9 Nov
2005
9 Nov
'05
6:06 p.m.
Today I was looking for something (A Cipher 525 tape
drive) that I bought
NOS years ago and left in its original box. I thought I'd found it, opened
the box and discovered a Sinclair ZX80 with the "A Course in BASIC
Programming" book. The problem is that I don't remember getting this
thing--I'm sure I didn't buy it. Maybe Dave McGlone tossed it in when we
were swapping junk years ago. (P.S. I did find the Cipher and discovered
that I bought two of them).
I don't know if it works, since I don't know the polarity of the 9vdc
adapter. Either way, is this just common trash or is this actually worth
something?. My wife suggested that I throw it out; she figures that if I
didn't even know that I had it after all these years, that I certainly
don't need it now.
The ZX80 is the immediate predecessor of the ZX81/Timex-1000, which are
VERY common. The ZX80 isn't quite so common, but I think there should
be lots around - although I've not stumbled on another one lately.
I'm pretty sure the adapter is the same as the ZX81/T1000 - and if you
take a look inside it's just a series linear regulator (7805) and it
should be pretty easy to figure out the polarity - if you want, I can
dig mine out and measure it.
Don't toss it - Mines in sad shape (previous owner drilled holes to
mount switches, broke the corner off the cabinet and lost the original
integer ROM after upgrading to the FP rom) - I've been keeping a
lookout for a better specimen, however as noted above I haven't run
across one yet. I'd be happy to give it a better home than the dustbin.
Regards,
Dave
--
dave04a (at) Dave Dunfield
dunfield (dot) Firmware development services & tools: www.dunfield.com
com Collector of vintage computing equipment:
http://www.parse.com/~ddunfield/museum/index.html