A rising development within the retro computing neighborhood includes constructing computer systems from new {hardware} which are totally appropriate with a basic system. Many classic machines are pushing forty and even fifty years previous at this level, and they’re getting more durable to return by on a regular basis as key elements fail. Sure customized chips which have been out of manufacturing for a very long time, particularly, could be very tough or costly to acquire.
The ZX Spectrum was a extremely popular laptop, particularly within the UK, all through the Nineteen Eighties. It could not have been one of the best machine round, however it was fairly cheap and had first rate graphics capabilities, so a big gaming neighborhood shaped across the ZX Spectrum that also endures to this present day. With hundreds of thousands of models having been bought, it’s nonetheless fairly straightforward to choose one up, however that won’t all the time be the case. So YouTuber TME Retro determined to construct a model new ZX Spectrum from components which are nonetheless in manufacturing, or that may be 3D-printed at dwelling.
The copy system board (📷: TME Retro)
If you will go to all the difficulty of constructing a pc, you would possibly as effectively throw in some enhancements while you’re at it. So TME Retro wished to guarantee that the construct was smaller than beasts just like the ZX Spectrum +2, but in addition with a a lot nicer keyboard than the membrane monstrosity discovered on the unique ZX Spectrum. And who desires to load video games from a cassette tape? An upgraded interface was additionally to ensure that reliability and pace.
Because it seems, many of the work has already been performed. Getting a model new ZX Spectrum is generally only a matter of realizing methods to work with the merchandise which are presently out there, however in fact you’ll have to put in some elbow grease as effectively. If you’re not aware of what’s going on on this world, relaxation straightforward, TME Retro’s video will stroll you thru all the pieces it’s essential know.
In the beginning, you will want a recreation of the unique system board. The ByteDelight Harlequin 128K package is a superb choice, because it consists of the PCB, the entire needed chips, and the passive elements — simply add solder. This board does differ from the ZX Spectrum in a single notable manner, nevertheless. The ULA chip is now not in manufacturing, so its operate has been reproduced by a handful of discrete logic chips. This will increase the chip rely significantly, however it’s one hundred pc appropriate with the unique design.
The assembled laptop (📷: TME Retro)
The populated board was fitted inside a streamlined, 3D-printed case that comes full with a mechanical keyboard with keycaps labeled within the ZX Spectrum model. As a final touch, a SMART Card V3.1 Spectrum Interface was plugged into the growth port of the pc. This makes it attainable to load software program from an SD card — adios, cassette tapes!
There may be nonetheless one last step needed earlier than you’ll be able to play Manic Miner. The Harlequin package comes with a ROM loaded with solely a diagnostic instrument that confirms that the {hardware} is working accurately. You have to to burn one other ROM chip with a ZX Spectrum system ROM picture and pop it on the board to recover from the end line.
If you’re fascinated about constructing a model new ZX Spectrum of your personal, TME Retro has some recommendation for you. Make sure to learn the handbook! Getting it proper the primary time might prevent hours of debugging and desoldering.