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Spare parts for Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and more!

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Spectrum Modifications

Items for modifying Spectrum PCBs..

Products:

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BC549C Transistor

A general purpose NPN transistor that can be used to make an alternative version of composite video mod on the Spectrum. Using a transistor instead of a simple wire or capacitor provides a stronger signal, usually giving a brighter picture. It also buffers the Spectrum's video circuitry so much of the load is taken by this transistor. However, it may not be compatible with modern LCD TVs.

Transistor video mod connections:

Collector (left lead in image) to 5V pad (TV modulator power, disconnect the TV modulator power wire)
Base (centre lead) to Spectrum video out pad (disconnect the TV modulator signal wire)
Emitter (right lead) to video socket - it's best to use a small piece of wire to extend this lead.

Note: Alternatively, two BC549s can be used to replace TR1 and TR2 to give a brighter picture when the composite mod is done uisng a capacitor (though they must be fitted rotated 180' compared to the silk screen legend). Please see this article for details.

Black axial capacitors For Spectrum 16/48 with Composite Mod Kit

Black Axial Capacitors For ZX Spectrum / Composite Video Mod Kit

A set of new black bodied axial type electrolytic capacitors for the Spectrum 16 / 48 / 48+ (axial caps have a wire at each end, ie: the same form as those originally fitted to the Spectrum PCB).
Note: The colour of the capacitors is purely a cosmetic consideration - but the black ones are much cheaper.
Kit also includes components to modify the Spectrum's video output to give a composite video signal from the existing phono connector and parts for the DC-DC improvement mod for issue 2 boards.
Brief fitting instructions included, with full details here.

Blue axial capacitors For Spectrum 16/48 and Composite Mod Kit

Blue Axial Capacitors For ZX Spectrum / Composite Video Mod Kit

As above but these capacitors are blue in colour - this is purely a cosmetic consideration but some people do prefer a closer match to the originals. (Manufacturer is Dubilier, a long established brand.)
Also includes the composite mod kit and Issue 2 board mod components, should they be required.

A 100uf Capacitor

A capacitor suitable for making the composite video mod on ZX Spectrums

Please see this article for details.

De-solder Braid / Wick (0.5 Metres)

Ideal for assisting repair work on motherboards etc
Sold loose 0.5 Metres - ample for small jobs like for re-cap, chip replacement etc
High quality Soldamop brand braid with excellent solder draw.

Small Tube Of Thermally Conductive Adhesive

For attaching heatsinks to chips
5 gram tube - more than enough for several chips
Instructions supplied

Heatsink for 40 Pin DIL Chips - Bare

Heatsink suitable for 40 PIN Chips such as the CPU in the Commodore 64 and ULA in Spectrum Plus. (Note: There is not enough room for it in the rubber-keyed Spectrum unless you desolder the ULA's IC socket and fit the ULA directly onto the motherboard.)
Dimensions: 50mm x 19mm x 4.8mm
Attachment methods: The heatsink is not self-adhesive - it requires thermally conductive glue which I sell separately.

Heatsink for 40 Pin DIL Chips - Self Adhesive

As above, but with thermally-conductive self-adhesive pad pre-attached, ready to peel and apply.

An original internal reset switch for Spectrum+ (used)

As used in the Spectrum+ (soldered across capacitor C27 - or at the provided pads on issue 6 motherboards)
Tested, working.

10 x small isopropyl alcohol wipes

70% Isopropyl alcohol wipes - suitable for cleaning contacts, chips/heatsinks etc

RAM upgrade kit for 16KB Spectrum (to 48K)

RAM Upgrade Kit for 16K ZX Spectrum (to 48K)

Comprises:

8 x 4164 Upper RAM chips (Unused, old stock Texas Instruments brand - all tested before dispatch.)

.. brand new support logic chips for the upper RAM:

2 x 74HCT157
1 x 74HCT32
1 x 74HCT00

.. and wire links / solder, and printed instructions.

Fitting is usually just a case of inserting the chips into the empty sockets on the motherboard and soldering a couple of wire links across the appropriate pads on the PCB. Almost all 16K models can be upgraded but there are some very early (Issue One) Spectrums that have no space on the PCB for more memory.

RAM upgrade kit for 16KB Spectrum (to 48K) PCB version

RAM Upgrade Kit for 16K ZX Spectrum (to 48K) PCB Version.

This version of the Spectrum RAM upgrade kit offers a cheaper, modern alternative to using individual DRAM chips. A small custom daughterboard PCB with a low power SRAM IC is simply pressed into the RAM IC sockets.

The kit also contains the 4 support logic chips which must be fitted at positions IC23-26 (IE: 2 x 74HCT157, 1 x 74HCT32 and1 x 74HCT00). A couple of wire links may also need to be soldered between the appropriate pads located on the PCB - full fitting instructions are provided.

Please check your Spectrum can be actually upgraded! Almost all 16K models can but there are some very early Spectrums that have no space on the PCB for more memory.

Click here for fitting instructions (printed version also included in kit)

If you don't require the support logic, the board is usually available on its own - see below.

3 Metres of flux-cored 60/40 tin-lead solder

Good quality, 0.7mm diameter - ideal for fine electronics work.

Lower RAM replacement board for ZX Spectrum

A PCB module designed to replace (all 8) of the 4116 ICs used for the lower 16KB of RAM in the Spectrum.

Spectrum Upper RAM replacement board only

Upper RAM replacement board for ZX Spectrum

A PCB module designed to replace (all 8) of the 4532 ICs used for the upper 32KB of RAM in the Spectrum.

Suitable for Spectrum motherboard issues 2-6
Modern low power SRAM
Can be pressed into DIL sockets or soldered onto Spectrum PCB when the 4532s have been removed.
Click here for fitting instructions - printed version also included with board.

Please note: If you need to upgrade a 16KB machine with this board, please purchase the version with the support logic chips.

Switch Mode 5v Regulator - Modded for horizontal mount (replaces 7805)

MuRata Switch Mode 5v Regulator (replaces 7805)

A direct replacement for the cheap but inefficient 7805 found in the Spectrum. A high-efficiency switch mode regulator so wastes very little power as heat (the Spectrum's heatsink is completely removed when this device is fitted!)

High efficiency 5v 1.5A output
Short circuit protection
Over current shutdown
Over temperature shutdown
Modified by myself for horizontal mounting - essential for Issue 2 boards in rubber key cases due to space constraints (Optional on other Spectrum 48 boards. See 128 mods for the unmodifed vertical mount version.)