ZX Spectrum - Let's Look at the Spectra Interface - Scart RGB output etc
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- I take a look at the SPECTRA+128 Interface for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. An interface that adds RGB video output via Scart and other cool things to your ZX Spectrum.
Here's the link to the SPECTRA web-page : goo.gl/RYRlEm
Go to 17:17 to jump straight to the video quality test...
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Whilst I was a CPC 'gal back in the old days, I have to say I'm glad to see that there is some way for the Speccy to get RGB as well. I think the only grievance I'd have with it is that it's an exposed PCB; a containing box would make it look a lot better in my eyes, and it wouldn't get dust in it.
Never actually seen an CPC myself, they weren't very common around here I guess. But always got tempted by CPC screen-shots in British magazines :)... Yeah, would like to have a case too... I think I did read about a case you could buy on Pauls homepage, but now I can't find it again...
The screenshots were usually good from the magazines my old man kept from the time, but a lot of them from the major software houses ended up being colourised Speccy ports that ran like a slideshow. No love for it. :(
Yeah, the software industry had its problems back then too ... :(
For the first 5 minutes I just wanted to scream "GET TO THE POINT, PLEASE!"
There's an amazing invention called Fast Forward! Try it, you will love it! 😁
@@gearsofgames I admire your conviction that FF makes it better, I won't test it, though. First 5 minutes was all I needed. :P
That's alright! Regardless of how I do things on UA-cam I am going to get comments like; "It's too fast... It's too slow... It needs more kittens... It needs more boobies!" 😁 But thanks for making a civil comment, I don't mind the feedback. :)
Yes get to the point and turn that annoying repetative music off! When you're talking you don't need music constantly playing. You can't just say fast forward the video on first watching, because you don't know what you'll miss...Anyway enough feedback, thanks for bringing the device to my attention! :)
It's a matter of taste. I enjoyed all the narrative. So for me, yep loved the video and was pleased you went into so much detail. 😊
It does bugger all and is ultimately a bit shit. Better off with the hdmi output interface.
I got mine just before the HDMI interface was released. I would probably have gone with that one instead if I had known about i, would have made things simpler. But the video output quality of the Spectra is still great!
I love that there's probably more electronics in one of the tiny chips on that card than in the entire Spectrum.
At least you could fit an entire ZX Spectrum and more on that circuit board! :)
one use for an add on rom is the multiface capability, this gives a snapshot function so you can push a button and save games in a flash.
Ah yeah, makes sense, thanks!
If this would be a drop-in replacement board for the ZX+ expansion module, of which I can't see the use, I would be interested. But I say thank you I'll pass to an ugly appendix.
I am sure there are better options available by now as well. There was a 3D printed case available, that I bought. Makes it look nicer, but makes it more clumsy. But I still use the device for video capture and it works great.
Ooooo I will be looking forward to the spectrum vids. It was my first PC, was ten in 82, and loved jet set willy, Lore well could go on and on:). Some great memories.Will be cool to see what you do..How are you loading the games cartridge, or the trusty tape recorder lol
My next Spectrum video is in post right now, its pretty ambitious, so it might take a bit longer. But hopefully you will like it :). I am using an iPad at the moment to load game, works pretty well. But I will be getting a memory card solution soon hopefully. Just need to figure out which one works best with the Spectra :)...
Can you ask Paul how much he needs for 50 of the mgt style fixits for +2a/b Edge connector fixers please
@zxspectrum16k69 You can contact him via his homepage here: www.fruitcake.plus.com/Sinclair/Spectrum/Spectra/SpectraInterface_Availability.htm
Nice overview! What camera did you use to capture the Spectrum footage? I thought it looked pretty decent myself.
I used a Canon 5D mark III for all shots in the video, including the gaming footage. It doesn't look too bad I guess, maybe I am just too picky :)
If you're interested in Spectrum graphical enhancements then check out ULAplus. Its a new replacement ULA board that allows for 64 on-screen colours from a total palette of 256. It runs on a number of Spectrum models including the 16/48/48+/128 and +2. For more information please visit: facebook.com/groups/ULAplus
Do they have a normal website instead of being in Mark's Walled Garden?
@@lovemadeinjapan why do you ask?
@@RetroGod1982 Cause I might want one, and a private Facebook Group is not accessible.
Beeper decoding is just a few TTL gates - 2 74LSxx ICs if I'm not mistaken. Also modding the Spectrum to output S-Video (which is almost as good as RGB) requires 2-3 transistors. Shame on the SCART connector right on the interface - gotta love those huge jacks only held by solder joints.
So far I have had no problems with the SCART connector. But it is indeed concerning that its just held in place by the solder joints.
Yep, I really want one of these, but having both the SCART and the Joystick port only held on by the joints is just not good enough whilst the device costs £70 delivered, and will need another adaptor if I want to use it with my +3 as well.
Regardless - technically this is a fantastic device. I'll have to have a look at whether I would be able to easily access the RS232 port on this thing from my own programs.
I wouldn't mind experimenting with perhaps writing some software to control other devices like projectors via their serial ports, from a Speccy 48K. That would be nice, if I could build a nice clean interface and make it work well.
That plus using TCPser on a RasPi to get the Spectrum online, perhaps? I'll have to look for a more robust device that provides the serial port.
The SCART socket is not just held on by solder the shell of it had integrated clipped legs that look pretty sturdy.
You are right, there's two plastic clips as well. So far still no problems with it, so not too worried. I am a bit more concerned about the joystick connector though...
What do you mean why would you use color clash elimination? Because you can, you have no idea man how cool it is to see Speccy with extra video modes...
ZX Spectrum runs through an RF modulator and has a composite feed it can be modded with some simple soldering; the mod is somewhere on the internet.
Yupp, its a pretty simple procedure. But of course the video quality of the Spectra is superior...
The same video signal that goes to the RF modulator is also on lower pin 15 on the expansion port, so you can just as well build a composite port onto an expansion card, without modifying the Spectrum itself at all.
I supposetheexpension slot on the cart is used for olf peripherals right?
Its basically a throughput of the Spectrum's cartridge port. So you are able to connect most of the peripherals. However I think there was one signal missing, Paul did mention this. But I can't quite remember which, might have been the Composite out, he may have used to sync his video output.. or something. Sorry, don't quite remember :)
Gears of Games hey thanks alot,if the composite signal is missing,no problem because you can use rf out, if the this cart support the lightpin then you can use the lightpen with it,would be great.
You wont be missing the composite signal from the expansion port, its supposedly of pretty poor quality :). Besides you have a great RGB output on the scart on the Spectra. But not sure if the light-pen would work with that signal of course, but as you say theres always RF.
According to Paul compatibility is pretty high when it comes to what devices you can connect after the Spectra. But I haven't tested any, head over to www.fruitcake.plus.com/Sinclair/Spectrum/Spectra/SpectraInterface.htm and maybe shot Paul a e-mail and ask if he knows whether the light-pen works or not.
Spectrum display has a bit flickering from left to right.
For your LCD screen you need an active scart cable.
Yeah, I did notice a bit of flicker when I did post for the video. But it wasn't noticeable on my 8833 monitor, it might be a bit dodgy, it's getting old. :)
What's the active scart cable doing exactly, TBC like stuff?
An active scart has resistors or capacitors. Most scarts though need voltage for proper display.
This is what I made from the forum I participate.
www.dropbox.com/s/2i2ks6si8zd89qd/ZX%20%2B2%20RGB%20to%20Scart%209v%28anemos%29.png?dl=0
Use it at your own risk :-D
Links not working... says too much traffic :)
s26.postimg.org/fr68er7rt/ZX_2_RGB_to_Scart_9v_anemos.png
Now it's working, thanks! Might find some use for this actually, but first I need to replace my crappy soldering station! :)
I wish it had AY build in too...
That would be cool and maybe slap some extra RAM in there, if its possible. Then I would have a mini Speccy 128! :) Don't own a 128 myself and it would be nice to be able to enjoy all that AY music they added in many 128K games!
Excellent. Before my time, curious to see what videos you're working on. :)
Also, did Jen steal your fingers, before, or after this video?
Thanks! I am working on a longer one right now... hope I can finish it soon. But real work keeps getting in the way :/
Man, your comments’Why would you wanna do that?’ Drives me insane, of course you want to use that, extra screen modes, different rom, burning your own carts, man man man, of course I want to use all of it!!!
Take a deeeep breath, man! 😁 You just answered the questions; I am not saying you or anyone else shouldn't want to do this, I am just saying it's not the reason I bought the card. That's all! I am sure this is all cool stuff, but the thing I appreciate the most about the Spectra is that sweet sweeeet RGB output!
Nah. It sounds cool. You may try it once, but you won't end up using it.