ZX81
Sinclair ZX81
The ZX81 was the successor to the ZX80, still based on the Zilog Z80A but with 8K ROM rather than 4K, and the same 1K RAM. The biggest technical difference was the integration of many of the ICs into one component, which reduced the chip count and the cost, starting at £49.95 for a kit, and £69.95 for a ready-built machine.
Read MoreTowers of Hanoi for Sinclair ZX81 in 1K
My one claim to fame – a short program I submitted to Sinclair Programs magazine in 1983. I was shuffed with this because I’d managed to cram it into just 1K. I hadn’t yet invested in a 16K RAM pack.
Read MoreZX81 Keyboard Replacement
My ZX81 clearly didn’t like being taken apart and the keyboard started failing once the ZXvid unit was installed, probably because the old ribbon cables had deteriorated, though they had looked OK.
Read MoreZX81 RF SCART lead
After accidentally trashing the original RF lead for the ZX81, I ordered a new one but in the meantime thought I’d see if I had any suitable alternatives knocking around among the random AV cables I’ve kept. Finding a phono to SCART convertor, I thought I’d give it a try:
Read MoreZXvid installation
Spent 2 hours on the ZXvid module this afternoon. A fiddly process and I pondered many times on the £15 saving on having this fitted. Ah well, wouldn’t be half the fun.
Read MoreZXvid has arrived for my ZX81
The old 5inch TV went to the tip last weekend so have finally had to get hold of the ZXvid module that will enable me to use the ZX81 on a ‘proper’ TV. I’ll probably be attempting to install over the coming weekend. More info here: http://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx812.html Bought it here: http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/Sinclair_ZX81_ZXVid_-_Composite_Video%25ULA_Fix_(self-fit)-2338
Read MoreZXvid has arrived
The old 5inch TV went to the tip last weekend so have finally had to get hold of the ZXvid module that will enable me to use the ZX81 on a ‘proper’ TV.
Read MoreReady to ZXpand
My mini TV has arrived and with a bit of fine-tuning we’re in business: However, the quality is pretty poor. I can only get a clear display if I stand up to the right of the machine and hold onto the UHF cable, which it makes it pretty hard to key stuff in 8-( The…
Read MoreHi-tech display for ZX81 on the way…
Last week I found a (possibly) suitable TV on eBay for just over £10 with postage. It’s only a 5.5in display but I hope this will be sufficient for some basic testing. Still not arrived though. In the meantime, I’ve been thinking about how to load/save any programs I end up writing. I don’t have…
Read MoreZX81 – out of the box
It must be an age thing but I’ve recently started (investing?) in retro kit, from the 1990s, 1980s and earlier. This has included hifi (including recently a superb Pioneer A400 – http://www.gbaudio.co.uk/data/a400.htm) amplifier, and vinyl LPs, but one item that I’ve had on the list for a while is a Sinclair ZX81 home computer. I bought…
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