32K RAM Board

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. 32K RAM - JRS SOFTWARE The 32K RAM option for the 16K Spectrum is offered in two forms, one for each issue of the ZX Spectrum. The first issue can be upgraded to 48K using a RAM board which is fitted inside the Spectrum. Installation is easily done and requires no soldering, just some very careful fitting. The retaining screws in the base of the Spectrum are undone and, by carefully lifting up the cover, the board can be placed over and firmly pushed into the place indicated in the instructions that come with the RAM board. Once in place, the Spectrum is closed up and operates as a 48K machine. Perhaps a better way of upgrading can be done as in the method employed in the second issue of the Spectrum. Here you are supplied with 12 ICs, all clearly marked with a letter, A, B, C, D or E. Using the diagram supplied, you carefully undo your Spectrum and position the ICs as shown in the accompanying documentation. Once fitted, the Spectrum can be put back together again and you have a 48K machine. Both methods of upgrading were easy to accomplish and both proved effective during the period they were tested for review. The 32K RAM board for the first issue ZX Spectrum is priced at £42.50 and the 32K ICs for the second issue Spectrum cost £42.50. For further details contact JRS Software, [redacted].

The 12 ICs which make the second issue 16K Spectrum up to a 48K device from JRS Software.

The RAM board which transforms the first issue 16K Spectrum to a 48K machine.