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Spectrum Clones? [message #9993]

Wed, 29 June 2022 17:49

cheshirenoir
Messages: 14
Registered: June 2022

Junior Member

Hi All,
After successfully building the Omega MSX, I'm now setting my sights on building a Spectrum 128k clone. Now, the easy way out would be to order a Harlequin kit and be done with it, but I'm actually interested in something a little less pedestrian.
Can anyone suggest alternatives? Maybe something with additional peripherals integrated? While fitting in an "original" Spectrum 48k is nifty, I don't care that much as I'll be boxing it in a DkTronics mechanical keyboard case.

(Admins:If this topic is not appropriate, feel free to delete)

Cheers!

Chesh

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #9994 is a reply to message #9993]

Fri, 01 July 2022 05:28

etchedpixels
Messages: 333
Registered: October 2015

Senior Member

Most of the alternatives are based on surface mount or are really FPGA emulations

- ZX Spectrum Next is not a kit and is FPGA
- ZX Uno is FPGA
- ZX Evolution is a lot of surface mount and FPGA but a real Z80

You can get kits for the Pentagon and boards for the Kay still. Most of the "real spectrum" kits are sold from Russia so depending upon your local law you may find that a) you can no longer pay for them and b) if you do they may get seized at the border.

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #9995 is a reply to message #9994]

Fri, 01 July 2022 06:00

cheshirenoir
Messages: 14
Registered: June 2022

Junior Member

Cheers etchedpixels.
Sounds like I might just have to stick with the Harlequin.

Cheers!

Chesh

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #9996 is a reply to message #9995]

Fri, 01 July 2022 11:48

lynchaj
Messages: 1080
Registered: June 2016

Senior Member

Hi
Is there any interest in a hobbyist enhanced Spectrum? Like something that uses a decent mechanical keyboard and extra peripherals? Maybe other more exotic expansions not found in the Harlequin Spectrum clone?

My guess is either its already been done, possibly several times, or the idea itself is such blasphemy as to be not considered. Personally, I've not been into Spectrum although I recall seeing the Spectrum around as a teenager. Much better than the original Timex/Sinclair for certain but never really gained much traction in the US as far as I know.

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #9997 is a reply to message #9996]

Sat, 02 July 2022 01:32

tapy
Messages: 17
Registered: June 2021

Junior Member

Harlequin is the most available.

/forum/index.php?t=getfile&id=2744&private=0

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #9998 is a reply to message #9996]

Sat, 02 July 2022 05:16

etchedpixels
Messages: 333
Registered: October 2015

Senior Member

lynchaj wrote on Fri, 01 July 2022 11:48

Hi
Is there any interest in a hobbyist enhanced Spectrum? Like something that uses a decent mechanical keyboard and extra peripherals? Maybe other more exotic expansions not found in the Harlequin Spectrum clone?

There's not a lot that hasn't been done to the poor spectrum. Even in the original days there were memory expansions, floppy disk interfaces, real keyboards etc. The expansion bus was somewhat primitive but surprisingly flexible with what was achieved.

The hard bit with these machines is the timing. A lot of the games and effects require cycle perfect behaviour.

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #9999 is a reply to message #9996]

Sat, 02 July 2022 20:01

cheshirenoir
Messages: 14
Registered: June 2022

Junior Member

I like the idea of a mechanical keyboard on a speccy. Something like the Omega keyboard as an upper layer and the Harlequin as a lower layer with an Acrylic case sandwiched over and under the boards.
If we're talking "wishlist" items, I'd add Kempston and Sinclair joystick ports as well as integrated DIVMMC.

Chesh

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #10001 is a reply to message #9999]

Tue, 05 July 2022 12:00

danwerner
Messages: 50
Registered: October 2015

Member

Here is my version of a PCB for a mechanical keyboard for the Harlequin (or any Spectrum). There are also STL files for a 3d-printed case.

https://github.com/danwerner21/SpectrumProjects

you can order custom keycaps using the keycap art file located at this site: https://retrodepot.net/?p=3010 (not my site, just a file that I used rather than creating my own keycap set) to complete the system. I made the S-Video mod for better video output on mine and all in all, the Harlequin works quite well . . .

Dan W.

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #10004 is a reply to message #10001]

Tue, 05 July 2022 18:13

cheshirenoir
Messages: 14
Registered: June 2022

Junior Member

Oh I like that a LOT.

Thanks for sharing. I have... ideas now Very Happy

Chesh

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #10011 is a reply to message #10004]

Sun, 10 July 2022 23:16

alkmar
Messages: 29
Registered: August 2019

Junior Member

If you dont want to have to your "own" PCB's printed, or just want a complete kits Byte Delights 128 kit is an option:

https://www.bytedelight.com/?product=harlequin-128k-rev-2d-b lack-large-diy-kit

he is using the Harlequin 128K REV 2D, which seems solid, I built one of the 48k and 128k kits and everything was quality new parts, groups of parts baged together, and a good build guide.

While I dont have the gurbers their is also Harlequin 3G board that implements the serial, a floppy interface ability, and a few other small items. I purchased on of these off eBay and it worked very well.

In any event it's a fun build and a great way to play Elite! Best of luck with your future build.

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #10098 is a reply to message #9993]

Tue, 16 August 2022 20:19

bifo
Messages: 48
Registered: October 2019

Member

If you're looking for an alternative to the Harlequin builds, there's a russian CPC clone called the Aleste 520EX for which there are gerber files available.

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/building-t he-aleste-520ex-(cpcmsx-russian-clone)/
https://github.com/hww/Aleste520EX
https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Aleste_520EX
http://aleste520.narod.ru/

[Updated on: Tue, 16 August 2022 20:22]

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Re: Spectrum Clones? [message #10231 is a reply to message #10098]

Sat, 04 February 2023 23:26

ale500
Messages: 44
Registered: April 2018

Member

How did I missed this thread ?
After builing a ZX-81 clone in 2020/21 I decided I waanted a Spectrum. Got myself a board fromebay, just the board and some AD724 from aliexpress. Did't populate the board yet, it needs some chips I only seem to find in Kessler electronic (I'm in Germany). I have to put an order for it, specialla because of the 74HC366 why not a 367... I think it is a bit more common.
The Aleste 520 looks very interesting because it doesn't use a gate array !. The PROMS could be redone with a GAL20V8/10 and the palette RAMs would need a bit more thought, 2116s probably if they are fast enough. 74HC670s are only 4x4 Bit and 74LS189, I do not know if the ones from aliexpress are legit, I got some (for another TTL project) haven't tested them yet... Replacing the MUXes and DRAMs with other MUXes and SRAM would be a thing.

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