New to the group
9 messages · 2019-01-22 → 2019-01-28 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org
Participants: thomasferreira, Rob Kim, moryarti2, Adam Trionfo, Don Dindang
Preserved from the Timex/Sinclair 2068 Yahoo Group (2001–2019), which is no longer online. Text reproduced from the archive.org archive; email addresses masked.
Messages
1. New to the group
thomasferreira · 22 Jan 2019 06:16:28 +
Just wanted to say hi.
I am actually looking to buy a TS2068 if I can find a nice clean boxed unit in USA. If anyone has one for sale, keep me in mind.
Also would not mind finding some old Sinclair magazines too. I know there are .PDFs but prefer hard copy.
Never owned a Sinclair before and the TS2068 has tickled my fancy. I do understand though they are not very compatible with Spectrum apps so may not be the best choice for my 1st Sinclair.
Can those Spectrum Emulator Cartridges still be had for the TS2068 or some other solution that if I do find a nice TS2068 for sale, I can actually use it with most Spectrum apps?
Thanks in advance!
Thomas
2. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Rob Kim · Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:38
Hi Thomas,
Welcome! I'm a fairly new member as well and went through the research not too long ago, so it's fresh in my mind so maybe I can take a crack at answering some of your questions....
Spectrum compatibility: Three main options I know of. I'm not sure if the emulation command cart was ever for sale in the US. I've never come across one so far....
1. If you have access to an eprom programmer I've seen bare Command Module PCB. you can build your own "Emulator Cartridge". You need to do type in a basic command to start the Spectrum ROM each time the machine restarts. 2. If you have access to an eprom programmer, you can swap out the ROM for TC2048 ROM or Spectrum ROM. Google search TS2068 Technical Manual. The details are in the document. (The copy in the Yahoo group files area seems to be corrupted for me...) I made a switchable rom that can switch between TS2068 and TC2048 ROM... additional details here: http://www.atkinsoft.com/ts2068.html Richard states you need to modify the spectrum ROM and replace both ROM, but I just swapped out the main ROM with the TC2048 ROM without any problems. 3. Something like this: https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/twister-board-for-ts2068-with-zx-spectrum-emulator-rom-on-board-28470, which is a twister board (the expansion slot for the TS2068 is not compatible with the spectrum... This board makes it compatible). I've also seen version with joystick port on it in addition. Main problem is availability...
I'm having a blast with my machine, but in some ways, retro computers are an excuse for making electronics projects for me.... Your interest and or skill might be somewhere else, so your mileage might vary...
I heavily modded my TS2068 to: 1. TC2048 ROM which made it pretty compatible with the ZX Spectrum 48K. 2. Improved the power rails to try to make the Video output cleaner and to remove the 15KHz whine of the switching regulator. 3. Modded to output S-Video instead of composite, once again for cleaner video. 4. Modded to fix the color of the computer to closer match Spectrum 5. Modded to remapped the address port of the internal sound chip to be Spectrum compatible 6. Modded to make one of the Joystick port to be Kempston joystick compatible.
Regards,
Rob
On Monday, January 21, 2019, 10:33:41 PM PST, [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
Just wanted to say hi.
I am actually looking to buy a TS2068 if I can find a nice clean boxed unit in USA. If anyone has one for sale, keep me in mind.
Also would not mind finding some old Sinclair magazines too. I know there are .PDFs but prefer hard copy.
Never owned a Sinclair before and the TS2068 has tickled my fancy. I do understand though they are not very compatible with Spectrum apps so may not be the best choice for my 1st Sinclair.
Can those Spectrum Emulator Cartridges still be had for the TS2068 or some other solution that if I do find a nice TS2068 for sale, I can actually use it with most Spectrum apps?
Thanks in advance!
Thomas
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3. Re: New to the group
moryarti2 · 22 Jan 2019 09:13:34 -
I use this Rom as a drop in replacement for the stock TS Rom and it lets most Speccy games run just fine(except for the color issues). It's cheap and doesn't require any hardware mods.
http://dsmcz.com/prestashop/digital/6433-23128p-rom-for-zx-spectrum-sinclair.html http://dsmcz.com/prestashop/digital/6433-23128p-rom-for-zx-spectrum-sinclair.html
The joystick ports won't work and the cartridge slot is disabled but it's easy. With shipping to the US it was still only about $6.
4. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Adam Trionfo · Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:13
Rob, You've done some great mods on your system!
The only mod I'd want to do on my 2068 is to have someway to adjust the volume level. Using my system at night is a no-no for me; it's too loud. It makes me wonder how Spectrum users, as kids, managed to play their systems once their parents went to bed.
Adam
________________________________
From: [email] <[email]> on behalf of Rob Kim [email] [ts2068] <[email]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 8:38 AM
To: [email]
Subject: Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Hi Thomas,
Welcome! I'm a fairly new member as well and went through the research not too long ago, so it's fresh in my mind so maybe I can take a crack at answering some of your questions....
Spectrum compatibility: Three main options I know of. I'm not sure if the emulation command cart was ever for sale in the US. I've never come across one so far....
1. If you have access to an eprom programmer I've seen bare Command Module PCB. you can build your own "Emulator Cartridge". You need to do type in a basic command to start the Spectrum ROM each time the machine restarts.
2. If you have access to an eprom programmer, you can swap out the ROM for TC2048 ROM or Spectrum ROM. Google search TS2068 Technical Manual. The details are in the document. (The copy in the Yahoo group files area seems to be corrupted for me...) I made a switchable rom that can switch between TS2068 and TC2048 ROM... additional details here: http://www.atkinsoft.com/ts2068.html Richard states you need to modify the spectrum ROM and replace both ROM, but I just swapped out the main ROM with the TC2048 ROM without any problems.
3. Something like this: https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/twister-board-for-ts2068-with-zx-spectrum-emulator-rom-on-board-28470, which is a twister board (the expansion slot for the TS2068 is not compatible with the spectrum... This board makes it compatible). I've also seen version with joystick port on it in addition. Main problem is availability...
I'm having a blast with my machine, but in some ways, retro computers are an excuse for making electronics projects for me.... Your interest and or skill might be somewhere else, so your mileage might vary...
I heavily modded my TS2068 to:
1. TC2048 ROM which made it pretty compatible with the ZX Spectrum 48K.
2. Improved the power rails to try to make the Video output cleaner and to remove the 15KHz whine of the switching regulator.
3. Modded to output S-Video instead of composite, once again for cleaner video.
4. Modded to fix the color of the computer to closer match Spectrum
5. Modded to remapped the address port of the internal sound chip to be Spectrum compatible
6. Modded to make one of the Joystick port to be Kempston joystick compatible.
Regards,
Rob
On Monday, January 21, 2019, 10:33:41 PM PST, [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
Just wanted to say hi.
I am actually looking to buy a TS2068 if I can find a nice clean boxed unit in USA. If anyone has one for sale, keep me in mind.
Also would not mind finding some old Sinclair magazines too. I know there are .PDFs but prefer hard copy.
Never owned a Sinclair before and the TS2068 has tickled my fancy. I do understand though they are not very compatible with Spectrum apps so may not be the best choice for my 1st Sinclair.
Can those Spectrum Emulator Cartridges still be had for the TS2068 or some other solution that if I do find a nice TS2068 for sale, I can actually use it with most Spectrum apps?
Thanks in advance!
Thomas
5. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
thomasferreira · 22 Jan 2019 22:14:31 +
Thanks all....
Rob, is there a step-by-step someplace on how to build the emulation cartridge? I would buy the empty one but not being a soldering and component guru, unless there is a step-by-step someplace, I am afraid I would be lost on how to make it and make it work too.
Sounds like the drop in ROM would work but one loses the neat cartridge support. Would hate to do that but wonder if a way to have both ROMs inside and have it manually select which to use with a toggle switch?
The twister sounds nice but if they are hard to come by, may be a pain. But I take it you just plug it into the rear of the 2068 and it just works? I like that!
TJ
6. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Rob Kim · Tue, 22 Jan 2019 22:18
Hi Adam,
Volume control is definitely something I want to add. My "free time" is usually after my son has gone to bed and yes, it is too loud for family bless... :)
One simple fix might be to just add a headphone jack that cuts out the speaker when a plug is inserted. That way I can just mute by plugging in a jack.
Regards,
Rob
On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, 12:35:08 PM PST, Adam Trionfo [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
Rob, You've done some great mods on your system!
The only mod I'd want to do on my 2068 is to have someway to adjust the volume level. Using my system at night is a no-no for me; it's too loud. It makes me wonder how Spectrum users, as kids, managed to play their systems once their parents went to bed.
Adam
From: [email] <[email]> on behalf of Rob Kim [email] [ts2068] <[email]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 8:38 AM
To: [email]
Subject: Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Hi Thomas,
Welcome! I'm a fairly new member as well and went through the research not too long ago, so it's fresh in my mind so maybe I can take a crack at answering some of your questions....
Spectrum compatibility: Three main options I know of. I'm not sure if the emulation command cart was ever for sale in the US. I've never come across one so far....
1. If you have access to an eprom programmer I've seen bare Command Module PCB. you can build your own "Emulator Cartridge". You need to do type in a basic command to start the Spectrum ROM each time the machine restarts. 2. If you have access to an eprom programmer, you can swap out the ROM for TC2048 ROM or Spectrum ROM. Google search TS2068 Technical Manual. The details are in the document. (The copy in the Yahoo group files area seems to be corrupted for me...) I made a switchable rom that can switch between TS2068 and TC2048 ROM... additional details here: http://www.atkinsoft.com/ts2068.html Richard states you need to modify the spectrum ROM and replace both ROM, but I just swapped out the main ROM with the TC2048 ROM without any problems. 3. Something like this: https://www.sellmyretro..com/offer/details/twister-board-for-ts2068-with-zx-spectrum-emulator-rom-on-board-28470, which is a twister board (the expansion slot for the TS2068 is not compatible with the spectrum... This board makes it compatible). I've also seen version with joystick port on it in addition. Main problem is availability...
I'm having a blast with my machine, but in some ways, retro computers are an excuse for making electronics projects for me.... Your interest and or skill might be somewhere else, so your mileage might vary...
I heavily modded my TS2068 to: 1. TC2048 ROM which made it pretty compatible with the ZX Spectrum 48K. 2. Improved the power rails to try to make the Video output cleaner and to remove the 15KHz whine of the switching regulator. 3. Modded to output S-Video instead of composite, once again for cleaner video. 4. Modded to fix the color of the computer to closer match Spectrum 5. Modded to remapped the address port of the internal sound chip to be Spectrum compatible 6. Modded to make one of the Joystick port to be Kempston joystick compatible.
Regards,
Rob
On Monday, January 21, 2019, 10:33:41 PM PST, [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
Just wanted to say hi.
I am actually looking to buy a TS2068 if I can find a nice clean boxed unit in USA. If anyone has one for sale, keep me in mind.
Also would not mind finding some old Sinclair magazines too. I know there are .PDFs but prefer hard copy.
Never owned a Sinclair before and the TS2068 has tickled my fancy. I do understand though they are not very compatible with Spectrum apps so may not be the best choice for my 1st Sinclair.
Can those Spectrum Emulator Cartridges still be had for the TS2068 or some other solution that if I do find a nice TS2068 for sale, I can actually use it with most Spectrum apps?
Thanks in advance!
Thomas
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7. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Don Dindang · Wed, 23 Jan 2019 07:27
https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/twister-board-for-ts2068-with-zx-spectrum-emulator-rom-on-board-28470
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jan 22, 2019, at 2:18 PM, Rob Kim [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
> Hi Adam,
>
> Volume control is definitely something I want to add. My "free time" is usually after my son has gone to bed and yes, it is too loud for family bless.... :)
>
> One simple fix might be to just add a headphone jack that cuts out the speaker when a plug is inserted. That way I can just mute by plugging in a jack.
>
> Regards,
>
> Rob
>
> On Tuesday, January 22, 2019, 12:35:08 PM PST, Adam Trionfo [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
>
>
> Rob, You've done some great mods on your system!
>
> The only mod I'd want to do on my 2068 is to have someway to adjust the volume level. Using my system at night is a no-no for me; it's too loud. It makes me wonder how Spectrum users, as kids, managed to play their systems once their parents went to bed.
>
> Adam
>
> From: [email] <[email]> on behalf of Rob Kim [email] [ts2068] <[email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 8:38 AM
> To: [email]
> Subject: Re: [ts2068] New to the group
>
>
> Hi Thomas,
>
> Welcome! I'm a fairly new member as well and went through the research not too long ago, so it's fresh in my mind so maybe I can take a crack at answering some of your questions....
>
> Spectrum compatibility: Three main options I know of. I'm not sure if the emulation command cart was ever for sale in the US. I've never come across one so far....
>
> 1. If you have access to an eprom programmer I've seen bare Command Module PCB. you can build your own "Emulator Cartridge". You need to do type in a basic command to start the Spectrum ROM each time the machine restarts.
> 2. If you have access to an eprom programmer, you can swap out the ROM for TC2048 ROM or Spectrum ROM. Google search TS2068 Technical Manual. The details are in the document. (The copy in the Yahoo group files area seems to be corrupted for me...) I made a switchable rom that can switch between TS2068 and TC2048 ROM... additional details here: http://www.atkinsoft.com/ts2068.html Richard states you need to modify the spectrum ROM and replace both ROM, but I just swapped out the main ROM with the TC2048 ROM without any problems.
> 3. Something like this: https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/twister-board-for-ts2068-with-zx-spectrum-emulator-rom-on-board-28470, which is a twister board (the expansion slot for the TS2068 is not compatible with the spectrum... This board makes it compatible). I've also seen version with joystick port on it in addition. Main problem is availability...
>
> I'm having a blast with my machine, but in some ways, retro computers are an excuse for making electronics projects for me.... Your interest and or skill might be somewhere else, so your mileage might vary...
>
> I heavily modded my TS2068 to:
> 1. TC2048 ROM which made it pretty compatible with the ZX Spectrum 48K.
> 2. Improved the power rails to try to make the Video output cleaner and to remove the 15KHz whine of the switching regulator.
> 3. Modded to output S-Video instead of composite, once again for cleaner video.
> 4. Modded to fix the color of the computer to closer match Spectrum
> 5. Modded to remapped the address port of the internal sound chip to be Spectrum compatible
> 6. Modded to make one of the Joystick port to be Kempston joystick compatible.
>
> Regards,
>
> Rob
>
>
> On Monday, January 21, 2019, 10:33:41 PM PST, [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
>
>
>
> Just wanted to say hi.
>
>
>
> I am actually looking to buy a TS2068 if I can find a nice clean boxed unit in USA. If anyone has one for sale, keep me in mind.
>
>
>
> Also would not mind finding some old Sinclair magazines too. I know there are .PDFs but prefer hard copy.
>
>
>
> Never owned a Sinclair before and the TS2068 has tickled my fancy. I do understand though they are not very compatible with Spectrum apps so may not be the best choice for my 1st Sinclair.
>
>
>
> Can those Spectrum Emulator Cartridges still be had for the TS2068 or some other solution that if I do find a nice TS2068 for sale, I can actually use it with most Spectrum apps?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
>
>
> Thomas
>
>
8. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
Rob Kim · Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:05
TJ,
Here's what I could fine about the cart... not quite step by step, but more info from the person who designed it. It looks like you add jumpers depending on what memory chip you are using. You could probably purchase the Spectrum ROM, and use it on the cart instead of adding into the computer if you want the flexibility of having both available.https://gitlab.com/NF6X_Retrocomputing/ts2068cart
Yes, that's what I meant by switchable rom... Normal spectrum and ts2068 rom is 16K in size. If you have a eprom burner, you can put both into a 32K rom and have a switch on the highest address bit to select which 16K you want to use. Definitely more work and require making mods inside the computer.
The twister board is the way to go if you don't want to make modifications to the computer and want to use spectrum hardware add ons that are out there... Like this: https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/divmmcfuture.
For now, I'm just using TXZduino, which allows you to use an arduino as a tape player to load software.https://github.com/sadken/TZXDuino, but then again, you can just use your phone or an mp3 player if you want...
Rob
On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, 12:29:34 AM PST, [email] [ts2068] <[email]> wrote:
Thanks all....
Rob, is there a step-by-step someplace on how to build the emulation cartridge? I would buy the empty one but not being a soldering and component guru, unless there is a step-by-step someplace, I am afraid I would be lost on how to make it and make it work too.
Sounds like the drop in ROM would work but one loses the neat cartridge support. Would hate to do that but wonder if a way to have both ROMs inside and have it manually select which to use with a toggle switch?
The twister sounds nice but if they are hard to come by, may be a pain. But I take it you just plug it into the rear of the 2068 and it just works? I like that!
TJ #yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000 -- #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;font-family:Arial;margin:10px 0;padding:0 10px;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp hr {border:1px solid #d8d8d8;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp #yiv5408672000hd {color:#628c2a;font-size:85%;font-weight:700;line-height:122%;margin:10px 0;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp #yiv5408672000ads {margin-bottom:10px;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp .yiv5408672000ad {padding:0 0;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp .yiv5408672000ad p {margin:0;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-mkp .yiv5408672000ad a {color:#0000ff;text-decoration:none;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-sponsor #yiv5408672000ygrp-lc {font-family:Arial;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-sponsor #yiv5408672000ygrp-lc #yiv5408672000hd {margin:10px 0px;font-weight:700;font-size:78%;line-height:122%;}#yiv5408672000 #yiv5408672000ygrp-sponsor #yiv5408672000ygrp-lc .yiv5408672000ad {margin-bottom:10px;padding:0 0;}#yiv5408672000 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9. Re: [ts2068] New to the group
thomasferreira · 29 Jan 2019 00:00:30 +
Thank you all.
I think for now I will buy that Twister Board to get me started. If a used Spectrum Cartridge comes along used I may buy it.. or maybe down the road some enterprising mind that knows how to use those blank cartridges and will make a small batch for people like us.
The cool news is I just paid for my TS2068 today and now the wait for it to arrive. I can't wait for it and hope it survives the trip across USA.
Will keep you all posted and maybe I will video my unboxing experience and first boot of a Timex Sinclair machine. ;-)
TJ