Search found 225 matches

by Erm
Fri Apr 16, 2021 12:23 am
Forum: Hardware
Topic: You’re gonna need a bigger switch!
Replies: 6
Views: 1870

Re: You’re gonna need a bigger switch!

Back of PCB looks like this Mark. One side is all ground. The connections on the other side (only 3 are needed in this case) go to A13, A14 and A15 on the ROM-el. The ROM has space for 8x 8kb ROM images: 0000h - Bugged ROM (7) 2000h - ZX81x2 (Big Bang) (6) 4000h - Husband Forth (5) 6000h - ASZMIC (4...
by Erm
Thu Apr 15, 2021 9:32 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: You’re gonna need a bigger switch!
Replies: 6
Views: 1870

Re: You’re gonna need a bigger switch!

Hello Lardo (and Mark). They can be a bit fiddly can't they. That PCB type you have there actually originated from Mr Ingley and is the type he uses (or used) for the vLA81 external switch (when present). I actually had some made to provide with the ROM-el setup, but they are no larger.... I searche...
by Erm
Wed Apr 07, 2021 10:07 pm
Forum: Hardware
Topic: Interface 1 Rom Upgrade
Replies: 10
Views: 11701

Re: Interface 1 Rom Upgrade

An even later contribution, but I've been playing with a few IF1's lately and have found that with 2 of them the ROM chips had failed. Very often it's the ULA that goes, but it seems the ROM chips can also die. Might be a coincidence but both were also the same type - TMS4764NL ZX84208 B8340L, made ...
by Erm
Sun Apr 04, 2021 12:35 pm
Forum: ZX Spectrum Lounge
Topic: Newb - How to load .MDR image?
Replies: 10
Views: 5376

Re: Newb - How to load .MDR image?

Toolkit says its installed. Do I have to assign my file to vdrive one? I can't just drop it in there? The .ld 1 "filename" is what should assign the image to vdrive 1. Assming the file is on the root of the SD card and you haven't changed directories. Have you initialised the SD card? That will for...
by Erm
Sat Apr 03, 2021 4:54 pm
Forum: ZX Spectrum Lounge
Topic: Newb - How to load .MDR image?
Replies: 10
Views: 5376

Re: Newb - How to load .MDR image?

If it doesn't accept .ld 1 "filename" then that could indicate that the toolkit is not loaded.

With no SD card in the vdrive, reboot the Spectrum and enter RUN (the keyword).

Or, is there perhaps an image already assigned to vdrive 1?
by Erm
Sat Apr 03, 2021 12:11 am
Forum: ZX Spectrum Lounge
Topic: Newb - How to load .MDR image?
Replies: 10
Views: 5376

Re: Newb - How to load .MDR image?

You should consult the vDrive ZX manual for that. You do have to install the toolkit first (and always, at least if you want to change what images are assigned to the virtual drives - but once you have all 8 setup with different images then you can load them without the loading the tk). You have to ...
by Erm
Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:39 pm
Forum: ZX Spectrum Lounge
Topic: Nabbed an Issue One!
Replies: 0
Views: 1857

Nabbed an Issue One!

Got this recently from it's original first owner. It was offered for sale with 3 microdrives, a complete Iss 6A Spectrum (in rubber key case), PSU, IF1 and a few other bits. There was no mention in the desc or title that it included an Issue One, and I don't think the seller had enabled visibility t...
by Erm
Tue Mar 30, 2021 10:26 pm
Forum: ZX Spectrum Lounge
Topic: Working Games Cartridge MDR Image (from the IF1 pack)
Replies: 8
Views: 13244

Re: Working Games Cartridge MDR Image (from the IF1 pack)

The 'Games Cartridge' is certainly an official release, it came with the Interface 1 pack that Sinclair sold, which included 2 other carts with content, a blank one, an actual microdrive, cable, manual etc.

The actual Games designer BASIC file is corrupted and it never actually loads the m/c part.
by Erm
Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:41 am
Forum: Welcome Area
Topic: Great to meet you
Replies: 33
Views: 9900

Re: Great to meet you

Thanks Moggy :) As nobody else seems to be doing it, I'm considering supplying sets of the decals via sellmyretro in case other people want to finish off their ZX80 in the same way. decal-set.jpg Take my money! I had a bit of a retro-brighting mishap with the main ZX80 logo on my later moulded mode...
by Erm
Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:30 pm
Forum: ZX Spectrum Lounge
Topic: 128k +2 Mysterious Videos issue.
Replies: 36
Views: 17773

Re: 128k +2 Mysterious Videos issue.

Yes, it's nice to have my main Speccy going again with perfect picture etc. I even oiled the tape mech, it's not perfect but loads and saves well. I like the grey +2 because: 1. They're cheap compared to the original 128k. 2. Microdrive compatibility (unlike all the later versions). 3. Cassette deck...