Sockets for components

Discussions about Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81 Hardware
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Lardo Boffin
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Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Sockets for components

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Is it possible to get sockets for various of the ZX81 components? ICs are well catered for but what about the 6.5 MHz regulator and the transistors?

It would be useful to be able to test them in situ without having to solder and then remove them. Especially given that they can be trashed while being removed (especially by me! :oops: )

I can imagine that it would be easy enough to use a turned pin socket (once chopped up) to go into the motherboard but then the component wire may well not be a snug fit.

I did see this one eBay but have not had chance to measure up to see if it would fit.

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRANSISTOR-SOC ... %7Ciid%3A1

Edit - the issue one motherboard has the transistors with three pins in a row so no it won’t.
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
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1024MAK
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Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...

Re: Sockets for components

Post by 1024MAK »

Sockets did exist for the metal cased transistors (TO5 type cases). But for modern TO92 cases (where there are various pin-outs) I'm not sure if there are any specific sockets. I use either single in line turned pin sockets, cut-down turned pin IC sockets, or sometimes "stamped pin" sockets.

As far as I know, there used to be sockets for the very large crystals. But again, I'm not sure about the size of crystal used in Sinclair and other 1980s to 1990s computers. Not seen any crystal sockets for sale for years...

Link to transistor sockets at RS components

Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
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Lardo Boffin
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Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Re: Sockets for components

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Thanks. I had a quick look at the underside of an issue one PCB and it looks like the three crystal pins are more or less 2.5mm apart and in a straight line so it may be possible that I can cut down some turned pin header socket connector.
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
User avatar
1024MAK
Posts: 5101
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:56 am
Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...

Re: Sockets for components

Post by 1024MAK »

Be aware that crystals are a bit finicky about poor connections...
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.
Lardo Boffin
Posts: 2160
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Re: Sockets for components

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Thanks. Mine seem finicky in general. :?
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
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