Finally got this Timex Sinclair 1000 project far enough along that I have something to show.

It's a PCB/rework of the ZX-Wespi-mi (the non-vga version). The ZX-Wespi is an ESP32 mod that you connect to your TS-1000/ZX-81.

You can send programs to it over WiFi using your browser.

My project combines the components and wiring into a single PCB - it's the Wespi Hat 🙂

Since it's going to be on a TS-1000, I decided that I'd mount it externally. The TS-1000 has RF shielding spray coating the interior and I'm not sure how that would effect the signal.

This first version works but has some problems that I noticed once I was assembling, so I've already redesigned the PCB to address those.

I also want to rework the wiring, and the case design needs a bit of a tweak too. This will be an evolving project 😃 #RetroComputing #Electronics #ZX81 #TimexSinclair #Sinclair #TS1000 #WespiHat #VintageComputing

Guy who builds homebrew cartridges has something called "OS64" by Zebra Systems, for the TS2068. As far as I can tell the only advantages it adds is the 64-column text editing mode and support for long-deceased printers. Has anybody used OS64?

#TS2068 #TimexSinclair #TS1000 #TS1500 #retrocomputing

First time using this #Timex #Sinclair 1000 with the full travel keyboard as well as this cool #Panasonic black and white TV.

#VintageComputing / #RetroComputing / #TS1000 / #ZX81 / #CRT

"There is more to the art of programming than just knowing which statement does what."

#VintageComputing / #RetroComputing / #TS1000 / #RTFM

I’ve been coding for 40 years. My father bought this for us in Christmas of 1982, and I’ve never stopped programming since then. #ts1000 #zx81

I’ve been coding for 40 years. My father bought this for in Christmas of 1982, and I’ve never stopped programming since then. #ts1000 #zx81

@bgrier I was planning on trying out my #ts1500 tonight but instead, I ended up buying a lot of #ts1000 stuff.

@kevinum Thanks! Might put things in it tonight... then again I just received the PCB for the #ts1000 composite mod. Eager to get that installed too!

@fyi No worries! I'm currently upgrading my #TS1000, specifically adding a composite video mod. I don't have a TV with RF. So I can't tell the energized state of the unit by looking at the screen. This adds a LED to the power switch so I can tell off/on without touching anything.

Also with a 16k expansion pack on the back, having a switch rather than unplugging/replugging means there's less possible wobble and possibility of crashing.

And it's a cool thing I can 3d print :D

And the results. Looks like it'll fit. So that big honkin toggle switch will be replaced by that itty-bitty slider switch. Add the resistor and the LED, a little hot-melt glue, and I'll have a fancy new power switch for my #TS1000

#retrocomputing #electronics #vintagecomputing #zx81

And the results. Looks like it'll fit. So that big honkin toggle switch will be replaced by that itty-bitty slider switch. Add the resistor and the LED, a little hot-melt glue, and I'll have a fancy new power switch for my #TS1000

#retrocomputing #electronics #vintagecomputing #zx81

@jw Ha indeed! #yeg #ts1000 #yegts1000 - there, now we have a hashtag.

One regret is that I got rid of a very funky 13" Toshiba colour TV that would have been perfect for #retrocomputing.

Funny you should mention the cassette deck. While I'm waiting for parts, I pulled out the old cassette deck I used to use. It's one of those big old piano-key style that I got at Woodwards back in the day. Belts are stretched but everything else seems fine so yeah, another thing for the project list.

Tonight's #3dprinting about to go on the #prusa -- a cute little power switch box.

It'll sit between the power brick and the input jack for my #ts1000

There's room in there for a status led, the slider switch, a resistor, and the wires.

#timexsinclair #retrocomputing #zx81

Tonight's #3dprinting about to go on the #prusa -- a cute little power switch box.

It'll sit between the power brick and the input jack for my #ts1000

There's room in there for a status led, the slider switch, a resistor, and the wires.

#timexsinclair #retrocomputing #zx81

Captain's Log - stardate, erm, today?

Progress on the TS1000 referb:

http://blog.bradgrier.com/2022/12/15/ts1000-upgrade-log-entry-1/

#retrocomputing #zx81 #ts1000 #electronics #vintagecomputing

Captain's Log - stardate, erm, today?

Progress on the TS1000 refurb:

http://blog.bradgrier.com/2022/12/15/ts1000-upgrade-log-entry-1/

#retrocomputing #zx81 #ts1000 #electronics #8bit #vintagecomputing#sinclair

Upcoming #retrocomputing project: update my trusty #ts1000. 1st up is the modern power converter, then Composite Mod (green PCB). Then upgrade onboard RAM to 16k. Finally, 'cause it needs to be #fancy, swap out the CPU socket for a #gold one :D. And then give the little unit a modern Z80 that'll use less power, etc.

And if the ULA has gotten bad, I'll order one of those fancy-new #vLA81 ULA replacement boards.

Docs & videos out there for the #zx81 - they'll work fine for this little unit.

Was inspired by the recent #zx81 posts in #retrocomputing to dig into the yet-unpacked-after-moving boxes to look at my #ts1000

It looks great! Now to plan the upgrades. Suggestions?? Composite mod, and 16k expansion (though I do have the TS-1000 16k expansion). What about the ZX-Wespi? Or the ULA replacement?

Thoughts? Also, it's very shiny inside there... is that also on the zx80/81? Or was that required for the FCC compliance?

The Dancing Demon. With sound!?! @smj @SDF #vintagecomp #ts1000 #zx81