ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Anything Sinclair ZX Basic related; history, development, tips - differences between BASIC on the ZX80 and ZX81
Skeet
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Location: Yorkshire

Re: ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Post by Skeet »

Wow, that Big Bang ROM is fast :D
The dual ROM works a treat.
Thanks Moggy and Mark.
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1024MAK
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Re: ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Post by 1024MAK »

Skeet wrote: Sun Apr 27, 2025 6:53 am The dual ROM works a treat.
Good to know you got it working. Please post a photo (or it never happened :lol: )

Mark
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Moggy
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Re: ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Post by Moggy »

Not only fast but an instant CLS after using SCROLL with none of the usual visual mess associated with SCROLL and no sudden flicker when using PAUSE are a couple of nice points also, alongside improved maths functions.

Nice to see you're up and running. :D
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Skeet
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:25 am
Location: Yorkshire

Re: ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Post by Skeet »

1024MAK wrote: Sun Apr 27, 2025 9:24 am
Skeet wrote: Sun Apr 27, 2025 6:53 am The dual ROM works a treat.
Good to know you got it working. Please post a photo (or it never happened :lol: )

Mark
Here you go...
IMG_20250427_163147_1.jpg
IMG_20250427_163202_1.jpg
With hindsight, I should have put the switch on the top clamshell to make opening and servicing the ZX81 easier and probably put tidier wiring on the solder side of the board, but this is how we learn.
I did have the foresight to not put the switch on the back which would have fouled the zxpand.

One thing I have noticed is that Against The Elements does not display properly with the Big Bang ROM.
See photos

First is with Big Bang ROM and second is with Sinclair 649 standard ROM.
I'm sure there are other programs that have issues as well.
Great to be able to switch ROMs!
IMG_20250427_143437_1.jpg
IMG_20250427_143535_1.jpg
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1024MAK
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Re: ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Post by 1024MAK »

Anything that uses the ROM data as part of the graphics (so called pseudo hi-res) will be affected by using a different ROM to that uses by the game developers.

See also a description of pseudo hi-res here.

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 :!:
Spring approaching...
Skeet
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Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2025 2:25 am
Location: Yorkshire

Re: ZX81X2.ROM - and the big bang

Post by Skeet »

That's really interesting. I wondered how Hi Res was possible on a ZX81.
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