Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Discussions about Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81 Hardware
Lardo Boffin
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Hi all

Any progress on the PCB? I have ordered all of the bits, although CPC have only delivered about half of my order and are telling me I have had it all, so am nearly ready to go! Well, except for the shielded cable but I suspect I may just steal a cassette cable for that...
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TMAOne
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by TMAOne »

Lardo Boffin wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2017 1:44 pmAny progress on the PCB?
sirmorris?

There are 3 "firm" hats in the ring, and my wishy-washy expression of interest which I will now firm up. So that's:
  • Lardo Boffin
  • Dim_75
  • gammaray
  • TMAOne
Is the diagram capture from the article usable, or do we still need someone to design a new board?
Lardo Boffin wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2017 1:44 pmWell, except for the shielded cable but I suspect I may just steal a cassette cable for that...
I have a heck of a time finding mono shielded cable. Everything today carries stereo or better. I finally found a couple of long mono patch cables at a hamfest, so I currently do have a limited supply, but sheesh.

Ian
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Paul
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by Paul »

If "in the hat" means interested in getting a pcb then I'm definitely in. I need four pcbs. One for me and three for friends.
Kind regards Paul
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
Lardo Boffin
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by Lardo Boffin »

Will a cassette cable for the ZX81 do the job?
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
sirmorris
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by sirmorris »

Dim_75 picked up the glove I thought. I was waiting to see what happened there!
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1024MAK
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by 1024MAK »

What's this? A new game of pass the glove :lol:

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sirmorris
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by sirmorris »

Smell the glove :lol:
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TMAOne
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by TMAOne »

Lardo Boffin wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2017 9:06 am Will a cassette cable for the ZX81 do the job?
Sure it would, it's made for that after all. It's just a shame to carve up a vintage Zeddy cable.

I've managed to find some Chinese ones on eBay Canada now. (I looked for "mono shield mini plug".) I'll buy a couple of 3' patch cords and cut them in half.

If you don't want to source cables, an alternative would be to install female sockets in your project box, which would allow you to connect and use your trusty ZX81 cables without the knife.
Lardo Boffin
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by Lardo Boffin »

I just found these on UK eBay

https://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/MONO-3-5mm-Min ... Ciid%253A2

No mention of shielding that I could see but probably no worse than the original ZX81 cables.
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
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gammaray
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Location: Texas

Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by gammaray »

I like the idea of female jacks so you can use the ZX81 or other cables you want... I seem to have plenty.

As a kit you can mod like you want?

But do we have to use batteries... then the power jack "should" be different and an option. :twisted:

Charles "Day Late and Dollar Short" Mac
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