ZX Basicus: A Fast-Track to Sinclair Basic
Ryan Gray introduced a program called ZX Basicus. This tool interprets Sinclair Basic code at remarkable speeds, making it a game-changer for enthusiasts. Ryan explained that ZX Basicus is cross-platform, with binaries available for Linux, Windows, and potentially Mac.
- High-Speed Execution: The program executes Spectrum-style Basic at machine speed, leading to significantly faster performance.
- File Format Conversion: It can convert between various file formats, including TAP and TZX, which is essential for compatibility with different emulators.
- Code Optimization: ZX Basicus also offers code optimization features, simplifying and tightening up code to fit into tighter spaces, which is especially useful for competitions like the annual 10-line contest.
Ryan shared that he had already begun experimenting with ZX Basicus by pulling out some sample games from the community that were written for it. He even managed to translate one of the games, titled “Dead End,” to work on a regular machine, showcasing the program’s capabilities.
Font Creation Inspired by the ZX Spectrum
In addition to programming updates, Ryan also presented his project: a font inspired by the native ZX Spectrum font. His journey to create this font has been filled with challenges, particularly with specific characters such as the ampersand and asterisk.
- Design Challenges: Ryan described the difficulties he faced with ensuring consistency in geometry and aesthetics while adhering to the pixel limitations of the original ZX Spectrum font.
- Refinements: He continues to refine certain characters and is considering creating variants for specific letters to enhance usability.
- Community Feedback: Ryan is keen on receiving input from the community to further improve the font design.
Upcoming Vintage Computer Festival (VCF) Midwest
Mowgli Assor informed us about details of the upcoming Vintage Computer Festival (VCF) Midwest, scheduled for September 13-14. Mowgli mentioned that arrangements are being made to ensure that Timex Sinclair enthusiasts can gather together, making it easier to connect with fellow fans.
Timex Sinclair 1000 and ZX81 Motherboards: A Deep Dive
The group also delved into discussions about the Timex Sinclair 1000 and ZX81 motherboards. Carl Miles showcased an unusual green Timex Sinclair 1000 board made in Spain, sparking curiosity among attendees.
- Board Variations: Members expressed interest in documenting the various board variations, as most boards are typically red.
- Database Proposal: Tim Swenson suggested creating a database of motherboard photos to catalog these differences, which could serve as a valuable resource for the community.