UK last week, which paired with my NZ$61 trademe Arcam CD player (was faulty, isn't anymore ;) ) sounds amazing.
  • edited November 2007
    I would be keen to hear if you get the zx80 working, I had planned to bid on that auction but I am running out of room to fit my collection.

    You don't see many Zx80's for sale in NZ, that is the one model which I do not have.

    Cheers Jon
  • jpjp
    edited December 2007
    I've finally powered up the ZX80 today, and it's been upgraded(!) with a ZX81 rom. Also the screen display is inverted - now white text against a black background.
    There is some discolouration of the case, a few dinks in the plastic and some case parts missing: the ZX81 keyboard overlay, the 2x foam feet, 2x "W" buttons to hold the board to the case, 1x keyboard rivet. The 5x rivets to hold the case together have been replaced with screws, washers and nuts.

    Here's some shots of the board, IC2, and the upper case.

    I'm just pleased that it powered up :)
  • jpjp
    edited March 2009
    It's been a while, but I've sourced and fitted a replacement EPROM to return the ZX80 back to a ZX80!
  • edited March 2009
    Just picked up a ZX80 for $NZ28.00. Woo Hoo.

    Not sure if it works or not but from the pic at least it looks mint.

    87r3hq

    Can't wait for it too arrive.
  • jpjp
    edited March 2009
    Well done, you've scored an absolute bargain there! If you do find it has been upgraded with a ZX81 ROM, and want to return it as a ZX80 flick me a PM...
  • edited March 2009
    acsi wrote: »
    Just picked up a ZX80 for $NZ28.00. Woo Hoo.

    Not sure if it works or not but from the pic at least it looks mint.

    http://files.me.com/macelectrical/87r3hq

    Can't wait for it too arrive.

    Nice. I too have a ZX80, but I'm too afraid to open it and can't remember how to check for a rom version. By the looks of the system font it does look like the original ZX80. I also have the Microace clone but never tested it.

    It's a shame that there's not a lot of software for it online, and the few people who have ZX80's websites have not preserved the software that they have.

    If you ever have a chance, read the 'Sync' magazines from the archive. There will find amazing projects and things that were being done with ZX80's long ago. One guy even described how he used his ZX80 to go "online".
  • edited March 2009
    Well the ZX80 arrived today.

    It's got it's original polystyrene packaging.

    Case is yellowed a bit.

    ROM looks original stamped "ROM contents copyright 1980 Sinclair Research Ltd"

    Zilog Z80A CPU

    No modulator? Video out?

    PSU is in bits. Circuit board is cracked. Pretty sure its not original as it's made by Teerad and is only 6v 450ma. Isn't the ZX80 9V? Will a ZX81 PSU work?
  • jpjp
    edited March 2009
    acsi wrote: »
    Well the ZX80 arrived today.

    It's got it's original polystyrene packaging.

    Case is yellowed a bit.

    ROM looks original stamped "ROM contents copyright 1980 Sinclair Research Ltd"

    Zilog Z80A CPU

    That all sounds pretty good
    acsi wrote: »
    No modulator? Video out?

    Erm, should be here as per yer photo
    88630567_full.PNG

    A normal Spectrum aerial lead will work OK. The ZX80 shouldn't be generating a composite video signal so probably best to tune in on an old tube TV.
    acsi wrote: »
    PSU is in bits. Circuit board is cracked. Pretty sure its not original as it's made by Teerad and is only 6v 450ma. Isn't the ZX80 9V? Will a ZX81 PSU work?

    I grabbed a digitor AC International Adapator from Dick Smiths for $33. It's switchable and comes with a bunch of adapters. I set the voltage at 7.5V - which works like a charm. Make sure you've got the correct adapter and you've set the polarity right though!
  • edited March 2009
    A normal Spectrum aerial lead will work OK. The ZX80 shouldn't be generating a composite video signal so probably best to tune in on an old tube TV.

    Yeah I was wondering if it produced a composite video out as there is no modulator (Markings on circuit board for one).

    I've got a selectable power supply I used for a ZX81 so will try that. Just got to get an adaptor for the TV Out (Can't remember what that style is called). Hopefully Dick Smith has something if not Jaycar might.
  • jpjp
    edited March 2009
    acsi wrote: »
    Yeah I was wondering if it produced a composite video out as there is no modulator (Markings on circuit board for one).

    Can you post a photo? Wouldn't mind seeing the condition of the board...
  • edited March 2009
    Pic's as requested

    ymvcra99ipt0myy2zedvhtaelh77r7
  • jpjp
    edited March 2009
    Wow, when you said there's no RF modulator you REALLY did mean it!!
    Blimey!, don't quote me on this, but perhaps it is kicking out a composite signal...
  • edited March 2009
    I'm hoping that's the case.

    The plug on the back is a PL259. Dick Smith sell adaptors too BNC and I can go to RCA from that.

    I'm starting to think this was a kitset as there is no sign that the modulator was removed.
  • edited March 2009
    I remember that PL259 was used on some video-recorders for the composite video output in the early 80's.

    Might be a composite output you got there.

    Why not just try it and see what happens ?
    You won't destroy anything if it turns out to be RF anyway.
  • jpjp
    edited March 2009
    acsi wrote: »
    I'm hoping that's the case.

    The plug on the back is a PL259. Dick Smith sell adaptors too BNC and I can go to RCA from that.

    I'm starting to think this was a kitset as there is no sign that the modulator was removed.

    Let us [i.e. WOS] know how you get on with it, I really do hope it's a runner as I think you've got something pretty special there.
    I totally agree that it does look like a kit set - as you say, there's no sign the modulator was ever removed as the underside of the board looks really clean.

    No doubt will see you at the next TM auction - for a white 16K rampack! ... :)
  • edited March 2009
    I can't believe it.

    It works perfectly using 7.5v. Composite video signal out of the PL259. All keys work as well.

    Only issue is with the placement of the PL259, I cannot plug anything into the cartridge slot as it is blocked by it.

    I feel like when my dad brought home my first ZX81.

    I may look at replacing the PL259 with a RCA socket but have real issues even thinking about modifying anything.
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