Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128K (UK ROM) - Computer
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Selected by Toby Wickwire
Specialises in video games and computer collectables with 40 years' collecting experience.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
In 1985, the Spanish government intended to impose a tax on every computer sold in Spain that did not include Spanish keyboards and error messages.
Investrónica, Sinclair's distributor in Spain, to avoid the new tax, began developing in Cambridge a version of the Spectrum with more than 64 KB. This project, code-named "Derby", would be marketed as ZX Spectrum+ 128K or ZX Spectrum 128, referring to the 128KB of RAM the machine includes.
In the 128 there are new features such as an RS232/Midi port, an RGB video output and a General Instruments AY-3-8910 sound chip with 3 sound channels. The extra RAM is used as RAM disk.
The first version was sold only in Spain and uses in its commercial version a version 2 board (in Spanish) and a 32 KB EPROM. The EPROM "window" has a handwritten label with the project name: “Derby”.
This version was sold only in Spain. When turned on it runs in 128K Spanish mode. It has a "SPECTRUM" command to access the 48K mode.
A year later Sinclair released the English version of the 128, designed under the code name “Toastrack” due to the large black heat sink located on the side. Only about 30,000 units of the UK version were manufactured, as soon after Amstrad acquired Sinclair, which modified it and sold it as the ZX Spectrum +2. This unit is a UK version.
In this UK version the ROM of the Spanish version was modified and a start menu was added (similar to what the +2 would later carry) that allows loading a cassette program, running BASIC 128 or 48K, entering calculator mode or checking whether the cassette reader will load the tapes correctly or not. In addition to the firmware, the RGB connector pins have been modified.
Externally the "128 UK" and the "128 SP" differ in the colors of the logos. The 128K SP carries the "sinclair" logo in black, and the "128K" in white, while the 128K UK carries both in red.
NOTA:
* It is in very good condition, with hardly any signs of use. (Photos have been taken as detailed as possible)
* The unit has been "recaped", the keyboard membrane has been replaced (see photos) and the modification to remove the "jailbars" has been carried out.
* It does not have the original power supply. It has been tested with a ZX-Spectrum 48K power supply without any problems.
* IT IS NOT INCLUDED: Power supply, test cartridge, nor RGB to Euroconnector/SCART cable, nor the monitor, of course.
* All tests have been performed, and photos have been taken. A RGB to SCART/Euroconnector cable from Retrocables has been used.
In 1985, the Spanish government intended to impose a tax on every computer sold in Spain that did not include Spanish keyboards and error messages.
Investrónica, Sinclair's distributor in Spain, to avoid the new tax, began developing in Cambridge a version of the Spectrum with more than 64 KB. This project, code-named "Derby", would be marketed as ZX Spectrum+ 128K or ZX Spectrum 128, referring to the 128KB of RAM the machine includes.
In the 128 there are new features such as an RS232/Midi port, an RGB video output and a General Instruments AY-3-8910 sound chip with 3 sound channels. The extra RAM is used as RAM disk.
The first version was sold only in Spain and uses in its commercial version a version 2 board (in Spanish) and a 32 KB EPROM. The EPROM "window" has a handwritten label with the project name: “Derby”.
This version was sold only in Spain. When turned on it runs in 128K Spanish mode. It has a "SPECTRUM" command to access the 48K mode.
A year later Sinclair released the English version of the 128, designed under the code name “Toastrack” due to the large black heat sink located on the side. Only about 30,000 units of the UK version were manufactured, as soon after Amstrad acquired Sinclair, which modified it and sold it as the ZX Spectrum +2. This unit is a UK version.
In this UK version the ROM of the Spanish version was modified and a start menu was added (similar to what the +2 would later carry) that allows loading a cassette program, running BASIC 128 or 48K, entering calculator mode or checking whether the cassette reader will load the tapes correctly or not. In addition to the firmware, the RGB connector pins have been modified.
Externally the "128 UK" and the "128 SP" differ in the colors of the logos. The 128K SP carries the "sinclair" logo in black, and the "128K" in white, while the 128K UK carries both in red.
NOTA:
* It is in very good condition, with hardly any signs of use. (Photos have been taken as detailed as possible)
* The unit has been "recaped", the keyboard membrane has been replaced (see photos) and the modification to remove the "jailbars" has been carried out.
* It does not have the original power supply. It has been tested with a ZX-Spectrum 48K power supply without any problems.
* IT IS NOT INCLUDED: Power supply, test cartridge, nor RGB to Euroconnector/SCART cable, nor the monitor, of course.
* All tests have been performed, and photos have been taken. A RGB to SCART/Euroconnector cable from Retrocables has been used.
Details
Brand
Sinclair
Series/model
ZX Spectrum 128K (UK ROM)
Memory
128K
Year of manufacture
1985
Condition
Good
In working order
Yes
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