Identifying Board Version
Posted: Sat Jul 13, 2019 12:17 pm
Is there a way to identify the board version of a ZX Spectrum that doesn't involve having to open it?
It has a yellow 48K sticker underneath and serial number: 035-202763 in red by the expansion port.
PCB is green and the keyboard membrane cable is dull transparent white.
I can also see the heatsink. It is folded such that it is just above the edge connector. I can see the reflections of the chips below it.
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"It is often possible to determine which version of the Spectrum 16/48K one has without opening the case, as there are a number of clues:
If the rubber keys are a light fawn colour it's an issue 1 board.
If the keys are dark grey, look into the edge connector slot to see whether an aluminium heatsink is visible -especially at the power socket end. If you don't see the heatsink it's an issue 2 board which has the heatsink near the forward corner of the board, under the keyboard.
If the heatsink is visible it's an issue 3 or 3B board - there is very little difference between them.
Although the Spectrum+ usually has an issue 3B board, this cannot always be assumed - the Spectrum+ keyboard upgrade kit allowed owners of older machines to house their old circuit boards in new cases." - Planet Sinclair
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It has a yellow 48K sticker underneath and serial number: 035-202763 in red by the expansion port.
PCB is green and the keyboard membrane cable is dull transparent white.
I can also see the heatsink. It is folded such that it is just above the edge connector. I can see the reflections of the chips below it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It is often possible to determine which version of the Spectrum 16/48K one has without opening the case, as there are a number of clues:
If the rubber keys are a light fawn colour it's an issue 1 board.
If the keys are dark grey, look into the edge connector slot to see whether an aluminium heatsink is visible -especially at the power socket end. If you don't see the heatsink it's an issue 2 board which has the heatsink near the forward corner of the board, under the keyboard.
If the heatsink is visible it's an issue 3 or 3B board - there is very little difference between them.
Although the Spectrum+ usually has an issue 3B board, this cannot always be assumed - the Spectrum+ keyboard upgrade kit allowed owners of older machines to house their old circuit boards in new cases." - Planet Sinclair
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