Zx81 keyboard upgrade. Lets bring this bad boy back into a working state.

Zx81 keyboard upgrade. Check out our upgrade keyboards selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our keyboards shops. Likely the Dean Electronics keyboard, imported from England. This keyboard makes an excellent upgrade for those who want a keyboard with tactile feel, or for anyone who needs to replace a broken TS1000 or ZX81 keyboard. A mechanical keyboard that's compatible with the Sinclair ZX81, as well as the ZX81+38 modern recreation of that machine. I picked up a zx-81 (or was it a timex sinclair 1000?) from a flea market for $7 along with a 16k ram expansion. . The main keyboard circuit is also almost identical to a ZX81s, with the addition of a Arduino Pro Micro enabling the ZX-Key to be used as a regular USB PC Jun 14, 2023 · 😄 A mechanical keyboard that’s compatible with the Sinclair ZX81, as well as the ZX81+38 modern recreation of that machine. The upgrade kit consisted of a new 8K ROM chip (so this version is known as 8K BASIC), a ZX81 user manual and a keyboard overlay. Please carefully review any files before you use them to order hardware! The KiCAD This ZX81 has been fitted with a 3rd party upgrade to the keyboard. Be sure to check the compatibility section for usage with add-on and system hardware. Username: Password: I forgot my password Remember me Hide my online status this session May 16, 2014 · The Minstrel 3 will run pretty much any ZX81 software. 2K RAM Upgrade (Micro Logic Corp) - Upgrade for 1K ZX81. Third party keyboard upgrade for the Sinclair ZX81. A replacement/upgrade Timex TS1000 / Sinclair ZX81 Keyboard with tactile keys Sold By Zebra Systems, Inc. It is also necessary to use a ZX81 keyboard overlay since the keyboard mapping is different to a ZX80. Oct 9, 2015 · ZX81 memory test program. The upgrade kit also included a keyboard overlay to clip down on top of the original ZX80 keyboard, a new BASIC manual and installation instructions. The ZX81 originally came with 1k on board. It makes an excellent upgrade for those who want a keyboard with tactile feel, or for anyone who needs to replace a broken TS1000 or ZX81 keyboard. Feb 27, 2019 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. May 12, 2025 · Common Modifications 16 KB RAM upgrade – allows for more complex programs and reduces memory limitations. 6 in) wide by 40 millimetres (1. not supporting SLOW mode, thus cannot display a picture while program is operating. This ZX81 has Oct 16, 2025 · New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 Keyboard Featuring tactile switches for easy typing. Contribute to iNimbleSloth/zx81-mechboard development by creating an account on GitHub. Jun 14, 2023 · Sir Clive Sinclair’s ZX81 was a phenomenal sales success as one of the cheapest machines available in the early 1980s, but even its most fervent admirers will admit that it suffered heavily f… Professional Keyboard (Gladstone Electronics) - Full-size keyboard plugs into the ZX81/TS1000 circuit board. pcbway. The 16K version could be upgraded to 48K internally. This keyboard is a joy to type on. On the ZX81, the keyboard overlay is a part of the keyboard membrane itself, so does not need to be removed separately like on the ZX Spectrum. After a few years of programming a ZX81 I decided to upgrade it by building my own case and keyboard for it Feb 15, 2025 · The big change is caused by the way my chosen ZX81 emulator handles the keyboard. The latter issue has been addressed – not a moment too Apr 3, 2023 · This keyboard is a joy to type on. Fortunately you can make your own in under 10 minutes with a fivers worth of parts from eBay. The second photo shows the parts I use to make these: A printed circuit board with pick-and-place surface-mounted tactile switches, two flexible ribbon cables that I solder to the circuit board, and a printed I have a nearly complete product listing of keyboard replacement products for the t-1000 / ZX81 if you need more info on your particular upgrade, happy to try to help. Lets bring this bad boy back into a working state. To remedy the response time problems, I went back and re-examined how the code was first put New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 Keyboard Featuring tactile switches for easy typing. 2K to 24K Memory Expansion (JST Enterprises) - Plans to expand memory up to 24K, using 2K RAM chips, placed anywhere from 8192 to 32768. Jul 15, 2025 · TS1000 USERS: Yes you can use this ZX81 keyboard on a TS1000. Low-quality membrane keyboard The ZX81 was criticized for its low-quality membrane keyboard, which was prone to being unresponsive and difficult to use. TS1000 A ZX81 clone, distributed in USA by a company called Timex. Third party keyboard upgr Here we will replace a ZX81 keyboard. New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 KeyboardFeatu I just discovered this product to use myself and sell here on ebay USA,but it is a mature, reliable product, that has been sold in Europe for years. Sep 18, 2024 · TS1000 USERS: Yes you can use this ZX81 keyboard on a TS1000. There are only a few external keyboards like that for the ZX81, and for some reason, these do not work on the Minstrel 3. Date: 1982 Mapsoft Keyboard for ZX81 This keyboard is the board and keys only, no case Manufacturer : Stonechip Electronics New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 Keyboard Featuring tactile switches for easy typing. In 1985 the Spanish government levied a tax on computers with up to 64K or without a Spanish keyboard. The second photo shows the parts I use to make these: A printed circuit board with pick-and-place surface-mounted tactile switches, two flexible ribbon cables that I solder to the circuit board, and a printed This keyboard is a joy to type on. Mechanical keyboard for ZX81 plus 38. It is a large, plastic device that can be stuck over the original keyboard to make the buttons larger and easier to hit. Its single circuit board is housed inside a wedge-shaped plastic case measuring 167 millimetres (6. As you may already know, the TS-1000 is a North American rebadge/clone of New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 Keyboard Featuring tactile switches for easy typing. 99 ZX81 full upgrade Bring your ZX81 up to speed with an internal 32KB RAM epansion and a ZXVid fitted! Send us your 1K ZX81, and soon you'll receive a rejuvenated machine with 32KB RAM, no RAM pack wobble, and perfect composite video! Jul 5, 2021 · The original keyboard membrane tails, which usually crack or snap off. The ZX-Key keyboard is screwed in place with some 3mm diameter 6mm long case bolts. The time now is 10:12 am. The KiCAD files for t… ZX81 Mechanical Keyboard | ZX81 from all new components PART 3 | Sponsored by https://www. The original ZX-Key has been available for some time now, and won't be going away anytime soon. Aug 28, 2016 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. ZX-Key ZX81 Interface Guide Book: The ZX81 Interface is required in order to use the keyboard with a real ZX81 or ZX80. Since I already have a working zx-81 I decided to use this as a project and This keyboard makes an excellent upgrade for those who want a keyboard with tactile feel, or for anyone who needs to replace a broken TS1000 or ZX81 keyboard. This ZX81 has TS1000 USERS: Yes you can use this ZX81 keyboard on a TS1000. In the EightyOne emulator that I’m using it uses the PC key assignments for comma and full stop. On a normal keyboard a shifted full stop is the > symbol. This keyboard is a joy to type on. Jun 13, 2023 · Sinclair's ZX81 was about the first inexpensive home computer, and its bill of parts was reflected most infamously in a decidedly unpleasant rubber membrane keyboard. I decided I’d pop out and go grab it, and see if I can make the machine more reliable than Sir Clive did. Full-travel keyboard mod – replaces the membrane keyboard with a more tactile option. Nov 10, 2022 · The video below the break is the first of what is to be a series, and he will be looking at a readily available 3D printed ZX81 case and the re-manufactured membrane keyboard. Thanks to a trick with compressing the display in ram, that was enough to type and run a small In this journal entry I'll show a project I worked on as a teenager in the early 80's. Comes with standard Sinclair legends on removable key tops, a full-size space bar and seven extra keys, plus edge card connector for adding extra memory. Mar 7, 2019 · The ZX-Key Keyboard The keyboard layout is based around the 8x5 matrix format found on the Sinclair ZX81 and ZX Spectrums, which makes sense as that's what it's designed to be used with. 65K subscribers Subscribe A powerhouse like a ZX81 computer needs all the memory it can get to really crunch those graphics. The original ZX81 keyboard can easily be removed with a mat knife to get under an edge of the keyboard and then it is easy to pull it off. aspx PART 1 - • Building a ZX81 with all new parts in more I just discovered this product to use myself and sell here on ebay USA,but it is a mature, reliable product, that has been sold in Europe for years. I just discovered this product to use myself and sell here on ebay USA,but it is a mature, reliable product, that has been sold in Europe for years. It is a large, plastic device that is stuck over the original keyboard to make the buttons larger and easier to hit. It makes an excellent upgrade for those who want a keyboard with tactile f Sinclair ZX81 Spruce Up (Composite, 16K, Keyboard & More!) Jamie's Hack Shack 6. Sinclair and Timex offered 16K RAM units for the ZX80, ZX81 and TS 1000 computers. Vintage ComputersAll times are GMT. It will also work with most ZX81 add ons. Oct 10, 2022 · Home » Computers » Timex/Sinclair 1000 » Articles about the TS 1000 » Hardware Projects The ZX Spectrum's keyboard is quite adequate for typing in small programs or playing games, but trying to type in a long listing, or a letter on a word processor may leave your fingers aching! Furthermore, the Spectrum's 'dead flesh' rubber keyboard hides beneath it a membrane that is very similar to that on the ZX81. It has a ZX8-CCB composite video mod and an external keyboard fitted. Includes 2K RAM chip, socket, jumper and instructions. The memory is provided by either a single 4118 (1024 bit × 8) or two 2114 (1024 bit × 4) RAM chips Aug 14, 2017 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. On board it has two 1k x 4-bit chips. Oct 10, 2022 · Articles About the Sinclair ZX81 Showing 678 of 678 rows Filter: Cambridge Z88 Downloadable MicroAce Sinclair QL Sinclair ZX Spectrum Sinclair ZX80 Sinclair ZX81 Timex/Sinclair 1000 Timex/Sinclair 1500 Timex/Sinclair 2000 Timex/Sinclair 2068 Video: Same as ZX81, but without NMI-generator, ie. The only difference is that two TS1000 keys are labeled differently than the ZX81. The second photo shows the parts I use to make these: A printed circuit board with pick-and-place surface-mounted tactile switches, two flexible ribbon cables that I solder to the circuit board, and a printed Dec 8, 2016 · The last update still left me somewhat dissatisfied with the keyboards performance in some emulators. Aug 4, 2025 · Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Upgrade / Replacement SINCLAIR ZX81 / TIMEX TS1000 Keyboard with tactile feel at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! *ERRATUM* - ULA Bullet point at 1min 08 should read "Uncommitted Logic Array by Ferranti" PART 2 - • Using a ZX81 made from all new parts PART 3 - • ZX81 Mechanical Keyboard | ZX81 All N 2K RAM Upgrade (Micro Logic Corp) - Upgrade for 1K ZX81. Please carefully review any files before you use them to order hardware! Sep 3, 2024 · Fixing a ZX81 with a disintegrating 40 year old keyboard membrane and replacing a LM7805 linear power regulator with a switching regulator in a TS1000. Sinclair ZX81 PCB Revision 3 keyboard The ZX81 has a base configuration of 1 KB of on-board RAM that can officially be expanded externally to 16 KB. com/setinvite. The custom keycaps were ordered via wasdkeyboards. In 1984 the Speccy got a much-needed facelift in the form of a larger case with a better keyboard and a reset switch, the ZX Spectrum+, but essentially the same as the Spectrum 48K otherwise. ZX81 Upgrade It is possible to turn a ZX80 into a fully compatible ZX81 by upgrading the ROM to 8K BASIC and adding a small amount of additional circuitry to handle the generation of the display while the CPU is busy. New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 KeyboardFeatu This keyboard is a joy to type on. TS1000 USERS: Yes you can use this ZX81 keyboard on a TS1000. It's an issue 1 and was probably a kit judging by some very untidy assembly. However various requests have come my way asking about kit versions, versions that don't really need the Arduino for PC connectivity and similar, the Lite version should be the answer to Feb 13, 2019 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. 3 - This photo shows the top of a ZX81 case that has had its original keyboard removed. New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 Keyboard Featuring tactile switches for easy typing. The second photo shows the parts I use to make these: A printed circuit board with pick-and-place surface-mounted tactile switches, two flexible ribbon cables that I solder to the circuit board, and a printed Upgrade Your ZX81: Step-by-Step Composite Video Mod Tutorial Retro Computing Reboot 2. Luckily, modern-made keyboard membranes are currently available for the ZX81, therefore I usually fit one during my ZX81 restorations. Essentially the Starter case I came up with is more of a keyboard frame than a full case. Mar 10, 2019 · For the ZX-Key keyboard case my main goal was to first make it relatively affordable, and secondly I desired a design that could be upgraded over time. The old one has failed and some key presses do not register. Feb 14, 2017 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. The cut-price micro is at once revered for being so cheap it introduced a generation to computing, and derided for the utterly unpleasant keyboard that made that introduction difficult for many. The deficiencies were particularly apparent when playing games, where the keyboard would not respond smoothly and in a timely fashion. A huge number of expansion RAM packs were produced for the Sinclair computers. Nov 29, 2020 · Introducing the new ZX-Key Lite: A mechanical keyboard for the ZX81 that's very similar to the classic ZX-Key. Mar 7, 2017 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. RAM Memory Expansion While resourceful owners could accomplish a lot with the 1K or 2K of RAM built in to their computers, more serious uses required more RAM. Manufacturer : Sinclair Date: ZX81 Keyboard Upgrade - 1 Third party keyboard upgrade for the Sinclair ZX81 Manufacturer : Sinclair Date: ZX81 Keyboard Upgrade - 2 This ZX81 has been fitted with a 3rd party upgrade to the keyboard Manufacturer : Sinclair Date: ZX81 Memory Expansion This expansion unit for the ZX81 provides additional memory Mar 9, 2019 · I have this project I've been working on. New Upgrade/Replacement TS1000 / ZX81 KeyboardFeatu Top » Catalog » Hardware » Sinclair » £69. ZX-Key Keyboard Guide Book: The ZX-Key Keyboard is designed to be used on multiple 8 bit inspired systems and on vanila PCs. 2K RAM Upgrade (Powertronix Electronics) - Internal upgrade; replaces existing RAM chips. The second photo shows the parts I use to make these: A printed circuit board with pick-and-place surface-mounted tactile switches, two flexible ribbon cables that I solder to the circuit board, and a printed Mar 20, 2025 · The restricted RAM capacity of the ZX81 was a notable disadvantage that impacted its usability and versatility compared to other computers with larger memory capacities available at the time. Sinclair also sold an upgrade kit for it: The 8K ZX81 ROM bundled with a ZX81-style keyboard overlay (but still lacking the NMI-generator). This membrane is extremely prone to failure after repeated use, so Jun 14, 2023 · The ZX81 Mechanical Keyboard is compatible with the Sinclair ZX81, as well as the ZX81+38 modern recreation of that machine. Third party keyboard upgr Feb 3, 2017 · Retro computer blogging on games, software, electronics, Arduino, Raspberry PI & projects for the Sinclair ZX81, ZX Spectrum & retro other computers. May 11, 2017 · When the ZX81 was released in 1981, Sinclair offered ZX80 owners the option to upgrade to the same BASIC as the ZX81. The manufacturer of this keyboard, Ginger Electronic, has instructions for optionally installing this keyboard on top of an original keyboard without removing the original keyboard so that, should you ever want to, you can restore your computer to its original condition by removing the tactile keyboard. Designed by Tynemouth Software in United Kingdom Wishlist Tweet Share Pin Aug 29, 2023 · Building a ZX81 clone today with all new parts using the ZX81+38 PCB, with a stylish printed case and a tactile keyboard. Check out our zx81 keyboard selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our keyboards shops. Its alr The board requires you to be registered and logged in to view this forum. For many, that was enough. 6 in) high. 61K subscribers 52 Jun 15, 2023 · Few computers polarize like the Sinclair ZX81. Jun 14, 2023 · In particular that membrane keyboard was notorious for its lack of feedback, and a popular upgrade back in the day was a replacement keyboard. On the ZX81 the full stop or period key has the comma as its shifted state. Composite video output mod – improves video quality for modern displays. Third party keyboard upgr Minstrel 3, Keyboard, ZXpand - Z80 based ZX81 kit A ZX81 compatible computer kit with microSD using modern ICs and one of the last Z80s ever made. This ZX81 has been fitted with a 3rd party upgrade to the keyboard. Aug 15, 2021 · [archiveorg ZX81_Keyboard_Layout width=560 height=384 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true] Nov 30, 2021 · A Timex-Sinclair 1000 learns to love again Tags: computer sinclair zx81 ts1000 repair The fellow who sold me the Macintosh LC520 back in 2018 had another listing, a $10 Timex-Sinclair 1000 that needed some work. The computer seems to work but the keypad doesn't (typical). Video: Same as ZX81, but without NMI-generator, ie. Nov 4, 2020 · This is the ZX81 I've had out on display and used whenever I wanted to. The exception seems to be external keyboards that plug into the edge connector. Now we can bring you what might be the ultimate in ZX replacement keyboards, in the form of [Brian Swetland]’s mechanical ZX81 keyboard. It is the Model ZX8-KDLX imported from Ginger Electronics in Germany. The upgrade kit can be seen in the following photo: This keyboard is a joy to type on. This repository contains all the design files as well as various exported versions and images. The second photo shows the parts I use to make these: A printed circuit board with pick-and-place surface-mounted tactile switches, two flexible ribbon cables that I solder to the circuit board, and a printed I just discovered this product to use myself and sell here on ebay USA,but it is a mature, reliable product, that has been sold in Europe for years. nptaji tj zyowmk hgc dfsl7ov lua njhy qlpvf vhm gsaw7

Any unauthorized reproduction of articles, photographs, charts, etc. published on MANTANWEB is prohibited. Copyright belongs to MANTAN or its information providers.