We welcome old and new readers to this special column for Timex/Sinclair 2068 owners who have decided to get back to their “roots” and converted their computer to be compatible with the English Sinclair ZX Spectrum. For those of you who are new to this idea, there are several methods of conversion. Since space doesn’t permit a lengthy discussion of how it is done, we will cover the topic in the next issue as a refresher. In the meantime, we want to say that everyone is welcome to give their input towards this special section, such as a tip that you have recently discovered about 2068/Spectrum compatibility. We feel that TIME DESIGNS is unique in supporting the growing number of 2068 users who have realised the many benefits of “going English”. Here is some news that we have heard:
A bulletin received from Clifford And Associates reported that the Z-LINK 2068/Spectrum Interface Card has been improved. It now operates properly with all Spectrum emulation, including ROMSWITCH. The new version contains a special “ROM select” circuit, and is said to be 20% faster than the previous model. Write to: 13910 Halldale Ave., Gardena, CA 90259 for further information, dealer listing and prices. There are several models of the Z-LINK available, including fully assembled and kits, and custom features for particular English drives.
DAMCO Enterprises, 67 Bradley Ct., Fall River, MA 02720, has added some new products to their line of products for the 2068. These include the dk’tronics line of computer add-ons: a high-res light pen, a Spectrum software compatable joystick interface, a three-channel sound synthesizer and a speech synthesizer. Also DAMCO is offering a version of their 2068 expansion buss adapter for Spectrum peripherals, and are calling it the RAINBOW Interface. It is priced at $34.95.
Issue after issue, we here at TIME DESIGNS rely on one particular individual to fill us in on new equipment and software that has cropped up in Great Britain. This person is Bob Dyl of the English Micro Connection, 15 Kilburn Ct., Newport, RI 02840. This issue Bob reported that the three most popular computer games in the U.K. (as far as sales go) are: Raid Over Moscow, the new “Gremlins, The Adventure” (based on the Stephen Spielberg movie), and “Backpacker’s Guide To The Universe Vol. 1”. There is a special add-on called INTERFACE #3 that is both a hardware and software package. It is reported to have the capability to virtually BREAK and SAVE any commercially available Spectrum program to cassette or microdrive/waferdrive. It sells for $59.95 and will be available soon from EMC. This issue Bob Dyl has a “special deal” for TIME DESIGNS readers. A 6-pack Spectrum software package for $15 plus $2 s & h. The package includes the following titles: Horace Goes Ski-ing, Scrabble, Checquered Flag, Survival, Chess and Mega Chip. The news doesn’t stop here, there’s more…announcement of a new software club for “game players only”. The official English Micro Connection Games Software Club. $9.95 a year for membership will get you the club membership card and entitle you to 15% discount off EMC’s already low computer game prices, plus very special deals offered on occaison just for members. Finally, new white plastic wipe-off keyboard templates for the T/S 2068, for only $3.00. If any of the previous information interests you, get in touch with Bob, and quote our 2068/Spectrum-wares section as your source.