I love 8-bit computers and electronics and want to share my enjoyment of them with you! You'll find all sorts of ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, retro and electronics project videos on my channel along with the occasion modern tech video.
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It's odd I tried to upgrade the firmware for this device from the github page but nothing seems to work apart from the file on "PCBWAY!!!" website lol... Have you tried to upgrade the FW? there are some good updates on there?..
You also get sound out of the 3.5mm socket in parallel to the speaker. Both are quiet. I connected the socket to an external amp and speakers on my setup.
@@iNimbleSloth yeah I just tried that just about got sound through my amp up full lol 😆🤣. I wonder if the jack audio is any louder with the internal speaker disconnected?
Really interesting video and a lovely project. Where did you learn to use KiCad? I've been wanting to do some really basic PCB's for the Agon Light 2 neo-retro computer, but I've got zero experience with KiCad and was totally overwhelmed when I tried to do even the basic things...
I had previously tried KiCAD several times and always found it daunting compared to something like EasyEDA. A long time ago I followed a course on Udemy by Peter Dalmaris - KiCAD like a Pro - and that really helped. Since then I’ve done a few projects using KiCAD and each one helped to reenforce what I’d learnt. If you interested I’ve done a few other small design using KiCAD on my channel. A games cartridge for the Commodore 64 and a USB miner (really just a simplified Arduino). For the cartridge videos , I go into a lot more detail, but it is an older version of KiCAD.
The copper fills are actually for providing ground paths with the lowest possible impedance to prevent interferences due to ground lifts. That is a voltage, that builds up along the ground trace because of a current peak, occurring especially in digital circuits, while thousands of (IC) transistors change their state simultaneously. Ground is a delicate thing. Since in modern microcontrollers, most things are on chip, it is less critical. But in former times, when memories (RAM, ROM) where elsewhere on the board, it was an issue and most decent micro computer designs were four layer PCBs (unlike Commodore did). Also, it helps keeping electromagnetic interferences inside the board.
It was so much fun, watching you work. I guess, in a previous life, I have been the construction worker with the shovel under the chin, watching the others work.
Hello great job !!! I download the files to modify on my idea but libraries from swiches in KiCAD doesn't in the files can you please included them on the files?
Hi, I've just uploaded them to github. You'll find both the symbol and foot print here which you can import into KiCAD. github.com/iNimbleSloth/macro-keypad/tree/main/KiCAD - cherrymx_with_led.kicad_sym - SW_Cherry_MX_1.00u_PCB_with SMD LED.kicad_mod
Hi. nice project 🙂. Where can I buy the replica of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum box used in the project? I can't find a seller. I appreciate anyone who can help.
Kids these days wiull NEVER experience the wonder of powering up a ZX Spectrum, then loading (if you were lucky) a game. Sure the BBC was better, but the Spectrum was next level.
Did some testing tonight: Couldn't get my 2 gamepads working. Retro Games AMIGA MINI GAMEPAD and clone PS4 GAMEPAD. ANY IDEAS? I GOT the keyboard working via usb and usb hub. VGA picture is outstanding. Tzx files don't load automatically. This happens in some other Speculators too. Best to use Z80. ITS STILL NICE, and as you say, it's a cheap option, but I'll need to get a Kempston joystick. I prefer gamepads even though diagonals can be horrendous. Maybe it's not the best way to play Speccy especially if you rely on the usb keyboard as I can do that wirelessly on my tablet via Bluetooth. Hmm. I have mixed feelings on it, just now. Have you got the usb gamepad option working?
No, insert micro SD card to PC, drag and drop games, then insert microSD card in to the Speccy clone. New games from itch.io and other online retailers, original games Google will take you to them. I can't post links to copied games here.
@@iNimbleSloth excellent cheers. I was worried, as there's no access to the that micro usb slot on the right. I know it's for firmware. But it seems that's fine as the Speccy loaded to the usual boot menu you normally see when loading a Speccy. I've already mounted the board in the case, so I was concerned. Took me hours, to mod the case, painfully slow tbhonest. Used a Dremel style tool from Aldi, but got it done in the end. Cheers Carl Thanks. If there's any more advice you can offer on this Speccy, please offer it.
@EnjoySynthSounds I connected the audio out to the powered speakers I usually use on my computer as the internal piezo sounded is extremely quiet. The folder structure on the micro SD card must be as per the video 5:38 or the games won’t be read.
The BOM file in the site looks like is not accurate for the project. I used your video to create a new list of components. (no great electronic experience from my part)
I connected the RGL002 joystick (The one that comes with the American version of TheC64 Mini) to a windows computer but I just got a device not recognized error. ¿Do I need to install a driver first?
For me there was no need to install a driver, just plug and play. Back when I recorded the video I was using Windows 10, not tried on 11 but would assume it should be the same.
@@iNimbleSlothnever mind. Just realised the joystick is broken. I just purchased TheC64 mini today and first thing I tried was connecting the joystick to the PC, but when connected to TheC64 mini it didn't work too, so it is the joystick what is wrong, not the computer. I will go to the shop to return it and get another one.
I can’t believe that several months after this video was released, no one has commented on the “Tape cutting error…” in the Sinclair font, on the delivery packaging (at 1:45 on the video) I still have an original ZX Spectrum 48k that I purchased second-hand in my late teens (around 1988/1989) with numerous games on tape. I also have a floppy disk controller for it (I think it’s the Disciple). I bought Speccy as a bit of a novelty for playing games when the 48k had pretty much reached end of life. I had already owned a Tandy TRS-80 Model II, BBC Micro, Atari ST and had an IBM AT clone by then! Last time I dug out the Speccy (perhaps 6-7 years ago) it was still working. It’s probably time to sell it; I doubt I’ll bother firing it up again. I try a Speccy emulator every couple of years, but the nostalgia soon wears off. The excitement of computing in the 80s stays with me though; what an amazing time that was, and it set me up with a career that I have always enjoyed.
I recently built a concept case for my speccy 48k and put in an issue 4b with 128k memory expansion, a DivMMC and a AY soundcard. If I knew this board existed it would have helped me keep things simpler. Lovely project.
🤣 yeah takes a while for sure, really makes you play the game for a while instead of just on to the next game. Some bits I'd recommend, if you've got a floppy drive or modern equivalent, then an Action Replay cartridge to help speed up the loading. The KungFu Flash cartridge lets you load from microSD card ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rPknVOlujFo.html Then this device ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Z7LgxNULqmk.html emulates a floppy drive with built in fast loader 😁, and these are great ultimate64.com/CartridgesWithTape if you can get hold of them, new ones have a long lead time, occasionally see them pop up for sale second hand.
Congrats on your very nice looking keyboard 😁 I've also gone through the hassle of applying modern day keycaps to the MechBoard64. Same result as you discovered... My understanding is that Jim Drew considers producing new C64 keycaps with Cherry mx style sockets. I know he has the casting mold to do it. If so, the 3D printed keycap adapters will no longer be needed. However, this will cause the keycaps to be lowered a bit in the frame corresponding to the height of the 3D printed keycap adapters. A small update of the keyboard bracket may therefore be needed to compensate for the lower height of the microswitch/keycap. Not that I'm here to advertise for other C64 keyboard projects, but Jim will also be offering a brand new C64 keyboard called the BlingBoard64 (I think...). This is a complete C64 keyboard with keycaps and heaps of LED light.
Looks amazing, have my Nes copy on the way. Great video, nice to see someone playing the game, instead of trying to speed run through it like most vids I have watched.
I own the amazing AVS, I want to buy a new physical of "Sam's Journey". What is the best choice and why? PAL or NTSC? Or are they totally identical when using an FPGA product such as the AVS ?
It’s really targeted towards programmers. And hopefully they’ll try porting their games to the standard 128k or 48k machines. It’s way too expensive and limited in availability to be as popular as the original machines, albeit the NGO shows portable Nexts could be a good thing and might become more common and progressively cheaper. As things stand, though, the Next, is a niche product.
It's an ArcadeR, they come in different versions for ZX Spectrum, Commodore etc. retroradionics.com/ArcadeR-9-pin-ATARI-standard-Joystick-With-new-extra-soft-and-durable-cable-p168982750
@@waynecuff3140 Couldn't agree more that the C64 sucked for games compared to a NES or Master System. It was capable of so much more than games, though. The consoles weren't.