I am not sure. Depends on the keyboard. If it does work on a normal ZX80 it will work with the ZX80CORE as well.XorA wrote:Will I be able to plug my one of my Memotech Memopak Keyboards into this and it just work?
But the keyboard input in general is different between ZX80 and ZX81. In ZX81 there are open collector outputs of the ULA which allow to attach a second keyboard parallel to the internal keyboard. So a key is detected if it is either on the internal or external keyboard pressed. That concept does not work this way with the ZX80 because there is a busdriver which has to be deactivated when using external keyboard.
We discussed it on the german forum. There had been the possibility to change the circuit in general form that bus driver to open collector technology but we decided against it because it's different to the ZX80. Paul said he would simply pull out IC10 (74LS365) and then the external keyboard can be connected. But then the LOAD signal is not detected (don't know if you plan to use this audio signal).
But we placed a special keyboard connector with signals KBD0-KBD4, A8-A15, Reset, GND and VCC for own adaptions. Or you do your own mod while placing a switch to the enable inputs. You can see this connector on the last pictures directly above the diodes D3-D10. There is not too much space but would be possible to use a ribbon cable soldered in the board or something like that. Depends on your case (maybe no case at all).
But as stated first, if it works in any ZX80 it will work in this ZX80CORE without any modification.
And there is still the possibility to use tactile switches which are quite cheap (about EUR 12,00 for a full set with 40) and you don't need an original keyboard membrane and can print the keyboard layout on paper, laminate it and place it above the tactile switches. There are really quite easy to press and makes fun typing with these switches. Up to you.
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