Building a Raspberry Pi Pico Powered ZX Spectrum |
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- Building a Pi Pico powered ZX Spectrum. This video is sponsored by www.pcbway.com/setinvite.aspx... visit for all your PCB needs. Loading games from microSD cards has never been so easy on a ZX Spectrum.
PICOZX - www.pcbway.com/project/member...
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It's fun building old things out of new things!
Lovely video Nimble! 😍
I recently built a concept case for my speccy 48k and put in an issue 4b with 128k memory expansion, a DivMMC and a AY soundcard. If I knew this board existed it would have helped me keep things simpler. Lovely project.
Ahh, that was my first computer, ultimate nostalgia.
Very nice, thanx!
👍🎥💥 Cool project!
Awesome. Just placed an order for pcb.
I have a recreated ZX Spectrum keyboard from Elite, I am tempted to use it for a project like this.
Seems a cheaper alternative to the ZX OMNI, although that has a better build and screen option. I don’t mind VGA, as you can use any monitor knocking around, or get a VGA hdmi. I KNOW the Pico is light on power, but we are not sending a rocket to the moon here- we are emulating Speccy. Just like the OMNI it supports 128/48 modes. The only downside is no sound with VGA. But overall a good option for a speccy fans.
Thanks for the video! I didn't know much about the projet yet. But now I'm thinking I should build one and put it into my dk'tronics keyboard instead of a Harlequin 128. I already have a Harlequin 128 and as it isn't particularly cheap I was shying away from getting another one for some time now. But this looks simple and cheap and usable. I must admit that I don't like the idea of loading tap files in real time as I'm used to have them load instantly from DivMMC. But apart from that it looks nice. Is the joystick emulation locked to a specific type like Kempston or is it changeable to Sinclair Interface 2?
You can change the joystick type. I'll need to power it up later and take a look at which types you can set. Yes, TAP in real-time is a little tedious, the DivMMC has spoiled us 😉 The snapshots are instant though, you just need to convert or redownload your games. There are some different variations on this project by different designers.
@@iNimbleSloth at least there is an easy way of making snapshot files with a DivMMC.
Had no idea this was a thing, but it seems like an ideal way to get a spectrum in the US. I have a Mister, but not having the functions written on the keys, like you pointed out, poses a problem. And what could be better than the original experience, more or less?
There's a lot of caveats, but in terms of price to features this is pretty hard to beat.
I mean, it's not a Speccy, it is an emulator. But there aren't many emulator that offer the ability to use the original keyboard, and it includes a lot of other features that you can get on original hardware, but that you'll pay through the nose for.
That Ooze game is great. Finished it on C64, but still trying on the Amiga & Speccy. Homebrews are great on these retro systems.
Where’d you get the case with all the labeled keys?
retroradionics.com they have different colours for the cases, faceplates and rubber keys.
Q A K L Z !?!?... You monster!!! 😅
🤣🤣🤣🤣
So to add games, hook the Pico via it's micro usb to a PC, then drag/ drop the games?
And where do you get the software files?
No, insert micro SD card to PC, drag and drop games, then insert microSD card in to the Speccy clone. New games from itch.io and other online retailers, original games Google will take you to them. I can't post links to copied games here.
@@iNimbleSloth excellent cheers. I was worried, as there's no access to the that micro usb slot on the right. I know it's for firmware. But it seems that's fine as the Speccy loaded to the usual boot menu you normally see when loading a Speccy. I've already mounted the board in the case, so I was concerned. Took me hours, to mod the case, painfully slow tbhonest. Used a Dremel style tool from Aldi, but got it done in the end.
Cheers Carl
Thanks. If there's any more advice you can offer on this Speccy, please offer it.
@EnjoySynthSounds I connected the audio out to the powered speakers I usually use on my computer as the internal piezo sounded is extremely quiet. The folder structure on the micro SD card must be as per the video 5:38 or the games won’t be read.
i can't see the price. if i add to cart, it asks me to make an account. anyone seen the price?
Doesn't 128k basic allow you to type properly?
Yes, in the 128k basic you can type properly.
peoples like make thing that emulate something. why not create your own cpu with own and better opcodes. RP1 still works emulate everything
Did some testing tonight:
Couldn't get my 2 gamepads working. Retro Games AMIGA MINI GAMEPAD and clone PS4 GAMEPAD.
ANY IDEAS?
I GOT the keyboard working via usb and usb hub.
VGA picture is outstanding.
Tzx files don't load automatically. This happens in some other Speculators too.
Best to use Z80.
ITS STILL NICE, and as you say, it's a cheap option, but I'll need to get a Kempston joystick. I prefer gamepads even though diagonals can be horrendous.
Maybe it's not the best way to play Speccy especially if you rely on the usb keyboard as I can do that wirelessly on my tablet via Bluetooth.
Hmm. I have mixed feelings on it, just now.
Have you got the usb gamepad option working?
Not used a USB gamepad on mine, only kempston joystick.
I decided to buy a prebuilt one from ebay after seeing the video as stated the audio is very low what amp would you suggest? i hooked up a zx-box vintage amp via ear and the audio still low
I connected the output of mine to my PC speakers and it was ok-ish. I may get round to looking at an amp circuit and mod the board - not sure yet.
@iNimbleSloth I hooked up a vintage zx box speaker at max it was barely auditable
Thanks for the tip. I thought that plug connector was for external loading only. Plugged in my decent sony speakers and all sound nice and loud and clear.
Just need to work out the escape key now on the real spectrum keyboard for use in the menu.
Anyone managed to get a vga to hdmi converter working with this boards output yet? only I have tried several so far (ranging from £5 to £45) and none like the vga output just showing 'no signal' yet the vga output seems fine on a vga monitor (my monitor does not show the resolution or hz). Is the vga output out of spec? or not 640x480@60hz? (which I am guessing it is)
I've not tried one myself.
I somewhere someone did ray tracing on the ZX Spectrum.
Yes, I'm sure I saw something about 1 frame every 17 hours!
@@iNimbleSloth yes lol
@@iNimbleSloth Sounds rather NimbleSloth.
you know where I can get the enclosure and keyboard compatible with this??
You can purchase from zxrenew.co.uk/ZX-Spectrum-Replacement-Cases-only-c22752627 I'm not affiliated with them
@@iNimbleSloth Thanks for your time!!
The BOM file in the site looks like is not accurate for the project. I used your video to create a new list of components. (no great electronic experience from my part)
What kind of joystick is that?
It's an ArcadeR, they come in different versions for ZX Spectrum, Commodore etc. retroradionics.com/ArcadeR-9-pin-ATARI-standard-Joystick-With-new-extra-soft-and-durable-cable-p168982750
Hi! Im looking for BOM
www.pcbway.com/project/member/?bmbno=83A7E3EE-7B40-49 then select the board/version you want, scroll down and their is the parts list. No manufacturers part numbers though.
There are also variants with display and breadboard versions of the Pico ZX Spectrum available. I thought about it but sadly my preferred variant, Sinclair standard matrix keyboard with tiny display on diy pcb/breadboard is not available. As far as I understood, they go for a strange matrix layout instead. I've already build my variant of a Sinclair compatible keyboard out of standard PCBs, buttons and a laminated print of the rubber key Spectrum keyboard and it works quite well. The laminated print makes typing on these tiny pushbuttons much less annoying.
Can it use tzx files?
According to the github page it does - github.com/fruit-bat/pico-zxspectrum?tab=readme-ov-file - although, I've not tried it myself.
I like retro very much, but imo it's either classic stuff (original machine) or emulation, and if emulated, then use a real PC + controller. most will use these machines just 5-20 times, and after that it's just another pile of garbage waiting to be thrown away. while an emulator on a PC can be just deleted.
Still it's a very decent project, and I can understand everyone who had a spectrum to want it back
Thats a Spectrum case only. Or like you put the skin of a creature over a robot. Its ok if you have nothing original to restore.
I like originals, but for my day-to-day use I like the recreations with their built-in software loading tools.