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.
i have made a couple of these and its really good and even for me do-able as a little project , good instructions and works you can navigate the menu using the arrow keys in the usual spectrum way i just tend to go to snap shot and scroll through the games rather then tape load , im not that nostalgic about that part
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.
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?
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.
This build wasn’t a kit. I purchased all components, then PCB from PCBway.com and you can get the case & keyboard from either zxrenew.co.uk or retroradionics.com/
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.
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.
You also get sound out of the 3.5mm socket in parallel to the speaker. Both are quiet. I connected the socket to an external amp and speakers on my setup.
@@iNimbleSloth yeah I just tried that just about got sound through my amp up full lol 😆🤣. I wonder if the jack audio is any louder with the internal speaker disconnected?
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)
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.
Hi, I have one of these and it runs games too fast, it is just slightly faster than the original spectrum despite the speed being set to the same as the Z80 at 3.5mhz, its clear if you put games side by side an original machine, i really need to find a way to tweak the speed, any ideas?
I checked and the designer has since removed it from the shared projects. but, you can buy from the designer on Tindie www.tindie.com/products/bobricius/picozx-motherboard-for-zx-spectrum-original-case/
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?
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.
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)
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. nice project 🙂. Where can I buy the replica of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum box used in the project? I can't find a seller. I appreciate anyone who can help.
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
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.
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
It's fun building old things out of new things!
Lovely video Nimble! 😍
Ahh, that was my first computer, ultimate nostalgia.
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.
i have made a couple of these and its really good and even for me do-able as a little project , good instructions and works you can navigate the menu using the arrow keys in the usual spectrum way i just tend to go to snap shot and scroll through the games rather then tape load , im not that nostalgic about that part
respect for the firmware author. computer emulation, tape drive, and vga graphics routines in such PICO device.
I have a recreated ZX Spectrum keyboard from Elite, I am tempted to use it for a project like this.
Awesome. Just placed an order for pcb.
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.
👍🎥💥 Cool project!
Very nice, thanx!
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.
is there a way to speed up the loading process?
Thanks! Where can I buy this kit?
This build wasn’t a kit. I purchased all components, then PCB from PCBway.com and you can get the case & keyboard from either zxrenew.co.uk or retroradionics.com/
Hi, really nice video. I'm using it to build the kit! What type of saw did you use to shape the back of the case?
I used a junior hack saw and a large file
Where’d you get the case with all the labeled keys?
retroradionics.com they have different colours for the cases, faceplates and rubber keys.
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.
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.
How do we save our programs with this clone on SD and tape?
does the sound only come out of the speaker on this board?...
You also get sound out of the 3.5mm socket in parallel to the speaker. Both are quiet. I connected the socket to an external amp and speakers on my setup.
@@iNimbleSloth yeah I just tried that just about got sound through my amp up full lol 😆🤣. I wonder if the jack audio is any louder with the internal speaker disconnected?
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)
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.
Hi, I have one of these and it runs games too fast, it is just slightly faster than the original spectrum despite the speed being set to the same as the Z80 at 3.5mhz, its clear if you put games side by side an original machine, i really need to find a way to tweak the speed, any ideas?
Best place to start is log it with the developer on github.
Doesn't 128k basic allow you to type properly?
Yes, in the 128k basic you can type properly.
pcbway is now unavailable for ordering.😢😢
I checked and the designer has since removed it from the shared projects. but, you can buy from the designer on Tindie www.tindie.com/products/bobricius/picozx-motherboard-for-zx-spectrum-original-case/
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 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.
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.
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.
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. nice project 🙂. Where can I buy the replica of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum box used in the project? I can't find a seller. I appreciate anyone who can help.
These two places sell reproduction cases, rubber keyboard mats and faceplates in a variety of colours zxrenew.co.uk retroradionics.com/
i can't see the price. if i add to cart, it asks me to make an account. anyone seen the price?
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 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 else experiencing issues with a usb keyboard minutes after connecting it?
Q A K L Z !?!?... You monster!!! 😅
🤣🤣🤣🤣
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.
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
peoples like make thing that emulate something. why not create your own cpu with own and better opcodes. RP1 still works emulate everything