Note: we had some technical difficulties in this recording and there’s an echo on parts of the audio.
Adam Trionfo dug into the FDD 3/3000 disk images (available on archive.org, https://archive.org/details/zebra-fdd-disk-images), examining a home-made version of Q*Bert. Tomato, the tool Adam used to convert disk images to TAP files, is available on the FDD 3000 site (https://sourceforge.net/projects/fdd3000e/).
Paul Anderson asked about whether we used vintage computers or emulators. We discussed using text editors to enter programs and using ZmakeBas (https://github.com/ohnosec/zmakebas) to convert programs to TAP files.
Some emulators we discussed using included ZEsarUX (https://github.com/chernandezba/zesarux), FUSE (https://fuse-emulator.sourceforge.net/), EightyOne (https://sourceforge.net/projects/eightyone-sinclair-emulator/).
Ryan suggested a resource list of programs and instructions for new and existing users. David Solly pointed out that World of Spectrum (https://worldofspectrum.org/) has many utilities.
Jeff Burrell has been working on porting his video emulation routines to a new FPGA he’s working with, for an eventual expansion to the 2068 that’ll support saving to SD card and may have WIFI.
David Solly asked about amplifying the TS2068 video signal so it would work better with the existing composite to HDMI converters.
Jeff Kuhlmann continues to work on his adventures in getting 64 column mode, in particular with Wes Brzozowski’s 64 column mode program published in SINCUS (https://www.timexsinclair.com/article/2068-64-column-basic/).
Ryan mentioned TASWIDE (https://www.timexsinclair.com/product/taswide-print-utility/), a utility from Tasman Software (https://www.timexsinclair.com/company/tasman-software/) that gave BASIC programmers the ability to use 64 columns. Zebra Systems sold OS-64 (https://www.timexsinclair.com/product/os-64-cartridge/) that enabled 64 column mode for BASIC.
Stewart Newfeld caught us up on his project to use Ginger Electronic (https://www.ginger-electronic.com/en/) keyboards in a ZX81 as a USB keyboard.
Stewart’s also working on interfacing the Intel 8255 parallel input/output chip with the goal of interfacing it to the ZX81 for experimenters. He’s been discovering similar projects from the 1980s, especially those published in Maplin Magazine (https://worldradiohistory.com/Maplin-Electronics.htm).
We segued into a brief conversation about finding ZX81/TS1000s and the problem of the keyboard ribbons. Tim Horner described his technique for repairing keyboard ribbon cables with aluminum tape. Jeff B mentioned that a copper tape is also available.
Stewart then talked about his meeting with Ingo Schmied and Ingo’s brothers’ goal to make clear ZX81 cases. Stewart mentioned he has a supply of empty ZX81 cases, with keyboards inside.
Keith Watson told us about his effort in helping to add TS 2068 support to the Warajevo emulator.
David gave an update on a video about upgrading the power supply in the TS 2068 with a tiny power supply Carl Miles had found. More information about the project is here:
https://www.timexsinclair.com/timex-sinclair/upgrading-the-power-in-your-timex-sinclair-2068/
David discovered he has a 2068 customized by Eric Johnson (https://www.timexsinclair.com/indiv/eric-johnson/). Eric had changed the 2068 to display “Property of Eric Johnson” instead of the Sinclair and Timex copyright messages.
We talked about the source of the hiss in the 2068, which we believe comes from the operational amplifier (op amp) in the switching regulator chip used in the TS 2068.
David had updated the timexsinclair.com website with some additions from Greg Harder to the SRAM Hi*Res Extended BASIC (for the ZX81/TS1000, https://timexsinclair.com/product/sram-hires-extended-basic/), including manuals. Greg is active on sinclairzxworld.com and has YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@gregharder8456).
David also described his effort to preserve tapes using a mini cassette player with a built-in USB converter. Ryan showed us his mini cassette deck and described some techniques he uses with Audacity.
Ryan showed a program he recovered (“Food Fight”), running on his emulator on the Raspberry Pi 400. The program featured user-defined graphics of a dripping ice cream cone and a little stick figure.
David showed a proof of the 2068 ROM disassembly book he’s been working on for several years. He’s trying to get it wrapped up for publication in early 2023.
Last, we talked about the possibility of Timex/Sinclair t-shirts and other items, another project we’ll work on.