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 »

Thanks for all the encouraging words and your time Mark! Also a rather impressive de-solder and bit of socketing there!
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gammaray
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by gammaray »

The new socket will help when the rest of get sent the wrong chip...add it to the parts list for the kit. In fact I am adding sockets to everything I have! :D
5-TS1000,UK ZX81<-Sheelagh, US ZX81, 2-TS1500/KDLX , 3-TS2040 printer, 2-TS2020 cassette decks, ZXPAND+AY, ZeddyNET, ZXBlast, UDG, ZX8CCB, AERCO, BUILDS/REPAIRS ZX Spectrum, ZX80 Minstrel, ZXMAX48 v1 v2, 2-TS-2068, ROM, 16kRAM
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TMAOne
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by TMAOne »

It's been a while. Is there any movement on this?
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1024MAK
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by 1024MAK »

Yeah, I've been distracted with other things.

Hopefully at the weekend, I can do some more. I'll then post an update here.

Mark
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gammaray
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by gammaray »

Good to know I am not the only one! :oops: :lol:
5-TS1000,UK ZX81<-Sheelagh, US ZX81, 2-TS1500/KDLX , 3-TS2040 printer, 2-TS2020 cassette decks, ZXPAND+AY, ZeddyNET, ZXBlast, UDG, ZX8CCB, AERCO, BUILDS/REPAIRS ZX Spectrum, ZX80 Minstrel, ZXMAX48 v1 v2, 2-TS-2068, ROM, 16kRAM
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TMAOne
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by TMAOne »

I just used the "slave tape" output on my 1980's prototype (pictured at the beginning of this thread) to copy an entire tape for a friend. The clone seems to load even more reliably than the original! Can't wait to see these kits distributed, once they pass muster.
Ian
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1024MAK
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by 1024MAK »

Afternoon ‪Lardo Boffin‬

Okay first, sorry that this has taken a while. Too many distractions :cry: :oops:

So after repairing my audio sine wave generator (a PP3 leaked and corroded all along one of the connection leads) I have completed some bench testing.

Along the way, I discovered another track break. Now repaired. I also tidied up a couple of other connections.
IMG_7525.JPG
IMG_7524.JPG
So as far as bench testing is concerned, it works fine :D. I'll post the results a bit later (need to convert to a forum friendly format).

Now just have to find a ZX81 cassette tape...

Also can you please send me your current address via PM so that I can return it to you.

Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp

:!: Standby alert :!:
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
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1024MAK
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by 1024MAK »

Bench test results
Bench test results
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp

:!: Standby alert :!:
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
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XavSnap
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by XavSnap »

Thanks Mark.
:ugeek:
Xavier ...on the Facebook groupe : "Zx81 France"(fr)
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TMAOne
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Re: Improving Timex/Sinclair Tape Loading

Post by TMAOne »

That's great work Mark, thank-you.

The table seems to show the unit very stable once the "lit" threshold is reached. It never occurred to me to quantify it like that; I just know the darn thing works.

Here's hoping for your problematic tapes Lardo,...

Ian
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