"ZX Spectrum -The Affordable 8-Bit Revolution"
Launched in 1982 by Sinclair Research, the ZX Spectrum became the first truly affordable 8-bit home computer. Sir Clive Sinclair envisioned a computer in every home. To make this possible, early models were even offered as DIY kits. For example, the ZX80 Starter Kit was priced at just £79.95 (or £99.95 fully assembled), selling around 50,000 units.
- The real breakthrough came with the ZX81, which sold 500,000 units in its first year alone
- Later Spectrum models retained the same Zilog Z80 CPU, but added significant improvements in graphics, sound, and storage
ZX SPECTRUM AT A GLANCE
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Zilog Z80 CPU across all models -
Hardware design by Richard Altwasser
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Sold in the US as the Timex Sinclair (licensed by Timex Corporation)
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Inspired a huge number of clones, especially in Russia and Eastern Europe, where re-engineering was necessary due to part shortages
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In 1986, Sinclair's entire computer line was acquired by Amstrad
Related Models
■ ZX Spectrum 128K -The Advanced Spectrum
The last model developed by Sinclair, the 128K, introduced major enhancements:
- 128 KB RAM
- 32 KB ROM with enhanced BASIC and system commands
- AY-3-8912 sound chip with 3-channel audio
- RGB monitor port, RS-232 serial, and MIDI compatibility
■ ZX Spectrum +2 / +3 (By Amstrad)
After acquiring the Spectrum brand, Amstrad launched two new models in 1986:
- +2: Spectrum 128K with built-in cassette deck
- +3: Spectrum 128K with a built-in 3-inch disk drive (similar to Amstrad CPC 6128)
- Both featured spring-loaded keyboards and dual joystick ports
■ Sinclair QL – Quantum Leap
Released in 1984, the Sinclair QL was a commercial flop but ahead of its time in technology:
- Motorola 68008 CPU @ 7.5 MHz (32-bit internal, 8-bit external)
- Preemptive multitasking OS in ROM
- 128 KB RAM, expandable to 640 KB
- Dual built-in Microdrive tape-loop storage
- Ports: ROM cartridge, 2x RS-232, QLAN, expansion, 2 joystick
Graphics modes:
- 256×256 (8 colors)
- 512×256 (4 colors)
Bundled with a full office suite (word processor, database, spreadsheet, business graphics)
ZX Spectrum Colors & Video Modes
The ZX Spectrum offered a palette of 7 colors at 2 levels of brightness, plus black.
- Resolution: 256×192 pixels
- Color palette: 7 colors + black, each at two brightness levels
- 15 color shades total
Sound Capabilities
The initial Spectrum had no chipset for sound, just the beeper. Later models featured the Yamaha AY-3-8912 chip, offering a decent sound output.
- Early models: Basic 1-bit beeper
- 128K models: 3-channel AY-3-8912 programmable sound chip
- Some later models included basic MIDI support
Sinclair Sales Figures
- ZX80 sold about 50,000 units
- ZX81 sold more than 1,500,000 units
- ZX Spectrum sold in total more than 5,000,000 units
Table: Sinclair 8-bit computers (Note: in 1986, Amstrad bought the entire line of Spectrum computers)
■ ZX Spectrum
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