End of ZX81 production.

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Fwapp
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End of ZX81 production.

Post by Fwapp »

With yesterday being the 35th anniversary of the ZX81's launch, I made me wonder if anyone knew the date when the ZX81 officially ceased production? Idle curiosity on my part really :)

Also loosely related to the launch date, a mate of mine bought a ZX81 after we figured a way to identify early ZX81's - he opened it up and the date code on the 2c158e is 8102! Same date as the PCW review. Jammy :D
ZX80, ZX81 - 2C158C Bugged Rom iss.1, 2C158C "kludge fix" iss1, 2C184E iss1, 2C210E iss3, US NTSC iss1 "straight traces", US NTSC iss3 TS1000
Moggy
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by Moggy »

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Fwapp
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by Fwapp »

Ta - Any idea of month? A quick skim didn't see that bit jump out.
ZX80, ZX81 - 2C158C Bugged Rom iss.1, 2C158C "kludge fix" iss1, 2C184E iss1, 2C210E iss3, US NTSC iss1 "straight traces", US NTSC iss3 TS1000
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1024MAK
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by 1024MAK »

No, but 1984 was when the QL went on sale. So I suspect that the ZX81's that were still being sold were the last of a batch that had been made in 1983.

The ZX Spectrum became the priority soon after launch when it became clear that it was very popular. Sales of the Zeddy slowed from then on.

Mark
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Moggy
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by Moggy »

1024MAK wrote:No, but 1984 was when the QL went on sale. So I suspect that the ZX81's that were still being sold were the last of a batch that had been made in 1983.

The ZX Spectrum became the priority soon after launch when it became clear that it was very popular. Sales of the Zeddy slowed from then on.

Mark
I tend to agree with that as every issue 3 I have looked at never seemed to have chip/ULA dates above 83.
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Fwapp
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by Fwapp »

Excellent :) Only seen 83 date codes in issues 3 here as well.
ZX80, ZX81 - 2C158C Bugged Rom iss.1, 2C158C "kludge fix" iss1, 2C184E iss1, 2C210E iss3, US NTSC iss1 "straight traces", US NTSC iss3 TS1000
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ranma_simon
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by ranma_simon »

Games production, most of all in France, will continue until all 1985!

Great moments!!!
rune
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by rune »

Im sure the last ZX81 I got had either the ULA or Z80 with an 84 date code. All ICs were soldered directly to the PCB.
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1024MAK
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by 1024MAK »

Photos please :mrgreen:
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp

:!: Standby alert :!:
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
rune
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Re: End of ZX81 production.

Post by rune »

Almost but not quite...

Image

Its on an Issue 1 board so is probably a repair.
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