So, yet another replica build is about to unfold - A ZX80!
IMG20250913125518.jpg (450.68 KiB) Viewed 1499 times
And yes, it has jumped the queue, but it should be easier to build than the Cosmac Elf II, for which I am still missing some parts. I have almost everything for the ZX80, including keyboard membrane, case and all but 3 IC's and a resonator.
Those are all coming and should be here by the time the bulk of the build is done, and I now have a ROM image too, so looking very positive. I'm hoping to have it ready for CL4
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
mrbombermillzy wrote: Sat Sep 13, 2025 5:24 pm
Very nice.
It'll be even better when it's finished
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
Back in 1980 me and my brother ordered a ZX80 and Sinclair wrote back saying would we mind waiting because they had the cheaper and better ZX81 coming out.
Ive got a ZX81 knocking around somewhere. I found a PSU for it the other day.
Cool. Oddly the ZX81 I have came with a ZX80 PSU which also works perfectly with my 2600 light sixer and 2600Jrs. Oh, and the ZX81 too
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
peters wrote: Sat Sep 13, 2025 10:46 pm
Back in 1980 me and my brother ordered a ZX80 and Sinclair wrote back saying would we mind waiting because they had the cheaper and better ZX81 coming out.
I never did see a ZX80.
I was slightly late to the ZX80 game and had a ZX81 instead. Mine came ready assembled, and I think by that time the sale of kits had waned somewhat. That little machine gave me a lot of joy until I got a Spectrum.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
Good start, all the diodes and about half the resistors installed.
IMG20250914160734.jpg (354.16 KiB) Viewed 1451 times
Having a coffee and custard tart break while I watch Usagi Electric on YouTube, then back to it
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
Well, a couple of hours building and I'm nearly there:
IMG20250914175042.jpg (346.62 KiB) Viewed 1442 times
Just waiting on some missing parts to finish the build and then I can do a smoke/voltage test before I install the IC's. I was going to put a Traco voltage regulator in it, though I do have lots of spare 7805's if I can't find one.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
rubber_jonnie wrote: Sun Sep 14, 2025 5:56 pm
I was going to put a Traco voltage regulator in it, though I do have lots of spare 7805's if I can't find one.
