Joystix

ZX Computing

ADDING ON YOUR SPECTRUM Our review team take a brief look at some of the hardware add-ons fir the ZX Spectrum. Now that the ZX Spectrum has well and truly established itself on the micro market, it is amply supported by a wealth of hardware add-ons. Most of these peripheral devices have been manufactured by the people who supported the ZX81, but just as the Spectrum has attracted new users with its prowess, so too has it attracted a new following from the add-on manufacturers. In this brief guide, we have not tried to cover all the devices currently available on the market but rather give you a flavour of the technology you can add on to your Spectrum. As joysticks are an obvious favourite, these have been covered in some detail whereas RAM packs are fairly standard and so have only been briefly touched on. Also included in this section area number of quite specialised add-ons like sound units and a digital tracer. If you own a Spectrum, you will no doubt have begun to realise the potential you hold in your hands. Over the next few pages you will hopefully see further applications for you and your computer to explore. JOYSTICK BOARD - INTERCEPTOR MICRO'S This interface board is designed to connect a standard Atari-type joystick to the ZX Spectrum. The board itself is not boxed and felt very fragile when plugged into the back of the Spectrum. There is also room at the rear of the board to interface further add-ons should you so desire. Two positions are available for you to insert joysticks, and although the connection did not seem at all strong, the joysticks worked adequately. Instructions are provided for the user to check that the interface board is working up to the standards required, and a demonstration cassette is included in the package for demonstration of the joystick, once connected. The supplied software demonstrates various programming methods including machine code and control over sound and screen movement. Interceptor Micro's offer any users their help with converting any software that you may already own so that it will operate with the joystick board, and are currently offering to market any software produced written using the board. The cost of the joystick is £15.95. For further details of this product write to Interceptor Micro's, [redacted].

The joystick board from Interceptor Micro's offering facilities for two Atari-style joysticks.