I love 8-bit computers and electronics and want to share my enjoyment of them with you! You'll find all sorts of ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, retro and electronics project videos on my channel along with the occasion modern tech video.
Tools I use - amzn.to/4cbymsz
KZread equipment I use - amzn.to/3WWEv7n
Note that I am affiliated with Amazon when using the above links.
Never miss a video from iNimbleSloth
Subscribe ⇢ inimblesloth.com/subscribe
I also design and sell electronics hobby kits ⇢ www.slothbyte.com
*****************************************************************************
If you'd like your product reviewed here, please contact me at [email protected]
Let’s stay social :-)
📲 twitter.com/iNimbleSloth
📲 facebook.com/iNimbleSloth
📲 youtube.com/@iNimbleSloth
📲 instagram.com/iNimbleSloth
📲 iNimbleSloth.com
📲 www.patreon.com/iNimbleSloth
Пікірлер
I wouldn't mind running a Raspberry Pi on a Sinclair case with a traditional keyboard (no chicklet or membrane keys).
my dont work any more i just using ps3 joystick
Did some testing tonight: Couldn't get my 2 gamepads working. Retro Games AMIGA MINI GAMEPAD and clone PS4 GAMEPAD. ANY IDEAS? I GOT the keyboard working via usb and usb hub. VGA picture is outstanding. Tzx files don't load automatically. This happens in some other Speculators too. Best to use Z80. ITS STILL NICE, and as you say, it's a cheap option, but I'll need to get a Kempston joystick. I prefer gamepads even though diagonals can be horrendous. Maybe it's not the best way to play Speccy especially if you rely on the usb keyboard as I can do that wirelessly on my tablet via Bluetooth. Hmm. I have mixed feelings on it, just now. Have you got the usb gamepad option working?
Not used a USB gamepad on mine, only kempston joystick.
So to add games, hook the Pico via it's micro usb to a PC, then drag/ drop the games? And where do you get the software files?
No, insert micro SD card to PC, drag and drop games, then insert microSD card in to the Speccy clone. New games from itch.io and other online retailers, original games Google will take you to them. I can't post links to copied games here.
@@iNimbleSloth excellent cheers. I was worried, as there's no access to the that micro usb slot on the right. I know it's for firmware. But it seems that's fine as the Speccy loaded to the usual boot menu you normally see when loading a Speccy. I've already mounted the board in the case, so I was concerned. Took me hours, to mod the case, painfully slow tbhonest. Used a Dremel style tool from Aldi, but got it done in the end. Cheers Carl Thanks. If there's any more advice you can offer on this Speccy, please offer it.
@EnjoySynthSounds I connected the audio out to the powered speakers I usually use on my computer as the internal piezo sounded is extremely quiet. The folder structure on the micro SD card must be as per the video 5:38 or the games won’t be read.
37:04 "Great, no errors". Yet it clearly shows "Unconnected Items (1)".
3D print a temporary jig?
One hundred percent this!
you know where I can get the enclosure and keyboard compatible with this??
You can purchase from zxrenew.co.uk/ZX-Spectrum-Replacement-Cases-only-c22752627 I'm not affiliated with them
@@iNimbleSloth Thanks for your time!!
The BOM file in the site looks like is not accurate for the project. I used your video to create a new list of components. (no great electronic experience from my part)
No comments? Let's change that!
Wait, the ZX spectrum graphics never looked that good.
When can we use a quad core pi zero as the accelerator what about an art package and what about the pi zero emulating the vdp9990 at least?
This might be a stupid question. How does one know when a kickstarter 3 for example starts?
For KS2 I followed as much Spectrum Next social media as I could.
Can I use it for a device controller?
I connected the RGL002 joystick (The one that comes with the American version of TheC64 Mini) to a windows computer but I just got a device not recognized error. ¿Do I need to install a driver first?
For me there was no need to install a driver, just plug and play. Back when I recorded the video I was using Windows 10, not tried on 11 but would assume it should be the same.
@@iNimbleSlothnever mind. Just realised the joystick is broken. I just purchased TheC64 mini today and first thing I tried was connecting the joystick to the PC, but when connected to TheC64 mini it didn't work too, so it is the joystick what is wrong, not the computer. I will go to the shop to return it and get another one.
would you need to get a reset button separately or is it on the microbit already
There is a built in reset button on the rear of the microbit 🙂
@@iNimbleSloth thanks
I can’t believe that several months after this video was released, no one has commented on the “Tape cutting error…” in the Sinclair font, on the delivery packaging (at 1:45 on the video) I still have an original ZX Spectrum 48k that I purchased second-hand in my late teens (around 1988/1989) with numerous games on tape. I also have a floppy disk controller for it (I think it’s the Disciple). I bought Speccy as a bit of a novelty for playing games when the 48k had pretty much reached end of life. I had already owned a Tandy TRS-80 Model II, BBC Micro, Atari ST and had an IBM AT clone by then! Last time I dug out the Speccy (perhaps 6-7 years ago) it was still working. It’s probably time to sell it; I doubt I’ll bother firing it up again. I try a Speccy emulator every couple of years, but the nostalgia soon wears off. The excitement of computing in the 80s stays with me though; what an amazing time that was, and it set me up with a career that I have always enjoyed.
Unfortunately it's late for 30 years 😢
I recently built a concept case for my speccy 48k and put in an issue 4b with 128k memory expansion, a DivMMC and a AY soundcard. If I knew this board existed it would have helped me keep things simpler. Lovely project.
Incredible detailed video! I stoped to read every single screenshot 😛. Grettings from Argentina.
Got an original C64 recently and WOW what a test of patience. Waiting for the loading and going through the procedures.
🤣 yeah takes a while for sure, really makes you play the game for a while instead of just on to the next game. Some bits I'd recommend, if you've got a floppy drive or modern equivalent, then an Action Replay cartridge to help speed up the loading. The KungFu Flash cartridge lets you load from microSD card kzread.info/dash/bejne/pISf0LiInNjQdtI.html Then this device kzread.info/dash/bejne/jGuAydqHha_Xnc4.html emulates a floppy drive with built in fast loader 😁, and these are great ultimate64.com/CartridgesWithTape if you can get hold of them, new ones have a long lead time, occasionally see them pop up for sale second hand.
Very nice, thanx!
Congrats on your very nice looking keyboard 😁 I've also gone through the hassle of applying modern day keycaps to the MechBoard64. Same result as you discovered... My understanding is that Jim Drew considers producing new C64 keycaps with Cherry mx style sockets. I know he has the casting mold to do it. If so, the 3D printed keycap adapters will no longer be needed. However, this will cause the keycaps to be lowered a bit in the frame corresponding to the height of the 3D printed keycap adapters. A small update of the keyboard bracket may therefore be needed to compensate for the lower height of the microswitch/keycap. Not that I'm here to advertise for other C64 keyboard projects, but Jim will also be offering a brand new C64 keyboard called the BlingBoard64 (I think...). This is a complete C64 keyboard with keycaps and heaps of LED light.
Looks amazing, have my Nes copy on the way. Great video, nice to see someone playing the game, instead of trying to speed run through it like most vids I have watched.
I own the amazing AVS, I want to buy a new physical of "Sam's Journey". What is the best choice and why? PAL or NTSC? Or are they totally identical when using an FPGA product such as the AVS ?
It’s really targeted towards programmers. And hopefully they’ll try porting their games to the standard 128k or 48k machines. It’s way too expensive and limited in availability to be as popular as the original machines, albeit the NGO shows portable Nexts could be a good thing and might become more common and progressively cheaper. As things stand, though, the Next, is a niche product.
Can it use tzx files?
According to the github page it does - github.com/fruit-bat/pico-zxspectrum?tab=readme-ov-file - although, I've not tried it myself.
What kind of joystick is that?
It's an ArcadeR, they come in different versions for ZX Spectrum, Commodore etc. retroradionics.com/ArcadeR-9-pin-ATARI-standard-Joystick-With-new-extra-soft-and-durable-cable-p168982750
3D Monster Maze still makes me smile! I've got my original cassette somewhere, probably worth a few quid but I'll never ever sell!!
Little Samson 2! 💥💥👊💥💥
Wow, that's a rough port. The graphics on the C64 version are FAR better.
For NES, it looks excellent! Very nicely done port, IMO.
I don't think so - I love the C64, but these graphics look almost identical. It depends on which sprite we compare.
I have C64 & Nes, the Nes is definitely my favourite & has a superior games library.
@@waynecuff3140 Couldn't agree more that the C64 sucked for games compared to a NES or Master System. It was capable of so much more than games, though. The consoles weren't.
Very interesting and informative video, thanks for posting! 🙂
I looked on their website, but didn't see if the physical copy also came with a digital download? I'd love to buy the physical copy, but keep it sealed. I'd rather not have to pay more for the digital copy as well.
The download is a separate purchase 😢
@@iNimbleSloth well dang! I’m still going to have to grab the physical cart, it just looks too good to pass up. Are the controls good, tight and responsive etc?
@soon2brb240 the controls were responsive on the NES clone I used in the video. I did need to change the HDMI settings on the TV to game mode so that it didn’t do any image processing as I’ve found that any kind of processing introduces a delay.
@@iNimbleSloth ahh yes I’m familiar with that. I’ve got an AVS with an 8bitdo wireless controller, and with my tv on game mode, I can’t detect lag in any game. Thanks for the responses!
@@iNimbleSloth update: I emailed PolyPlay, and it turns out you DO get the digital copy if you buy a physical. It’s in your profile section you create on their website. So I ordered my cart and got the game downloaded already. I’m excited to load it onto my Everdrive and play it once I finish work.
Thank you so much for such a great explanation!
Its obvious the people involved love what they do. Just supurb production values all round.
Did you find a good solution for the space bar?
Not yet, but probably going to go with 3d print.
Pimp My Keyboard used to carry a size 9u spacebar which is identical in size to the C64 spacebar. The spacebar is part of the 'SA Family' and is made by Signature Plastics. However, the SA Family spacebar has two outer female sockets that are placed further apart in comparison to the C64. Therefore, the two rectangular holes in the keyboard bracket used for the keycap stabilizers need to be placed further apart in order to get it correctly installed...
Seems a cheaper alternative to the ZX OMNI, although that has a better build and screen option. I don’t mind VGA, as you can use any monitor knocking around, or get a VGA hdmi. I KNOW the Pico is light on power, but we are not sending a rocket to the moon here- we are emulating Speccy. Just like the OMNI it supports 128/48 modes. The only downside is no sound with VGA. But overall a good option for a speccy fans.
Can you attach a physical floppy disk drive to it ?
Good question, sort answer is I don't know 😢
I decided to buy a prebuilt one from ebay after seeing the video as stated the audio is very low what amp would you suggest? i hooked up a zx-box vintage amp via ear and the audio still low
I connected the output of mine to my PC speakers and it was ok-ish. I may get round to looking at an amp circuit and mod the board - not sure yet.
@iNimbleSloth I hooked up a vintage zx box speaker at max it was barely auditable
Thanks for the tip. I thought that plug connector was for external loading only. Plugged in my decent sony speakers and all sound nice and loud and clear. Just need to work out the escape key now on the real spectrum keyboard for use in the menu.
Thank you for this and providing the sample code!
You can do a KZread video but no more than one 😅
I would absolutely love this
In principle you could recreate the ULA with an FPGA, then you would be with the original ZX81. So it is a ZX80 with NMI extension, which is also much easier to implement and is still timeperiod correctly (there was an extension for the ZX 80)
Hi, thank you for the video. It's a great help for people like me at the time of making a macro pad. Everything is very clear and to the point. If you allow me, I would like to make a question. How did you make the pcb plate? Im trying on kicad, but I can't make any cutouts in the pcb to put the key switches. Could you give some instructions? Do you know where I could get footprints for the cherry mx 1u with the cutout? Please, forgive me if Im asking too much.
Hi, glad to hear the video helped. I made the faceplate as the last step. I selected my entire PCB and copy and pasted it so that I had two copies in the same editor page. Then using the edge.cuts layer and line tool, I drew a square around each switch (on the copied PCB) ensuring it was cantered to the switch (my squares were 14.15mm x 14.15 mm), I then removed all components and traces from the faceplate before doing a copper fill on both sides. There is probably a better way of doing this, but is how I did it. I then moved the faceplate PCB over the top of the switch PCB to check the alignment, when I was happy, I moved the PCB back out to the side. Then copy and pasted each PCB into its own PCB file to export the gerbers for manufacture. One final tip when laying everything out is to place a coordinate 0,0 in a sensible place on your design and calculate the coordinates of where each switch should be, you can then check and adjust the coordinates accordingly to make sure they are spaced evenly. I use Excel to help with this, again probably a better way, but that's how I do it.
Thank you for your video! very informative!. I just purchased a C64 with many accessories. It does come with a Kung Fu Cartridge as well. When I insert it - it loads Galaga, I am able to reset it and then it loads it again however I am not able to access the Menu. I did take it apart and made sure the button 'clicks'. I press the Menu but nothing happens. Any tips? thank you in advance!
The cartridge will load what ever was "flashed" last to it. Not sure how it behaves without a microSD card or if it can't read a microSD card (not got my C64 out at the moment to test). Could it be that it isn't reading the microSD card? Ensure it is formatted for FAT32, so maximum 32GB partition on the card.
Push the middle button (menu button) if it doesn't show the menu browser then something wrong happens with your KFF hardware, maybe a faulty button on your unit...
Thank you sir. The only video that explains about using multiple D64 games. legend!
Hi! Im looking for BOM
www.pcbway.com/project/member/?bmbno=83A7E3EE-7B40-49 then select the board/version you want, scroll down and their is the parts list. No manufacturers part numbers though.
i can't see the price. if i add to cart, it asks me to make an account. anyone seen the price?
Is there a way to get a backup from the kickstarter 2 sd-card?
Not officially. Owners are recommended to take a copy/backup of their SD card before using.
@@iNimbleSloth Is there a possibility to let me have a copy of it?
I've got mine all hooked up to the net .. I've been playing my old Speccy game collection via the archive .. I'm pleased and blessed with my accelerated Speccy NEXT