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30 YEARS OLD AND STILL GOING STRONG
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The Sinclair ZX81 was the first popular home computer and was the computer which launched the home computer industry - it followed on the heels of the white Sinclair ZX80 home computer (which was supplied as a kit) and came either as a kit or ready-assembled.  It came complete with built in BASIC interpreter, Z80 processor and a massive 1K RAM (random access memory) and was originally sold for only £49.95 (as a kit) or £69.95 (pre-assembled), making it affordable for the mass market.  

The Sinclair ZX81 was the first computer to adopt the Sinclair black colour and originally came with a 700mA PSU, which had the plug incorporated into the power supply unit (akin to the earlier ZX80 PSU).  However, when Sinclair released its own add-on thermal ZX printer for the Sinclair ZX80, ZX81 and Spectrum computers, it was found that this power supply was insufficient and the larger 1.2A PSU was released for use with the ZX81 (this power supply unit appears half-way along the cable).  A host of add-ons were produced both by Sinclair and other manufacturers, including a 16K RAM pack (notorious for crashing due to wobble).  Later add-ons allowed the use of high resolution graphics, and games in high resolution were produced, using a software only solution!

The Sinclair ZX81 continues to be dear to many people's hearts and the past few years has seen the release of new software (including classic games, such as Boulder Logic and Panic), much of which uses one of several techniques to produce hi-resolution graphics on screen.  Some software even manages to generate sound using the original hardware, although much better quality sound is generated using an add-on interface with an AY-3-8910 chip.

New Sinclair ZX81 / Timex-Sinclair 1000 / Timex-Sinclair 1500 Hardware

Thanks to the enthusiasm shown for the Sinclair ZX81, we are working to release new and replacement hardware for the humble Zeddy.

The first of our projects was essential to help users keep their machines alive - the production of brand new replacement Sinclair ZX81 Keyboard Membranes, with the integrated touch key keyboard.  Since 2009 we have sold over 700 of these membranes, reflecting the number of people who are still ingratiated by the little black machine

2011 has also seen the launch of the ZXpand and the ZXpand-AY Sound Module - a brand new interface to bring the ZX81 into the 21st Century and make it a real joy to use.

The ZXpand provides the following facilities:

• A plug in and go solution
• LOAD and SAVE programs from / to an SD memory card instantaneously - making it easy to load the latest software for the ZX81 from the internet.
• 32K RAM, with configurable mapping, to allow you to run any of the various high resolution routines needed by modern software
• Sub-directory support
• Optional Atari-style joystick adaptor for specially written or modified games
• Optional AY-3-8910 daughter board to provide sound (Zon-X compatible) - the ZXpand-AY Sound Module.

A Short video of the ZXpand interface in action

The ZXpand-AY Sound Module plugs into the ZXpand and provides a built in Atari-style joystick adaptor, and is complete with a full Yamaha YM2149 sound chip (equivalent to the AY-3-8910) and an Atari style DB-9 joystick port. The ZXpand-AY module is fully Zon-X compatible, and uses a mixer circuit to provide stereo output.

Software has already been written which allows the ZX81 to play sounds converted using the MIDI2AY program for Windows (or even AY files written for use with the ZX Spectrum).

A Short video of the ZXpand-AY Sound Module in action

Sinclair ZX81 Keyboard membrane ** MANUFACTURED 2010 Designed to the highest quality and a perfect match for the original - supplied with full fitting instructions.	£10.00
ZXpand Interface The 21st Century interface for the Sinclair ZX81 - launched to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2011. The ZXpand interface offers 32K of expanded memory (which is configurable to support various hi-resolution graphics modes), instant file access to .p files stored on SD memory cards and more. The Sinclair ZX81 ZXpand interface will also allow you to connect an Atari style 9 pin joystick port to play either specially written or specially adapted games. You can also add a ZXpand-AY Sound Module which plugs into the ZXpand, to provide the Sinclair ZX81 with full AY sounds and music.	Download English ZXpand Manual Download Spanish ZXpand Manual  ** Now available ** - exclusively through SellMyRetro.com - the  trading website for retro computers
ZXpand-AY Sound Module The ZXpand-AY Sound Module offers the ZX81 the ability to play standard AY music (such as that created for the ZX Spectrum), as well as Zon-X compatibility and a built in Atari style 9 pin joystick port to play either specially written or specially adapted games.	Manual Awaited  ** Now available ** - exclusively through SellMyRetro.com - the  trading website for retro computers
ZXvid Composite Video TV Output Module The ZXvid module is designed to fit inside the UHF TV modulator on the Sinclair ZX81 home computer. It provides not only a steady composite video out signal for all televisions (including LCD and LED TVs), but also incorporates the 'back porch latch' which is missing on some early ZX81 ULAs, and caused the display to appear extremely dark on modern (particularly colour) television sets. Available as three options - (a) self-fit, (b) built into a modulator case for you to solder to the ZX81, or (c) professional fitting.	Download Manual / Fitting Instructions  ** Now available ** - exclusively through SellMyRetro.com - the  trading website for retro computers