Just a little update on where I am, although some of this was in other posts.
On my TS1000, I finally added in a ZX8-CCB to replace my ghetto mod (which worked, but wasn't great), and after some fumbling and assistance here, got it set up right and I'm getting a pretty great picture now.
I also finally did the 16k internal mod and that worked!
And while I was working on it, my keyboard membrane cracked again, so I cut it down a bit more, and while I was trying to carefully handle the end so it wouldn't crack as I reattached it, it cracked farther down.
Oh well, I knew it was going to happen. I had already ordered a new membrane.
So my TS1000 has a new keyboard/membrane. Currently it is the UK layout. I have the US overlay, but I am sticking with the UK one for now.
Was finally able to try some 16k games! Impressive!!
Tho my hands/fingers aren't used the the cursor key layout for controlling things yet.
Not much movement on my US ZX81.
I haven't modded him at all... He's still RF and 1k.
I did play with the power jack and got a better connection there, so I was able to do a quick test on the CRT tv downstairs and saw the K!!!
I do think I should replace that power jack, but the ones I see on sellmyretro aren't shipping to the US, and the ones I saw on ebay appeared a bit expensive... So I'll wait a bit on that... Maybe it's something I can take apart and bend back to shape better??? I haven't looked...
I am thinking I probably won't mod the ZX81, keeping him original. I will order another keyboard membrane tho, to have as available.
I also haven't replaced the 7805 with anything yet... Considering that, especially if I think I will be using either one for more than a short period at a time...
As for peripherals, I do have both printers. I haven't tried either.
I have the ZXPrinter and it came with some rolls of the aluminum paper. I would imagine I will need a new belt for that.
I have the STL, but I have yet to print flexible on my 3D Printers. So I might try that later, or I might just order a new belt.
I also have the TS2040, which for the longest time I couldn't test because I didn't have any paper. But I recently found a couple of rolls on e-bay for a decent price. So I now have two rolls. Haven't tested him yet, but it's on the list.
I haven't looked at the 16k RAM pack yet.
Another project on the list is a TZXduino, as I have some arduinos around here... (Although my TS1000 is close enough to my main PC that playing files from there is pretty simple...)
On an side thought, I was looking up info on a Commodore PET (a computer I do NOT have) and thought the really basic sound mod that most owners apparently did for them was interesting. Just a resistor on one line on the parallel port that can be connected to an amp for sound.
I wondered why something simple like that wasn't done for the 81? I've seen mention of the Zon-X sound module, which I am sure creates much better sound, as it actually has a sound chip.
But I would think something like the PET style would "fit" the ZX well... Wonder why that didn't happen/catch on... Just a rambling thought.
Thanx again for all your help!