Ramlok

ZX Computing

A.R. Parkins

READERS' REVIEWS Reviews of software and hardware from the people who use them most - yourselves. RAMLOK KIT Adapt Electronics A.R. Parkins The Ramlok Kit is designed to stop a ramlock from wobbling and causing program loss, a well known problem to Sinclair users. The main problem is that the edge connector does not provide an effective mechanical fixing to the back of the computer. Also the surface of the male connector at the edge of the computer is made of unreliable tinplate. This is what the kit aims to cut out. It consists of a connector and a mounting bracket. The ramlok is fitted by removing the bottom of the computer, then placing the connector over and in line with the existing edge connector and soldering the underside connections. Then the circuit board is unscrewed and the upperside connections soldered. The board and bottom of the computer is then replaced. Next, the mounting bracket is placed on the computer, then aligned with rampack and stuck on. Two difference spacers are provided to account for all types of rampack. The rampack can be removed by pulling out a split pin in the mounting bracket. It can also be used on the ZX80 but due to different construction it is fitted differently. I have found in use that the kit does provide successful non-wobble connectors. Although fixing on can be a bit tricky to people unknown to electronic assembly work. A spacer kit is also needed if to be used with a printer. The kit costs £7.50 plus 50p. P&P from Adapt Electronic, [redacted].

Sinclair User

KIT PREVENTS THE WOBBLES Adapt Electronics has produced a RAMLOK kit to prevent the Sinclair RAM pack wobbling on the ZX-81. It consists of a female edge connector plug which has to be soldered on to the expansion port of the ZX-81 and a mounting bracket which is attached to both the ZX-81 and the RAM pack by double-sided sticky tape. There are two plastic blocks included in the kit, one for the Sinclair type and one for other types. The two pads stuck on to the ZX-81 have holes so that a steel pin can bolt all three blocks together firmly. The RAM pack can be the only item used on the back of the ZX-81 but you can detach it by removing the pin. The edge connector is gold-plated to prevent corrosion. The system seems to work well but does not allow for the printer or any other device to be used. It also invalidates your Sinclair guarantee. If you have that problem and you want to use only the RAM pack the RAMLOK kit costs £8 from Adapt Electronics, [redacted].