New Zealand Vintage Computer Forums

That is the question

Do I build this Maplin ZX81 keyboard kit or not?

I vote yes! Another whole, and new unit. Saves parts getting lost too I guess?

I'd say that it depends on whether you want to keep it as an investment (ie. "unopened", making it possibly more valuable) or as a part of your collection (something that you'll use).

If you put it together, post piccies as it would make for an interesting thread here.

Nice stumbling block here. No instructions

Although most of it is self explanitory the resistors, caps and IC's are not. I am not even sure its all there as it looks like there are some "spare parts" included (ZX81 Rom's for example).

Google didnt help so Ill try posting a message on the Sinclair World website to see if anyone has them.

I did manage to find a PDF scan online for that from http://www.neoncluster.com/projects-zx81/zx81-maplin.html. Just go to the FTP site link and browse, or here's the link to the file itself...

ftp://neoncluster.com/Sinclair/ZX81/Sinclair%20ZX81%20documents/Maplin%20Projects/ZX81%20Keyboard.pdf


The FTP login is posted under his updates section... Here's the details to save you browsing for them.

Username: user1@neoncluster.com
Password: user1

I took a peek - its a little hard to read in places - hopefully its decipherable...

Perfect thanks.

OK so I had a quiet day at work and managed to assemble the keyboard. (Sorry no bit by bit photos) although I must mention that I love the large solder pads we used to have as opposed to todays ones, so much easier to use.

Only 1 part was missing in the end. An IC which luckily enough was easily acquired from Jaycar.

The keyboard itself is not to bad to type on. It adds a Shift lock and a Graphics lock which could be handy (and would have been) when typing out listings from magazines.



Currently it is soldered onto one of my barebones 81's. And yes that is Dragons lair playing on it (Available from Sellmyretro) .

Good to see it all came together. Awesome stuff...

Good job!