On February 3rd, 2025, members of the Timex Sinclair community gathered for an engaging user group meeting. The agenda was packed with updates, discussions, and shared experiences, all centered around the beloved Timex Sinclair systems. Here’s a detailed look at the key topics and insights shared during the meeting.
2068e Project Update by Jeff Burrell
Jeff Burrell took the spotlight early in the meeting to provide an update on the development of the 2068e project. He showcased the current state of the project, highlighting the components integrated into the system.
- FPGA Integration: The project features a 20,000 gate FPGA, which is central to its functionality.
- Memory and Storage: A 1 Megabyte static RAM is included, along with an audio stereo DAC, allowing for enhanced sound capabilities.
- Peripheral Support: Two Raspberry Pi Pico boards are utilized: one for interfacing with an SD card and the other for a USB keyboard.
- Video Output: The system supports VGA video output, which is crucial for connecting to modern displays.
Jeff demonstrated how the system boots up and loads different cores from the SD card. He shared that while he has been working on the 2068 core, he faced challenges with the serial port connection between the FPGA and the SD card Pico. He explained that the cores are not directly shared with the Mister Project, though some components, like the Spectrum core, do have commonalities.
High Color Hero Game Discussion
Following Jeff’s presentation, the group shifted gears to discuss the High Color Hero game. Adam shared his experiences running the game on real hardware and through emulation. He noted some discrepancies in color rendering between the two methods.
- Color Issues: While the game ran well on emulation, it exhibited “janky” colors on real hardware, particularly with the usage of bright black, which was not intended in the game’s design.
- Hardware Variations: Adam’s tests were performed on an NTSC system, which may have contributed to the visual differences.
The discussion raised questions about the coding practices used by the game’s developer, particularly regarding how the game was tested on different platforms. Adam expressed interest in exploring these issues further and encouraged others to share their experiences with the game.
Memories of the Personal Robotics Boom
Jon B took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on the personal robotics boom of the early 1980s. He recounted his visit to the International Personal Robot Congress and Exposition held at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
- Notable Robots: Jon mentioned the Heathkit Hero One, which was a prominent model at the time, and the excitement surrounding various robotic demonstrations.
- Target Audience: He noted that the audience for such robots seemed to be primarily experimenters and hobbyists rather than mainstream consumers.
The conversation sparked a lively discussion about the evolution of robotics and how those early experiences influenced current technologies.
ROM Replacement Cartridge for ZX81/TS-1000
Carl introduced his project focusing on a ROM replacement cartridge for the ZX81/TS-1000. He explained the challenges and advancements made in the design of the cartridge.
- Reverse Engineering: Carl discussed the reverse engineering efforts led by Don, who created an interface board for the original TS-510 cartridge.
- New Designs: Claudius contributed to the project by redesigning the cartridge to make it more accessible and compact.
- Functionality: The new cartridge allows for the use of multiple programs, significantly enhancing the functionality of the ZX81/TS-1000.
Carl emphasized the goal of creating a cartridge that could replace the need for tape loading, making it easier for users to access software quickly. The group discussed potential improvements and features that could be added to enhance user experience.
Upcoming Vintage Computer West Midwest Event
The meeting concluded with discussions about the upcoming Vintage Computer West Midwest event. Members expressed excitement about the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and showcase their projects.
- Coordination: Plans were made to coordinate efforts among attendees, ensuring that everyone had a chance to share their work and engage with the community.
- Exhibits and Demonstrations: Group members discussed the possibility of setting up exhibits and demonstrations of their projects, including the 2068e and the new ROM replacement cartridges.