- SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD HOW TO
- SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD CRACKED
- SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD SOFTWARE
- SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD PLUS
- SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD CRACK
How to connect to modern televisionsīack in the 1980’s the RF output from the ZX Spectrum was fine for the vast majority of televisions to tune into. Due to the way the lightgun works, it needs to be used with a CRT television and will not work with modern Plasma, LCD or LED televisions. Some later ZX Spectrums had lightguns bundled with them. Adaptors can be bought online to convert standard joystick to the one that Amstrad implemented. If you find that your joystick doesn’t work properly, it may be the case that it isn’t wired for the +2, +3 or +2A. However, these connections did not use the standard used by other joysticks (the Atari standard) but a proprietary one devised by Amstrad. Joysticks could be connected to later ZX Spectrums without the need to use an interface. My joystick or lightgun doesn’t work on my +2, +3 or +2A
Alternatively, ask on our Facebook page for recommendations for companies who provide repair or refurbishment services. The replacement of these is detailed in Servicing your +2/+2A Tape deck and Replacing the drive belt on your +3 FDD.
This is commonly down to the drive belts becoming slack or falling apart.
SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD SOFTWARE
The Spectrum +2, +3 and +2A all have integrated means of loading software into the Spectrum, but it is common to find that the tape deck or disk drive do not work, or work correctly. The built-in tape deck or disk drive doesn’t work Once the membrane is dry, reassemble the keyboard and it should work perfectly. If the Spectrum is opened up and the keyboard disassembled, the membrane can be split into layers and wiped with a damp cloth. If a +2, +3 or +2A ZX Spectrum has unresponsive keys, it is normally due to a dirty keyboard membrane. The companies that offer repair and refurbishment services mentioned in the previous section can also replace keyboard membranes. These can be bought from several online stores and are easily fitted. If this does not fix the issue, it means a new membrane is required.
SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD CRACK
If they are, then cut the tail just above the crack and reconnect to the PCB.
SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD CRACKED
It is possible to try and fix this by opening the Spectrum and checking to see if the membrane tails, which connect the keyboard to the PCB, are cracked or broken.
SINCLAIR ZX SPECTRUM KEYBOARD PLUS
It is fairly common to find that the membrane in the original rubber key, Plus and 128k Spectrums have failed. The keyboard of the original ZX Spectrum comprises a membrane and rubber mat, whereas the other Spectrums from the Plus onward comprises a membrane and plastic keys. However, we do recommend recapping your ZX Spectrum to keep it running properly for years to come.Ĭlockwise, Spectrum 128k (Toastrack), Spectrum +2, Spectrum +3 and Spectrum +2A The keyboard doesn’t work Ask on the Spectrum For Everyone Facebook group for recommendations.ĭue to a different PCB design, the issues caused by capacitors not performing correctly don’t really affect the Spectrum 128k, +2, +3 and +2A ZX Spectrum. There are several established companies in the ZX Spectrum community that offer refurbishment and repair services. If you wish to service your ZX Spectrum, then see the page on recapping your Spectrum. Original rubber Key and Plus ZX Spectrums It should be noted that this generally affects the original rubber key and Plus 16k and 48k ZX Spectrum, but it should be noted they don’t always fail! The capacitors on the voltage supply lines don’t work effectively due to age and this can cause memory chips to fail, in a cascade type effect. This is due to the design of the Spectrum and the type of memory chip it uses. What can go wrong Powering upĭue to their age, and particularly for those Spectrums that haven’t been used for a long time, it is not unknown for them to become faulty when powered on for the first time or shortly after. It will cover what can go wrong, how to connect to modern televisions and modern methods of loading programs. The article will hopefully walk you through getting back up and running and most importantly, enjoying the ZX Spectrum once again. It’s difficult to find cassette players, Modern TV’s don’t like the signal the ZX Spectrum gives out and perhaps you’ve powered on your New Old ZX Spectrum and the keyboard doesn’t work or it shows a garbled screen? Now, many, many (and for some, many) years later you have a ZX Spectrum again and you can’t wait to use it, but things have changed. There are even dark tales of parents throwing our beloved Speccies away! Then one day you either put it away for the last time or perhaps sold it. You knew exactly how to set it up, how to use it and most importantly, how to have fun with it. Share the post "The beginner’s guide to owning a ZX Spectrum again"