Vintage Computers

HAL 9000 said:
From Gemini AI...

Connecting a classic Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer to a modern HDMI display requires a specialized retro-computer video converter or edge-connector interface rather than a standard software AI video upscaler. [1, 2]

Dedicated Hardware Solutions for ZX Spectrum to HDMI
  • ZX-HD Interface: Developed by ByteDelight, the ZX-HD Manual is a plug-and-play expansion unit that attaches directly to the ZX Spectrum edge connector. It monitors video RAM writes in real time using a small internal processor to output a crisp, pixel-perfect digital HDMI signal. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • TK-Pie / ZX-Pie: A community-driven open-source hardware project that uses a CPLD chip combined with a Raspberry Pi Zero to latch onto video signals and output clean high-definition HDMI natively. [1, 2, 3]
  • RGB-to-HDMI / SCART Converters: Models with specific 15kHz RGB line-compatibility (such as dedicated SCART-to-HDMI scalers or specialized GBS-Control setups) can handle the analog RGB output found on later models like the ZX Spectrum +2A or +3. Note: Generic cheap AV-to-HDMI composite boxes usually fail or produce heavy lag and artifacting with a raw 15kHz retro computer signal. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Internal Component/FPGA Upgrades: Enthusiasts looking to modify internal boards can use projects like the ZX Spectrum Component Video Upgrade to output cleaner analog YPbPr signals, which are then easily paired with high-end external upscalers like an OSSC or RetroTINK
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Yes, I'm looking for one of those gadgets.
 
JerryMungo said:
My new toy
View attachment 1945144
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I know you last said you looking for a RF to HDMI solution but curious to know, does everything still work so far on this +2? Our 48k+ started having issues with the membrane after 13 years (I blame Decathlon) and the 48k+ keyboard kinda sucked but this looks like it has a decent keyboard.
 
AnimateX said:
I know you last said you looking for a RF to HDMI solution but curious to know, does everything still work so far on this +2? Our 48k+ started having issues with the membrane after 13 years (I blame Decathlon) and the 48k+ keyboard kinda sucked but this looks like it has a decent keyboard.
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The membrane on this keyboard is way way better than the older Speccy membranes. I'm going to guess it was one of Amstrad's contributions. You can still get the old 48k membranes from the UK if you're prepared to pay shipping / postage - Aramex global shopper perhaps. Those old membranes were the pits lol.

So far this +2 is working well, yes.
 
Testing with Bluetooth tape cartridge...

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Using one of these:

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Still some gremlins to iron out. The game loaded 100% but flaked out when I started playing. Not sure if we're looking at something simple here or not. I've done a few mods so far, I just need to see if I can find myself an 8-pin DIN plug (DIN 45326) to test composite video out, but that's not too bad for RF out.

I have a 15uH inductor arriving soon to hopefully filter some noise at the TEA2000.
Overall I'm happy with the performance of the BT adapter.
 
So I got to have a short session playing Alien8 in between meetings. Woohoo.
Keen to get Ant attack, Skool Daze, Tir na nog and Nodes of Yesod, The Hobbit going next. The list is getting longer haha.

Time to get the old maps out...

Alien8_2.gif
 
I'm keen to do some disassembly and POKEing around too. Looking out for a multiface now, though there has to be better ways to do that these days... maybe use the emulator for that and the speccy for actual play.

A nice little Rare / Ultimate history

 
I've been playing some old Spectrum games via emulation and what I noticed is that a lot of games are way harder than I remember. At least with an emulator I can quickly save and load snapshots or I would have given up too soon to get anywhere. Bomb Jack and Solomon's Key are still quite enjoyable. Also tried some adventure games, now that requires patience.
 
AnimateX said:
I've been playing some old Spectrum games via emulation and what I noticed is that a lot of games are way harder than I remember. At least with an emulator I can quickly save and load snapshots or I would have given up too soon to get anywhere. Bomb Jack and Solomon's Key are still quite enjoyable. Also tried some adventure games, now that requires patience.
Click to expand...
Everything was harder in the 80s haha. Not to mention when you had to pay 20c per game you guarded those lives with your own lol.

So the folks who sold me the Speccy sent me a little gift. I'm blown away. It's a flawless copy of Jetpac. 😍 seeing this just took over 40 years off my life.

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Big shout out to Sean and Ricky:
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Items for sale from Collectemupgaming on bobshop.co.za

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Please insert disk 2 of 10.

Installing games, tools, and operating systems from floppy disks was quite a time-consuming yet also oddly satisfying process. Watching that animated progress bar inch closer to the elusive 100% mark was a thing of beauty.

A salute to all you former disk jockeys out there! You truly know what the word patience means.

P.S.: Extra points for the times you remember when the last disk was faulty and the progress bar let you stare at 96% for eternity...

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https://twitter.com/x/status/2114025373629608308
 
But I do remember successfully loading Legend of Kyrandia for DOS and it was a wonderful thing. I had a shitty soundcard but it could produce basic midi sounds and I thought it was peak gaming at the time. Those VGA graphics.. drool.
 
AnimateX said:
But I do remember successfully loading Legend of Kyrandia for DOS and it was a wonderful thing. I had a shitty soundcard but it could produce basic midi sounds and I thought it was peak gaming at the time. Those VGA graphics.. drool.
Click to expand...
I had a bug in one of those games, you had to get on a rainbow and walk on it to get to the next area.

Half way across I'd get an error about missing a file.

Resolved by copying an animation file with a similar name and incrementing by 1. Had to do it about 10 times but I got out of the area.
 
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