Far from true. All Spectrums can be improved regarding audio and video qualityby recapping. But they usually don't need it to be working. Any of my Spectrums worked fine without recapping.
There was an Emulator cartridge with the ZX Spectrum ROM available for the TC2068 and TS2068. No ROM swapping needed. TC2068s sold in Portugal came with it bundled. Let me add that I rarely used it without the cartridge as all software I run was for the Speccy.
I just recently got a TC2068 and luckily it also came with the rare ZX Spectrum cartridge - although I will probably never use the Timex part of the computer, its nice to be able to revert to the original state - I also got a TC2048 which is generally a ZX Spectrum 48k with a Kempston joystick built in :-) I got both computers for next to nothing, I don't think the seller knew what he had :-)
If your ROM is larger than necessary, you could solder a toggle switch to the high address line of the ROM chip and burn the Timex firmware into the extra space. Then you can select compatibility with the flip of a switch.
The hiss comes from the opamp driving the speaker. That opamp is in the switching power IC that generates the 5 volt signal. You will definitely need a loud audio source for the 2068. I’ve not tried the TZXduino but for folks who want to use a phone/tablet, I recommend a small LM386 amplifier to boost the signal.
try loading WAV from a source with a higher volume level. Smartphones and tablets from the last 10 years all have ear protection and for that reason can't be turned up loud enough. Any Linux PC set to 150% output volume and the WAV played with VLC set to 120% volume is working in my case. Better solution is to use a tape emulator like TZXDuino or MaxDuino or SVICAS. You can easily build your own MaxDuino with a cheap Arduino Uno clone and some parts like SD card reader and audio amp for a few bucks. Makes for a nice project as well.
i would be interested to see what sofrware played on the timex...you dont see alot of timex machines or the software...its a cool variant i like these kind of machines...
My plan is to get everything working properly (still can't get anything to load) then burn both ROMs with a switch so I can switch between TIMEX and ZX.
If a 27C256 is needed and you have 27C512 I would think you could write both original and Spectrum ROMs to it and make it switchable (highest address line link to either GND or 5V).
Good rule of thumb - All Spectrums need new capacitors. I imagine the Timex is no different
I will do that sometime soon.
Far from true. All Spectrums can be improved regarding audio and video qualityby recapping. But they usually don't need it to be working. Any of my Spectrums worked fine without recapping.
The Timex is different: 2068s rarely need new caps.
There was an Emulator cartridge with the ZX Spectrum ROM available for the TC2068 and TS2068. No ROM swapping needed. TC2068s sold in Portugal came with it bundled. Let me add that I rarely used it without the cartridge as all software I run was for the Speccy.
I just recently got a TC2068 and luckily it also came with the rare ZX Spectrum cartridge - although I will probably never use the Timex part of the computer, its nice to be able to revert to the original state - I also got a TC2048 which is generally a ZX Spectrum 48k with a Kempston joystick built in :-) I got both computers for next to nothing, I don't think the seller knew what he had :-)
I have been looking for one of those carts for some time with no luck. Until I get one, ROM swapping is the next best thing!
If your ROM is larger than necessary, you could solder a toggle switch to the high address line of the ROM chip and burn the Timex firmware into the extra space. Then you can select compatibility with the flip of a switch.
@@joelavcoco The channel selector switch would work perfect for that, I will probably never use the RF out!
OOOh! nice! I want a Speccy meself!
You should talk to the guy I got this machine from, he can get anything!
Sounds like a nice guy to know!
a TZXduino should work for loading ZX Spectrum tape files off of an SD card.
I will have to look into those, thanks!
The TS-Pico is an excellent solution, too.
The hiss comes from the opamp driving the speaker. That opamp is in the switching power IC that generates the 5 volt signal.
You will definitely need a loud audio source for the 2068. I’ve not tried the TZXduino but for folks who want to use a phone/tablet, I recommend a small LM386 amplifier to boost the signal.
Thanks! I am going to find something different than the tablet.
try loading WAV from a source with a higher volume level. Smartphones and tablets from the last 10 years all have ear protection and for that reason can't be turned up loud enough. Any Linux PC set to 150% output volume and the WAV played with VLC set to 120% volume is working in my case. Better solution is to use a tape emulator like TZXDuino or MaxDuino or SVICAS. You can easily build your own MaxDuino with a cheap Arduino Uno clone and some parts like SD card reader and audio amp for a few bucks. Makes for a nice project as well.
Thanks, my first guess was volume problems!
a Sinclair with a Power switch? BLASPHEMY!
The crazy things they do when they make computers in North America!
i would be interested to see what sofrware played on the timex...you dont see alot of timex machines or the software...its a cool variant i like these kind of machines...
My plan is to get everything working properly (still can't get anything to load) then burn both ROMs with a switch so I can switch between TIMEX and ZX.
If a 27C256 is needed and you have 27C512 I would think you could write both original and Spectrum ROMs to it and make it switchable (highest address line link to either GND or 5V).
I had thought of that (after I did the video), since I will probably never use RF, the channel selector switch would be good for switching ROMs.
I was going to suggest the same thing ..lol just bent up the high address pin of the rom and run a wire.. :)