๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Timex/Sinclair TS1500: Part 1 (Video output & ZXPAND) [TCE #0531]

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Australia The Clueless Engineer
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I've had this pair of TS1500s for a while. They're essentially an upgraded ZX81/TS1000 with 16KB of internal RAM, an improved ULA (well, CPLD, with its own bugs) in a ZX Spectrum style case.

00:00 ... Start
02:10 ... Expansion issues
04:30 ... Close look at PCB
06:35 ... Composite video mods?
09:30 ... Checking video signal on oscilloscope
13:45 ... Re-installing the video mod transistor
14:40 ... Testing the video output
15:05 ... Testing the ZXPAND
16:20 ... Loading 3D Monster Maze
20:25 ... Finally playing 3D Monster Maze
22:45 ... Channel outro/thanks

They were apparently not well received with many wondering what the point of them was.
https://www.timexsinclair.com/computers/timex-sinclair-1500/

I've implemented a simple baseband video modification that requires just a single additional 2N3904 transistor, as documented here:
https://www.timexsinclair.com/timex-sinclair/ts-1500-composite-video-output/

It works, but doesn't give the best video output ... so some further investigation is required I think.

I also tested the TS1500 with the ZXPAND+ and 3D Monster Maze.
https://www.rwapsoftware.co.uk/zx812.html

I actually didn't find the rubber keyboard all that responsive ... I think the original membrane keyboard of the ZX81/TS1000 was superior ... ?

The ZXPAND+ isn't listed as working with the TS1500 but so far it seems okay. It includes 32KB of RAM, a joystick interface and AY sound module. It'll be interesting to try those out with some modern games ... ?

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