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Offline comicbooknerd

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Wanted ZX Spectrum
« on: March 17, 2012, 04:39:21 PM »
Hi everyone,

right where to begin...

Iv'e always been a console gamer. I was given a Megadrive froma freind of a friend of my dads cousins sons neighbour around the age of 5 or 6. This was my first introduction into the world of gaming! After the MD I moved onto the PS1 then almost all handhelds and systems since then.

Iv'e often been interested in computer gaming but in all honesty have had no real idea where to start. As there are so many computers out there I didnt know what Commadore/Spectrum side of the argument to stand on. You get what im getting at I hope.

For some reason, im not sure why. The Speccy stands out to me. It might be the pretty colours on the box im not sure. However Iv'e decided I want one and I want to get some good ol speccy action down me.

What im after is a boxed ( yes thats the OCD ) speccy and whatever else I need to get me started. Cassette deck etc. Im pretty clueless as to what i'd need but if someone can help me out, or at least let me know what i'd need id be very grateful.

I'm also interested in learning to code a little. so if anyone knows of any books or guides on begginers coding for the zx id be happy to see it. I know very little html and I was asked to leave my computer programming course at A level because of my naughty shannanigans and general tomfoolery. So I know enough about coding to pick it up, but nothing about coding for the ZX.

If anyone finished reading the essay above and can help me out please get in touch. I should hopefully be going to the event on Sunday the 8th. Help with prices etc would aslo be snazzy, as again I'm clueless.

Cheers guys and gals, and to those of you who read it all. Well done. Pat on the back.
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Offline muguk

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #1 on: March 17, 2012, 06:34:23 PM »
ePrey is your answer to a lot of your searching requirements:

Programming guides are often appearing on there - e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zx-Spectrum-Basic-Programming-Manual-Book-/150775461543?pt=UK_VintageComputing_RL&hash=item231aeaf6a7

I'd go for the 128K models for the extras they come with - inc. the better sound chip *but* your OCD will cost you a lot more due to the boxed requirements.  I.e. unboxed with a few games would be £20+, boxed they can go for silly money

But there is this one on a Buy It Now under £30 (ex. postage): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Sinclair-ZX-Spectrum-2-Personal-Computer-Excellent-Box-and-Cables-/180841807765?pt=UK_VintageComputing_RL&hash=item2a1b02ff95

It's the one with the built-in tape drive.  Save your pennies up for a DivIDE interface (about £50-70 depending on seller/builder) and you don't have to worry about getting extra games as you can easily fit everything that was ever released on a 2Gb Compact Flash card :)
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Offline AndyParkes

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #2 on: March 17, 2012, 09:33:59 PM »
Loved the +2  ;D
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Offline comicbooknerd

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #3 on: March 18, 2012, 09:38:55 PM »
Quote from: muguk on March 17, 2012, 06:34:23 PM
ePrey is your answer to a lot of your searching requirements:

Programming guides are often appearing on there - e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zx-Spectrum-Basic-Programming-Manual-Book-/150775461543?pt=UK_VintageComputing_RL&hash=item231aeaf6a7

I'd go for the 128K models for the extras they come with - inc. the better sound chip *but* your OCD will cost you a lot more due to the boxed requirements.  I.e. unboxed with a few games would be £20+, boxed they can go for silly money

But there is this one on a Buy It Now under £30 (ex. postage): http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Sinclair-ZX-Spectrum-2-Personal-Computer-Excellent-Box-and-Cables-/180841807765?pt=UK_VintageComputing_RL&hash=item2a1b02ff95

It's the one with the built-in tape drive.  Save your pennies up for a DivIDE interface (about £50-70 depending on seller/builder) and you don't have to worry about getting extra games as you can easily fit everything that was ever released on a 2Gb Compact Flash card :)


Brilliant, thanks for all the very useful info!

I prefer the look of the little speccys, but I think the 128k is the way to go by the looks of things. Watching a few of the books/guides on ebay now thanks to your help.

I doubt i'll be knocking out my own games any time soon but i'd love to give it a go sometime. I have a few games for the system already that iv'e picked up from carboots and joblots etc so at least I have something to get me started!

Again thanks for all the info!
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Offline AndyRCM

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #4 on: March 18, 2012, 09:47:44 PM »
I can certainly help you with BASIC coding - something we could do at RCM HQ too . . . I have written several games and utils over the years . . . if that's where you want to start . . . unless you want to go straight into assembly . . . That would take a bit more teaching . . . :)

Andy
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Offline comicbooknerd

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2012, 10:01:53 PM »
Cheers Andy. I think my plan will be, get one. Have a good old play. Then learn some basic BASIC. Workshop sort of things sound pretty cool, its jsut getting to them....
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Offline Spirantho

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2012, 07:46:01 PM »
Hope you don't mind my spamming this thread. :)

If you want a Spectrum... well.... a picture speaks a thousand words (that was my current Speccy stock a few weeks back, have a few more now).

I'm a bit more expensive than eBay but my Spectrums are guaranteed for a month, and they're tested and refurbished where necessary (capacitors changed, all that), modified for composite video if you want (much better picture quality), the membranes work, they're not missing the little rubber feet, the CPU is tested with a Multiface (many CPUs are faulty and appear perfect until you connect a Multiface or Interface 1), all that stuff. Obviously power pack, manuals, leads and demonstration tape are also tested.

Basically, you get a Spectrum as close to as it was when it was new as I can get it. :)

Prices start from £40 for a well-worn box, reasonable Spectrum 48K, up to £150 for the really smart ones. +2s start at £60 boxed, I have a +3 for £70, 128K toastracks start at £100.

I also have (tested) cassette decks, and I can do a deal if you buy games at the same time (over 500 different games in stock at the moment).

That's enough spam for now. :) Let me know if I can help!

(Oh, I'm also more than willing to help you get it all set up if you need assistance)

Edit: Forgot to mention those prices include 1st class recorded delivery inside the UK and VAT.
« Last Edit: March 22, 2012, 07:51:15 PM by Spirantho »
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Ian Gledhill
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Offline AndyRCM

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2012, 08:19:02 PM »
No problem mate . . . happy to help a fellow supporter of retro . . . ;)

A
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Offline comicbooknerd

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Re: Wanted ZX Spectrum
« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2012, 05:45:41 PM »
Quote from: Spirantho on March 22, 2012, 07:46:01 PM
Hope you don't mind my spamming this thread. :)

If you want a Spectrum... well.... a picture speaks a thousand words (that was my current Speccy stock a few weeks back, have a few more now).

I'm a bit more expensive than eBay but my Spectrums are guaranteed for a month, and they're tested and refurbished where necessary (capacitors changed, all that), modified for composite video if you want (much better picture quality), the membranes work, they're not missing the little rubber feet, the CPU is tested with a Multiface (many CPUs are faulty and appear perfect until you connect a Multiface or Interface 1), all that stuff. Obviously power pack, manuals, leads and demonstration tape are also tested.

Basically, you get a Spectrum as close to as it was when it was new as I can get it. :)

Prices start from £40 for a well-worn box, reasonable Spectrum 48K, up to £150 for the really smart ones. +2s start at £60 boxed, I have a +3 for £70, 128K toastracks start at £100.

I also have (tested) cassette decks, and I can do a deal if you buy games at the same time (over 500 different games in stock at the moment).

That's enough spam for now. :) Let me know if I can help!

(Oh, I'm also more than willing to help you get it all set up if you need assistance)

Edit: Forgot to mention those prices include 1st class recorded delivery inside the UK and VAT.

Cheers for that. A friend of my mums thinks her partner has one knocking about in a cupboard " taking up too much room" Im going to get in touch with him and see whats what. If not, i'd be very interested in buying one from you as they sound tippy top!

Id rather get one I know wont have any problems and spend a bit more, than buying one thats gonna need tinkering with too much!

Cheers again!
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