The ZX Spectrum is a low-cost home computer, manufactured from 1982 until 1984 by Sinclair Research Ltd in the United Kingdom.
In the 80s, the ZX Spectrum was a competitor to the Commodore 64, thanks to a cheaper price and small size.
Compared to the predecessors Sinclair ZX80 and Sinclair ZX81, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum generates a color image and has an internal buzzer for audio.
In my collection of vintage computers were missing... of Spectrum. I've always wanted to have one, also because, when I was a child, a friend of mine had one. I, on the other hand, had the Commodore 64 and then the Commodore 128. Così, ho deciso di acquistare questo retro computer, insieme ad altri computer, nell’estate 2021. Ecco il video dell'acquisto del lotto:
Sinclair ZX Spectrum boot screen
La schermata di avvio dello Spectrum mostra, in basso, la scritta "(c) 1982 Sinclair Research Ltd", che rimane fino alla pressione di un tasto. L’immagine è disponibile all’uscita RF (canale analogico 36). Nel caso del mio computer, il venditore aveva già fatto la modifica video composita, per cui, al connettore di uscita, non è presente il segnale RF, ma è presente il video composito CVBS.
Technical characteristics of the ZX Spectrum
CPU: Zilog Z80A a 3.5 MHz
ROM: 16 kB
RAM: 16 kB or 48 kB (depending on version)
Video: 16 colors, text 32 columns × 24 lines, graphics 256 x 195 pixels
Audio: buzzer
Keyboard: QWERTY 40 keys, membrane
Software included in ROM: Sinclair BASIC
Expansion ports:
- 1 Expansion port
- 1 Antenna (RF connection to TV)
- 2 Cassette recorder ports (out and in)
Dimensions: 23 cm (width) x 14.4 cm (depth) x 3 cm (height), 550 g
Emulation
E’ possibile emulare lo Spectrum, su un comune PC Windows, tramite l'emulatore EightyOne, che emula anche altri modelli di Sinclair. In questo modo, è possibile provare ad avviare programmi e giochi, nonché programmare il retro computer, in maniera semplice e comoda… senza nemmeno possedere il Sinclair ZX Spectrum!
Power supply
The power supply of the Sinclair Spectrum is external. It generates a single 9 V voltage in direct current, unstabilized, with wide tolerance. The available current is 1.2 A.
Papers
1. Sinclair Spectrum BASIC programming manual
2. Sinclair ZX Spectrum introduction
3. Sinclair ZX Spectrum service manual
Date of entry into the collection: 08/25/2021