ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
I have now managed to find another supply of Molex keyboard connectors.
These will unfortunately be the last ones, as Molex have decided to stop making the 8 way connector for some reason (and no-one seems to have any stocks hanging about).
http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/detail ... -ZX81-2014
These will unfortunately be the last ones, as Molex have decided to stop making the 8 way connector for some reason (and no-one seems to have any stocks hanging about).
http://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/detail ... -ZX81-2014
Rich Mellor
RWAP Software
RWAP Adventures
SellMyRetro
Retro-Printer Module
Also Involved in:
Icephorm
RWAP Software
RWAP Adventures
SellMyRetro
Retro-Printer Module
Also Involved in:
Icephorm
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
I recently ordered the ZX80Core kit - I wonder how easy it would be to attach one of these connectors somewhere on the board so that a genuine ZX81 membrane could be used when running the ZX81 ROM?
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
There are several solutions for this.
First - the keyboard table of the ZX80 rom or ZX81 rom could be patched.
Second - the ZX81 membrane can be used with overlayed on the ZX80 membrane when using the (optional) SMD tactile switches.
I tested this and it is very easy to press the keys through both membranes, one over the other.
Third - you could use a ZX81 mouse pad with the correct keyboard layout, like here (don't know if there are still mouse pads left):
http://forum.tlienhard.com/phpBB3/viewt ... pad#p11140
Fourth - there is a separate keyboard connector on the board (J95) which can be connected to the ZX81 membrane with MOLEX connectors but there is cabling necessary as well. So this might be used - be careful to solder cables directly into the boards connector cause otherwise it wouldn't fit into the case.
First - the keyboard table of the ZX80 rom or ZX81 rom could be patched.
Second - the ZX81 membrane can be used with overlayed on the ZX80 membrane when using the (optional) SMD tactile switches.
I tested this and it is very easy to press the keys through both membranes, one over the other.
Third - you could use a ZX81 mouse pad with the correct keyboard layout, like here (don't know if there are still mouse pads left):
http://forum.tlienhard.com/phpBB3/viewt ... pad#p11140
Fourth - there is a separate keyboard connector on the board (J95) which can be connected to the ZX81 membrane with MOLEX connectors but there is cabling necessary as well. So this might be used - be careful to solder cables directly into the boards connector cause otherwise it wouldn't fit into the case.
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
Wow, options galore! Thanks for the fast reply!
Won't fit in the case, eh?
Won't fit in the case, eh?
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
You will see when you put the board into a case.poglad wrote: Won't fit in the case, eh?
If you solder small cables instead of a pin connector it may fit.
Just keep it in your mind.
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
Oh okay - I thought maybe you were hinting that the new transparent case was about to be revealed!
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
Yes it is - I am looking for a free CAD program to make some nice drawings ...
Any hints welcome.
Any hints welcome.
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
In one of my ZX projects I used these from RS Components:
718-8769 Recept pcb horiz 5 way 2.54mm Trio-Mate
and
718-8668 Recept pcb horiz 8 way 2.54mm Trio-Mate
The membrane foils fit in there perfectly.
Difference with the original ZX connectors is that the pins are not in a straight line but zigzag pattern.
718-8769 Recept pcb horiz 5 way 2.54mm Trio-Mate
and
718-8668 Recept pcb horiz 8 way 2.54mm Trio-Mate
The membrane foils fit in there perfectly.
Difference with the original ZX connectors is that the pins are not in a straight line but zigzag pattern.
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
good evening,
the first computer of my life was the legendary sinclair zx81 (when i was about 10 years old in 1982),
i did not forget the computer of my childhood, so finally i managed to buy an old timex 1000 in the last week after 35 years.
it is not functioning unfortunately ...and this is the point why i found this forum.
I have keybord connector problems also like you (the old keyboard connectors are totally destroyed by someone).. i decided to buy new ones.
i was searching for new molex connectors on the net without success ...until now.
maybe the following link will be useful for people with the same problem:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/232301363949?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
enjoy it!
the first computer of my life was the legendary sinclair zx81 (when i was about 10 years old in 1982),
i did not forget the computer of my childhood, so finally i managed to buy an old timex 1000 in the last week after 35 years.
it is not functioning unfortunately ...and this is the point why i found this forum.
I have keybord connector problems also like you (the old keyboard connectors are totally destroyed by someone).. i decided to buy new ones.
i was searching for new molex connectors on the net without success ...until now.
maybe the following link will be useful for people with the same problem:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/232301363949?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
enjoy it!
Re: ZX81 Keyboard Connectors
They are quite cheap available here as well:
http://www.tme.eu/de/details/ds1020-05s ... m/connfly/#
http://www.tme.eu/de/details/ds1020-08s ... m/connfly/#
http://www.tme.eu/de/details/ds1020-05s ... m/connfly/#
http://www.tme.eu/de/details/ds1020-08s ... m/connfly/#