ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Discussions about Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81 Hardware
Post Reply
Behrens
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2024 6:32 pm

ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Behrens »

Hi,

I have the old BEOCOMP (ZX81) that I would like to connect to my modern TV. And of course it doesn't work directly via RF. I am considering this module:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/404137357845

Has anyone had any experience with it?

PS. I don't believe the computer has ever been opened. It is mint condition, and I would prefer to keep it like that. So Composite mod is not my first choice.
User avatar
1024MAK
Posts: 5378
Joined: Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:56 am
Location: Looking forward to summer in Somerset, UK...
Contact:

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by 1024MAK »

Here's a picture from that eBay listing:
eBay item
eBay item
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Amp

:!: Standby alert :!:
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Bah humbug, it’s the winter. Looking forward to 2025.
Lardo Boffin
Posts: 2237
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Lardo Boffin »

For ones I don’t want to open I just bought one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305611975311 ... media=COPY
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
Exile
Posts: 64
Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2023 9:50 pm

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Exile »

Lardo Boffin wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2024 4:59 pm For ones I don’t want to open I just bought one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305611975311 ... media=COPY

I followed this advice and bought a similar 5.5 inch B&W TV from ebay. It works very well with a ZX81 connected over RF
Behrens
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2024 6:32 pm

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Behrens »

Lardo Boffin wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2024 4:59 pm For ones I don’t want to open I just bought one of these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305611975311 ... media=COPY
Thanks. I'll try the HDMI converter and report back om my findings...
Lardo Boffin
Posts: 2237
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Lardo Boffin »

The B&W TV has the added bonus of extra nostalgia when in use. 8-)

I’m very jealous of the BEOCOMP by the way. Its not a variant I think I have seen for sale. :cry:
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
Moggy
Posts: 3429
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 2:00 pm

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Moggy »

I can vouch for that little tv which is doubly useful as it has a composite input too, as well as an audio input that can be used with AY.
???????????????????????????PIINKEY$?????RND????????????????????????????????????????????????????????PI????????
Behrens
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2024 6:32 pm

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Behrens »

Lardo Boffin wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:05 pm The B&W TV has the added bonus of extra nostalgia when in use. 8-)

I’m very jealous of the BEOCOMP by the way. Its not a variant I think I have seen for sale. :cry:
Well, if it works, I may put it up for sale...
Behrens
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Aug 22, 2024 6:32 pm

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Behrens »

Behrens wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2024 3:25 pm Hi,

I have the old BEOCOMP (ZX81) that I would like to connect to my modern TV. And of course it doesn't work directly via RF. I am considering this module:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/404137357845

Has anyone had any experience with it?

PS. I don't believe the computer has ever been opened. It is mint condition, and I would prefer to keep it like that. So Composite mod is not my first choice.
Hi,

I received the RF tuner, and it does not work well enough. It will tune and find the ZX81, but each scan line is shifted at bit horizontally, making the text unreadable.
Lardo Boffin
Posts: 2237
Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 2:42 am

Re: ZX81 (BEOCOMP version) using RF to HDMI converter

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Behrens wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2024 12:33 pm
Lardo Boffin wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2024 11:05 pm The B&W TV has the added bonus of extra nostalgia when in use. 8-)

I’m very jealous of the BEOCOMP by the way. Its not a variant I think I have seen for sale. :cry:
Well, if it works, I may put it up for sale...
I’d buy it if not working. I suspect it is a normal zeddy inside and therefore fixable.
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
Post Reply