Juan F. Ramírez#zxcomputing magazine, spring 1987: Clive Sinclair is back with a new machine
kianryan ☑️🐙🏳️🌈Well, that's the prototype of the Z88 Babel working.
Translate the fixes to Kicad and cut a fresh board.
But not today.
Based on the docs/design from @rc2014, and having built a RS232 adapter previously, designed this little ... translator for the Z88.
Will ping it through the CNC shortly and see how it fares.
Finally managed to get around to some small jobs on the Z88 from @kestral. Replaced the battery cover with the linked file printed in PETG, and quickly designed a replacement left shift key in FreeCAD out of TPU, foam and copper tape. Not enough squidge to comfortably use as a day to day shift key, but enough to turn the machine on and off (and not cause accidental shifting/power). The key has a brim and just slots in to place.
Didn't dry the TPU prior to print, so it's quite rough. Fine for now.
El Spectrum HoyTributo al #Z88, el último ordenador lanzado por #CliveSinclair y posiblemente el que mejor le salió, porque para empezar estaba muy bien construido. Aunque Sir Clive tenía "prohibido" dedicarse al negocio de la informática tras vender #SinclairResearch a #Amstrad, el taimado Clive aprovechó un resquicio legal para intentar reverdecer laureles... sin éxito. La difusión del Z88 fue tan escasa que las publicaciones o libros sobre él, como este, son verdaderas rarezas.
RC2014So, you want more #RetroChallenge #RC2024 updates? Ok, the RC2014 blog has some updates on the #ZX81 module schematics, and the #Portfolio and #Z88 serial connections to the #RC2014
And for those of you that use RSS, you can subscribe so you always have the latest updates
https://rc2014.co.uk/3259/retro-challenge-2024-10-talking-the-talk-at-9600/
BlingoAli@hypertalking @thelastpsion
I'm hoping one day to open a box in my loft and find my #CambridgeZ88 or my #Series7. I never throw out old still-functioning tech but those two have disappeared without trace over the years…
#Z88 was one of the most usable portable machines ever, imo. Solved all sorts of comms issues with a 9-25 converter and a bit of creative bodgery, and a silent keyboard you could use in meetings without disturbing anyone. Happy days.
Jean-Yves@ramokromok. there is also a port for the Cambridge #Z88 https://worldofspectrum.org/z88forever/rom-manicminer.html
Il
Vaguely here 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈As we wind down our holiday I'm trying to find space to do some writing sadly it seems my #z88 is sick - I've not explored further, but replacing the batteries didn't fix whatever was ailing it...
The little writing I did manage was on my phone which, it turns out, is a shite way to write. The Z88 is upsettingly good (upsetting because I worked out it was great while testing it and then finding it would randomly die and lose everything after 10-30 minutes).