🇬🇧 dk'tronics Keyboard for ZX Spectrum: Part 1 (First Look) [TCE #0604]

Subscribers:
3,040
Published on ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WpFYALfItc



Duration: 0:00
516 views
47


Let's have a look at this keyboard & case for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum from dk'tronics. As with the Fuller FDS keyboard & case, the Speccy must be denuded for it to fit. This case is designed to also accomodate the Spectrum's Interface 1 (also denuded) which adds MicroDrive, RS232 serial and network support to the Speccy, similar to the Fuller FDS.

There's not much to it. The keyboard is okay, nothing spectacular. It has a lot of space inside which would allow your Speccy to breath a bit more, although you can also fit your power supply inside as well. It apparently came with a double-ended PCB that you could attach to the MicroDrive port on the Interface 1 to allow your MicroDrive cable to connect from outside.

The Speccy that it came with is an Issue 4S and is missing its ULA (not a major issue). It also has a reset button attached (I assume), although it's floating free rather than affixed to the case.

00:00 ... Intro
02:52 ... Close-up of keyboard
04:17 ... Opening the case
07:00 ... Interface 1 & MicroDrive cable
09:00 ... Quick comparison with Fuller FDS keyboard
10:55 ... Fitting the denuded Interface 1 & Speccy
14:40 ... Fitting the Interface 2 externally
15:06 ... Channel thanks & Outro

--------------------------------
Check out my Patreon for regular blog-type updates between videos - there is a free membership tier and two paid tiers (US$2 and US$5). There is also a one-week trial for the paid tiers so if you don't think it's worth it, then cancel ... no hard feelings ... I appreciate any support, even if it's just subscribing to my YouTube channel!

https://www.patreon.com/TheCluelessEngineer
--------------------------------
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
https://karlcasey.bandcamp.com/
   / @whitebataudio  




Other Videos By The Clueless Engineer


2025-05-17🇬🇧 dk'tronics Keyboard for ZX Spectrum: Part 3 (Power On - OK!) [TCE #0606]
2025-05-16🇬🇧 dk'tronics Keyboard for ZX Spectrum: Part 2 (Power On - NOK) [TCE #0605]
2025-05-15🇬🇧 dk'tronics Keyboard for ZX Spectrum: Part 1 (First Look) [TCE #0604]
2025-05-13Easy Add-on Projects for Amstrad CPC & MSX Computers - Picture Digitiser: Part 1 [TCE #0595]
2025-05-11🇦🇺 Commodore VIC-20 Internal RAM Replacement: Part 1 (First Test of 8KB) [TCE #0603]
2025-05-08🇬🇧 Minstrel 4th (Jupiter Ace Clone): Part 2 (SD Card Interface) [TCE #0602]
2025-05-04🇬🇧 Minstrel 4th (Jupiter Ace Clone): Part 1 (Build & Testing) [TCE #0601]
2025-04-29🇧🇾 Астра (Astra) ZX Spectrum Clone: Part 1 (First Look) [TCE #0600]
2025-04-29🇷🇺 Пентагон 128 2+ (Pentagon) ZX Spectrum Clone: Part 1 (First Look) [TCE #0599]
2025-04-26Simple KiCad For Simple Vintage Computer Hobbyists: Part 6 (VIC-20 6502 Replacement) [TCE #0598]
2025-04-25Simple KiCad For Simple Vintage Computer Hobbyists: Part 5 (VIC-20 RAM Expansion) [TCE #0597]
2025-04-20🇺🇦 УМПК-Р (UMPK-R): Part 7 (New Keyboard) [TCE #0596]
2025-04-10🇫🇷 Exelvision EXL100: Part 3 (DIY Cartridges) [TCE #0594]
2025-04-09🇷🇺 MAGIC-06 ZX Spectrum Clone: Part 2 (Troubleshooting Begins) [TCE #0593]
2025-04-06🇷🇺 Нафаня (Nafanya) ZX Spectrum Clone: Part 3 (Replacement Keyboard Plans) [TCE #0592]
2025-04-03🇷🇺 Нафаня (Nafanya) ZX Spectrum Clone: Part 2 (Quick Update) [TCE #0591]
2025-04-02🇷🇺 Нафаня (Nafanya) ZX Spectrum Clone: Part 1 (Power On & Troubleshooting) [TCE #0590]
2025-04-01Simple Kicad For Simple Vintage Computer Hobbyists: Part 4 (ROM Cartridge Design) [TCE #0589]
2025-03-30🇫🇷 Exelvision EXL100: Part 2 (Cartridge Pinout) [TCE #0588]
2025-03-28🇫🇷 Exelvision EXL100: Part 1 (First Look) [TCE #0587]
2025-03-23Simple Kicad For Simple Vintage Computer Hobbyists: Part 3 (Replacement Keyboard Design) [TCE #0586]