First, a follow-up on power supplies. If you want one that will power your monitor, write to Tom Woods, Box 64, Jefferson, NH 03583. In his latest issue of Pro/file update ($9.95/year) he shows how to build a power supply which uses a 12V car battery. If you add an inverter (DC to AC) for the monitor you should be free of power line problems forever!
Next, telecommunications. I also have a Byte Back Modem which I built form a kit. I added sockets for the IC’s and an extra-long line to the telephone jack, It worked perfectly first time! The software loads easily and is compatible with the Z-XLR8 fast load program. I also have read that the serial port is not “standard” and must be connected with care. There are lists of BBS’s in Computer Shopper ($15.00/year) Box F, Titusville, Florida 32781 and a publication Hooking In, Computerfood Press, ($13.95 + $2.00 postage) Box 608R, Oracle, Arizona 85623, which is supposed to print updates (mine haven’t arrived yet).
The next hardware item will make your ZX-T/S look like a real computer: a new keyboard. While a number have been on the market, I restricted my research to those with a separate number keypad and finally bought the EZ Key 60 ($84.95) Suite 75A, 711 Southern Artery, Quincy, MA 02169, with the larger case ($30.00). They charge $4.00 each for shipping even though both come in the same box! In addition to good, looks the keys have definite feel (click). There are separate keys for ; “” stop, edit, delete, 2 shift keys and a full space bar. The case holds the board (leave out the top cover of the computer) screwed to the base with holes for all the inputs and 2 holes for joystick plugs, if you wish to add them. The case doesn’t permit easy attachment of add-ons on the back and I recommend an extension cable.
Another, untested by me, keyboard has recently came on the market from K2 Electronics Design, 3990 Varsity Dr., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. It looks about the same and has some extra keys, a power light, a joystick connector and a cassette signal filter, all for $89.00 plus shipping including the case. The big difference is a 64K memory for an additional $50.00. (No, they say the 64K won’t work without the KRADLE Keyboard). Also available are connections and cards for 16 line of I/O and RS-232 capability. (No prices given).