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. So, I decided to buy this retro computer, along with other computers, in summer 2021. Here is the video of the purchase of the lot:
Sinclair ZX Spectrum boot screen
The Spectrum's boot screen shows "(c) 1982 Sinclair Research Ltd" at the bottom, which remains until a button is pressed. The image is available at the RF output (analog channel 36). In the case of my computer, the seller had already done the composite video editing, so at the output connector there is no RF signal, but there is CVBS composite video.
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
It is possible to emulate the Spectrum, on a common Windows PC, through the EightyOne emulator, which also emulates other Sinclair models. In this way, you can try to start programs and games, as well as program the back computer, in a simple and convenient way... without even owning the 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