This ZX Spectrum Clone Offers A Lot Of Bang For The Buck

This ZX Spectrum Clone Offers A Lot Of Bang For The Buck - If You Can Get Hold Of One!

Рет қаралды 31,678

Күн бұрын

Can't afford or don't want a Spectrum NEXT but you do want to be able to play all your old favourites and utilise a LOT of cool features not found on the original Spectrum? Or maybe just want to be able to keep your original Speccy all locked safely away? Then maybe this is for you - if you can find one!
Oh, and if you think I'm being hard on the DIVMMC Future, I'm not - it's a fantastic piece of kit and I'm proud to own one. The price is coming down but I think I paid almost £80 for mine about eight months ago, so to see things with that functionality built-in, it does make me wonder!
Sorry for the camera quality in this video - having to use backup equipment following a fault in the original bits!
Also, if I don't seem like my old self - I've been a bit poorly so poor old me! I'll be back to my usual self in no time :)
FiFine kindly supplied me their K690 and it's really helped with the audio on my channel. If you like what you hear - head to: fifinemicrophone.com/collecti... and tell 'em I sent ya :)
Follow the shack on twitter: / scottth54604744
Support the channel: kzfaq.info...
Buy us a coffee: ko-fi.com/theretroshack
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:36 Features
05:00 Roms
05:46 Sound
06:38 Graphics
07:35 Other Features
10:12 Wrap-Up
References
Sizif 512k Github Page
github.com/UzixLS/zx-sizif-512
CPLD
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complex...
Retro Radionics Toastrack Cases
retroradionics.co.uk/#!/Toast...
Pentagon Clones
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentago...)
If you like this video, please consider joining as a member to help support the channel and to get some lovely little perks :)
/ @theretroshack

Пікірлер: 186

@lister_of_smeg6545 3 жыл бұрын

5:32 That isn't true. The DivMMC has it's own independent ROM and RAM, which it pages into the lower 16K of the Z80's address space as required. You are restricted to using the original 48K BASIC ROM though, but the 128K hardware features such as the additional RAM banks and the AY are still available. It's what is known as 'USR 0' mode, as it's the same as what you get on a 128k machine if you type 'USR 0' in 128 BASIC. 128k software should load and work fine using LOAD "" as if you loaded them using the 'Tape Loader' option in the 128 menu.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I’ve pinned this so people can see. I’ll have a play with that. The snapshot on the screen is straight from the DIVMMC Future web page but that wasn’t clear - and I have had a few things not load. I’ll check out the USR 0 method :) Love this community!

@lister_of_smeg6545 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Be wary of 128K snapshot files on the DivMMC (and in general). Snapshots that were created using a 128+ or +2 can fail when loaded on a +2A/+3 (and vice versa). Also, there are a few TAP files out there that were modified from the original release to replace custom loading routines with the standard ROM loader (TAP files can _only_ contain standard ROM loader data) without taking the model detection of the original into account. These too can suffer from the same problem.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

@@lister_of_smeg6545 Thanks for the info! :)

@TaswcmT 3 жыл бұрын

Very good production value and content - Music is not too loud or distracting, the legends put on screen are short and to the point, and the Ken Burns effects add that little extra. Who would have guessed that the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and other 8 bit computers are kept alive for decades through all these marvellous projects offering replacements and improvements, with more options than you can shake a stick at. It's the whole Raspberry Pi maker vibe for retro gear.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much - glad you're enjoying the channel :)

@bloombergwhistleblower 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to get one of this, still crave for a good old Pentagon from my teens!

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

It’s a fabulous little board and crams a lot in - hope you manage to get one - let me know if you do :)

@volo870 2 жыл бұрын

Woah! I love the tiny formfactor of the board. Prefect to make a Speccy laptop!

@AdamAinsworth 3 жыл бұрын

I bought a Sizif D1 board purely because of this video (I badgered the guy that built yours until he built one for me). Pretty impressed with it although I haven’t really given it a run through yet. Agree about docs, could definitely do with a short user guide.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Good to hear you got hold of one :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I am :)

@jackburton8352 3 жыл бұрын

Lot's of great memories using my mothers friends sons zx 48k as she was the catalogue woman and from whom i finally got my beloved C64 ULA+ looks like a difference not necessarily an improvement. Subbed.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Glad this brought back the memories :)

@LetsPlayKeldeo 3 жыл бұрын

Really interesting ! The new ",Preshow" segment was a suprice but I like the new direction !

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@CoolDudeClem 3 жыл бұрын

I love the spectrum, I used to have at least 3 of them back in the day!

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

We should start a support group :)

@CoolDudeClem 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack I also had a C64 and a couple of Amstrads.

@anthonykearney608 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid. I never had a spectrum as a kid. I was an amstrad cpc464 guy. But my cousin had a spectrum. Just recently got into the retro scene

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome aboard! There's a lot to discover :)

@joefish6091 2 жыл бұрын

CPC was the better computer. more expensive of course at the time.

@anthonykearney608 2 жыл бұрын

@@joefish6091 yeah I never liked the spectrum keyboard either

@matthewlister3755 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I was more tech savvy and could hack this to work on NTSC monitors with an American electrical socket. I've been messing around with Arkos 2 tracker. The AY-3-8910 soundchip is just the best. That stereo demo you played really shows off how good this machine sounds and I want it so very badly.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Can you even imagine if the humble Speccy had been able to demonstrate this sort of performance back when it was released? :) :)

@terraspent 3 жыл бұрын

great demonstration of all these wonderful zx based products i am totally SOLD on all these :)

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it :)

@david-spliso1928 3 жыл бұрын

I think I prefer the original ULA graphics, bright and colourful. ULA+ makes it look more pastelly like the C64.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Well, I guess the beauty of the ULAPlus is that you can change the palette to whatever you want :) :)

@ElectronGordo 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack It is just to increase options, you can use original or extended colours pal. Whatever ULA+ also has another kind of nice features.

@mrljgibson 2 жыл бұрын

Nice, but I'm not so bothered about ULAplus as the colours are muted, and I'm more interested in the enhancements supported that I could use on the N Go.

@roddy7256 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been waiting years for the spectrum next round 2 I put in my pledge, I need 1 lol

@macstar8317 3 жыл бұрын

Now that's a cool piece of kit. I currently get my Speccy fix from my standard 48+ and MiSTer FPGA. I'd also suggest checking out the N-Go Next Clone, as well as the Just Speccy 128 and Omni 128 Speccy clones

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Got a feeling I'll be getting all of these :) :)

@macstar8317 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack After buying an unpopulated PCB and doing nothing with it I just came across a fully assembled D1 rev Sizif on eBay complete with WIFI and BT modules (I think it's the creator selling them) so I jumped on it. Now I just need to find a Speccy+ case...

@TheRetroShack 2 жыл бұрын

@@macstar8317 Nice!

@johnwiesen4440 2 жыл бұрын

I got one from Ebay ready to it was ZX Sizif-512 - D1 - With WiFi and Bluetooth Modules. As I have to get my ZX Spectrum Next issue 2 in 2023. It works very nice and I use my ZX-HD so I can use my PC display. I had a old 48K case, that had been cut with two holes in the top so I did not mind to cut this one to get to the microSD socket. This one has some very good CPU speeds 3.5MHz, 4.4 MHz, 5.2MHz, 7MHz and 14MHz. I have found 5.2MHz is the sweet spot for some games.

@MoreFunMakingIt 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. I think I might have to build one of these! Shame speccy case/keyboard /membrane spares are quite expensive

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Check out Retro Radionics - I get all mine from there - really good value too :)

@MoreFunMakingIt 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack ill do that! Thanks for the recommendation

@MoreFunMakingIt 3 жыл бұрын

@@jackburton8352 it's a shame, but then if there wasn't a market we wouldn't be able to buy the product. Just have to spend wisely where I can 😁

@PaulYoung99s Жыл бұрын

From my perspective one of the most important things for me to understand is how compatible is the clone's edge connectors with my original peripherals, e.g. Interface 1 and Microdrives, Interface 2 ROMs, various floppy disk interfaces Etc ... Does the edge connector have voltage line and an NMI connection?

@paulstubbs7678 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review, however not being into the Spectrum, I had no idea about the timing thing. I do have ZX80 clone, however it needs a new keyboard (I received it with none) Looks like I'm going to have to do some spectrum research.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks - I’m still learning things about the Spectrum nearly forty years on! :) :)

@catcam 3 жыл бұрын

Green screen is "no go". Thanks for great content.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

There’s no green screen unfortunately - just a sub-par camera. Back to normal for next video - camera turned up today! Hooray!

@retro_basement 3 жыл бұрын

Great vid. Looks very interesting.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@RobA500 3 жыл бұрын

That’s looks a great little board. I have Spectrum Next in the pipe line otherwise this may have been a contender.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Why not get both ;) - Ignore me, that's the addict in me talking :) :)

@doperst2 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack I have a brand new D1 revision. Just waiting for a rubber case (dim transparent+black+golden) from RR. Until then, it's in a standby mode.

@macstar8317 3 жыл бұрын

@@doperst2 Where did you buy it from? I can't see any for sale anywhere

@MrMurdock2021 Жыл бұрын

Can you use the joystick port as a kempston mouse on this board

@scottxs904 Жыл бұрын

Hi, I have a SIZIF-512 that I bought Pre-assembled, the chap had put it in a 48k case and the back is a bit of a mess. Did you ever get a new back made for yours?

@mrljgibson 2 жыл бұрын

Just HDMI with audio, micro SDcard, and ZX Spectrum keyboard connectors, 2 or 4 MB of memory, joystick ports. With an FPGA that will allow it to emulate the rear hardware too. It doesn't really need much more. :D

@plymouthbiker 10 ай бұрын

Nice! Specky forever! ❤

@deterlanglytone Жыл бұрын

Did that Toastrack case ever release? I notice that the link still claims that the thing will be fund raised in the next two months. But this video went up a year or so ago. So... did it fail? Succeed? Safe to order?

@KJohansson 3 жыл бұрын

Been looking for a system to put in a Philips NMS 3000 case, will look into this.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Let me know how you get on :)

@richardpowell8198 Жыл бұрын

I need help with this board, I need the EGA/VGA there no info on the EGA pins anywhere, as my only TV with a scart is in the kitchen or I'll have to buy the zx VGA joy ,as I've tried a scart to hdmi adaptor and the picture quality is bad!! Anyone can help please 😂

@davidknoll 3 жыл бұрын

About keeping your original hardware safely in its box while using modern clones and add-ons to show today's youngsters. That's part of the experience! They'll never be real Spectrum people until they've seen a whole lot of "R Tape loading error, 0:1".

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

*shivers* I couldn’t inflict that on anyone :)

@Ndlanding 3 жыл бұрын

And listened to the loading noise!

@frankowalker4662 2 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately the Sizif 512k is no longer available. probebly for the best as I already have 2 48K's, 2 Toastracks, 3 128K+'s, a QL, a Harlequin 128 and a ZX Element. (that's just the Spectrum stuff. LOL.) BTW, with the DivMMC you can still load and run 128K software from the SD card as it boots into USR 0 mode, not 48K mode. Which means all the memory paging and AY sound is still accessible. :)

@xalalalala 3 жыл бұрын

I used to be a fan of those kind of devices but since I got my MiSTer about a year ago I just can't find a reason to spend more money with those. Even the Next core is working great!

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Going to have to jump into the Mister thing at some point I guess :). I feel I owe it to myself ;)

@xalalalala 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack ohh, I thought you had a MiSTer already! Well in that case, prepare for one of the greatest retro journeys you could have. You'll love it!

@Ndlanding 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack I'll look forward to that, since I have NFI about the MISTer. Must go look it up.

@8bitmark530 Жыл бұрын

Anyone know how this compares with a ZX Nuvo 128. The Nuvo has more discreet logic chips and doesn’t emulate in modern hardware it also has the divmmc built in… but I don’t know enough about Zx spectrums to know if there are downsides of a Nuvo over this board. Harlequin seems to be the most popular build not the Nuvo, why is that?

@bufordmaddogtannen 3 жыл бұрын

That's an impressive board. For the buttons I would have gone with 2 holes drilled in the case and a paperclip (or a pen tip depending on the size of the holes) though. 😉 BTW why the image looks smaller when the alternative ula plus color palette is on?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t drill into an old case - something in me won’t allow it :) Two different recording sessions about a week apart. Things fell apart while filming this episode and I lost a LOT of footage - It’s a real hodgepodge! :)

@bufordmaddogtannen 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack I meant drilling in the replacement case. 😁

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

@@bufordmaddogtannen Phew!!!

@ElectronGordo 2 жыл бұрын

Just an opinion about prices, Next KS2 is pretty expensive as you have pointed compares with Sizif, but not compared with NGo, the Spectrum Next clone, that has same features and some bugfixes that has not KS1 for a ridiculous prices compared with Next KS2 or even Sizif proyect.

@johndavis1465 2 жыл бұрын

were did you get sizif-512 bult version / can find pcb only ?

@TheRetroShack 2 жыл бұрын

I got mine off eBay but you do see them on SellMyRetro from time to time also.

@johandenhertog6878 Жыл бұрын

Strange that i go always for the Toastrack. For me that is the real ZX Spectrum experience nothing more nothing less.

@DAVIDGREGORYKERR 3 жыл бұрын

What about implementing the electronics of the Sinclair Spectrum using a SPARTAN FPGA and Level Shifters to prevent the FPGA from burning out all that would be needed is RAM chips and a EPROMs and a RF Modulator.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Stop giving me ideas! :) :) :) I don't have enough time for things as it is ;)

@davidknoll 3 жыл бұрын

Isn't that mostly what you've got with a Next? The CPU, graphics etc are all inside the FPGA.

@pev_ 3 жыл бұрын

Nice. You didn't mention power though, the lack of a heat sink leads me to believe it has a switch mode converter, is that so?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

It's a switching unit - variable voltage in and polarity independent so you can plug most things in without causing an issue, even an old Spectrum PSU :)

@pev_ 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Great, thanks!

@infopackrat 2 жыл бұрын

Someone should design a full 3d printable case for it. It may take a couple days to print though.

@Sc0pee 2 жыл бұрын

I have seen someone selling complete ZX spectrum Sinclair motherboard Sizif 512 kb + software on one site. I wonder how easy it is to set up. It doesn't come with a power and no RGB-cord either.

@TheRetroShack 2 жыл бұрын

The only thing to consider is that if you want to update your firmware, you'll need a TL866 programmer and a JTAG programmer for the Altera CPLD device - plus learning all of the software to go with it. I might do a video on the process to help folks out.

@Sc0pee 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Thank you for the reply!

@Kppot 3 жыл бұрын

This is an excellent implementation, probably the best clone. It runs every type of file, scl, trd, etc, which Next cannot, and it is really cheap and fits the rubber case quite nice Unfortunately, the development (by request of Russian community) went totally wrong way, concentrating on adding PC PS/2 keyboard, MIDI, FDD controller etc

@UzixLS 3 жыл бұрын

Which way do you think is the right one?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

I plan on getting hold of a few of these clone devices - to my mind, as long as they maintain compatibility with all software and they're reliable, I'm happy :) :)

@doperst2 3 жыл бұрын

@@UzixLS I'd quite agree with Kppot in what concerns MIDI and other uncommon music file types support on the daughterboard. The work started has to be done, ofcourse, but as a typical user, I'd kindly ask for more attention to the utilitary features, like nmi OSD, timings perfection and maybe more common features like tzx support, simple 8bit IDE support (back) and HDF files support..

@UzixLS 3 жыл бұрын

@@doperst2 1. NMI menu is already done, currently it's on testing (s.micp.ru/wV9ze.gif ). Timings are in the roadmap. 2. What about IDE - why you ask for it as there is SD card already? 3. HDF is HDD file image format for emulators, how Sizif should support it?

@8-bitsteve500 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, tell me where I can buy a kit to build one! ebay shows nothing

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

They pop up every now and then pre-built - but you may be able to contact Eugene via the GitHub page? He probably knows some makers :). Good luck in your hunt!

@cdl0 3 жыл бұрын

This video is to be commended for not attempting to modify any vintage computers in mint condition in their original packaging by a Dremmel or a paperclip, otherwise *The Retro Shack* would need to disable comments. ;-)

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't dream of it!

@syrus3k 2 жыл бұрын

Here here.

@aw34565 3 жыл бұрын

The z84c0010pec is a 10MHz part, so I guess the 14MHz mode is achieved by overclocking the CPU?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Guess so - it runs pretty stable at 14mhz and doesn’t get overly warm.

@PaulRoneClarke 3 жыл бұрын

I only found out about the Next after it had sold out. Now they are fetching stupid money on Ebay. 3x RRP. So I'm using emulators. Fitting a Pi into a Spectrum 3 case - using the original Spccy 3 keyboard. Currently sorting out the adaptor. That's going to be a tricky one, but if I can get it done that will do for me. I'd buy another Next in a heartbeat if they ever make another run.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Can't imagine they'd want to turn off the money tap :) I've a video coming up in a couple of weeks about getting a PI in a Spectrum case - You might enjoy that one :)

@PaulRoneClarke 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack That's great timing - I'd definitely be interested. I actually have a Pi Amiga and a Pi C64. I "could" play any games on them, but the OCD in me only lets me play the right games on the right machine. A Pi 4 is huge overkill for a Spectrum emulator - but they are so affordable and the projects are fun to do - so why not? :)

@macstar8317 3 жыл бұрын

Has anybody built one of these? I'd like to give it a go but haven't been through the process before. How do I find the PCB files, parts list and build guide? I can't seem to find these on the Github using the link in the video description

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

There's no build guide to my knowledge but I'm pretty sure there's a Bill Of Materials on the site somewhere - I'll have a dig around :)

@macstar8317 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Thanks. I've now got the latest revision (D1) main and WIFI PCBs from a seller on eBay and have found the BoM on the Github. Just need to source the parts and a CPLD programmer before starting the build

@WaynesWorld69 3 жыл бұрын

I need a bigger house....and more money.....and a heap of ZX Spectrum's, Amstrads, CBM, and Tandy CoCo and so many other 80's home computers. This is all your fault! :)

@jackburton8352 3 жыл бұрын

I feel you dude i grew up during the spectrum commodore age along with the BBC micro and the acorn a true age of innovation. Sad thing is acquiring these machines now just feels empty. I wanted them so bad as a child and to learn everything about them but my family couldn't afford such luxuries i did however eventually get a C64 and that's where i learned basic wrote my first true game on the Amiga using AMOS never reached the level of coder i knew i could be because back then no one took me seriously and computers were prohibitively expensive. Hmm if only.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Whoops! Sorry :) :) If it makes you feel any better I have no plans to stop ;)

@BertGrink 3 жыл бұрын

I hear you man, and let´s not forget the Beeb. Preferably a Master system.

@Ndlanding 3 жыл бұрын

@@BertGrink Agreed, but not the Master, which only served to split up the programmers and buyers, thus killing the poor darling. They should have had more memory in it from the start (as for the BBC A, stick that up your bottom!)

@weirdocollector 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review of the board! Who's its eBay seller?

@BertGrink 3 жыл бұрын

At the moment there seems to be only bare PCBs for sale; here´s a link to the seller´s shop page www.ebay.com/str/kit8bit?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 He has a lot of other Speccy related goodies for sale too, hence the shop

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

They pop up every now and again. Not sure if the eBayer I got it off was a business account though so won't post it here :)

@weirdocollector 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Thanks! I'll keep an eye on that!

@baze3SC Жыл бұрын

Do you own the board displayed at 0:50? Please take good care of it. ULAs from SAGA are rare.

@Radiolubitel-Petrovich 2 жыл бұрын

Очень интересно, спасибо за видео.

@crayzeape2230 3 жыл бұрын

While marketed as a CPLD the MAXII series is not Macrocell based like traditional CPLD devices, rather, it's LUT based just like a modern FPGA. It used an inbuilt config ROM rather than external, just like Intel's (they bought Altera) Current MAX 10 FPGA chips. So not "Kinda, sorta, a bit like FPGA", it really is an FPGA, only marketed as a CPLD as it targeted a similar market.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Well, consider me kinda, sorta educated on the topic ;) Thanks! All too clever for me anyway :) :)

@andypyne 3 жыл бұрын

I posted a link to this video on the World of Spectrum Facebook Group and the first comment back was 'N-GO does all this and more'. Looking up the price it's ~EU100 + VAT, so guessing about £100 (EU100=GBP85). Anyone have any thoughts on this? I couldn't find a shoot-out comparing the features of both boards. As a MiSTer owner, I'm somewhat spoiled, but it'd be interesting to see a shoot-out video of a few boards comparing price and feature sets

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Darn it! I guess I'm going to have to get an N-GO now! :) :)

@bapussbagpuss1282 3 жыл бұрын

Thre n go is a really a first gen next mothboard made in spain. Next is n open source board. Activeconsulant (i think is about the right name) sell an ngo in a remanufactured traditional speccy case.

@andypyne 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack If you've not got a MiSTer, I'd highly recommend that first :) I've got a plethora of resources for it if you do have/get one and need any pointers ;)

@andypyne 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Typical! Like busses, you wait years for Spectrum hardware clones and then ....... sites.google.com/view/elementzx/home (this was posted today on the ZX Spectrum Clones Facebook group)

@joefish6091 2 жыл бұрын

How about a Spectrum with a HD64180 inside it.

@DAVIDGREGORYKERR 2 жыл бұрын

The next SPECTRUM Clone will have to be a ZILOG Z800 or a ZILOG Z8000 based machine to make for machines that can run 32bit games and be backward compatibility using LUT emulation.

@bigern73 3 жыл бұрын

Was that a real serial port on the back?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Think that's the joystick port you're looking at there :)

@bigern73 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Sorry, of course it is, just happens to be the same footprint

@bigern73 3 жыл бұрын

I've still got a 48k Kempston interface in my cupboard, not Spectrum (or joystick) though

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

@@bigern73 Well, if you don’t need it you can always send it in to me :)

@bigern73 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Break off your address, it's all yours. I can't remember how many years I've held onto this, or why. I nearly bought a 48k ZX from a car boot sale maybe 3 years ago for £25, but for the life of me, I can't remember why I didn't

@BER-UK 3 жыл бұрын

Look up the ESP32 Spectrum Emulator. TTGO VGA32

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Now that looks like an interesting project too - going to keep an eye on that one! Thanks!

@donpalmera 3 жыл бұрын

what's a sea-ga?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

A See-Ga my friend is what I grew up saying before the days of the internet and before the Megadrive (Genesis) came out and the Sonic cartridge shamed me by shouting Say-Ga! To this day I’m fifty fifty on which I say :) :)

@RK-zf1jm 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah original graphics for me the ULA just does not look right to me. guess it could be just me but i prefer the old style look takes me back to when i was a kid the ULA + not so much

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

It's an interesting gimmick and to be fair *some* games to look a bit more realistic with an altered palette (looking at you Commando!) but for the most part I do like the charm of the old Spectrum colours :)

@RK-zf1jm 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack I think there is a case for it its probably more my head saying that does not look right you remember that game.

@anthony2806 3 жыл бұрын

got burnt by one of the clone machine once said to myself not buying one of them again.My Vega+ is sat in a draw only fit for the bin.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Never used a Vega but not heard many good things about them :(

@anthony2806 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack yeah someone message me after seeing this comment and offer me £100 for it posting 1st thing on Monday morning to them.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

@@anthony2806 Result!

@jacktheripper6716 3 жыл бұрын

checked ebay last one was sold in may =/

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

LOL - probably me!

@jacktheripper6716 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack lol yeah i got many kits but lack the parts to build one

@All_Noing 3 жыл бұрын

I just come here to listen.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

To me wibble on? Are you ok? :) :)

@BertGrink 3 жыл бұрын

Damn... Now i have to rob a bank or two... AAARGHHH!!!

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

:) I can't condone criminal activity... But these are nice... :P

@Ndlanding 3 жыл бұрын

You get a like, but I really have to wonder why anyone would want to re-live the awful Spectrum era. Back then, I was very poor, but my computer-engineer frien lent me a ZX 81 (with a keyboard and wobbly 16K hang-off the back mem board!) and then the BBC B (32K), the latter of which I loved to death but drove me mad inventing compression systems because of its laughable user memory. My flatmate had a Spectrum which I tried once and was horrified by. Emigration followed, and no computer until work bought an Amstrad PC, then I soon bought a real 386sx. To this day, I would never accept a Spectrum even as a fully-functioning, updated gift. But it was nice to see your video, just to confirm that.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

I guess it's just what you knew and loved growing up - I was give my Spectrum as a Christmas present and as my first computer I absolutely loved it! :)

@Ndlanding 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Yeah, each to his own memories! I don't suppose spud guns are too popular now.

@NoobixCube 3 жыл бұрын

Before I saw the message on screen about the backup camera I thought “is he playing silly-buggers with a deep fake program? Is this someone else wearing his face generated by AI?”

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe I have been replaced by a robot :)

@Ndlanding 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack They didn't make it very convincing.

@em00k 3 жыл бұрын

I know you are using a different camera, but even before you look a little yellow - don't think the colour balance is correct or the LED lights are causing a tint.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

I guess new lights are next on the agenda! :)

@bufordmaddogtannen 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack or you could calibrate the white on the camera? 😁

@alphabeets 3 жыл бұрын

What’s the point? What do people actually use these for?

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Personally it's a way of exploring the art of the possible, re-kindling my love for these old machines, and just having fun! :)

@rogerhudson2814 3 жыл бұрын

The deal breaker in the 1980s was always horrible keyboards and poor computer languages support. The only game I've ever played on a computer was 'lemmings '.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Well, if you're only ever going to play one game - Lemmings isn't a bad choice! :)

@user-oz1ix5pd4c 8 ай бұрын

Next лучшая 8 битная платформа?

@b213videoz 3 жыл бұрын

90 pounds ?! For that I can still buy a working commodore 64 (original one)

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

Not sure how that would help with Spectrum games though ;) In all seriousness though, these types of boards are not for everyone, but they are super cool!

@b213videoz 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Ah! The easiest way to improve ZX-Spectrum graphics for a particular game is to play a C64 version of that game 😃 Of course it doesn't always work as many games (surprisingly) look better on ZX

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

@@b213videoz But not if you like Brown. If you like Brown, you need the C64 :) :) (Or a Spectrum with a ULA Plus) :)

@doperst2 3 жыл бұрын

@@b213videoz If I want to play a better graphics and sound version, i play a PC remake of Spectrum game (plenty of them available for free). I come back to Spectrum for color clashing and rubber keyboard. I drop about 40 years from my age this way. I just leave alone my PC with 24 cores CPU, 100500 cores GPU and 64 GB RAM and sit back to play Quazatron. The old fashioned way.

@b213videoz 3 жыл бұрын

@@doperst2 I hear you! Most of the "remakes" are crap, for example the original Underwurlde looks great with 16 colours graphics, that 256 colours version is crap BUT I hate colour clashing so I play C64 Underwurlde version which looks and plays exactly like ZX's but without colour clashing

@stevewhitcher6719 3 жыл бұрын

I would NOT buy anything from Retro Radionics if i were you i ordered some cases $230 worth Back in February I've chased several times and they dont even respond to my emails. If they are busy and my order is delayed at let me know that would be fine.

@TheRetroShack 3 жыл бұрын

That’s very odd - I get all my cases from them and haven’t had a problem as yet. Let’s see if this new one turns up… I’ll let you know.

@stevewhitcher6719 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRetroShack Yes i was suprised never had an issue from them in the past. But i've tried several times to contact them.

@lister_of_smeg6545 3 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for a case from them since July 2019. I don't expect to ever receive it to be quite frank.

@manicdataminer 3 жыл бұрын

I've had a problem with one of the two ArcadeR joysticks I ordered not arriving, possibly not being sent at all (from China) since the tracking number was invalid. Had to persist with multiple e-mails over the course of several months in order for them to send me a new one. From what I understand RR is basically a one man show, and probably has problems keeping up. In addition, I suspect they may have issues with their postal service, with goods getting nicked by their local couriers who forward bogus tracking numbers to RR. No concrete evidence though, just a hunch. In any case, persistence is key. And ordering locally if possible, not from China. Base prices can be higher and stocks not so full, but shipping can be cheaper (and most probably quicker).

@joefish6091 2 жыл бұрын

For the young uns keen to experience ZX Spectrum, use an emulator, either downloaded or webpage based. cost free. as in nothing.