HARDWARE REVIEW
ITEM: DK TRONICS KEYBOARD
FROM: DK TRONICS, SUFFERN, WALDEN, ENGLAND (799-26350)
PRICE: $72.00 + S&H (Depends on exchange rate)
About a month after my second order (the first bounced because of some problems with VISA), I received my DK’Tronics “big” Keyboard for my TS/1000.
The keyboard case is made of a soft black plastic and has 40 grey keys and an additional 12 red keypad keys. The feel of the keys is good and clear vinyl markers on each key contain the standard Sinclair codes, as used in the U.K. (e.g., NEWLINE for ENTER). Inside the case is DK’s “motherboard” which is simply an extension of the ZX81 buss to the rear of the case, but which has an extra male connector sticking up. This leaves the newly exposed rear connector available for other devices. DK also provides enough room for a small internal power supply for graphics ROM assembly. The standard phone plug connectors are exposed through a slot in the back of the case.
Assembling the DK’Tronics keyboard was easy for the most part. Standard installation requires only that the DK keyboard and ZX81 have the screws holding them together removed and the ZX81 P.C. board placed inside the keyboard case. The ZX board plugs in to the motherboard via the edge connector. Two specially prepared connectors then simply plug into the keyboard slots. There is one problem with the standard instalation however. The DK product is intended for use with a UHF modulator. These come out of the case about 1 1/2″ further from the back than the USA’s VHF output and and extra 1/2″ hole has to be drilled in the case. This is not a problem, as the material is very soft and easier to work than wood.
The workmanship on the board I received was not very good. I had to realign the motherboard and found some of the wooden mounting flocks somewhat off center, as well. Also, DK made no provision for the Ch2 -Ch3 switch in the bottom of the case. Finally, an obvious mold flaw mars the finish on top of my unit.
Other shortcomings include the lack of a space bar, the use of a wooden bottom plate and the total lack of sheilding (not required in the UK, I’d guess). These shortcomings are offset somemhat by the fine “feel” of the keyboard, the ease with which the plastic material can be worked, the reasonable price and the extra numeric keyboard. On balance, I would rate the DK’s keyboard a reasonable value for the money, but recommend you be prepared to use simple hand tools (screwdriver, hand brace, pliers) to “finish” your keyboard. I expect a warranty claim would be tough to follow up. Do ask for the Overseas price, not the U.K. domestic price.