ZX Loader Aid

Sinclair User

LOADING AID FROM FULCRUM A loading aid for ZX machines is available to help you find the correct level of your tape recorder. It consists of a small black box with two LEDs on top which will glow together when the correct level is reached. The device plugs into the EAR and power sockets of the computer with the power pack/tape leads plugging into its sockets. The loading aid is different for the ZX-80, ZX-81 and Spectrum, so specify when ordering. The loading aid is available at £11.95p from Fulcrum Products, [redacted].

ZX Computing

GET A LOAD OF THIS Fulcrum Products, who produced the 'ZX81 Keyboard Sleeper' have developed a new product, the 'ZX Loading Aid'. It is designed so that you can set the cassette player volume control at just the right setting so that the signal the computer receives is neither too weak nor too strong. It is designed to ensure that even tapes made on 'foreign' cassette players will load first time. The Loading Aid is based on a circuit designed by Charles Rowbotham, which detects and shows the signal level on two LED's, enabling you to distinguish between quiet passages, voice introductions, the introductory buzz and the main body of the program. You can also actually see drop-outs in the tape. The Loading Aid is a small black metal box which houses the circuit, two sockets of the size of those on the ZX81, and two jack plugs. As well as this, there is a red and a green Light Emitting Diode. You simply fit the Loading Aid between your cassette recorder plus power supply and the ZX81. When the tape is playing, you adjust the volume control so that the intensity of the green LED matches that of the red one. The cassette player is then at the optimum setting for that particular taped program. The ZX81 Loading Aid is £9.95, including p and p, and VAT, and is also available for the ZX80, or Spectrum. Specify which computer you have - Fulcrum Products, [redacted]. Fulcrum Products have also announced a new improved version of their Bleeper. When any of the normal or shifted keys is pressed, the unit gives a distinctive 'bleep'. That is, all 210 characters give a bleep. The unit is £8.95 which includes p & p and VAT. The module is made up of a printed circuit board which fits into the ZX81, so there are no trailing wires outside the case. Both ZX81 keyboard tails simply plug into the module. Fulcrum provide two flexible ribbon cables to complete the connection back to the ZX81 pcb. Features of this unit include the fact that no soldering is required; the model is small enough to fit under the keyboard; you can get an optional on/off switch for £1 extra; and the bleeper can also be used in conjunction with many of the full-size keyboards presently on the market for the ZX81.