Retro Computers’ ZX Spectrum Vega is based on the UK’s popular microcomputer and can play 40,000 or more games (via indiegogo)
If you were alive in any way in the UK during the early 80’s, chances are you were playing games on the popular ZX Spectrum (comparable to the Commodore 64 in America). The platform was so popular that it spawned a handful of official clones- the Timex Sinclair 2068, Cambridge Computer Z88 and Sam Coupe- and a handful of unofficial clones, including the Microdigital TK90X, Pentagon and ATM Turbo. Fast-forward to 2015 and gamers are still using the ZX Spectrum in one form or another and some are even bu8ilding on the system or flat-out modding it for other uses. In this roundup, we will look at some of the more interesting projects gamers have done with the ZX Spectrum.
First up is a 21st century remake of the Spectrum from Retro Computers, known as the ZX Spectrum Vega. Aptly named as the creator of the original platform, Sir Clive Sinclair has officially endorsed the successfully funded Indigogo-backed project. Noticeably different from the original, gone is the full keyboard, which has been reduced to a directional pad and a handful of buttons, which is all that’s needed for playing the 1,000 pre-loaded games. The ARM-based machine is outfitted with an SD card slot so users can even load the original Spectrum games if they still have them laying around. Those looking to get their hands on one can head over to Zavvi.com and grab one for $143, a portion of which will be donated to a children’s charity.
Elite Systems’ Recreated Sinclair ZX Spectrum is essentially a Bluetooth-enabled keyboard that can play on mobile devices as well as bigger displays (via kickstarter)
Another homage to the original Spectrum comes from the UK gaming developer Elite Systems with their Kickstarter-funded Recreated Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Their platform looks and feels identical to the original and even sports the same rubberized keys and fonts as well as the same air vents, although their fake. Actually, Elite sourced out the keyboard creation to Ceratech, who is known for their keyboard designs in the medical industry.
What’s great about the Recreated platform is that it can be connected to almost anything that uses a Bluetooth connection, including iOS, Android and Windows-based devices or even to newer Bluetooth enabled TVs. So what about the games you ask? The platform is app-based and gamers purchase the games (for about $1) through the Elite App Store, much like Google Play, however it will come with a handful of free games upon launch, including Chuckie Egg and even Sinclair BASIC for those who like to program. Those looking to get their hands on one when they launch (unknown as to when) can head over to Zavvi, iWoot or The Hut and grab one for about $150.
Alistair MacDonald’s ZX Keyboard turns a broken Spectrum into a fully functional USB keyboard that can play games through emulators (via hio)
A broken ZX Spectrum didn’t stop Alistair MacDonald from repurposing it as a functional USB keyboard that can be paired with a PC, Raspberry Pi or Android-based devices. Essentially, those devices are used to run Spectrum emulators such as SPECEM, SPECEMU and Warajevo (among a ton of others) to play Spectrum games. Although Alistair’s Spectrum was broken, the keyboard wasn’t so he outfitted it with an Arduino Pro Mini to map the keys for use with the aforementioned devices through a USB connection powered by V-USB software.
The keyboard actually operates in two different modes based on the task at hand- normal typing simply pressing the keys is mapped using HID code while pressing CAPS Shift enables a modifier is sent with the letters allowing it to function like a USB keyboard. He also installed a ‘direct mode’ switch that doesn’t map the Spectrum keys like the ones from a standard keyboard used with most emulators but rather it’s used for those that use the original Spectrum layout, making it a versatile gaming platform.
Carl Attrill’s ZX Spectrum Compact is a ‘cut-down’ version of the Spectrum +2A (via Carl Attrill)
Another broken down Spectrum that gets a new life comes from Hackaday user Carl Attrill, who took a broken ZX Spectrum +2A and not only repaired it but improved on it as well. Essentially, he made a compact version of the +2A by literally cutting it down to size. Carl’s ZX Spectrum Compact does away with the tape deck and the printer port by cutting the PCB off with a hacksaw and replacing the tape deck with a Divide ATA interface. He then primed and sanded the rough cuts of the case and used Grip Fill glue to seal-up any gaps, fixed the motherboard and reinstalled it back into the now shorter case. It took Carl 20 hours’ worth of work to complete but the end-result is no less impressive and is able to run Spectrum ROMs with ease.
Jim MacArthur’s ZX Spectrum Laptop combines a Spectrum 48k with a Toshiba Libretto 110. (via srimech)
Another interesting Spectrum project combines the 48k version with a Toshiba Libretto 110, making it the best of both worlds. Jim MacArthur designed his ZX Spectrum Laptop using the Spectrum’s case and keyboard and the Libretto’s motherboard and display. Both machines make use of the same matrix-style keyboards, he was able to get the Spectrums board to function using a passive adapter circuit by soldering directly to the motherboard. To get everything to fit correctly and to get the display to close nicely, Jim had to cut away a lot of the case and created a frame to make the case deeper in order to fit the battery. While it may not look very pretty, it does function nicely as a Spectrum emulator that can run for a few hours of gaming.
C
See more news at: