ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

ZX80 / ZX81 hardware and software offered for sale or swapping
RWAP
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Location: Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by RWAP »

I have now managed to find another supply of Molex keyboard connectors.

These will unfortunately be the last ones, as Molex have decided to stop making the 8 way connector for some reason (and no-one seems to have any stocks hanging about).

http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/detail ... -ZX81-2014
poglad
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Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2014 3:11 pm
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by poglad »

I recently ordered the ZX80Core kit - I wonder how easy it would be to attach one of these connectors somewhere on the board so that a genuine ZX81 membrane could be used when running the ZX81 ROM?
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PokeMon
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Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by PokeMon »

There are several solutions for this.
First - the keyboard table of the ZX80 rom or ZX81 rom could be patched.

Second - the ZX81 membrane can be used with overlayed on the ZX80 membrane when using the (optional) SMD tactile switches.
I tested this and it is very easy to press the keys through both membranes, one over the other.

Third - you could use a ZX81 mouse pad with the correct keyboard layout, like here (don't know if there are still mouse pads left):

http://forum.tlienhard.com/phpBB3/viewt ... pad#p11140

Fourth - there is a separate keyboard connector on the board (J95) which can be connected to the ZX81 membrane with MOLEX connectors but there is cabling necessary as well. So this might be used - be careful to solder cables directly into the boards connector cause otherwise it wouldn't fit into the case. ;)
poglad
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Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by poglad »

Wow, options galore! Thanks for the fast reply! :D
Won't fit in the case, eh? ;)
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PokeMon
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Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by PokeMon »

poglad wrote: Won't fit in the case, eh? ;)
You will see when you put the board into a case.
If you solder small cables instead of a pin connector it may fit.
Just keep it in your mind. ;)
poglad
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Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2014 3:11 pm
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by poglad »

Oh okay - I thought maybe you were hinting that the new transparent case was about to be revealed! :)
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PokeMon
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Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:48 pm

Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by PokeMon »

Yes it is - I am looking for a free CAD program to make some nice drawings ...
Any hints welcome. ;)
gertk
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Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2012 9:09 pm

Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by gertk »

In one of my ZX projects I used these from RS Components:

718-8769 Recept pcb horiz 5 way 2.54mm Trio-Mate

and

718-8668 Recept pcb horiz 8 way 2.54mm Trio-Mate
The connector board inside my NXP81
The connector board inside my NXP81
small_2012-07-18 22.01.16.jpg (133.85 KiB) Viewed 5645 times
The membrane foils fit in there perfectly.
Difference with the original ZX connectors is that the pins are not in a straight line but zigzag pattern.
TrioMate flex receptacles
TrioMate flex receptacles
small_2012-07-18 19.58.38.jpg (74.54 KiB) Viewed 5645 times
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gyozo
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Joined: Thu Apr 20, 2017 7:45 pm
Location: Hungary, Budapest

Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by gyozo »

good evening,

the first computer of my life was the legendary sinclair zx81 (when i was about 10 years old in 1982),
i did not forget the computer of my childhood, so finally i managed to buy an old timex 1000 in the last week after 35 years. :)
it is not functioning unfortunately ...and this is the point why i found this forum. :)

I have keybord connector problems also like you (the old keyboard connectors are totally destroyed by someone).. i decided to buy new ones.
i was searching for new molex connectors on the net without success ...until now.

maybe the following link will be useful for people with the same problem:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/232301363949?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

enjoy it! :)
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PokeMon
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Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors

Post by PokeMon »

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