ZX

Spectrum 128k

History

I do not recall ever owning a ZX Spectrum 128 as I had other computers at the time and the was a healthy rivalry between manufacturers, and I did not have unlimited funds to have one of every type of machine.

I felt, however, in retrospect that no retro room would be complete without one of the best ZX Spectrum machines, so I have added one to my collection.

I have, where possible, future proofed it and using todays technology to replace tapes for SD cards.

EBAY LISTING:

Sinclair ZX Spectrum + 128k ‘Toastrack’ Refurbished RGB Scart. Cassette deck

This Spectrum is fully working and in very good condition. Just look at the photographs.

The Spectrum has had a thorough clean including hand cleaning the keys individually. 

I then performed the following service tasks and modifications:

– Replace all the electrolytic capacitors with high quality items from ‘Illinois capacitors’. 

– Clean the edge connector, M1 signal is present.

– Fit a new dc socket to the pcb.

– The PAL chip on these (associated with memory control) has some inbuilt bugs. ( Google Unrainer IN7FFD for more info).I have replaced this with a correctly programmed GAL chip which corrects these issues.

– Modify the RGB circuitry to comply with the SCART standard. This helps to ensure compatibility with a wider range of televisions. Brand new scart lead included, plug the din plug into the RGB socket and the jack plug into the mic socket.

– Perform a modification to the Spectrum to reduce on screen ‘jailbars’

– Modify the sound circuitry to balance the AY and beeper sound levels.

– Fit a brand new, high quality, keyboard membrane. 

– Fit a new mains plug and 3amp fuse to the PSU, this is a genuine original 128 PSU

– Run the machine through a diagnostic suite and leave it running memory tests for several hours. No issues.

Original manuals are present.

The included games were loaded into this machine and worked correctly.

The included cassette player has had a new belt fitted, it has the same internals as a +2.

The Spectrum retains its original 7805 voltage regulator, as it should, so during use the ‘toastrack’ heat sink warms through. A toastrack seems pointless if the heatsink doesn’t warm up.

divMMC Future SD Card Interface Sinclair ZX Spectrum

SD Card full of software
Joystick Port
3D Printed Case

The preloaded SD Card provides many classic ZX Spectrum titles.

divMMC Future SD Card Interface Sinclair ZX Spectrum

SD Card full of software
Joystick Port
3D Printed Case

The preloaded SD Card provides many classic ZX Spectrum titles.

ZX SPECTRUM POWER SWITCH

Looking for a perfect solution for an inline switch for your humble speccy

Look no further this switch will save your speccy’s power socket an ensure stability and increased reliability

ZX SPECTRUM POWER SWITCH

Looking for a perfect solution for an inline switch for your humble speccy

Look no further this switch will save your speccy’s power socket an ensure stability and increased reliability

Summary

A fine example of the Spectrum 128 Toastrack. All the protection and refurbishment work has been done prior to purchase, so I am expecting this to last another 30+ years.