Frequently asked questions about ZX81
- What is a ZX81? - How did YOU find this site?? ;-)
ZX81 is a small computer with Z80A CPU, 1k RAM and 8K ROM with BASIC. All other
logic-functions are integrated in a single "SLC-SinclairLogicChip". The complete
video-signal is generated together with this SLC, the CPU and only 300 Bytes of
ROM-code.
- "keyboard"-foil with 40 keys
- simple cassette port with about 300 bd
- busconnector with 46 (-2) connections
- 3.25 MHz CPU clock-frequency
- 9 Volts operating voltage
- TV connector for the use with a normal TV-set
- B&W screen has 24 lines X 32 characters or in graphic-mode 48 X 64
- no ASCII code.
- What is the difference between ZX81 and TS1000?
No difference in PCB and ROM, but:
- TS1000 has 2K of RAM, ZX81 only 1K
- keyboard print-out: ENTER/NEWLINE DELETE/RUBOUT
- TV-output on VHF channel 2/3 for TS1000, UHF channel 36 for ZX81
- 60 Hz vertical frequency for TS1000, 50 Hz for ZX81
- shielded case for TS1000 and two chokes in cassette in/out lines
- Which add-ons have been produced by Sinclair?
- 16k-RAM memory extension
- printer
- Why is an american TS1000 slower than an european ZX81?
The Z80 CPU has to produce the screen output together with the ULA and some
bytes of software . 60 Hz meens to output more pictures per second for the TS1000 and less
time for executing the user program.
- Are there clones of ZX80/1?
- Micro Ace was a "pirate copy" of ZX80, sold in the USA
- TS1000 see: What is the difference between ZX81 and TS1000?
- TS1500 has 16K-RAM, a "Spectrum-style" case and keyboard
- CZ1000, CZ1500 - TK82, TK83, TK85 - South american products
- LAMBDA,POWER 3000, BASIC 3000, PC8300 far east products
- Jupiter Ace, not a clone, but a "Forth" machine developed by two former Sinclair engeneers
- more information on ZX-TEAM-Homepage under "Family"
- Where can I buy a ZX81 or spare parts?
- How can I load ZX81 programs from my PC into a real ZX81?
- Where can I find ZX81 informations and programs in the WWW?
Read this site carefully!
- For which machines are ZX81-emulators available?
- Sinclair Spectrum
- Commodore C64
- Amiga
- Atari
- DOS-PC
- UNIX-machines
- Where can I find a ZX81 handbook, a ROM-listing, a schematic?
- Which power supply do I need for a ZX81/ZX80?
Sinclair sold the ZX80/81 with a 9V DC PowerSuppy. +9V is the tip of the 3.5mm mono jack
700mA for the use without Sinclair-printer 1200mA for the use with Sinclair-printer
450mA is the powercomsumption of an unexpanded ZX81. You can use the same psu for ZX80/ZX81.
A Spectrum psu will not work, only because it has an other type of plug.
- Are there still active user groups for ZX81?
- ZX81-mailing-list a "virtual" ZX81 users group with more than 100 members
- ZX-TEAM is a german ZX81 users group with nearly 100 members.
We publish a bimonthly paper magazine.
- Is ZX81 year 2000 compliant?
No year 2000 problem with our zeddy, he is a real timeless machine!