A rising pattern within the retro computing neighborhood includes constructing computer systems from new {hardware} which are absolutely appropriate with a traditional system. Many classic machines are pushing forty and even fifty years outdated at this level, and they’re getting more durable to return by on a regular basis as key parts fail. Sure customized chips which have been out of manufacturing for a very long time, specifically, could be very tough or costly to acquire.
The ZX Spectrum was a extremely popular laptop, particularly within the UK, all through the Nineteen Eighties. It might not have been the most effective machine round, but it surely was fairly cheap and had respectable graphics capabilities, so a big gaming neighborhood fashioned across the ZX Spectrum that also endures to at the present time. With thousands and thousands of items having been bought, it’s nonetheless fairly simple to choose one up, however that won’t at all times be the case. So YouTuber TME Retro determined to construct a model new ZX Spectrum from elements which are nonetheless in manufacturing, or that may be 3D-printed at dwelling.
The replica system board (📷: TME Retro)
If you’ll go to all the difficulty of constructing a pc, you would possibly as nicely throw in some enhancements if you are at it. So TME Retro wished to be sure that the construct was smaller than beasts just like the ZX Spectrum +2, but additionally with a a lot nicer keyboard than the membrane monstrosity discovered on the unique ZX Spectrum. And who desires to load video games from a cassette tape? An upgraded interface was additionally to ensure that reliability and velocity.
Because it seems, many of the work has already been performed. Getting a model new ZX Spectrum is generally only a matter of understanding find out how to work with the merchandise which are presently obtainable, however after all you’ll have to put in some elbow grease as nicely. If you’re not accustomed to what’s going on on this world, relaxation simple, TME Retro’s video will stroll you thru every part it’s essential know.
Firstly, you’ll need a recreation of the unique system board. The ByteDelight Harlequin 128K equipment is a good choice, because it consists of the PCB, the entire needed chips, and the passive parts — simply add solder. This board does differ from the ZX Spectrum in a single notable manner, nonetheless. The ULA chip is not in manufacturing, so its perform has been reproduced by a handful of discrete logic chips. This will increase the chip depend significantly, however it’s 100% appropriate with the unique design.
The assembled laptop (📷: TME Retro)
The populated board was fitted within a streamlined, 3D-printed case that comes full with a mechanical keyboard with keycaps labeled within the ZX Spectrum model. As a final touch, a SMART Card V3.1 Spectrum Interface was plugged into the growth port of the pc. This makes it potential to load software program from an SD card — adios, cassette tapes!
There’s nonetheless one closing step needed earlier than you’ll be able to play Manic Miner. The Harlequin equipment comes with a ROM loaded with solely a diagnostic software that confirms that the {hardware} is working accurately. You will want to burn one other ROM chip with a ZX Spectrum system ROM picture and pop it on the board to recover from the end line.
If you’re fascinated about constructing a model new ZX Spectrum of your personal, TME Retro has some recommendation for you. Make sure you learn the guide! Getting it proper the primary time might prevent hours of debugging and desoldering.
